How to Hook up a Digital Converter Box to a Cable

Use a coaxial cable and threaded coupler to connect the box to the source.

A digital converter box changes digital TV signals into analog signals for viewing and listening on older televisions, such as tube-type sets. A coaxial cable is commonly used to connect the converter box with the signal source, such as a cable TV, satellite receiver or antenna. Converter boxes are equipped with an RF jack with external threads for connecting the source signal. Standard composite output jacks on the converter box are used to hook up the component with a TV using composite cables.

Things You'll Need

• Coaxial cable
• Composite cable

Instructions

1. Connect the coaxial cable from the source signal (such as a cable TV box) to the RF IN jack on the converter box by twisting the coupler on the end of the cable clockwise around the external threads of the jack. Tighten the connection by hand.

2. Insert the white, red and yellow plugs on one end of the composite cables into the AV output jacks on the converter box.

3. Push the plugs on the other end into the AV input jacks on the back of the TV. Most TVs have three or more sets of input jacks, so make a note of which one is used to connect the TV with the converter box.

4. Turn on the converter box and press the "Auto-tune" or "Scan" button on the box to program the channels.

Tips & Warnings

• Press the TV remote control "Input" button repeatedly until the source signal appears on the screen.

• Connect the coaxial and composite cables to the equipment before plugging in the electrical cords.

References

• FCC: The Digital Transition FAQ
• FCC: Setting Up Your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box