How to Set Up a Satellite TV System

No matter what satellite receiver you are using, the hookup process is the same.

Whether you are ordering a pay-to-use satellite service, such as DirecTV or Dish Network, or a free-to-air satellite service that does not come with a monthly fee, the actual connection process is exactly the same. The only variable involved is whether you have a standard-definition or high-definition TV.

Things You'll Need

• Component cables
• RCA audio cables
• HDMI cable

Instructions

SD Satellite

1. Connect the coaxial cable running into the home from the satellite dish to the "In" port on the satellite receiver.

2. Plug the component video cables into the red, green and blue "Component Out" ports on the satellite receiver.

3. Plug the other ends of the cables into the "Component In" ports on the television set.

4. Connect the RCA cables to the red and white "Audio Out" ports on the satellite receiver, then plug the other ends of the cables into the "Audio In" connection ports on the TV.

5. Power on the TV and satellite receiver, choose the "Input" option on the TV, then select "Component" to view the satellite programming.

HD Satellite

1. Attach the coaxial cable running from the HD satellite to the "In" port on the HD satellite receiver.

2. Plug the HDMI cable into the "HDMI Out" port on the satellite receiver.

3. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into one of the "HDMI In" ports on the television.

4. Power on the TV and the satellite receiver, select the "Input" option on the HDTV, then choose "HDMI" for the satellite programming to load onto the screen.

Tips & Warnings

• When using a standard-definition cable connection, there are several other options available (although component cables do provide the highest quality picture). If you do not have this hookup, you may use the yellow RCA video cable and insert it into the "Video Out" port on the satellite receiver, then plug the other end into the "Video In" port on the TV. You may also use a coaxial cable. This provides the lowest quality video possible. Connect it to the "Out" port on the receiver, then insert the other end into the "In" connection on the TV.

References

• Satellite TV Zone: Satellite TV Receiver Setup Guide