How to Get a TV Top Box

A TV top box, or set-top box, is any device that connects a television to an external signal source. Most people utilize a digital converter box or cable box to receive a digital signal on their televisions. The top box connects directly to the TV with a coaxial cable. You need to connect the cable to the top box's signal output jack, and then to the TV's signal input jack. If installing a cable top box, you also need to switch the input, or channel on the television.

Instructions

1. Purchase a television top box at a local electronics store. Stores like Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target sell digital converter top boxes. You may also need an additional antenna in order for the digital converter to receive the signal.

2. Call a local cable company to order a cable television top box. Cable companies will install the cable box for you, but you need to order a cable plan and possibly pay installation fees as well. You can install the box yourself by picking up the cable box from one of the cable company's customer service centers.

3. Call a satellite cable company to order a cable satellite top box. Two main competitors, DISH and DirecTV, both provide a cable box that directly interacts with a satellite dish. The dish needs to be installed for the cable box to receive the necessary signals. You also need to order a cable package.

References

• ConsumerReports: DTV Converter Box Guide
• Cox: Cox Customer Support - DVR

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Best Buy: Set Top Boxes
• DirecTV: Home Page
• Dish Network: Home Page
• TimeWarner Cable: Home Page