How to Hook Your Cable Box to the Internet

With some systems you can access your cable box on the Internet.

If you have a satellite cable service, such as DirectTV, or a cable company such as Comcast or Midco Cable, with a DVR service, you can connect your cable box to the Internet. Once you connect your cable box to the Internet, you can then use the Internet to program your DVR. In some markets you can monitor your DVR and watch programs as well as delete programs on the Internet. It is easy to hook your cable box to the Internet if you have the right type of cable service.

Instructions

1. Call your cable company to make sure you have the correct service that will allow you to connect your box to the Internet. You usually need to have a DVR service to do this. In some markets you need to have DVR service with more than two lines because two lines are used for recording and the third is used for the Internet connection. Each cable company and box are different, so you need to make sure you have the correct service. If you don't have the right service, you can make the connection but your box will not be able to access the Internet.

2. Plug an Ethernet cable into the slot marked "Ethernet," "Internet" or that isn't marked but will fit an Ethernet cable on the back of your cable box. Plug the other end of the cable into your modem.

3. Access the site your cable company has specified where you can monitor and control your DVR from the Internet. Each cable company will have a different site for this purpose. If you aren't sure what yours is, contact your cable company at the phone number on the bill. You will also need a user name and password to log into the site once you are there. Typically, the user name and password are the same for your online billing account, but if you don't have an account or it does not work, call your cable company so it can assign you one. You can then log in and use whatever online features your particular cable company and cable box provide.

References

• DirecTV: Site