How to Restart a Digital Cable Box

Restarting your cable box could solve your problem.

A digital cable box receives the digital signal coming into your home from the cable company and converts it into an analog signal that your television can understand. At times, the cable box can freeze or stop working. Instead of taking it to a repairman or replacing it, you may be able to remedy the problem by restarting or resetting it. Some of them have a reset button inside the access door, but if yours does not, follow these steps to restart your digital cable box.

Instructions

1. Unplug the cable box from the wall outlet while it is on; do not turn it off first using the power button. The power light on the cable box will go out when you unplug it.

2. Wait at least 15 seconds.

3. Plug the cable box back into the wall outlet. Wait for the box to reboot. Some lines may appear on your TV screen for a few seconds, but then the menu should pop up.

4. Scroll through the menu to confirm that the cable box is responding. If you can select a channel and the program comes up on your screen, you have successfully restarted your digital cable box.

References

• DirecTV: Receiver reset instructions