How to Access the Diagnostic Screen on a Scientific Atlanta Cable Box

Scientific Atlanta was a manufacturer of in-home cable TV hardware that was purchased by Cisco Systems. The company still manufactures hardware under the Scientific Atlanta name, and resells the equipment through a variety of cable operators. Consumers who are curious about their settings can enter a special diagnostics mode using the buttons on the front of the unit.

Instructions

1. Power on the cable box.

2. Press down the diamond-shaped "Select" button on the front of the console. Hold it down until the "Mail" light comes on.

3. Release the diamond button and press the "Info" button.

4. Scroll through the menus using the "Vol +" and "Vol -" buttons.

5. Press the "Exit" key to get out of diagnostic mode.

References

• The Easter Egg Archive: Cable Box Easter Egg - Scientific Atlanta Diagnostics
• Comcast; "New Guide for Scientific Atlanta Cable Boxes"; Ted Hodgins

Resources

• Cisco: Scientific Atlanta