Troubleshooting your Cable Box

Unless you've recently moved from Alaska to Texas and you're feeling a little homesick, chances are that the last thing you want to see when you turn on your TV is snow. Combine a snowy screen with that loud, obnoxious static sound, and you've got a problem on your hands. Fortunately you don't have to be techie to fix your cable box ? just follow these simple troubleshooting steps to get picture back in no time.

Cable Box Basics

Make sure your cable box is plugged in. I know that sounds silly, but after troubleshooting these things over the phone professionally, you can trust me on this one. Save yourself the time and embarrassment of calling a professional just to have them tell you to plug it in. That goes for the rest of the essential equipment as well (i.e. TV, VCR or DVR if you're running the signal through one, etc.). It wouldn't hurt to make sure the TV is on the correct channel ? usually channel 3 or 4 or one of the input channels.

Make sure all the cables are connected. Even if you're TV and cable box are both turned on, you won't see a picture unless they are connected. Check each connection to ensure it is tight and that none of the wires or connecting pieces is damaged. Also check to see that the connections are all correct ? meaning, video and audio should be going out of your cable or satellite box to your TV "in" ports. The signal should follow a logical path. If the connections are correct but you're still not seeing any picture, replace the cables to see if that solves the problem. If you're running the signal through a DVR or VCR and having problems, skip the middle man and plug the cables straight from the box to the TV. If you get a picture you know you're problem is in the VCR.

After making sure everything is on and the cable connections are all correct, try rebooting your system. Each company's receivers have different methods of rebooting, but one fairly universal way is to unplug the box for 10 to 20 seconds and then plug it back in. Do not just turn the box off and back on again ? you'll need to actually pull the plug out of the wall and then put it back in again. Once the cable box is plugged back in, turn the power on and cross your fingers. If you're still not receiving any picture, unplug the receiver again for up to one minute and then plug it back in. This may be tedious and time-consuming, especially when you're missing the fight of the year or the Super Bowl, but give it the full minute ? you'll spend less time doing it yourself than you will waiting for a repairman to come out and fix it.

Fuzzy Picture or Sound

If you are getting a picture but no sound; or sound but no picture; or a fuzzy picture or sound, recheck the cable connections to make sure they are tightened and that the wires or connecting pieces are undamaged. Poor picture or sound is typically caused by one of three problems: poor wire connections, signal interference, or TV settings.

Going outside to make sure nothing is interfering with your signal will help with the second problem. Of course, if you have underground cables there is not much you can do about making sure they are clear of interference (that's read, "Your neighbor cut through it while gardening"). If you have a satellite dish, know that excessive rain or snow buildup on the dish can cause signal interference. Use caution when checking your dish, especially if it is on your roof or some other hard-to-reach place around your house. The installer should have verified that no trees or other objects would interfere with your signal from the satellites, but take a quick look around to see if new foliage is blocking the signal. If it is not on your property, do not cut or remove anything without prior permission from the property owner.

Finally, adjusting your TV settings can help when you are receiving a clear signal and all the connections are fine. Horizontal and vertical settings are the adjustments that most often need to be made, but consulting your owner's manual can give you a better indication of other settings that can be tweaked.

Troubleshooting requires patience, so make some lemonade, roll up your sleeves, and get started. If none of these suggestions work (9 times out of 10 they will), contact your service provider. They may have additional troubleshooting steps or resources they can make available to you to get your cable or satellite TV up and running.

Nick Smith is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing - More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. To find out how to replace your cable box with a digital satellite receiver, check out I-Satellite.

---

The Plus Point of Free Satellite TV Deals

If you still have not subscribe to DirecTV or Dish... Read More

Entertainment Technology: What to Consider Before Buying HDTV

HDTV ? or, High Definition Television ? is the new... Read More

Looking For Satellite TV?

It was 1994 and I had moved into another home... Read More

Digital Cable VS Satellite TV

Do you want to get more channels while saving money... Read More

DirecTV vs. Dish Network -- Which Is Better?

The satellite TV systems and services offered by DirecTV and... Read More

LCD vs. DLP TVs

Two new technologies in the world of TV, DLP and... Read More

The Path of United States HDTV World

The history of High definition television, HDTV in United States... Read More

Direct TV Receiver

When a customer receives Direct TV programming, he or she... Read More

Satellite TV Deals FAQ

Satellite TV 'What'?So, what is a satellite TV?It's a complicated... Read More

Plasma Compared To DLP Television and LCD

When you think of comparing plasma to DLP technology you... Read More

Selecting a Satellite TV Network from the Audiences Perspective

The numbers of those who just connect their TV to... Read More

Guide to Mounting Your Satellite Dish

The Dish Network satellite dish is only about 2 feet... Read More

Dish Network Vs. DirecTV - Race For Top Is On

If you have taken sane decision to replace your cable... Read More

HDTV: An Introduction

HDTV stands for High Definition Television, and if you live... Read More

Troubleshooting Your Dish Network Receiver

It has happened to all of us. It's fourth and... Read More

Satellite TV Comparison Shopping Made Easy!

DirecTV vs. Dish Network and Satellite TV vs. Cable TVWith... Read More

A to Z in Dish Network deals

First, what's Dish Network?Dish Network, owned by company Echostar, is... Read More

How Satellite TV Works

Have you ever wondered how satellite TV works? With over... Read More

Satellite TV vs. Cable TV -- Which is Best?

The move is on. Last year millions of Americans switched... Read More

Buying Satellite TV From Online Sources

Find Out What the Real Deal is Regarding Satellite TVWho... Read More

Cable Vs Satellite TV - 7 Benefits To The Real Deal About Satellite TV Offer

In the United States, the two big satellite providers are... Read More

Flat Panel Displays - Beyond Plasma

The term set-top box will become something of a misnomer... Read More

How to Shop for Satellite TV Receivers and Dishes

It's undeniable - shopping for a new satellite tv system... Read More

In the know: Dish Network DVR

What's a DVR system and what else can it brings... Read More

Troubleshooting your Cable Box

Unless you've recently moved from Alaska to Texas and you're... Read More

A Guide to Buying Your Next TV

It used to be simple; when you bought a new... Read More

Satellite TV

Here is some information about satellite TV.Satellite television or satellite... Read More

Learning from Voom

Voom was thought to be the company that would be... Read More

Dish Network vs DirecTV: Which Satellite Broadcast Provider Offers the Better Deal?

Whenever someone mentions about satellite TV in United States, Dish... Read More

Why Satellite TV is better than Cable TV

Satellite TV is Making the Cable Companies Run ScaredSatellite TV... Read More

Home Theater Control ? Its The Remote, Stupid!

It's the one piece of equipment that can really make... Read More

Cable TV And Satellite TV - Which Is The Better System?

Cable TV and satellite TV - which is the better... Read More

Direct TV Deals a Blow to Unhappiness in Marriage

You might be surprised to learn that television is one... Read More