How to Install a TV Converter Box

Now that all television signals have gone from analog to digital, older television sets will require a TV converter box. These can be easily found in electronic stores and are easy to set-up.

Step 1 – Purchase a Digital TV Converter Box

There are various types of converter boxes sold at electronic retailers and online. These include the very basic that only converts the signal from analog to digital while others come with DVD players and DVR recorders so you don’t have to purchase them separately, saving you space and money.

Step 2 – Turn Off the System

Before you start connecting the cables, make sure to turn off the TV, DVD player and VCR to avoid electric shock.

Step 3 – Disconnect the Antenna

Since older analog models required antennas to get clear pictures, you will have to disconnect the antenna cable from the coaxial outlet that is in the back of the television. Whether you have an antenna on your roof or rabbit ears, both will work with the converter box.

Step 4 – Locate Coaxial Outlets on the Converter Box

You should be able to locate a pair of coaxial outlets on the back of the converter box. If you are having trouble finding it, look at the one on the back of your TV, since it is very similar to that. The outlets will read "In" or "In From Antenna" and "Out" or "Out To TV" respectively.

Step 5 – Buy or Locate the Coaxial Cables

Usually converter boxes will come with coaxial cables, but if not, you will need to purchase it from an electronics retailer. To avoid going back to the store, when buying the converter box, read the package or ask the salesperson to find out if it includes the coaxial cables.

Step 6 – Make the Connections

Connect an end of one of the coaxial cables to the "Out To TV" outlet on the converter box and the other end to the single coaxial outlet on your TV. Now, connect the antenna cable to the "In From Antenna" outlet on the converter box.

Step 7 – Connect to DVD and VCR

If you still have a VCR or a separate DVD player and would like to use them, then you should have purchase the corresponding converter box that supports these systems. Use a set of color-coded RCA cables to connect the VCR and DVD player. Hook up one end to the"Out to TV" jack that can be found on the back of the VCR or DVD player and connect the other end into the corresponding colored RCA input jack on the converter box.

Step 8 – Turn On the System

You can now turn on all the systems which should include the TV, converter box, and the VCR or DVD player if you have. Put the TV on channel 3 or 4. Set the DVD player or VCR to "Input" or "Line In" and push the "Set-up" button on the remote for the converter box. This will initialize the scanning process for digital channels and when it is complete, you will be able to watch TV again. You will also get more channels and better picture quality.

Step 9 – Use the Converter Box Remote

From now on, you will only need to use the remote for your converter box to change channels or play movies on the VCR or DVD player.