How to Troubleshoot a Digital Converter Box

A digital converter box is an important piece of equipment now that television broadcasters have switched from an analog to digital formats. Unfortunately, many people find that making the switch to a converter box can be difficult and causes a number of problems. You can easily learn how to overcome these common problems.

Step One - Check Your Cables

The first step is to make sure that all of your wires and cables are connected where they should be. Make sure that any connection points are screwed tightly to prevent them from coming away and causing a connection problem. If you are using colored cables, many of the connection points will also be colored to make it easier to detect which wire goes where. Always keep the television and converter box manuals handy because they should explain the connection process in easy steps. The majority of digital converter box problems start with faulty connections.

Step Two - Channels

A common mistake that many people make is to have the incorrect channel set while trying to install the digital converter box. The television must stay on one constant channel in order for the input from the digital converter box to be effectively received. The majority of converter boxes will automatically set the default channel so a signal will appear as being received at channel two, three or four. If your television is not on either of these numbers when you try to use the digital converter box, it will usually mean that you cannot broadcast the signal.

Step Three - Scanning

Converter boxes allow you to perform a channel scan which will search for the signal from the box. This can be done by simply performing the scan on the menu page of either the television or the digital converter box. Channels which were previously stored on the television will be lost if you do this. This means that once you find the digital converter box signal, you will have to program your favorite shows to specific channels again.

Step Four - Box Remote

Consider using just the digital converter box remote control once it starts to work and takes control of your television. It will also allow you to perform other basic troubleshooting techniques, such as checking the audio connections and adjusting the visual effects of the television such as brightness control.

Step Five - Antenna

If you have completed all of the above steps and you are still not getting the correct selection of television channels, the problem may be the position of your antenna. Make sure your antenna is aligned correctly and consult the antenna manual to find out the most effective position. Also consider buying a new antenna built especially for locating and receiving digital signals. This type of antenna can amplify the signal of the converter box to give you better sound and picture quality.