How to Connect Set Top Box

Connecting a set-top box to your TV is a simple and easy process. However, set-top boxes and TVs have different ports which may confuse you. The modern TVs come with HDMI ports while the older ones have RCA ports. Then, there are USB ports as well.

You need to consider the ports in your TV and set-top box before connecting them both.

We will show you how to connect a set-top box to your TV using different cables based on the available ports.

Method 1: Using an HDMI Cable

This is the simplest and most straightforward method as it uses a single cable to connect a set-top box to your TV.

Requirements

• Both your TV and a set-top box should have HDMI ports.
• HDMI cable

Steps to Connect

Step 1: Locate the HDMI and cable-in ports

All modern TVs come with HDMI ports. You will be able to find the HDMI port on the backside of your TV. Similarly, locate the HDMI port on the set-top box as well. Near the HDMI port, you will find another port known as the cable-in port.

Step 2: Plug the HDMI cable

Now, plug one end of the HDMI cable into your TV’s HDMI port and the other end of the cable into the set-top box’s HDMI port. Your TV will have multiple HDMI ports. Note the number of the HDMI port you have plugged the cable into.

Step 3: Connect the cable to the cable-in port

Then, you will have to connect the cable wire to the cable-in port located on the backside of the set-top box. You will have to rotate it and fix it into the port. Ensure that you have an active cable connection.

Step 4: Connect the set-top box to a power supply  

The set-top boxes will come with a power adapter. Connect the set-top box to the power supply using the adapter.

Step 5: Choose the appropriate HDMI channel

Once all the cables have been connected, turn on your TV and the set-top box using the remotes. Now, choose the respective HDMI channel corresponding to the HDMI port you have plugged the cable.

Method 2: Using an RCA cable

If your TV lacks the HDMI cable, then this is the only option to connect a set-top box to your TV.

Requirements

• Your TV and the set-top box should have RCA ports
• RCA cable

Steps to connect

Step 1: Locate the RCA and cable-in ports

The RCA ports are color-coded and denoted using white, red, and yellow colors. You will find these ports on the backside of your TV and set-top box. You will also find the cable-in port on the set-top box, located adjacent to these ports.

Step 2: Plug the RCA cables

The RCA cables will have 3 connectors on each end that are color-coded. Plug the connectors into the respective colored-ports on the set-top and TV.

Step 3: Connect the cable to the cable-in port

Connect the cable wire to the set-top box by screwing the wire into the cable-in port until it is fixed. Please note that you need to have an active cable connection.

Step 4: Turn on your TV and set-top

Plug one end of the power adapted into the power port on the set-top and the other end into the electrical socket. Once done, turn on your TV as well.

Step 5: Choose the input channel

Once you have turned on your TV, select AV. You will be able to see the display of your set-top box home screen.

Additional Tips

If your TV and set-top box have different ports, then you will have to use converter cables. For example, if your TV has an RCA port and the set-top box has an HDMI port, then you will have to use an HDMI splitter to establish the connection. If your TV has only a USB port, you have to use a USB to HDMI adapter.

Plug the connector cables first and then connect your TV and set-top box to the power supply.

If you are unable to see the display on the TV, ensure that you have plugged the cables properly.