How to Reprogram My Digital Cable Box

by Chang Lin, Demand Media

The main function of a digital cable box is to convert and transfer television signals from the cable provider to your television set. Most digital boxes are provided and monitored by cable companies, which can store viewing information used for television ratings and process pay-per-view requests. With all the extra features, the cable boxes are mainly used to change channels and perform simple cable-viewing functions. For any reason, such as a power outage or power surge, if your digital box loses its stored information, you can manually reprogram the cable box back to normal working condition.

Step 1

Disconnect the power cord that connects the electrical socket and the digital cable box. Wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging the power cord back into the electrical socket.

Step 2

Power on the television and cable box. When both systems are functioning, press the "Scan" or "Auto-Tune" button on your cable remote control to begin the reprogramming process. Depending on your cable company, the process may take several minutes or longer.

Step 3

Adjust the video settings on your television, since reprogramming your digital cable box may have reset the video settings as well. On your remote control, press the "Menu" or "Settings" button and browse through the settings until you find the display settings. If your television screen is wide-screen, set the aspect ratio to 16:9 for the best picture. If you have a standard television screen, set the aspect ratio to 4:3 to see the whole image.

Step 4

Press the "Exit" button on your remote control when you have finished adjusting the settings.

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References

  • Comcast: Motorola -- Digital Cable Receivers User Guide
  • Comcast: Customer Central -- Top Cable TV FAQs
  • Motorola: DCT700 Installation Manual

About the Author

Chang Lin has been writing professionally since 2010. He has written scripts for the National Science Foundation and short films that have won awards at film festivals. Lin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scriptwriting from the University of North Texas.