How to Prepare to Install a Coaxial Cable TV

by Alice Godfrey, Demand Media

A cable box converts the signal from a coaxial cable into video that can be watched on a TV. To prepare for the installation of a cable box, connect and run a coaxial cable from the connector to where the box will be placed. The coaxial cable can be acquired from a hardware store or electronics store. Household tools will be needed as well.

Step 1

Measure the distance from the coaxial cable connector to the location where you are going to place the cable box, using a tape measure. Write this measurement down.

Step 2

Purchase a coaxial cable that exceeds your measurement by one foot.

Step 3

Screw one end of the coaxial cable into the coaxial connector in the wall. Run the coaxial cable along the baseboard of the wall until you come to where the cable box is going to be placed.

Step 4

Staple the coaxial cable to the baseboard of the wall, using U-clamp staples from a staple gun. Alternately, you can tape the coaxial cable to the baseboard, using painter's tape the same color as the baseboard.

Tips & Warnings

  • The cable signal must be turned on by the cable service provider or no signal will be going through the coaxial connector.

References

  • Cox: Connect A Cable Box Using RF (Coax) Cable

Resources

  • Crutchfield: Understanding Digital Cable TV; Loren Barstow; March 26, 2009

About the Author

Alice Godfrey is a marketing analyst with more than 15 years of experience in her field. She holds a Ph.D. in social and personality psychology. Past positions include market research analyst at various advertising agencies and corporations. Her articles on a wide variety of issues relating to entertainment have appeared in numerous trade publications.