I'm upgrading my TV from regular service to HD, and my provider is sending me a new set-top box that I'm going to install myself. I'm trying not to be intimidated. Can you tell me what to expect?
S.B., Wylie
Setting up an HD box does not need to give you a headache if you take your time and understand what's connected and where.
Once you get the new box, unpack it and put the batteries in the remote. Take a look at the back of the receiver and look at all the ports.
HD connections are different from standard-definition connections.
Where your current box is probably connected to your TV with an S-Video or single yellow RCA jack (also called composite), the HD box will use either a single HDMI or component (red, green and blue RCA jacks).
You'll also need to get to know the ports on the back of your TV. Most HDTVs have at least one HDMI port.
You'll need cables, which may or may not come with the new receiver.
HDMI should be your first choice as the HD video and sound are both carried over one thin cable.
If you need to use component, don't forget you'll need a separate cable for audio. Each component input on the back of the TV will also have a red and white pair of RCA jacks for audio.
Before you remove the old box, notice the cable coming from your wall to the box. This is your video source. It should fit in a similar port on the new box. Once you have the input connected, attach the HDMI cable from the HD box to the TV.
Then power up the TV – and don't forget to switch the TV input to display the HDMI source.
Depending on your provider, the HD versions of your favorite channels may be assigned to different channel numbers, or you may need to add the HD channels and remove the duplicate SD channels in your lineup.
See your set top box's instruction manual to modify your channel lineup.
Jim Rossman is technical manager for Macintosh support for A.H. Belo Corporation.
Source : http://www.dallasnews.com/
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