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Troubleshooting
If the set-top box does not perform as expected, the following tips may help. If you need further assistance,
contact your service provider.
No Picture
• Verify that the power to your TV is turned on
• If the set-top box is plugged into a wall switch, verify that the switch is in the ON position
• Verify that all cables are properly connected
• If your system includes a VCR, DVD recorder, or stereo, verify that you have properly connected the
device to the set-top box
• Verify that you are using the proper input selection to the home theater set-top box or TV
• Verify that the set-top box is set to the proper screen type and resolution
• If you are using coaxial cable to connect to your TV, verify that the TV is tuned to the channel
designated by your service provider (usually channel 3). Contact your service provider for the channel
information
No Color or Incorrect Color
• Verify that the current TV program is broadcast in color
• Adjust the TV color controls
• If you are using a component video connection (YPbPr), check that all connectors are completely and
properly plugged into the set-top box and TV
• If you are using a component video connection (YPbPr) and your HDTV has only RGB or RGB-HV
connectors, you must use an adapter. You can obtain the adapter through an electronic parts retailer
No Sound
• If your setup includes a VCR, DVD recorder, or stereo, verify that you have properly connected the
device to the set-top box
• Verify that the volume is turned up
• Verify that the mute function is not on
• Verify the proper input selection to the home theater set-top box or TV
• If you are using coaxial cable to connect to your TV, verify that the TV is tuned to the correct channel
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Digital Television?
Digital television (DTV) is a huge leap forward in television technology compared to analog television
that has been widely available since the 1940s. DTV is delivered and displayed using digital encoding, similar
to the way a PC operates. By using digital technology, there is no variation in picture and sound quality
from the origination point until it is displayed on your television. You always receive a high-quality picture
without the wavy lines or static you might sometimes get from a weak analog signal. Another feature of
digital television is digital surround sound using Dolby Digital technology, which is the same technology
used to produce the sound you hear in movie theaters.
What Is Standard-Definition Television?
Standard-definition television (SDTV) is a television system that uses a resolution that is not considered
to be high-definition television (HDTV 720p, 1080i, and 1080p). The two common SDTV signal types
are 576i, with 576 interlaced lines of resolution, derived from the European-developed PAL and SECAM
systems; and 480i, with 480 interlaced lines of resolution, based on the American National Television
System Committee (NTSC) system.
In North America, digital SDTV is broadcast in the same 4:3 aspect ratio as NTSC signals. In other parts of
the world that used the PAL or SECAM color systems, standard-definition television is now usually shown
with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
What Is High-Definition Television?
High-Definition Television (HDTV) is a high-quality video standard developed to replace older video
formats often referred to as SDTV (Standard-definition television). While HDTV’s video quality is
one of the most noticeable improvements over SDTV, HDTV includes a number of other important
improvements as well.
First of all instead of an analog signal, used by traditional NTSC broadcasts, HDTV is always digital. This
eliminates analog interference caused be electrical currents and magnetic fields. Secondly, HDTV uses a
different aspect ratio than SDTV. While previous broadcasts used a 4:3 ratio, HDTV uses a ratio of 16:9. This
wider aspect ratio more closely emulates how humans see the world, making the image appear more realistic.
This ratio is also better for watching widescreen movies, which are recorded in widescreen for the same
reason. HDTV signals are either 720p, 1080i or 1080p.
Are Local TV Stations or Other Programmers Broadcasting in HDTV?
Many local TV stations and programmers are transmitting digital signals. However, transmitting a
digital signal does not mean transmitting an HDTV signal. Some stations are using the new bandwidth
to broadcast several standard-definition channels. Most stations and programmers, once they begin
broadcasting in digital, are offering HD content from their parent network (for example, CBS, ABC, NBC,
Fox, and PBS). Contact your service provider for more information.
Why Aren’t All of the Shows that I Watch in High-Definition?
A high-definition program must originate in HD format and be broadcast in HD format. Having an HDTV
system does not mean that everything you watch will be viewed in high-definition. Getting the signal from
a digital source also does not mean it is high-definition.
What Is HDMI and Does it Support Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio?
The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface.
The Dolby Digital audio format that provides up to 5.1 separate channels of surround sound, and is the
standard used for DVD-Video. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-
channel digital audio, such as Dolby Digital audio, on a single cable.
