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Connect Cable Box to Standard Definition TV (SDTV)

Last Updated: Mon, 14 Mar 2011 > Related Articles

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Summary

This article contains instructions on how to connect a Standard Definition TV to a Cox cable box using various video and audio cable options during first time setup.

Solution

Click on the button below to view a demo on how to install your Cox Advanced TV service:

 

View Demo

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Diagram includes optional steps for connecting a VCR to a cable box. 

1

Connect the Cable Box to the Cable Source

RF (Coax)

For all cable boxes, the first step in setting up your cable connection is to connect the RF (coax) cable from the wall to the CABLE IN port on the cable box.

2

Connect the Cable Box to a SDTV

Next, select from one of the following video cable options:


Composite

Composite video ports are found on all TVs and is available for use on all Cox cable boxes.

Use these steps to connect your TV to a cable box with this type of cable:

  1. Connect one end of the yellow Composite cable to the VIDEO OUT port on the back of the cable box.
  2. Connect one end of the yellow Composite cable to the first available VIDEO IN port on the back of the TV.

Composite video cables only provide a video connection between the cable box and the TV. For instructions on how to connect the audio connections of your cable box, click here.


S-Video

S-Video ports are found on most TVs and is available for use on several Cox cable boxes. 

Use these steps to connect your TV to a cable box with this type of cable:

  1. Connect one end of the S-Video cable to the S-VIDEO port on the back of the cable box.
  2. Connect one end of the S-Video cable to the S-VIDEO port on the back of the TV.

S-Video cables only provide a video connection between the cable box and the TV. For instructions on how to connect the audio connections of your cable box, click here.

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2

Connect the Audio Cables

 

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Next, choose the audio cable option that best fits your equipment.


Stereo Audio

Stereo audio ports are found on all TVs and is available for use with all cable boxes. 

Use these steps to connect the audio output of a cable box using this type cable:

  1. Connect one end of the stereo audio cable to the AUDIO OUT port on the back of the cable box. The ports will be labeled R for right audio (red cable), and L for left audio (white cable).  
  2. Connect one end of the stereo audio cable to the first available AUDIO IN port on the back of the TV.

Digital Audio

Digital audio ports are found on some TVs, and is available for use on all cable boxes. This cable provides a higher level of sound quality. 

Depending on the type of port your TV has, use these steps to connect the audio output of a cable box:

Both coaxial and optical digital audio cables provide the same level of audio quality.


Coaxial

  1. Connect one end of the coaxial digital audio cable to the DIGITAL AUDIO port on the back of the cable box.
  2. Connect one end of the digital audio cable to the DIGITAL AUDIO IN port on the back of the TV.


Optical

  1. Connect one end of the optical digital audio cable to the OPTICAL AUDIO OUT port on the back of the cable box.
  2. Connect one end of the optical digital audio cable to the OPTICAL AUDIO IN port on the back of the TV.

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4

Connect to a Power Source

After connecting your TV to the cable box, the last step is to connect both the TV and cable box to a wall outlet or surge protector. 

 

All Steps Complete. 


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