Cable TV Boxes & Remote Controls Tips

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Are There Different Cable Boxes to Choose From?

Cable TV Box Models

With all of the choices out there for cable television packages, you shouldn't be surprised that there are also different cable television box models available. Which model you need will be dependent upon the cable package you purchase.

Cable boxes come in a basic model, which essentially just provides very limited features to the cable television user. The box is usually compact in size and has a remote control tuning ability.

Your other choices for cable boxes offer more features. The next step up in cable boxes should offer you remote control tuning, one touch Pay-Per-View ordering, timers for waking and sleeping, audio and video output/input jacks and it should be the perfect size to fit in your television stand.

The granddaddy of cable TV boxes will offer even more features for the user. It should offer advanced analog functions, an on-screen channel guide, on-screen programming, timers for sleeping and waking, radio functions and much more.

Talk to your cable company today to see what they offer and which cable box is right for you!

   
Should I Rent my Cable Box or Buy It?

Cable Box: Rent or Buy?

When using cable television you actually have a choice for your cable box. That is, you can either purchase your own cable box at a store that carries cable TV supplies or you can rent the cable box through your cable company. Many people feel that owning their own cable box is actually a better deal in the long run. But is it really a better deal?

Let's think about it this way, if you rent the box from the cable company you actually get a few added perks that you wouldn't should you own your own box. If you rent the box you will get a free box should anything happen to destroy it (not if you or someone else destroys it however). If you own the box and it gets ruined you will have to pay out of pocket for a new one.

When your cable company gets newer equipment you will most likely have the option of upgrading to that new equipment for no extra charge. You would have to purchase an entire new box when a new model comes out if you decide that owning your cable box is right for you.

These are just two things to think about when mulling over the idea of either owning your cable television box or renting one from the cable company. It is up to you to decide which is best for you!

   
How Can I Set Up my Cable Box?

Cable Box Set-Up

Most cable television companies will send a professional to come to your home and install your cable television box. Sometimes, the coax cable needs to be run from the wall to the cable box. This can be done by the homeowner if the cable company allows it. You should check with your cable company before deciding to do this however, as they may prefer that you not do it yourself.

When setting up your cable box, you first need to find a spot where you want it to sit. Most people choose somewhere above or below their television sets. Once you have done this, you will want to make sure your television is plugged in. You will then need to take one end of a cable cord and connect it to the back of the television. Then, connect the other end of this same cable cord to the cable box. You will also need to make sure that the cable running from the wall is connected to either the television or the cable box, per the instructions of your television set. You will then need to make sure your TV is turned on and turned to the proper channel. After this, your cable box should be up and running!

   
Why Should I Know Where My Remote Control Manual Is?

Universal Remote Control: Know Your Codes, Save Your Manuals!

So you have your cable television hooked up and you decide that you would rather use one remote control for all of your electronics instead of having a bunch that you could lose. You purchase a universal remote control, which can control not only your television, but your cable box, your VCR and your DVD player.

You get home and realize that you can't find the manuals to your other remote controls. Without your manuals, you can't program your universal remote to mirror the remotes you want to get rid of.

That could be a problem. If you're going to use a universal remote control, you need the codes to the other remotes in order to program your universal remote to match them. These codes are typically found in the manuals of the remote controls. If you absolutely can't find your remote control manual, you can most likely find the code by doing an Internet search for it. There are even sites out there that provide codes for most remote controls. The important thing to remember is that you should always place every manual for any electronic in a safe spot.

   
What is a Cable TV Descrambler?

Illegal Cable Boxes

So you want to get cable television for your home but you don't want to pay for it? You aren't alone. Many people decide it is better for them to purchase an illegal cable box, also known as a cable television descrambler.

A cable television descrambler will take a cable television signal and then decode it so that you can view it on your television. It looks similar to a regular cable television box, except it isn't. You break the law when you have cable television in your home without paying for it, which is exactly what a cable television descrambler does. It takes the cable signal, decodes it and allows you to watch cable TV for free.

You can purchase cable descrambler's when needed. These are considered okay when you have purchased a cable plan through your cable company and you need the descrambler in order to view these channels you are paying for through your cable company. It is when people purchase or make their own cable television descrambler and are not paying for the cable service when they are breaking the law. If someone offers to make you one or asks you to buy a descrambler so that you may have free cable service, do not! Contact the police department because those people are breaking the law!

   
What is the Purpose of Cable TV Boxes?

What is the Purpose of a Cable TV Box?

You know you most likely need a cable box to run cable television into your home. The exception is when you have a cable-ready television and then you may not need a box. For most people, it's simply a given that a cable box is necessary to get cable TV. Have you ever really thought about what that cable box does or exactly what its purpose is?

A cable box actually serves two purposes. One is to allow television sets that aren't cable ready to recognize that cable is being sent to it and allows the television to expand to a wider selection of channels.

Cable TV boxes also allows the cable subscriber to view channels that are considered premium or optional, like Pay-Per-View, HBO or Showtime. Without a cable box, you would not be able to view these channels.

Now that you know exactly what purpose your cable box is serving, you can rest easy knowing that you do indeed need that box if you want the best cable viewing experience available.

   
What are the Consequences of Illegal Cable Boxes?

Consequences of Illegal Cable Boxes

Do you know someone who has an illegal cable box in their house? Do you have an illegal cable box in your home? Did you know that there are actually stiff consequences to face should the authorities find out about this illegal cable? There are. Many people believe that cable companies won't find out if their cable is being stolen, but illegal cable is a problem that cable companies keep a keen eye out for. Often times a cable installer or technician can detect the illegal cable when performing routine service in the neighborhood. After that, there will be a price to pay for this illegal cable.

If you or someone you know is caught with an illegal cable box in their homes or is caught receiving cable without paying for it, you can be sued by the cable company with a civil suit. The cable company can file a suit with the United States government for lost cable revenue and you could be asked to pay up to $10,000 in fines plus fees for lawyers and court costs.

This is just something to think about. Is the potential for losing that amount of money worth illegal free cable?

   
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