North Dakota State University

RESIDENCE HALL STUDENTS

CABLE TV

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS


Troubleshooting tips for non cable-ready TVs using a standard cable box:

  1. BOX DOESN'T COME ON
    Check for live outlet (perhaps another outlet). Check for which light switch controls outlet.

  2. LINES
    Check TV tuning.

  3. FLIPS THROUGH CHANNELS
    Unplug at electrical outlet then plug back in and turn back on; box will then reset.

  4. TV OFF BY ONE CHANNEL
    Be sure TV is on channel three (3); tune TV if necessary.

  5. SNOWY RECEPTION
    Verify TV is on channel three (3) and if a VCR is being utilized. VCR should be off or on channel three (3) if on. Check connectors and check TV/VCR mode.

  6. TV NOT TURNING OFF/ON
    Some TVS will turn off and on with box if electrical cord from the TV is plugged into the outlet on the back of the cable box. Some TVs lose programming and revert back to channel two (2). This type of TV would be best utilized plugged into its own outlet. Some TVs go off with the cable box but will not come back on.


Troubleshooting tips for cable-ready TVs and VCRs:

  1. PROGRAMMING TVs/VCRs
    Please reference your owners manual under cable TV hook-up.

  2. MISSING CHANNELS
    Check for CATV/Norm switch (located at front or side panel of TV). Switch to Norm then back to CATV. If not located on TV, then with on-screen programming with remote Menu/Reset, look for Cable/Air; make sure TV is set on CATV/STD Mode, not HRC or IRC. Follow the same instructions if using VCR remote with TV remaining on channel three.

  3. DOUBLE IMAGES/SNOWY RECEPTION
    Check all connections from the wall to the TV/VCR. Some VCRs come with push-on cables; we recommend utilizing the NDSU supplied cables for improved quality.

  4. SNOWY/BLUE SCREEN
    Check connections, VCR Mode. Some TVS go to blue screen during an outage. Do not assume there is a VCR problem if blue. Check cable going directly to TV eliminating the VCR to verify it is not the VCR. Also check with your neighbor to see if they are experiencing any technical difficulty.

If cable TV is still not operational after trying all the above, report the trouble by calling:  Cable ONE 280-0033.


Back to University Telecommunications NDSU Site Search NDSU Home Page
Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling 1-800-488-NDSU.
linda.krogenbrandt@ndsu.nodak.edu
Last Updated: Wednesday, 17-September-2003 12:21:00 CST
Published by North Dakota State University
Phone: 701-231-8401
Toll-free: 1-800-643-7242
Address: Thorson Maintenance Center
P.O. Box 5383
Fargo ND 58105-5383