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wikiHow to Hook Up a Comcast Cable Box

Three Parts:Connecting the Comcast CableConnecting the Audio/VisualConnecting the PowerCommunity Q&A

Comcast provides cable to its subscribers through a cable box connected to the cable signal and TV. If your cable box is new or has been disconnected, you can reconnect it by using three different cables.

Part 1
Connecting the Comcast Cable

  1. 1
    Call Comcast to have your cable installed. You will need the cable to be installed in your house and available for use before you try to install the box.
  2. 2
    Turn off your television before starting and unplug it. Leave the power cable out of your Comcast Cable box until the last step.
  3. 3
    Place the Comcast cable box near the back of your TV. It will need to be close to the TV, power outlet and cable connection.
  4. 4
    Turn the cable box around. Look for the cable connection on the far left. Use the cable that extends from the wall and screw it into the back of the cable box.
    • Ensure the cable is securely screwed into the wall and into the cable box before moving forward.
    • Screw it clockwise to tighten it.

Part 2
Connecting the Audio/Visual

  1. 1
    Purchase an HDMI wire if you have a high-definition (HD) TV. This will ensure that you can receive your HD channels and it is the easiest cable to use with installation, since both sides of the cable are identical.
    • HDMI cables connect audio and visual connections through the same cord.
  2. 2
    Insert one end of the HDMI cable into the back of the Comcast cable box. It is a hexagonal shape and is usually located close to the right hand side or in the middle.
  3. 3
    Extend the other end of the HDMI cable to the back of the TV. Insert it into the HDMI 1 port.[1]
  4. 4
    Opt for a component cable if you want to receive HD channels but don’t have an HDMI port. The component cable has red, green and blue ports for a visual signal. Insert the corresponding cord color into the back of the cable box.[2]
    • Insert the yellow and white audio cables into the back of the cable box.
    • Extend the cable to the back of the TV and insert the other end into the component visual port on the back of the TV.
    • Some Comcast cable boxes will not give you this option.
  5. 5
    Use a standard A/V composite cable if you have a standard definition TV. Connect the yellow video section into the yellow video port in the back of the cable box. Then, connect the yellow and white audio cables into the back of the cable box.
    • Extend the other end of the cord and insert it into your standard definition audio/visual port.

Part 3
Connecting the Power

  1. 1
    Place the power cable in the power port on the right hand side of the cable box.
  2. 2
    Connect the plug into the outlet by the TV.
  3. 3
    Set your cable box on your entertainment center. The front should be facing toward you so that you can see the power signals. Ensure it has two inches (5 cm) of space at the top and on the sides.[3]
  4. 4
    Plug your TV back in. Wait a few minutes until you can see the lights flickering in the front of your cable box.
  5. 5
    Turn on the TV and begin setting up your cable. You may need to program your cable remote to work with your TV.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • What do I do if I get a "No signal" when hooking up the HD cable box?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Find the right input by pressing the input/source/AV button on your original TV remote.
  • How can I add a DVD player to my cable box?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Your cable box most likely doesn't have an input for DVD; you'll have to add it directly to your TV.
  • Everything is hooked up right but there is no sound, what should I do?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If you're using the cables that are red, white, and yellow, make sure that the red and white cables are in the correct left and right holes. If it's and HDMI cord, make sure that the cords on both ends are plugged in. Ensure that your TV isn't muted, and go into the TV settings to ensure that sound is set to go through the proper channel (HDMI/RCA).
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  • Visit http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/cable-tv/cable-box-user-manuals/ to get device specific information on setting up a Comcast cable box. You can choose from dozens of the cable box models Comcast uses.
  • Consider plugging your television and cable box into a power strip that contains a surge protector. It will avoid harm to your electronic equipment during power surges.

Things You'll Need

  • Comcast cable box
  • Cable
  • HDMI cable
  • Component cables
  • Standard definition A/V cable
  • Power cord
  • Outlet
  • Cable remote

Article Info

Categories: Cabling and Wiring Connection

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