Even though online streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and many others are becoming very popular these days, cable TV is still a great alternative and it is nice to have even if you are subscribed to streaming services. You may not get access to a lot of new content, but you still get a lot of it and it is much more reliable than all those video streaming platforms. If Netflix’s server crashes, you can do anything about it. But, if you are having trouble with your cable, you can troubleshoot it by yourself.
Naturally, to troubleshoot your cable TV, you will need a little bit of technical knowledge. At least a little bit of experience with these types of problems so you can resolve them by yourself. If not, you can always call customer support or you can call an expert to fix it for you.
However, if you feel confident that you can resolve this issue or if you do not want to wait any longer, here are some tips and tricks that can be useful during your troubleshooting.
Try turning it off and on again
Source: rentacenter.com
Now, this is the most basic and classic type of fix for any kind of device. It seems a bit plain and simple, but it actually works. Especially for routers, cable TV receivers, computers, and other similar devices.
In fact, it is the first thing the official customer support will tell you to fix your issue, no matter what it is.
So, before you start doing anything, it is best to just turn off the receiver off and on again. However, instead of turning it off and turn it on from the power button, I recommend unplugging it completely from the socket. Leave it off for a minute or two and then plug it back in.
After those few minutes, you should check whether the issue has been resolved.
If not, you should continue reading the other tips and tricks below.
Call customer support
Source: allconnect.com
Even though you do not want to waste time waiting for an expert to help you, it still a good idea to call for customer support from your provider. Why? Well, it is a good idea because there is always a possibility that the problem might not be on your end. Your receiver and cables could be fine and the issue could be with the provider.
Maybe they somehow cut your connection or maybe they are having some technical issues. Give them a call to ensure that the problem is not with them. Along the way, you could also ask for a few troubleshooting tips that could help you.
If they are unable to provide you with any kind of straightforward answer and if you are not satisfied with the customer support maybe that is a good time to look for other more reliable providers. You can read more on this website to compare different cable TV providers. See exactly which one fits your needs in terms of features, number of channels, and pricing.
Completely reset the cable TV receiver
Source: techlingo.co
Some of these receivers will completely reset if you leave them unplugged for longer than a few seconds. But, that is not always the case. This is why you should try completely reset the receiver.
How to do that? Well, usually these types of devices either have a small hidden button that you will need to press with something thin like a toothpick or a needle. Look around the device and see whether you can spot such a button. It should be labeled “Reset”.
Once you find it, press the button with a pen, toothpick, or whatever you have handy and hold the button for a few seconds, just in case.
After that, you will probably need to wait for a few minutes once the device or calibrates.
However, if you are unable to find such a button, the reset process might be a little bit different. It could be a set of commands, usually connected to the power button.
Of course, every device is different in its own way, but manufacturers usually use the same reset process. So, what you will need to try is turning off and turn on the device with the power button three times. Turn it off, hold for one second, turn it on, and do that two more times.
Now, the receiver should finally reset to default settings, resolving any of the issues you had.
Re-plug the coaxial cables
Source: cablewholesale.com
The coaxial cable is the one that brings all of that information to the receiver. If this cable gets damaged or unplugged, you will immediately lose both audio and video signals. Or, the level of quality will considerably reduce.
To ensure there is not a problem with the quack show cable, it is recommended to re-plug it. Here is what you will need to do.
Head on over to the receiver and check out the back. At the back, you will see all of the connections, but you should be looking for the one with a metal tip. That is the quack show cable. To unplug it, you will first have to unscrew it.
Once it is unscrewed, pull it away and then plug it back in. Do not forget to screw it back too.
After re-plugging it, you notice any difference in audio or visual quality? Is your issue resolved?
If this solution did not work for you, there may be a more serious problem with the receiver or on the provider’s end. Unfortunately, to figure this kind of problem, you will probably have to call for an expert in the end.
With these tips and tricks that are listed above, I hope that you will finally be able to resolve any of the issues related to your cable TV. Just make sure that you follow through with every single one of these tips to do proper troubleshooting for the receiver and the cable TV.
