How to Set Up Direct-From-Wall Cable on a TV

by sam.d.16

525K718

Intro: How to Set Up Direct-From-Wall Cable on a TV

Before you begin, your house/apartment must be equipped with cable outlets and basic cable service from any provider. If you do not already have a cable service plan, you must first get one from any provider before trying to set up direct-from-wall cable. This instructional guide features a VIZIO HDTV model, but any TV with a DTV/TV port will work.

STEP 1:

The VIZIO HDTV comes with a VIZIO remote control and a power cord. You will need to purchase a coaxial cable cord, any length, which may be purchased at any convenience or department store.

STEP 2:

1. Make sure you set your TV into an upright position and place it on a sturdy, flat surface. The rear connectors should remain accessible.

STEP 3:

2. Plug your TV power cord into the nearest wall outlet but do not power it on.

STEP 4:

3. To connect your TV to a cable outlet, you will need to use a coaxial cable cord. Begin by connecting one end of the coaxial cable cord to the cable outlet. Insert the knob straight into the outlet hole, and turn clockwise until securely fastened.

STEP 5:

4. Connect the opposite end of the coaxial cable into the input port on the back of your TV. On a VIZIO HDTV, this port is located on the back of the TV and is labeled DTV/ TV.

STEP 6:

5. To connect the coaxial cord to the TV, insert the knob straight into the DTV/TV port and turn clockwise until securely fastened.

STEP 7:

6. Move your TV into a desired location. The rear connectors no longer need to be accessible.

STEP 8:

7. Turn your TV on by pressing the Power button on either the TV or your TV remote control. On a VIZIO remote control, this button is found at the top, right corner and has a red circle with a line through the top. Your TV should now be on.

STEP 9:

8. Press the INPUT button on your remote control to view your current INPUT source. If the TV mode is not already selected, press INPUT on your remote control until the TV mode is selected. You may also select the TV mode by using the up and down arrow buttons on your remote control. The TV mode may appear as either TV or ANT on a VIZIO HDTV. Press OK on your remote control.

STEP 10:

9. If this is your first time connecting a coaxial cord to your TV and you have not yet set up your master channel list, you should see a black screen with a “No signal” error message.

STEP 11:

10. Open the on-screen TV menu by pressing the MENU button on your remote control.

STEP 12:

11. Navigate to the Settings icon using the up and down arrows on the remote control and press OK.

STEP 13:

12. Using the up and down arrows on your remote control, navigate down and select the TUNER or TV option (This varies by TV model). Press OK on your remote control.

STEP 14:

13. Highlight Tuner Mode and select the Cable option by pressing OK on your remote control. This option is used for direct-from-wall cable TV or any other external cable or satellite box connected to the TV with a coaxial cable.

STEP 15:

14. Using the up and down arrows on the remote control, navigate down and select the Auto Channel Scan or Auto Search option (This varies by TV model) by pressing OK on your remote control.

STEP 16:

15. Wait for the search to be complete.

STEP 17:

16. When the search reaches 100% complete, finish the search by clicking Done. To do this, press OK on your remote control.

STEP 18:

17. Exit the on-screen menu by pressing EXIT on your remote control.

STEP 19:

18. To check and browse your available direct-from-wall cable channels, press the Channel Up and Channel Down buttons on your remote control.

10 Comments

thebelle5705 4 years ago

It says "no channels in master list"

JillI4 5 years ago

I can not get the menu button to work. Screen says no signal. What do I do now?? The screen is snowy.

AngelaD142 5 years ago

Would it be you all. And it still doesn't work

alandrawelch 5 years ago

I have a 55" very heavy samsung flatscreen and have been trying for 2 days to coordinate fitting my hand between the tv and the wall to attach a coaxial cable for a Clear tv antenna. My hand fits holding the plug and I've been so close only to drop it or find it wasn't connected when I thought it was. So frustrating. There is a cut out space where the connection is located? Or is that design? I can feel and see it but I'm 70 and fingers aren't as slick as they used to be. Would a magnet hold it for me to place it? Is there a secret to this or am I going to have to hire someone to do this simple but not easy task?

Ddeases 5 years ago

It is not getting any channels. What do I do? Tv is on cable and is scanning. Tv is a 2008 model

JoB91 7 years ago

Worked like a champ. Thanks for the detailed instructions for someone who's not technologically minded.

JhonreyC 8 years ago

i did already i scan all the channel the problem is the picture its blured but the sound is ok. I already check the band and frequency but still the same can you help me to fix this one tnx.

OhioA 8 years ago

did exactly as you said, step-by-step, and it still wont find any channels. we don't have cable, but can pick it up on our HDTV downstairs. get all analog channels below 67, and SOME HD channels above 67, and Music channels on top of all that. don't pay a dime for those downstairs, but for some reason our new TV upstairs wont pick up 1 single channel. I got a damn old-school TV that looks like it's from the 1800's and even IT picked up 5 channels with an external digital-channel scanner(or whatever they're called that you buy separate). the magical, expensive brand new TV cant pick up 1 single channel no matter what I do though. any advice?

seamster 9 years ago

Good tips, thanks for sharing this set up guide!