Can't watch TV through cable box..

Syringer

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
19,333
2
71
The cable will work finely if you plug the coaxial cable directly into the TV, but when you try to put it through the cable box, all I get is a black screen. The on screen menus come up, but no TV.

Why?
 

KLin

Lifer
Feb 29, 2000
30,340
655
126
your cable box is obviously spidered up. Time to get it replaced.
 

SludgeFactory

Platinum Member
Sep 14, 2001
2,969
2
81
just had to deal with this. First had them reauthorize it over the phone, but it didn't help. I had to bring it in to the cable office, whatever they did fixed it.
 

kyparrish

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2003
5,935
1
0
try power cycling the cable box (unplug, wait a second, then plug back up) with the coax input plugged as firmly in as it will go...

did you pay the bill? I've seen before where the digital box will get shut off, but the cable co. can't shut off the cable if it's plugged straight into the TV
 

Pepsi90919

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
25,162
1
81
Originally posted by: kyparrish
try power cycling the cable box (unplug, wait a second, then plug back up) with the coax input plugged as firmly in as it will go...

did you pay the bill? I've seen before where the digital box will get shut off, but the cable co. can't shut off the cable if it's plugged straight into the TV

yeah, they go up on the line and physically disconnect you.
 

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
167
111
www.slatebrookfarm.com
Originally posted by: kyparrish
try power cycling the cable box (unplug, wait a second, then plug back up) with the coax input plugged as firmly in as it will go...

did you pay the bill? I've seen before where the digital box will get shut off, but the cable co. can't shut off the cable if it's plugged straight into the TV

sometimes it takes a little longer than a second... give it 15 seconds or so.
I've had that problem a few times. (and weekly with my modem... unplugging it for 1 second does nothing... it's gotta be around 15 or 20 seconds)
 

psiu

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2003
1,629
1
0
Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
Originally posted by: kyparrish
try power cycling the cable box (unplug, wait a second, then plug back up) with the coax input plugged as firmly in as it will go...

did you pay the bill? I've seen before where the digital box will get shut off, but the cable co. can't shut off the cable if it's plugged straight into the TV

yeah, they go up on the line and physically disconnect you.

The disabling the cable box is a quick and lazy "they're late on the payment for the first time, this will get their attention" fix. Obviously, if a bill is unpaid or the service is canceled, they will get someone out there to the disconnect.


Assuming the bill is paid, box might be shot. What kind of digital box is it?