If you have an HDTV or a TV with “SDTV” written on the front of it, you do not need a digital converter box. [1] X Research source

This step also applies if you’re using an externally mounted antenna (e. g. , one on your roof). If your TV doesn’t have an antenna, you’ll need to purchase a set of antennae (e. g. , rabbit ears) before you can use your digital converter box.

The digital converter box’s front (i. e. , the side with the lights and no cord) should be facing in the same direction as your TV.

If your antenna’s coaxial cable screws into place, make sure you screw it in tightly before proceeding.

Coaxial cable - Plug one end of the coaxial cable into the “OUT” coaxial port on the back of your digital converter box, then plug the other end of the cable into the “IN” coaxial port (the one that the antenna cable was plugged into) on your TV. RCA cables - Plug the red, white, and yellow cables into the same-colored ports on the back of the digital converter box (e. g. , the red cable plugs into the red port and so on), then plug the other ends of the cables into the same-colored ports on the front or back of your TV.

If your digital converter box doesn’t have a built-in electrical cord, you’ll have to attach the non-electrical plug end of the cord that came with the box into the back of the box.

Usually, you’ll just have to select Next on-screen a few times until the digital converter box begins scanning for channels. Check your digital converter box’s manual if you’re having trouble navigating through the setup process.