New Contributor
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10 Messages
Cable box problem
We just had a decent storm and in the middle of it the cable box stopped working. It turns on but just shows a number 2 on the display which I can change with the channel buttons on the remote. When I turn it off it doesn't even show the time. I have unplugged it several times with the same results. What can be the issue? Power didn't blink or anything, cable works on other room and the Internet is still on.
Bruce
Honored Contributor III
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5.7K Messages
13 years ago
The electrical storm could have affected a couple things: your TV, your cable box, any component connected to your entertainment system and/or the signal at the wall plate. Your symptoms, however, sound like a power spike traveled on the cable system and destroyed some components in your cable box. Since you're just renting the cable box, return it to your nearest Cox Service Center.
When you return in, convince the representative to replace it with a new cable box. I've been a Cox subscriber since 1997 and always had problems with their used, refurbished, reconditioned and bench-checked cable boxes.
How to check if it's new. Check for scratches and gouges, accumulations of dust in its crevices, manufacture date and cheap shrink wrap. Smell it. I rejected one at the service center because it reeked of deep-frying oil.
Test your TV. Can you see the menu for your TV on its screen? Do you have a DVD connected to your TV? If so, could you watch a movie?
Check your cable modem. I understand it works but does your connection seem degraded, latent or inconsistent? Even if you don't detect a problem, call Cox and have them check the signals at your cable modem. If there is a problem, save a trip by replacing it with your cable box.
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sleeps
New Contributor
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10 Messages
13 years ago
I called a tech support rep and he managed to get it so I could watch tv but the clock on the display would not work and neither would the guide buttons or anything. Basically all I could do was change channels up and down. A tech came this morning and replaced the box with a newer one that has more memory than my old one according to him. I just wish the phone service techs could simply let me confirm my appointment. That's a whole other story
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Bruce
Honored Contributor III
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5.7K Messages
13 years ago
Your cable box....or DVR...was fried. Not totally fried but also not fully operational after the storm. More memory...aka storage space...is great for any recording device. The tech, however, didn't do you any favors. He just replaced your defective DVR.
Phone service techs? Is your telephone provider different from Cox? That's one advantage to bundling services: one tech could troubleshoot-fix all services, if needed.
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