When you subscribe to DirecTV service, an installer will usually come to your home to connect the satellite receiver to your television. If you've purchased a new television and you are anxious to try it out, you don't have to schedule an appointment and wait around for the installer – you can hook up the DirecTV service yourself. The satellite receiver has four connection options that you can use to hook up your TV; the one you use will depend on the type of connection your TV supports, such as HDMI or S-Video.
Step 1
Turn off your television and the DirecTV receiver if either device is on. Unplug both power cords.
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Step 2
Look on the back or side of your TV to locate the video and audio outputs. The outputs are clearly labeled on the TV as well as on the back of the DirecTV receiver. The four connection options on the receiver are HDMI, component video, S-Video and RCA.
Step 3
Plug the ends of the appropriate cable or cables into the corresponding ports on the DirecTV receiver and your television. For example, if the TV has an HDMI port, only one HDMI cable is required to provide audio and video from the receiver. If your TV only has RCA ports, you must connect separate audio and video cables from the receiver to the TV. For connections requiring multiple cables, use the ports labeled "Video," "Audio" or "Audio In" on the television and "Audio Out" and "Video Out" on the DirecTV receiver.
Step 4
Plug the power cables for both devices back into a power source.
Step 5
Turn on the TV and the receiver. Switch the television to channel 3 or 4, depending on your model and brand; one of those channels will pick up the DirecTV service. The channel to use with the satellite service is listed in your television's user guide or you can simply try one channel and then the other.
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