When your Time Warner cable box boots up, it displays various messages on the front of the box. While it's trying to detect a signal coming from the cable input, the box displays Alt, which means "wait." If the cable box doesn't progress past the Alt message after five minutes, it means the box can't detect a signal from the cable. Check your connections, reboot your cable box and then call Time Warner support if you can't resolve the problem.
Check Cable Input Connection
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If the cable box can't detect a cable signal, you might not have the cable connected to the proper input or it might not be connected securely. Locate the coaxial cable that comes from outside and carries your cable TV signal into the house. Ensure that the cable is inserted into the Cable Input on the back of the box. Screw the cable into the Cable Input so that if you pull on it lightly, it won't come out.
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Check Cable Box to Television Connection
Check the connection from the cable box to your television. For example, if you connect the cable box and TV using an HDMI cable, make sure the HDMI cable is securely inserted into the HDMI ports on both the cable box and the TV.
Reboot the Cable Box
After you've checked and tightened your connections, reboot the cable box by disconnecting the power, waiting for 30 seconds and then reconnecting the power.
Call for Support
Turn on the cable box and turn on your television. If your cable box is still stuck in Alt, call Time Warner support at 1-800-892-4357. Navigate the voice prompts to request support for your cable television and say "no picture" when the automated prompt asks you what the problem is. The automated system will tell you if there is a service outage in your area. If there is an outage, you must wait until the outage is resolved. If there is no outage, the automated system will ask you if you want to reboot your cable box. Answer "No" and tell the customer service representative that your cable box is not getting a signal, and that you have:
- Checked all the connections.
- Powered on the cable box and television.
- Verified that the television is on and working.