You can use your projector for much more than watching Netflix and making presentations. If you’re a cable TV addict but want to protect your eyes from your television’s reflective screen, you should switch to a projector.
Many people are excited about giving cable TV on a projector a try but get discouraged by the complexity of the setup. I’m here to walk you through the process and show you that connecting a projector to the cable box isn’t that challenging. Read along to learn how to connect cable box to projector in just a few minutes.
How to Connect Cable Box to Projector
Connecting your projector to a cable box may sound oddly complicated and intimidating if you aren’t tech-savvy. I’m here to tell you that it isn’t.
Connecting your cable box to a projector is relatively simple, especially if your cable box and projector come with compatible connectivity ports. Even if they don’t, you can easily hook up a cable adapter and get watching.
Briefly, to connect a projector to a cable box, you’ll need to use a compatible cable and connect it to both devices. Then, you’ll need to set the input source on the projector accordingly, and that’s it – you can start watching the news or your favorite TV show.
If you think you’ll need some more help than this, read the following section for a detailed guide on connecting a cable box to your projector.
Step-By-Step Guide
Turn off both devices
The first step toward safely connecting your cable box to a projector is to unplug both devices. With the devices unplugged from the power supply, turn them around to see the available ports.
At the back of the devices, you’ll be able to see which ports you can use. In the best-case scenario, supposing that you’re using a newer cable box and projector, both devices will have an HDMI port, allowing you to connect easily. If not, you’ll need to check the available output and input ports to see how you can establish a connection.
Get the necessary cables
After checking the connectivity possibilities for the cable box and projector, you’ll need to purchase cables. If both use an HDMI cable, you will probably find one lying around your home. However, if they’re using another type of cable, you’ll probably need to visit the store.
If your cable box and projector aren’t compatible, you’ll also need to purchase an adapter or converter. If your cable box outputs AV, but your projector only works with HDMI, you’ll need to buy an AV to HDMI converter to connect the devices.
Plug both devices and power them on
With the devices connected, plug them into a power source, and turn on both devices. Using the buttons or the remote control for your projector, search for available sources, and pick the port to which you’ve connected the cable box.
Open the device’s menu using the cable box’s buttons or remote control, then run a channel scan. Once you’re all set up, you’ll need to use the box’s remote control to navigate across channels.
If you’re having difficulties setting up the projector source, or performing a channel scan on the cable box, check the device’s manual.
Read more: How to Watch TV on Projector Without Cable Box
Other Ways to Use Your Projector as a TV
If for some reason, you cannot connect your projector to a cable box, there are a few other ways you can use your projector as a TV. Here’s how you can do it:
Using a streaming device
Streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick will allow you to watch TV on your projector. All you have to do is connect the streaming device to your projector via an HDMI cable, then use an app like YouTube TV or fuboTV for a chance to watch live television.
Using native apps
Some more advanced projectors will come with a built-in platform or a native app that lets you watch TV without additional setup.
Check your projector’s menu for apps like Android TV or something similar. If you have such an app on your projector, you’ll be able to watch TV directly on the projector without setting anything up or purchasing a separate device.
Using a TV tuner
A TV tuner is a device intended to make up for the television feature on devices like projectors. If you have a cable TV antenna, you need to connect it to the tuner, then connect it to the projector, and that’s it – you can now watch local broadcast TV on your projector without too much trouble.
Can You Use a Projector to Watch TV Every Day?
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t use your projector to watch TV. The projector screens are much less tiring to the eye than conventional television screens.
However, not all projectors can withstand extensive daily use. Projectors that have bulbs with short lifespans shouldn’t be overused for watching television daily. If you have a 2.000 projector bulb, it will fail within less than a year if you leave the “TV” on for longer during the day.
What Are the Differences Between Watching TV on a Television and a Projector?
Both projectors and televisions have advantages, but here are some of the dissimilarities between watching TV on both devices:
- Screen size – Screen size is typically better on a projector. TVs range around up to 80″, while a projector can offer a lot more than that.
- Resolution – In terms of resolution, projectors and televisions are pretty close – supporting 4K and 1080p HD. You’ll need a wide-screen television or a dark viewing room for your projector to make the most of it.
- Setup – Setting up the channels on a TV is much easier than making the configuration on a projector.
- Price – Projectors tend to be much cheaper when comparing projectors and TV with the same display size. However, if the projector’s bulb has a limited lifespan, you may have to change it frequently.
Conclusion
I hope you have understood and learned how to connect cable box to projector. Now, you can do it yourself and even help some friends if they need help.
Have a great time and enjoy!