How to Connect a Flat-Screen TV to Dish Network

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Depending on the type of flat-screen television you have, there are a variety of ways to connect it to your Dish Network satellite system. From using S-Video/composite cables for video and audio to using a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable, you are not limited to one type of connection. If your flat-screen TV is high-definition, using an HDMI cable is the route to take. HDMI cables bundle audio and video into one cable and deliver the best in sound and video.

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Connecting Your Flat Screen TV/Dish Network Receiver – HDMI Cable

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Step 1

Turn off the flat-screen TV and the Dish Network receiver. Unplug both pieces of equipment.

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Step 2

Turn both pieces of equipment around so the backs of the devices are facing you.

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Step 3

Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the "HDMI" or "HDMI Cable" jack on the back of the TV.

Step 4

Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the "HDMI" or "HDMI Cable" jack on the back of the Dish Network receiver.

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Step 5

Plug in the TV's and Dish Network receiver's power cords into a electrical outlet. Turn the pieces of equipment around so the front of the devices are facing you.

Step 6

Turn on the Dish Network receiver. The receiver will take a few minutes to start up.

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Step 7

Turn on the flat-screen TV. Place the TV's "video selection" to "HDMI." The TV may auto-detect the HDMI connection.

Step 8

Navigate through the satellite system's menus and channels to test your Dish Network receiver and TV connection. You should see both video and audio. If you are not receiving a picture or audio, check the setting on the TV to make sure you have it on "HDMI."

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Connecting Your Flat Screen TV/Dish Network Receiver – Composite Cables

Step 1

Turn off both the flat-screen TV and the Dish Network receiver. Unplug both pieces of equipment.

Step 2

Turn both pieces of equipment around so the backs of the devices are facing you.

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Step 3

Plug one end of a S-Video cable into the "S-Video" or "S-Video In" jack on the back of the TV.

Step 4

Plug one end of a S-Video cable into the "S-Video" or "S-Video Out" jack on the back of the Dish Network receiver.

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Step 5

Plug one end of a white composite cable into the "Audio In -- Left" jack on the back of the TV.

Step 6

Plug the other end of the white composite cable into the "Audio Out -- Left" jack on the back of the Dish Network receiver.

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Step 7

Plug one end of a red composite cable into the "Audio In -- Right" jack on the back of the TV.

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Step 8

Plug the other end of the red composite cable into the "Audio Out -- Right" jack on the back of the Dish Network receiver.

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Step 9

Plug in the TV's and Dish Network receiver's power cords into a electrical outlet. Turn the pieces of equipment around so the front of the devices are facing you.

Step 10

Turn on the Dish Network receiver. The receiver will take a few minutes to start up.

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Step 11

Turn on the TV. Place the TV's "video selection" to "Video" or "Line." This selection activates the audio and video ports on the back of the television.

Step 12

Navigate through the satellite system's menus and channels. You should see both video and audio to test your receiver and TV connection. If you are not receiving a picture or audio, check the setting on the TV to make sure you have the TV on "Video" or "Line."

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