With Black Friday fast approaching and Christmas around the corner, we want you to be ready if you find the deal of the century! When purchasing new equipment, whether you’re replacing existing electronic devices or simply adding to your collection, you’ll need to know how to connect the device once you get it home. Some devices require little to no effort to prepare for use, while others involve a much more complicated setup process. Whatever the case may be, we’re here to help!
Replacing your television?
As long as you are connecting the new equipment in the same location as the old, there’s no need to call us to make an appointment. Just be sure to connect the new device to your set top box exactly as the old device was connected. After completing the setup process on the television, you’ll need to make sure it is on the correct input. You will also need to program your set top box remote to the new TV if you would like to control the power and volume functions on your television with the set top box remote. There are programming instructions on the back of most of our remotes. If it is not listed, check here to find your remote control’s programming instructions. If you are installing the TV in a location that does not currently have video service, you will need to schedule an appointment to have a cable outlet installed or activated and have a set top box installed.
Replacing your router?
Replacing a router follows the same logic as replacing a television set. There is no need to call us for an appointment if you’re connecting the new device in the same location as the old one. Simply connect the router to the Ethernet cord coming from the modem, if you have one. If a modem was not installed at your home by Home Telecom, connect the router directly to the Ethernet cord coming from the data jack. Usually, the port on the router that this cord needs to be plugged into is labeled “internet,” “WAN,” or “DSL.” If a modem is present, you may need to power cycle it once you’ve connected the router to it. If you are not installing your new router in the same location as the old router, you will need to call us to schedule an appointment to have a data jack activated or installed in the new location.
Once you have your new router connected, depending on the router manufacturer, you may need to complete a setup process before gaining internet access. Refer to your manufacturer set-up guide that should be included with your new router. You will also need to set up an SSID (the name of your wireless network) and password for the new router. In order to avoid having to manually connect all of your devices to the new network, we recommend using the same SSID and password that was provisioned on your old router. Keep in mind that this information is case-sensitive. For a small monthly fee, you could avoid the hassle all together with Home Telecom’s MyWiFi service. We install routers, maintain the updates, and troubleshoot them for customers who subscribe to this service.
Replacing other connected devices?
Planning on upgrading your Smartphone or getting a new tablet? Anytime you replace a device that was connected to your wireless network or purchase a device that you would like to connect to your network, you will need to do so in the settings of the device. In the wireless or “Wi-Fi” setting on the device, you will need to locate and select your SSID (the name of your wireless network) in the list of networks that are available to connect to. You’ll then be prompted to enter the password. Keep in mind that every device you have connected draws from your data package, whether it’s connected wirelessly or with an Ethernet cord. Having too many devices connected without enough speed to support them can lead to a poor user experience.
Now that you know how easy it can be to install and connect your new electronic devices, you’re free to take another look at that new TV you’ve had your eyes on. As always, if you have any questions or need further assistance, a member of our staff here at Home Telecom will be happy to assist you!