How to run a channel scan

How to run a channel scan

A general guide on how to run a cable tv channel scan

Scanning (or rescanning) for channels is mostly an automated process. While these steps are different for each TV, the process is similar on most TVs.  Here are some more general instructions, which should help you get the scan process going on your TV:

  1. Make sure your TV is connected to the cable TV jack in your room/apartment.
  2. Press the “Menu” button on your remote control. If you don’t have a remote, your TV should have a built-in “Menu” button.
  3. Find and select the “Channel Scan” option in your TV’s menu. This option could also be labeled “Rescan,” “Tune,” or “Auto-tune.”
  4. If given a choice between digital or analog, select digital.
  5. If you cannot find the “Channel Scan” option, dig through the TV’s “Settings,” “Tools,” “Channels,” or “Options” menu.  Make sure you scan the Cable TV channels.
  6. Once your TV starts scanning for channels, it can take up to 10 minutes.
  7. When scanning is complete, your TV will either display how many channels are available or drop you back into a broadcast channel.

If you are having trouble finding the “Channel Scan” option on your TV, then you can usually find a manual by searching the web for the TV’s make and model along with the word “manual.”