# Is there a fix for an old TV that won't recognize cable channels 30 & up? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 24, 2006, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-fix-for-an-old-tv-that-wont-recognize-cable-channels-30-up/377694 "2006-10-24T13:39:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Wee\_Bairn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/90db22/32.png) [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2006, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-fix-for-an-old-tv-that-wont-recognize-cable-channels-30-up/377694/1 "2006-10-24T13:39:52Z")
That about sums it up- have tried auto-programming and individual programming- keying in a specific channel over 30 results in a blank screen. Or should I donate it to a museum? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2006, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-fix-for-an-old-tv-that-wont-recognize-cable-channels-30-up/377694/2 "2006-10-24T13:43:38Z")
By a very cheap VCR that includes a tuner. You should be able to bargain shop and find one for $20 to $40 dollars. Then leave the TV on channel 3 and use the VCR as the Tuner. Ask around if anyone has an old VCR that no longer plays back tape well, but the Tuner still works. You might get the VCR for free. Jim ---
**Author:** ![rabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/919ad9/32.png) [@rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rabbit)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2006, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-fix-for-an-old-tv-that-wont-recognize-cable-channels-30-up/377694/3 "2006-10-24T13:44:21Z")
I know we "updated’ an old tv with a converter box, but I haven’t seen any of those in a while. Try hooking it up to a vcr if you have one. I’ve used that on another (REALLY) old tv and it worked. Both instances were many years ago, so don’t know if it’s still possible. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2006, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-fix-for-an-old-tv-that-wont-recognize-cable-channels-30-up/377694/4 "2006-10-24T13:47:16Z")
There may be a switch somewhere labelled “UHF/CATV” or something similar. The channel assignments for cable TV are not the same as the UHF band (channels 14-83) used for over the air programming. If you find a switch (or a menu setting) set it to CATV (or Cable). If the TV is old enough that it predates cable, you may be SOL. ---
**Author:** ![Wee\_Bairn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/90db22/32.png) [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2006, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-fix-for-an-old-tv-that-wont-recognize-cable-channels-30-up/377694/5 "2006-10-24T14:20:54Z")
Geez that was fast- thanks all! And\*\* What Exit?, \*\* or anyone else, when you say VCR with a tuner, do all VCR’s have tuners? If not, how can you tell if one does? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2006, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-fix-for-an-old-tv-that-wont-recognize-cable-channels-30-up/377694/6 "2006-10-24T14:31:26Z")
[QUOTE=Wee Bairn] Geez that was fast- thanks all! And\*\* What Exit?, \*\* or anyone else, when you say VCR with a tuner, do all VCR’s have tuners? If not, how can you tell if one does? [/QUOTE] Most do, but I understand that a handful do not. It will either say on the box or if used, will have channel up and down buttons usually on both the Remote and the VCR itself. Jim