How to Switch/ Use HDMI Channels

Introduction:

The purpose of this block of instruction is to help you use your TV in conjunction with an external device. In this instructable you will figure out how to hook up and start your external device and play it on a TV. I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to set up and use a device such as an Xbox. However, have no fear because today I am going to show you! Just follow the instructions and you will be gaming or watching a movie in no time. Enjoy!

Disclaimer:

Slips,Trips, and Falls. This Instructable utilizes power and various cables. Be careful to store cords correctly and properly handle electrical devices. Exposed cables should be plugged in and taped to the ground if they cover a large distance. If cords are not being used make sure to roll them up and store them properly. Walking on carpet is not inherently difficult but TV’s can be set up in different locations. If you are on tile or another slick service please exercise caution.

Supplies

List of Materials:

1. TV ($200-3,000)

2. Remote for TV ($15)

3. (Xbox/PlayStation/Roku/Amazon FireStick/ Other device) Prices respectively- ($400/ $380/ $40/ $40)

4. Remote for device (Usually included)

5. Wall outlets and/or power strips ($20)

6. HDMI cable ($10)

Step 1: Locate Your Devices.

First, we must know what we are looking for if we want to set up. As you can see above, I have pointed out my TV and my Xbox that I am going to use for this demonstration. Even though I am using an Xbox most other external devices such as ROKU's or PlayStations are quite similar.

Step 2: Ensure Proper Connections.

As you may know most electronics need a constant power source to operate. So we are going to look at the backside of our Xbox and make sure of two things:

1. The HDMI cord is plugged into the HDMI TO TV port then,

2. Plug your external device such as this Xbox into a power strip.

Once you have completed these steps move on to the TV's connections:

1. Plug the TV's cord into the power strip.

2. Plug the power strip itself into the wall outlet.

Step 3: HDMI Cable Hook Up & Designations.

The HDMI ports are usually located on the back side of your TV. As you can see in my pictures above there is usually more than one. This is where people get confused sometimes. It is important to remember where you hooked up your HDMI cord. I elected to utilize the 5th HDMI slot because it was labeled (Best) and could handle a higher resolution/ framerate.

Step 4: Turn on Both Devices.

Next we are going to turn on both devices via their respective controllers. This can be accomplished by pushing the center button of the Xbox controller until the light is visible and an audible beep comes from the Xbox. The TV can be turned on by depressing the power button on the remote and the TV flickers to life.

Step 5: Navigate to the INPUT/ SOURCE Menu.

Most remotes have a button labeled INPUT or SOURCE. This option could very from different companies or different remotes. In this particular instance it is labeled INPUT. I clicked the INPUT button once and the screen on the right appears on the TV.

Step 6: Switching to the Right HDMI Channel.

Once we have opened the INPUT menu we must remember what selection we made previously. Let us recall that I selected port 5. With this in mind we must press the down arrow on our remote to get to HDMI 5. After a few seconds the TV picks up the signal from the Xbox and generates its starting screen.

Step 7: Run Your Desired Service

Now is the time to make a pretty important decision...What do you want to do? At this menu you can select to watch a movie or play a video game. For this exercise I am choosing a video game. So I look at my controller and Press the "A" button. If it was a movie you would do the exact same thing for an Xbox.

Step 8: When You Are Finished.

Electric costs money so it is important to be ecofriendly and fiscally responsible. Please turn on devices after you are finished with them. This can be accomplished by clicking the center button of the Xbox until the screen pops up and prompts you to turn off the console. Again, all you need to do is simply press the "A" button. Then just hit the power button on your remote to shut off the TV.

Step 9: A Quick Video That Might Be Helpful.

This video is short and sweet. In less than 60 seconds he goes through all the necessary steps to properly set up an Xbox. Please stop and start this video as many times as you need.

Step 10: Conclusion.

That is everything I have to share with you today. I hope you found this helpful and maybe you can share this with a relative or friend. Enjoying movies in High Definition is fun and should be enjoyed by everyone, but can be tricky at times to set up. Today we learned how to set up our devices and properly configure them.

Have a nice day, and if you have a comment feel free to share!