A TechLore "Ask the Experts" Question...

Question:

A red light came on the box and I have no idea what is wrong. I tried calling, but could not get in touch with anyone.
I have 3 TV's and each one has the same thing. I just got the cable installed recently, and on the box it says "message".

-submitted by esvegas 

Answer:

Cable companies have the ability to broadcast messages, like an e-mail, to a subscriber's cable box. This allows them to communicate service status and changes without having to use traditional methods like telephone, e-mail, or snail-mail.

As an example, if the cable provider has changed the channel line-up in your area, they may send a message to your cable box to make you aware of the change. Though this can ba handy for little updates, any important information will be sent to you in a traditional manner.

The light on the front is nothing to be concerned about. All the light is telling you is that you have an unread message on your cable box. You can usually view these by entering the menu of the cable box, and selecting 'messages' or 'inbox'.

Matt Whitlock - Editor, TechLore.com