Sparklight Cable and Internet
Installation Guide
Sparklight Installation Guide Overview
In this guide, we will walk you through the pros and cons of self-installation, explain in simple terms how to self-install your Sparklight cable TV and internet, how to use the Sparklight Self-Installation Kit, whether you should rent or buy the equipment needed, and more.
Ways to Install TV & Internet from Sparklight
You have two main options to choose between when it comes to installing your Sparklight cable and internet services. It really all depends on your preference.
You can decide to:
- Call and schedule a professional Sparklight technician to come do the installation for you in your home
- Self-install your Sparklight services in your home yourself
This guide will help you self-install with both knowledge and confidence. While it's still common to call a professional technician to come install cable and internet services for you, it really has never been easier to install these services yourself. Even better, Sparklight offers you live support and plenty of documentation and resources to help you through the process. While COVID restrictions are starting to lift in many parts of the US, lots of people still prefer to do it themselves. We don't blame them!
Pros and Cons of Self-Install for Sparklight
Are you unsure about whether or not you should self-install your cable and internet services? Deciding to call an expert to install them and/or deciding to take it on yourself each have their own benefits and drawbacks. Check out the list of pros and cons here:
Pros of self-installation:
- Get all equipment delivered to you
- Limit people coming into your home
- No installation fee
Cons of self-installation:
- No professional help & in-person troubleshooting
- Your home may not be eligible
- Requires some technical expertise
How to Use Sparklight Self-install Kit
Included in the Sparklight self-installation internet kit include:
The kit comes complete with:
- Welcome letter
- Installation guide
- Modem guide
- List of tips on managing your internet connection
- Modem
- Power cord for modem
- Modem stand
- Coaxial cable
- Ethernet cable
Included in the Sparklight/CableOne self-installation cable kit include:
The kit comes complete with:
- Cable box
- HDMI cable
- Power cord
- Remote control
- Coaxial cable
How to Self-Install Sparklight Internet and WiFi
The Sparklight Self-Install Kit can be set-up in four easy steps.
1 Find an Optimal Location
To find an optimal location for your modem, make sure your modem is centrally located, visible, off the ground, and away from anything that could block your signal.
2 Connect your Modem
Take a coaxial cable and connect one end to the modem and the other end to the cable outlet. Make sure the connections are finger tight.
3 Properly Activate your Modem
It's recommended to use a desktop or laptop computer for this step. However, you can also use a tablet or smart phone if a computer is not available to you. With a computer, connect the modem to your computer with an ethernet cable then open up an internet browser. Once your modem comes online, your page will automatically refresh to an activation page.
If using a tablet or smartphone, connect your modem to power. Wait for the status symbol light to be solid. This step can take up to 15 minutes to activate. Connect to your WiFi network with your device and open a new web browser. You will see a modem activation page. Click the green activate button on this page to begin the activation. This step can take up to 5 minutes. The page will say "Modem Activation Complete" when the activation is complete.
4 Connect Your Devices
Open your WiFi settings on the device and select your network name. To find your default network name and password, look for a sticker on the side or back of your modem.
How to Self-Install Sparklight Cable TV
Below are instructions to self-install Sparklight cable (formerly CableOne).:
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Insert Smart Card into All Digital Device
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Find the Coaxial Cable
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Connect the Coaxial Cable to Your All Digital Device
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Connect the All Digital Device to your TV
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Use Your Remote to Turn on the TV
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Activate Your Device
1 Insert Smart Card into All Digital Device
Insert the smart card into the slot in the back of your device. If there is no slot on the back of your device, it means your smart card was already pre-installed. No further action is required.
2 Find the Coaxial Cable
Find the coaxial cable that connects your TV to the wall outlet. Disconnect one end of the coaxial cable from the back of your TV but leave the other end connected to the wall.
3 Connect the Coaxial Cable to Your All Digital Device
Take the end of the cable you took out of your TV and connect it to the 'CABLE IN' port in your all digital device. Make sure the cable is finger tight (meaning you don't need any tools). Then you can connect the A/C power adapter to a power outlet.
4 Connect the All Digital Device to your TV
Now you can connect the all digital device to your TV! There are three ways to connect the all digital device to your TV:
- HDMI
- Mini-to-RCA
- Coaxial cable
If you have an HDTV, it's recommended to use an HDMI cable. If you do not have an HDMI cable, the other two options will work.
5 Use Your Remote to Turn on the TV
Insert batteries into your remote and adjust the input of your TV until the Livewire screen appears. Wait about one minute then press the Menu button and select 'Cable One Connect' from the menu.
6 Activate Your Device
At first, you will see an Access Denied screen. To activate your device, go to cableone.net/alldigital or call 1-877-MY-CABLE and follow the instructions of authorization. You will need your account number on your billing statement to complete the steps. After completing the activation instructions, your all digital device will be activated in a few minutes.
Watch this how-to instructional video for step-by-step installation instructions for Sparklight/CableOne cable TV.
Renting vs. Buying Equipment from Sparklight
You will absolutely need a modem for a broadband internet connection, and you will need a router too for WiFi access. The question you might be asking is whether you should buy or rent the equipment. If you are pretty tech savvy, it might be more beneficial for you to buy the equipment rather than rent it from an internet service provider. However, if you don't know your way around technology very well, renting will probably be your best option.
However, there are advantages to renting equipment, even if it is a little more expensive. It's namely convenience. When you rent a new modem and/or router, you never have to worry about the unit being compatible with a system or needing to replacing it yourself. If your rented equipment stops working, Sparklight will typically replace it free of charge. Additionally, if or when the rented modem and router become obsolete, Sparklight will also typically upgrade you for no additional charge.
| Device | Fee |
|---|---|
| Modem | $10 to $15 per month |
| Wireless router | $10 to $15 per month |