VIAO Media TV frustration

I've purchased a VIAO system-OS, Windows XP- and am trying to set up the VAIO TV to send my husband his favorite shows while in Iraq. The problem is I can't get the signal from the cable high speed connection to show on the computer. I set the server, set the channels (they are the correct line-up), etc. The closest thing to a signal I've gotten is a blank screen & sssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhh. (very annoying I might add). If anyone has any grand ideas, I'd be grateful, as I cannot seem to find ANY method of support from SONY. I have spent, over the past 4 days, a good 6-7 hours trying to find some form of assistance/reference to my problem to no avail.

Thank you,
a VERY Frustrated Tanya C-McC