Exciting News!

Information Technology Services and Residence Life recently (Summer 2011) upgraded our analog CATV system to a new digital satellite broadcasting system.

It is important to understand that the change from analog to digital is not a change from analog to high definition, although the change also includes a number of high definition channels.

Digital broadcasting is comprised of standard definition, and high definition formats.

Due to our wiring infastructure, the analog signal was limited to a total of 60 channels, of which we were providing 55. By making the switch to digital, we expanded our system well beyond those restraints, and have provided a much better picture quality. We began the 2011/2012 school year with an expanded 77 channel lineup, which was updated to 79 channels over Christmas break.  The 79 channels are comprised of 67 SD and 12 HD channels. See the new channel lineup page for channel numbers and HD designations.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The older analog television models will not work on campus without a very specific digital converter box, and so we would recommend that you bring a Digital Television to campus with you in order to experience the true quality of digital HD broadcasting. If you still want to bring an older analog television, contact bwilhelm@jcu.edu for information on obtaining a compatible converter. 

RECOMMENDATION: If you planning on bringing a digital TV from home, or purchasing a new one, we  recommend that you bring or purchase a fully integrated HDTV model (QAM tuner), as opposed to a TV identified as Digital-Ready (non-HD capable), or HDTV-Ready (need a digital convertor box).

HDTV’s are equipped with a QAM tuner which is necessary to receive digital broadcasts over a physical piece of cable (coax in this instance). Most Digital televisions manufactured after 2006 will more than likely be equipped with the QAM tuner, but not in all cases.

If you have any questions about the new digital service, please email the system administrator at: bwilhelm@jcu.edu.

Connecting your Television

Students must supply their own television and coax cable cord. The length of this cable can vary based upon the residence hall you are in, and how far away you locate your television from the outlet. If you are not already sure of the length you will need, we recommend a 25′ cord to be safe.

NOTE: When attaching the coax cable at the outlet and on the television itself, make sure the cable is hand-tightened only. Over-tightening, as well as under-tightening can produce poor signal quality. Also take caution that you do not kink or bend the coax cable as this can also contribute to a grainy picture. If the connector on the wall plate in your room is loose, please email the System Administrator for service.

Tuning your Television

Once you connect your coax cable, we recommend that you use your remote to do some on-screen menu programming. In most cases you will access the MENU button, then look for the CHANNEL option. In some instances you will need to change your setting to CABLE, then you will need to do an AUTO PROGRAM. Every television uses different terminologies, so you might need to poke around for a while until you find what you are looking for. If you are still having trouble, contact the system administrator at bwilhelm@jcu.edu.