Why doesn't the channel lineup card match the actual channel lineup?
A new channel lineup card is published each summer. Every effort is made to NOT make channel changes during the school year. If changes are made, online channel lineup information is updated. In June 2008, a large number of channels were moved to accommodate campus needs. The printed channel lineup card and channel lineup information available online were modified to reflect these changes. Please make certain you are referencing the current channel lineup card. There is a date on the bottom of the card.
Will my TV still work after February 2009?
The UMTV system is an analog television system. Some digital television channels were added in June 2008. Old style televisions (analog) will continue to work on the UMTV system after February 2009. These televisions are only able to receive analog channels 2-93. They will not be able to receive digital programming. Information about the government mandated move to digital television is available on the web.
Will my DVR, TiVO, etc. work with my TV in the Residence Halls?
Yes, your DVR and/or TiVO will work with your TV in University Housing residence halls.
Do I need a converter box to receive the HD channels?
No, you do not need a converter box to receive the HD channels if you have an HD compatible television.
What is the minimum hardware requirement to view HD channels in HD and which type of set works best?
The minimum hardware required to view HD channels is an HD compatible television. Television sets should be purchased based on the user's preferences and needs. Users are encouraged to use the same consumer product resources they would when evaluating and purchasing other electronic equipment. UMTV staff do not evaluate television sets nor do they provide recommendations on which sets work best.
Will a Standard Definition (SD) television set work with all HD channels?
No, HD programming can only be viewed on an HD compatible television set.
Why do the digital channel numbers include a period between the numbers on the channel lineup card?
Due to the technology differences between analog and digital television, multiple digital channels can fit within one channel. This is similar to radio channels, which also use decimals.
Can the HD channels be programmed using the Auto-Setup option?
Yes, the HD channels can be programmed using the Auto-Setup option on most sets. However, this may vary depending on the manufacturer of the television set.
How can I request additional HD channels be added to the lineup?
Additional HD channels can be requested through University Housing. HD channels, as with premium programming, are available at an additional cost. University Housing must approve the additional costs prior to any channel lineup changes or additions.
Can we get "x" channel (eg. the Disney Channel) added to the regular channel lineup?
The channel lineup selection is made by University Housing from a list of programming packages available from our vendor. The current channel lineup represents the broadest programming choices at the best price point. Additional programming can be purchased but will result in an overall cost increase to all UMTV viewers. University Housing must approve changes or additions to the current lineup.
How do I know if I am bringing the right television to view UMTV?
Any television that can view analog programming and is cable ready will work on the UMTV system for the next several years. Additionally, televisions that have SD or HD capabilities will be able to view the SD and/or HD programming on UMTV. Below is an excerpt from the government's digital television page regarding a consumer alert on the purchase of televisions:
The Transition to Digital TV
TV stations serving all markets in the United States are airing digital television programming today, although most will continue to provide analog programming through February 17, 2009. At that point, full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels, and the spectrum they use for analog broadcasting will be reclaimed and put to other uses. **UMTV Note: this applies to "off air" programming, not cable provided programming**.
The Commission's digital tuner rule specifies that as of March 1, 2007, all new TVs must include digital tuners. This rule prohibits the manufacture, import, or interstate shipment of any device containing an analog tuner, unless it also contains a digital tuner. Despite this prohibition on manufacture and shipment, retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory. As a result, at the point of sale, many consumers may not be aware that this equipment will not be able to receive over-the-air-television signals after February 17, 2009.
To address this issue, the FCC has adopted a rule requiring sellers to display the following text if they are selling TV equipment with only an analog broadcast tuner:
CONSUMER ALERT
This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission's digital television website at: www.DTV.gov.
