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Cable TV Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to view Student Housing Cable TV?

You will need at least one cable-ready device to view channels above 2-13, for example:
- a cable-ready television, AND/OR
- a cable-ready VCR.
Be sure to read the "Installation Configuration" section above.
You may also need other accessories depending on your equipment:
- jumper cable wire
- matching transformer (when using a some older T.V. sets)

Make sure that the television set is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the jumper cable wire is properly connected to COAX connector at wall and television set.
Check all wires for damage. If picture quality is poor, a different jumper cable wire may resolve the problem.
If you have additional components (such as a VCR or video games), disconnect and try connecting the cable directly to the television set.
Check if TV is cable-ready or non-cable-ready. See below for more details.
If television is not cable-ready, set television to channels 3 (some areas it will be channel 2 or 4), then switch channels through a cable-ready VCR.
Verano Place residents having trouble with the living-area cable connection should verify that they are using the correct COAX connector. The active connector is on the same wall-plate at the Ethernet connection. The correct wall-plate is raised-mounted and not flush with the wall. Correct wall-jack pictured below:

(This image applies to Verano Place only.)

One of the most commonly reported problems is that the television is only receiving channels 2 thru 13. This common complaint is normally a television set programming issue and has nothing to do with the cable service. This problem may result when the television is temporarily unplugged or there is a local power outage. The power loss to the television set could cause the TV to lose its memory. When this occurs it may become necessary to reset the television set to the "Cable" or "CATV" mode.
This can easily be done by using the menu or setup button that can be located on the TV or the remote control. If the TV is set to the "Air" or "Antenna" mode it must be switched to the "Cable" or "CATV" mode. The TV must then be set to AUTO PROGRAM. (It may be necessary to consult the instructional handbook that came with the TV since manufacturer’s specifications do vary). This is an example of a problem that is not cable service related.
If television is cable-ready, you may need to reprogram your television set to receive the cable signal. See "Installation Configurations" (below) or owner’s manual for further details.
Non-cable-ready television will require the use of a cable-ready VCR (or other cable-ready device) to tune to channels above 13. You must also be sure that your television set remains tuned to channel 2 or 3 (depending on your market) in order for the VCR to perform tuning functions.

Connect directly to TV set

Allows viewing of any channel.
Connect one end of the jumper cable wire to the cable connection on the wall plate. Connect the other end to the COAX connector on the television marked "Input." You may need to screw-on the connector to secure the connection. Set the television set to "CABLE" or "CATV" mode and follow the television set's instruction booklet to select "AUTO PROGRAM" to obtain the available channels.

Connection from VCR to TV set

Allows viewing of any channel, full use of VCR/device remote control.
Connect one end of the jumper cable wire to the COAX connector at the wall plate and the other end to the COAX connector designated "Input" on the cable-ready VCR/device. An additional jumper cable wire is needed to connect the COAX connector designated "OUTput" on the VCR/device. The other end of this jumper cable wire gets connected to the COAX/VHF connector designated "Input" on the TV set. Some older TV’s may require a matching transformer (adapter). This will be needed to mate COAX connector to the VHF connector on the back of the set. Permanently tune the television set to 2,3, or 4 (depending on the market) and leave it set to that, in order to use the VCR/device for channel selection. On all connections you may need to screw-on connectors to secure connection.

Recording any channel while viewing any channel.
Connect one end of jumper cable wire to the COAX connector on the wall plate and the other end to the COAX connector designated "Input" on the VCR. An additional cable jumper wire must be connected onto the COAX connector designated "OUTput" on the VCR. The other end of this cable jumper wire gets connected to the COAX connector designated "Input" located on the rear of the TV. Make sure that both the TV and the VCR are set to the proper "CABLE" or "CATV" modes (according to the manufacturer’s instructions). Permanently set the TV to channel 2,3 or 4 (depending on the market) in order to use the VCR for channel selection. On all connections you may need to screw-on connector to secure connection.