This is the home for information regarding cable service within the residential halls.
Syracuse University residential halls are provided Charter Spectrum digital cable television. Its important to note that Syracuse University does not provide any power cords, surge protection, or signal cables. Residents who want cable TV access in their dorm will need a television and 6ft coaxial cable. It is recommended that the television's power cord be plugged into a surge protector.
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Clear QAM Digital Service
Televisions intended to be used in campus residence halls must contain a QAM digital tuner in order to receive the available digital channels. Older analog televisions are no longer compatible with the University’s cable TV service.
Determining If You Have a Clear QAM Tuner
A QAM tuner allows your TV to tune to digital or HD channels. Most, but not all, TV’s that were made after 2006 have a QAM tuner built in. You can search online by make/model of your TV or reference your TV’s owner’s manual for specific model information related to what type of tuner your TV has.
An example of what the manual may say if the TV has a QAM tuner: “Built-in digital tuner (ATSC/Clear QAM)”, or “NTSC/QAM“ Additionally, if your TV remote has the (.) or (-) symbol button for easy tuning or is able to display channels such as 5.2 or 5-2, your TV likely has a QAM tuner.
An example of what the manual may say if the TV does NOT have a QAM tuner: “ATSC / NTSC Tuner” (there will be no mention of QAM). We have found this to be true on certain models of bargain brands such as Dynex, Insignia, and Sylvania.
Acquiring a QAM Tuner
ITS will supply a student with a QAM tuner in the event they have a television that does not have one. If a student is in need of a QAM tuner, please contact the ITS Service Center (Hours of Operation). Students already having a digital tuner and are in need of assistance with setup should reference our Digital Converter Setup Guidepage.
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Before the service center will supply a converter, we must identify your TV as not having a Clear QAM tuner. If you have difficulties identifying your TV's tuner, please call us at 315-443-2677 (hours - http://its.syr.edu/its_service_center) and a consultant will assist you. Please have your TV's make and model available when you call. This is usually located on the back of the television. |
Cable TV Setup
Initial Setup
Setting up Your TV
Having trouble setting up your TV on campus? Students can use the tips below if they are having issues configuring their TV.
Find out more about our offerings on the Cable TV and SpectrumU at Syracuse University page.
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TV Channel Setup
Before You Start
- Ensure that the power cord is securely fastened to the TV and to the wall outlet. A surge protector is preferred.
- Ensure the coaxial cable you plug into the wall outlet is plugged into the "IN" jack on the TV.
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Be sure to inspect both the power cord and signal cables (coaxial, HDMI when applicable). These cables should never be placed in high traffic areas and all excess length should be managed as neatly as possible. |
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Tips for First Time Setup
If you are unboxing and plugging in your TV for the first time
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, start with the built in "Auto Program"
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function. While each brand of TV may have a different menu, here are the main things to look for:
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- If you are prompted to choose between Off-Air and Cable, Select select Cable or CATV.
- Identify the auto program feature and select it. This can also be often called "Auto Program", "Channel Scan", or "Initial Setup". If you are having trouble finding it, please refer to the documentation that came with your TV.
- Your TV should now automatically scroll through the channels. (This can might take several minutes to complete.Save the changes (if required) and Exit.
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Not all television brands use the term "auto-program". Some TV's will refer to a "search" or a "channel scan". There are also televisions that require and initial setup or first-time setup process to be run in order to program the stations. Reference your television-specific owner's manual to be sure you are programming the channels correctly.
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If you are not getting all the channels, try the following:
- If the TV has a CATV switch or function in the menu, make sure verify it is set to CATV.
- Reference your owner's manual (most commonly found online) to ensure you have programmed the channels properly.
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If the cable service is not working:
- Ensure the coaxial cable coming from the wall is plugged into the "IN" jack on the TV (or VCR, DVD).
- Make sure you have changed the televisions input to the corresponding correct input if you have a cable box , or to the TV tuner if you are connecting connected directly to the wall.
Connecting to the Internet
Internet-connected televisions are not able to connect to the AirOrangeX wireless network. ITS has provided an open wireless signal called Gadgets&Games to allow TV's and other Internet devices to connect. Additionally devices with a wired connection can connect to the a wired residential network with no restrictions. ITS strongly recommends that you do not connect laptops, phones or tablets to Gadgets&Games as it is not a secure network.
To connect to the wired residential network you'll need an Ethernet cord. The port should look similar to the image below.
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These devices can cause problems on campus networks for other users. |
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- Check your owner's manual to ensure your TV has a QAM tuner. Older analog televisions not compatible with with QAM TV service are not supported and will be unable to receive a cable signal on campus..
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No Signal/Broken Wall Outlet
If the cable TV wall outlet in your residence hall room is physically broken, you are not receiving a signal after attempting to program your television, or you just need more assistance with setup, please call the ITS Service Center at ( 315) .443-.2677 or email help@syr.edu.
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If you are unable to contact the ITS Service Center by phone, please be as specific as possible when submitting an email ticket. This includes the steps you have taken to identify the issue, the steps you've taken to alleviate the problem and proper contact information including your exact address/building/appt#/contact phone number. |
Channel Lineup
Information Technology Services provides all campus users with access to Spectrum U. A full interactive channel lineup and guide is available at https://watch.spectrum.net/guide.
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Please note that access to the interactive guide requires a device connected to a Syracuse University network. |
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If your outlet is physically broken or damaged, please provide a picture as well as the information printed on the label that is stuck on your outlet. It will be necessary information for making sure we're able to provide the best support for the situation! |
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Connecting TVs to the Internet
Wireless Connection
Unlike cell phones, tablets, and computers, other devices are not supported on AirOrangeX but can connect to the residential wireless network Gadgets&Games. Gadget&Games is an open network and as such has no username and password.
Wired Connection
Internet-connected devices with an Ethernet port such as gaming systems and streaming devices can connect automatically to the wired residential network on campus, ResNet. To connect, plug an Ethernet cable into your computer and the wall jack labeled “RN.”
Not all devices are supported on the ResNet and/or the Gadgets&Games networks. Find out more by visiting our Using Devices on the Campus Networks page on Answers.
Can't Connect? If your device is having trouble connecting to Gadget&Games or the wired network, you are encouraged to remove existing network configurations and settings and attempt to connect again. Please reference the Need Help section contacting ITS if your issue persist.
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Need Help?
For support of the information above, contact the ITS Help Desk by calling at 315-.443-.2677, by emailing help@syr.edu, or by stopping into 1-227 CST.
You can also find videos and how to guides with Charter Spectrum's How to Videos.
Charter Spectrum Cable Contact
If you are having an issue specifically with the content found on the cable service, feel free to contact Charter Spectrum at 315-634-6000.