STS: Student Technology Services

SETUP:

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

How do I connect my TV or VCR to the GW cable system?

The cables system is already activated. Just connect your coaxial cable to the wall jack and to the input jack on your cable ready TV or VCR ( if you have a VCR, connect the cable from the wall to the input on the VCR, and the output on the VCR to the TV input with a second cable.)

How can I tell if my TV or VCR is cable ready?

While most TV's and VCR's made in the last 10 years are cable ready the best way to tell is CHECK YOUR OWNERS MANUAL. If you do not have the manual with you, here are a few other ways to check:

If there is a remote control, look on it for a switch or button that says "CATV" or "CABLE"
Check the back of the TV. If there is a switch that says "Input", or "Antenna / CATV" then the TV is probably cable ready. For non cable ready TV's.

How do I get a cable to hook up to my TV or VCR?

Coaxial cables are available from several local sources:

Radio Shack - Two locations - 20th & K Streets NW, or 1 block north of the Tenleytown Metro stop. (www.radioshack.com)
Best Buy - Pentagon City Metro station, mall to your right as you exit, or Tenleytown Metro Station. (www.bestbuy.com)

Why am I only getting channels 4 to 20?

If you are only getting reception on channels 4, 5, 7, 9, and 20, then there is a problem with the cable signal. Before you call RESNET check that your TV or VCR:

Is cable ready
Has the cable's plugged in correctly and tightly
Has been programmed for cable channel reception

If this doesn't resolve your problem see What next?

I am getting no signal at all

Make sure that the power to your TV is working. If the TV is on, but you are getting no signal, check that the power has not been turned off to the unit recently (tripped circuit breaker, unplugged temporarily, etc.) If the power has been off, try reprogramming the TV or VCR for cable reception (many modern units will lose their channel programming if the power is cut off to the device)

How do I set my TV or VCR for Cable reception?

Check the back of the TV for a switch that may be labeled "Antenna / CATV", or a three position switch labeled something like"STD/IRC/HRC" If the first, set for CATV, if the second, set for STD. Most recent units have this function as part of the on-screen programming menu, usually accessed by the remote control. Check your owner's manual for details, usually it is a setting called "signal"

How do I autoprogram my TV or VCR?

The "autoprogram" feature is usually necessary

A) the first time you connect your TV or VCR to the cable source
B) Often, if the unit has been unplugged or the power to the outlet turned off (Circuit breaker blown, etc.)

Check that your TV or VCR is ready to receive cable (How do I set my TV to receive cable) then use your remote control to activate the onscreen menu (alternatively, there may be a "program" button on the front of the unit) Select "autoprogram" on the menu; the TV or VCR will search for all active channels, you will see the channel number indicator advance as it searches.

I don't have the original remote for my TV or VCR

While it is possible to buy after market remotes that will access the basic functions of your equipment, many of these will NOT activate advanced features such as on-screen programming. If this is the case with your TV or VCR, you may need to contact the manufacturer for a replacement control unit.

Why are some of the lower channels very fuzzy?

This is usually a symptom of a bad cable connection; make sure that the coaxial cable you are using to connect to the wall jack is of good quality and is in working condition, and is tightly secured to the wall and equipment. If this doesn't solve the problem, see What next?

What channels are provided?

Visit STS's online channel lineup

What next?

Still having trouble? For further assistance please call our hotline at (202) 994-7041 during business hours. You can also reach us by e-mail at sts@gwu.edu.