What is QAM-HDTV and how can I tell if my television supports it?
QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) is one of three types of HD Cable tuners and the one required on our campus. The other two standards (NTSC and ATSC) are NOT supported on the campus cable TV system.
Only QAM (or Clear QAM) tuners will work on the campus cable TV system.
- Most (but not all) TVs manufactured since 2006 have an HDTV tuner, though not all of these support QAM. The best way to determine if your TV will work on campus is to check the owner’s manual or online specifications to be sure it has an internal “QAM-capable” tuner.
- If your TV is a flat-panel LCD unit and has a built-in coaxial cable plug, it could be QAM capable - however - some "HD tuners" are NTSC or ATSC only, not QAM. Check the specifications to be sure it is QAM-HD.
- If your TV has a knob on the front to change channels it is NOT QAM capable.
- If your TV does not have a coaxial cable plug, it is NOT QAM capable.
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications of any TV or converter box for "QAM" capability, not just "HD," or "ATSC" or "NTSC."If your TV does not have an internal QAM tuner, you will need to either buy a new one or purchase a QAM converter box. Here are a couple we know of (provided only as examples): iView 3500STBII, Kworld HDmi.
Also note that coaxial TV cables (from the wall jack to your TV) are not provided and are the responsibility of the student to bring.
