SPU offers residential Cable TV service to all on-campus dormitories and most on-campus apartments. Cable TV service includes local stations as well as popular national stations.
| Info | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
|
| Note |
|---|
SPU’s Residential Cable TV services were upgraded in the summer of 2014 to include High Definition (HDTV) channels. This advanced technology requires that connecting devices support QAM-HDTV programming, either through internal QAM tuners or external QAM converter boxes. It is the responsibility of the student to bring a TV with an internal QAM tuner, or a TV plus an external QAM converter box to take advantage of campus television service. |
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.
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.
Free News Broadcasts
There are many free news streaming services available via the Internet. Here are some examples:
- newson.us
- haystack.tv
- localnow.com
- cbsnews.com
- abcnews.go.com
- nbcnews.com
- foxnews.com/gowatch (local TV provider subscription required)
Streaming TV Services
In addition to free streaming services, numerous paid services are available for a monthly fee. These allow you to watch shows and live sports. Here are some examples:
- CBS All Access - Paramount + ($5/mo)
- Hulu Live ($45/mo)
- YouTubeTV ($49/mo)
- ATT TV Now ($50/mo)
- SlingTV ($25/mo)
- FuboTV ($55/mo)
- ESPN+
Streaming Bundles
| Note |
|---|
Quoted prices were accurate at the time of this writing; fees are subject to change. |
Historically, SPU has offered cable TV programming services to on-campus residence halls and apartments. With the advent of streaming subscription services, however, the number of students using residential cable service has plummeted, making this an expensive and largely underutilized service. Beginning Summer 2022, residential TV services will only be offered in residential commons TV areas; persons desiring additional TV service should refer to the listings noted above.