Troubleshooting

Check out the Setting Up Campus Cable section for step-by-step instructions.  You will need a CATV grade coaxial cable to attach the cable jack on your wall to your digital cable ready (QAM) TV or converter. If you don't have one, they can be purchased at any electronics store. Before you buy, measure the distance from the wall jack to your TV or converter. Try not to buy an excessively long coaxial cable. Tell the store that you need an RG-6 CATV-grade cable, 75-ohm, "F" type male connectors on both ends.

The cable television signal is always on, so you don't need to call anyone to order service. The system has been designed to work with all "digital cable ready (QAM)" TVs and converters. Most new TVs are digital cable ready (QAM in the clear tuner). However, if your TV is not digital cable ready, you will need to purchase a cable converter box capable of receiving QAM (digital cable) or a newer set, and possibly some additional equipment, depending on your requirements. From feedback, it is often more efficient to buy a newer TV than a converter. If you have additional problems, submit a request online using the Cable Service Request Form. 

You can purchase a QAM capable cable converter.  Here's a link to a digital-to-analog converter. You can find them at most electronics stores or online for purchase. Be sure it is compatible for use with digital cable (QAM), which is listed in the specifications of the equipment.

1. Is your TV/converter/device capable of receiving digital cable channels (QAM)? If not, we recommend a search for one that is. Typically a TV/converter/device that is capable of working properly on our system will either say it is capable of receiving digital cable or QAM in the clear channels.
2. Did you attempt to autoscan/autoprogram your TV? Simply hooking it up alone is half of the process. You'll need to go into your TV’s menu and set it for cable. You must also perform a channel search/scan for channels. This process is sometimes up to a half hour. This process must finish for channels to be available. Please refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions, as all TV’s programming method varies.

If you just connected your TV to NYU Campus Cable, you must also perform a channel scan/search. Before doing so, we recommend that you ensure the connections at the TV and wallplate are hand-tight. After you perform a channel scan, all channels should appear. If they do not, you will require a service call.

Each TV’s menu is truly designed different. Sometimes it is referred to as a channel scan, autosearch, autotune, etc. If you don't still have the manual that came with your TV, the best option is to do an internet search for the make and model will sometimes bring you to the manufacturer’s website.

You should autoscan/ autosearch for channels upon first connecting your TV to NYU Campus Cable. It is also recommended to rescan for channels every semester as well.

Typically we first recommend a channel scan/search. If this does not correct the problem, we recommend that you contact your TV manufacturer. If your TV is not displaying the channel names or numbers properly, a firmware fix is sometimes required. Your TV manufacturer’s website or customer service should be able to assist.

Don't worry! Submit a Cable Service Request Form, and a technician will be in touch with you shortly. Please check your email for replies and reply accordingly. Sometimes a simple fix can be presented to you through email before a technician is dispatched. Before submitting a service request, please note that our cable system operates via microwave so reception may be temporarily affected during periods of severe weather. NEVER REMOVE OR MODIFY THE WALL PLATE AND JACK IN YOUR ROOM! Tampering can result in electric shock or system outages, and you will be responsible for all repair costs.

There are other ways to watch Campus Cable while at NYU.

Firstly, you can stream channels with the Philo streaming service.  Visit the Philo FAQ

Programs from HBO and Cinemax can be watched on HBO GO & Max GO respectively - these services are included with Campus Cable! Visit the HBO GO & Max GO FAQ

If you have a PC (and meet the requirements of the tuning device) you may turn your PC into a TV [in your room] with a TV Stick. Please note: this method will require you to also be wired into a NYU Campus Cable outlet. Also remember that any device used on our system must be capable of tuning QAM (digital cable), as this example. Lastly, using a TV Stick will also create its own channel numbers and will not match our channel guide.

To use any internet connected device on the NYU network (wired or wireless), you must contact NYU ITS. They will be able to assist you with setting up and troubleshooting your device that you would like connected on the NYU network.

We do not provide digital to analog converters. As digital tuners been on the market for several years, most residence have digital cable ready sets. Our signal is non-scrambled/encrypted so anyone with a digital cable ready (QAM) set is capable of getting our service.

Campus Cable receives its programming from a satellite provider. The digital signals provided are approximately the same size as a raindrop. As a storm intensifies, the rain creates a curtain affect, making it difficult for the signals to pass through. Campus Cable uses the highest quality satellite equipment but has seen effects of this only in the worst conditions. This causes a tiling affect or "little squares" as referred to by some students. During a loss of signal ("SEARCHING FOR SATELLITE SIGNAL") will appear on the screen until the storm passes.

No, as our signal is QAM in the clear, we do not have a need to offer this service. Most major cable companies offer this as an alternate to cable boxes simply because they offer premium services that are encrypted. Adding such devices to our system would not be needed and would add to the cost of service.

If this occurs when a sports game is being played, it means the channel is blacked out in this area, and the problem is beyond our control. We monitor the channels throughout the day and if the logo is present on a channel, it will be up and running again shortly.

Typically we start the process immediately after a ticket is booked. Wait times are based on a first come, first serve basis. Sometimes we can offer suggestions or assistance through our ticket system as well. We recommend to thoroughly read the updates and reply when appropriate. Remember to also view our days and hours of operation and our service bulletins!