Cable TV (CATV) FAQs
The following FAQs pertain to the UNC-CH Cable TV (CATV) service. This service is primarily designed for on-campus residents, although some departments may subscribe to the service as well. The service is managed by Information Technology Services.
Where can I find a list of the available Cable TV channels?
Where do I get support for the Cable TV service?
How can I see what shows are playing?
Are High-Definition (HD) channels available?
Why aren’t all of my channels in High-Definition?
How do I view channels on the UNC Campus Cable system?
Why can't I receive digital channels on my HD-ready TV?
How do I view the HD channels?
Can I view cable channels on my computer?
How do I request a specific channel or a premium channel (HBO, pay-per-view) be added to the lineup?
Where can I find a list of the available Cable TV channels?
An updated listing of the channels offered by UNC can be found on the ITS Telecom website.
Where do I get support for the Cable TV service?
If you experience problems or need help setting up your Cable TV, you may contact ResNET if you live on-campus or ITS. The majority of problems related to the Cable TV service can be resolved by configuring the television to rescan for Cable TV channels. The directions for rescanning vary depending on the make and model of your TV. We recommend referring to the manual to find the specific instructions.
How can I see what shows are playing?
You can view the channel guide by tuning to Channel 99.
Are High-Definition (HD) channels available?
We provide access to the following local HD network channels:
5.1 - WRAL DT
5.2 - WRAL NC
11.1 - WTVD HD
11.2 - WTVD D2
11.3 - WTVD D3
17.1 - NBC17 HD
17.2 - NBC17 SD
17.3 - NBC17 WX
50.1 - WRAZ HD
50.2 - WRAZ DT
50.3 - WRAL WX
Why aren’t all of my channels in High-Definition?
The cable TV system at UNC is actually a combination of analog (non-HD or standard definition) channels via a Satellite provider and digital local network stations. In order to provide 100% digital or HD channels, we would have to change our satellite feed to an HD feed. At some point in the future we will move in that direction based on the recommendation of RHA.
How do I view channels on the UNC Campus Cable system?
In order to view these channels, your TV must be setup to view CATV (cable TV) instead of ANT (antenna). Then you need to let your TV auto-scan or auto-program the channels. See your owner’s manual for directions.
Why can't I receive digital channels on my HD-ready TV?
The term “HD Ready” is somewhat misleading. Generally it means that the TV is capable of displaying a picture resolution of 720p or 1080i/p. However, this does not mean it is capable of receiving/tuning digital channels. Check your owner manual to see if it mentions a “digital tuner” or if the TV has any indication of an “ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuner.” One easy way to determine this is see if your remote control will allow you to tune to a station like “5.1” or “5-1”. TV’s without a digital tuner do not have the “period” or “dash” key on their remotes. The only way to add this functionality is to purchase a Over-the-Air HD Tuner or a new TV, as all TV’s produced after 2007 were required to have a digital tuner installed.
How do I view the HD channels?
After scanning all of the channels as noted above, see if your TV remote or computer software allows you to tune to channels with decimal points (e.g. 5.1) or dashes (e.g. 5-1). If so, simply type in “5.1” or “5-1”. The decimal or dash is required. Otherwise, you would tune to channel 51.
Can I view cable channels on my computer?
Yes, but you will need to purchase a TV tuner that connects to your computer. In order to watch the HD channels that we offer, the tuner must be able to tune QAM signals. In order to watch the regular CATV channels, it must be able to tune ATSC channels.
How do I request a specific channel or a premium channel (HBO, pay-per-view) be added to the lineup?
In general there is no way to add specific channels for specific users. The Residence Hall Association makes channel recommendations on behalf of residents. You should submit your feedback to your local representative. The addition of premium channels would most likely not be cost effective for campus.
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