CableTV Troubleshooting Guide

If these troubleshooting topics do not help you to successfully correct the problem, please contact the Telecom Service Line at 412-268-8500 for assistance. 

I don't get all of the channels.
Run the "auto program" feature on your cable ready TV. 

I don't get any channels, or maybe only one or two.
Check to make sure that your television is correctly connected to the CableTV wall outlet. Try using a neighbor's connecting cable or television in place of your own. If you still have problems, check to see if you're the only one on the floor or in the building to have problems. Then, call the Telecom's Service Line at x8-8500 to report the outage. We'll respond as soon as possible.

I get channels 2 thru 13 but no others.
Check to make sure that your television is a "Cable-Ready" model. If it is not, you will need to purchase a converter (or use a "Cable-Ready" VCR) to allow your set to tune channels 14 and up.

If your set is "Cable-Ready", check to make sure that you have correctly set the television to the "CATV" or "CABLE" mode. If your television is set for the 'normal' or 'off-air' mode, it will not be able to receive cable channels above 13 (but you will probably get a weak signal on channels 16, 22, 40, or 53).

I have problems with Channel 11 (and maybe ch. 2).
If you have good pictures on almost all channels, but have a really bad problem on Channel 11, then you are the victim of a bad cable. Since CMU is located near the Ch. 11 transmitter, if a poorly shielded cable is used in your television hookup, the cable channel and 'over-the-air' channel will combine to cause a bad picture. This can be easily and quickly cured by replacing all old or thin cables (more on this) with a new cable available from the Computer Store in Cyert Hall.

Thin cables, as are provided with video games and VCRs, tend to have poor shielding, and will be the a likely cause of this problem.

Your video game adapter may also be the cause of the Channel 11 problem. Please try removing the adapter before calling for service.

If you are still experiencing problems after replacing all cables, please call the Telecom Service Line at x88500 to schedule a service call to further investigate the problem.

Can I get a Premium Package including HBO and/or Pay-Per-View?
Premium packages including HBO and PayPerView are available directly through our CableTV provider for an additional fee.  For information and to sign-up go to http://www.fallsearth.com/campus/15213/ and select “Subscription Services”.

I lost my remote control. What should I do?
Purchase a universal remote to replace the lost remote control. 

The cable that runs from the TV to the wall outlet isn't long enough. Where can I purchase one?
A standard TV cable can be purchased at the University Store or store that carries electronics accessories. 

Can I access cableTV on my computer using the Carnegie Mellon network?
Telecommunications does not provide or support TV service via the Carnegie Mellon network.  If you have a tv tuner and would like to try to connect, you must follow the manufacturer's instructions. 

If these troubleshooting topics do not help you to successfully correct the problem, please contact the Telecom Service Line at 412-268-8500 for assistance.