Cable TV
Download up-to-date channel listings
Please note that as of August 2009, major enhancements have been made to Rider’s cable TV system which will now give you the opportunity, with the proper equipment, to receive numerous digital cable channels. It is very important to read the following details in order to take advantage of the additional programming choices now available.
How to Connect:
All residence hall rooms have one cable television outlet which resembles the “antenna or cable” input on the back of your television. You will need to purchase a 75 ohm coaxial cable to connect your television to the outlet. There are 2 types, "screw-on" and "push-on". Either will work, but "screw-on" is highly recommended for better reception. They are available in most stores that carry electronics. We recommend heavier coaxial cable (RG-6) for better picture quality as well as a length of 15 to 25 feet to reach most areas of your dorm room. Be careful not to bend the center copper pin on either end of your cable when connecting them. Please note that we encourage you not to use a splitter. Use of a splitter could compromise the TV signal and cause reception issues.
Standard Cable TV Service:
If you have a standard (non digital or non Hi Definition) television that is cable ready, you will be able to receive the basic cable channel lineup listed on the OIT Media Services website. Almost all older TVs are cable ready and should be able to receive basic cable TV service. There are no pay-per-view or premium channels offered.
Digital Cable TV Service:
Rider University is proud to announce additional digital channels that have been added to the channel lineup which is listed on the OIT Media Services website. This nearly doubles the number of channels previously available as well as offering a few commercial free movie networks like Movieplex, Indiplex, a series of Encore movie channels as well as IFC and Sundance. In order to take advantage of these new offerings, you will need to have a digital television equipped with “QAM” or “Clear QAM” to receive digital programs. High Definition channels require a TV with QAM and HD Ready capability.
Installing Your Television:
For most TVs, when initially plugging in the power cord and connecting the coaxial cable to the cable television outlet, it will need to be told to "search" for available channels. Consult your TV manual to find out how your model television can be programmed. Most TVs will need to be set up with the “Cable TV” or “Digital Cable” as the program source. After setting this parameter, you will use the “scan” or “learn” feature to scan for available channels. We highly suggest that you perform the scanning process at least once a month since our cable provider may move or add channels at any time. Of course if you get stuck or need general assistance, please contact the OIT Help Desk for further assistance.
Other Methods for Digital Service:
There are other methods that will allow you to use your older TV or even your computer for receiving digital channels. You can use a DVD recorder that has a built in QAM tuner that can pass digital channels to your older television. There are other options like a PC TV Tuner card with QAM tuning or an external USB 2.0 tuner with QAM tuning. If the computer option is chosen, be sure that the hardware you purchase has software included which will allow you to watch TV on your computer.
