Our cable TV provider gets select programming from DirectTV, offering the most popular cable and local Philadelphia channels. In addition, there is the added benefit where we now have nearly all New York City "over the air" channels. (NY channels are obtained directly by roof antennas and are subject to interference due to weather and distance to NY.)
Rider resident students can watch TV on their devices, including laptops, tablets and smartphones from anywhere on campus. This exclusive system will offer a program guide and the ability to go backwards up to two weeks to watch a program you may have missed as all streaming TV channels are always recorded. Click here for additional information on streaming cable TV.
VERY IMPORTANT: Students will need to perform a new channel scan as our channel lineup has changed. See below for more information.
Cable TV
Rider University only offers digital cable TV channels. You will need to have a digital television equipped with a digital “QAM” or “Clear QAM” tuner to receive TV programs. If you have an older digital TV with the QAM tuner, you may find that some channels have sound but no picture. In this case, you can get a ROKU player, load in the StreemeTV app, and follow these instructions for usage.
Which cable TV channels are available on campus?
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. Students will need to purchase a 75 ohm coaxial cable to connect a 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. Cables are available in most stores that carry electronics. A heavier coaxial cable (RG-6) is recommended for better picture quality as well as a length of 15 to 25 feet to reach most areas of rooms. Be careful not to bend the center copper pin on either end of your cable when connecting them. Use of a splitter is discouraged as it could compromise the TV signal and cause reception issues. Need more help? Watch the video on connecting the TV to cable.
Programming Your Television Channels
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. If you have an older digital TV with the QAM tuner, you may find that some channels have sound but no picture. In this case, you can get a ROKU player, load in the StreemeTV app, and follow these instructions for using it.
Cable TV Problems?
Privatel provides a live, 24/7/365 U.S. based service department that is ready to handle student resident TV and streaming issues. To report service-related issues:
Email: [email protected]
Toll-free telephone: 800-801-3323
Please be sure to provide your full name, phone number, residence hall, room number and the detailed issue you are having when contacting Privatel.
Once a work order has been created, Privatel technicians will work remotely to assess the issue being reported and rectify the problem. If the issue is determined to be a room specific issue, then Privatel will work with Rider's Residence Life office to determine the best day/time to schedule a visit to the room experiencing the issue.