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Students can use the tips below if they are having issues configuring their TV. Find out more on the Cable TV and SpectrumU at Syracuse University page.

Table of Contents

TV Channel Setup

Before You Start

Ensure that the power cord is securely fastened to the TV and to the wall outlet. A surge protector is preferred.
Ensure the coaxial cable you plug into the wall outlet is plugged into the "IN" jack on the TV.

Tips for First Time Setup

If you are plugging in your TV for the first time and you are using the TV's tuner, run the "Auto Program":

Open the menu. This is often selectable via a Menu, Programming or Action Button on your remote (some TVs also have a menu button on the TV).
Navigate to the Setup/Channel area of the menu.
If you are prompted to choose between Off-Air and Cable, Select Cable or CATV.
Identify the auto program feature and select it. This can also be called "Channel Scan" or "Initial Setup".
Your TV should now automatically scroll through the channels. This can several minutes to complete.
Save the changes (if required) and Exit.

Not all television brands use the term "auto-program". Some TV's will refer to a "search" or a "channel scan". There are also televisions that require and initial setup or first-time setup process to be run in order to program the stations. Reference your television-specific owner's manual to be sure you are programming the channels correctly.

If you are not getting all the channels, try the following:

If the TV has a CATV switch or function in the menu, make sure it is set to CATV.

Reference your owner's manual to ensure you have programmed the channels properly.

Shut off TV.
Disconnect CATV connection from back of TV
Turn TV back on.
Run Channel Scan/Setup on "Cable".
Turn off TV
Re-connect CATV connection.
Turn TV back on.
Re-run Channel Scan/Setup on "Cable".
At this point, the channel scan should take less than 10 minutes and should find all channels, both Digital as well as Analog. This has been known to work on newer Vizio TVs bought within the past couple years.

If the cable service is not working:

Ensure the coaxial cable coming from the wall is plugged into the "IN" jack on the TV (or VCR, DVD).
Make sure you have changed the televisions input to the corresponding input if you have a cable box, or to the TV tuner if you are connecting directly to the wall.
Check your owner's manual to ensure your TV has a QAM tuner. Older analog televisions not compatible with with QAM TV service are not support.

No Signal/Broken Wall Outlet

If the cable TV wall outlet in your residence hall room is physically broken, you are not receiving a signal after attempting to program your television or you just need more assistance with setup, please call the ITS Service Center at 315.443.2677 or email help@syr.edu.

Connecting TVs to the Internet

Wireless Connection

Unlike cell phones, tablets, and computers, other devices are not supported on AirOrangeX but can connect to the residential wireless network Gadgets&Games. Gadget&Games has not username and password.

Wired Connection

Internet-connected devices with an Ethernet port such as gaming systems and streaming devices can connect automatically to the wired residential network (ResNet). To connect, plug an Ethernet cable into your computer and the wall jack labeled “RN.”

Find out more by visiting our Using Devices on the Campus Networks page.

Can't Connect? If your device is having trouble connecting to Gadget&Games or the wired network, you are encouraged to remove existing network configurations and settings and attempt to connect again. Please reference the Need Help section contacting ITS if your issue persist.

Need Help?

For support of the information above, contact the ITS Help Desk by calling at 315.443.2677, by emailing help@syr.edu, or by stopping into 1-227 CST.