Television Compatibility

Incompatible Televisions / Devices

We have identified the following manufacturers and models of televisions/devices that do not have the necessary tuners and will not work with the Georgia Tech Cable Network:

Incompatible Televisions
Manufacturer Model(s)
Dynex Most Models
Element All Models
Emerson Most Models2
Insignia Most Models
LG All Models Prior to 2007
RCA Most Models
Samsung All Models Prior to 2009
Sceptre All Models
Seiki All Models
Sony All Models Prior to 2007
Sylvania All Models
Toshiba All Models Prior to 2007
Westinghouse Most Models1
Incompatible Devices
Manufacturer Model
iView 3x00STB (Digital Tuner Box)
RCA DTA800B1 (Digital Tuner Box)

Details on the specific requirements for compatible televisions, as well as potential remedies to allow for channel reception, are detailed below.

1Some Westinghouse models have QAM tuners that can be activated with a four-digit code. Details
2Some Emerson models are unable to receive audio on standard definition channels.

 

Digital Tuner Boxes

A less expensive option (compared to purchasing a new television) that will allow you to receive channels is to purchase an external digital tuner box. Just like the TV, you should ensure that the tuner boxes includes a QAM tuner, and not just an ATSC tuner. Most tuner boxes available at electronic stores from over-the-air digital TV transition do not include this tuner, so be sure to verify the specifications from the manufacturer. If you aren't sure if it's compatible, feel free to send us the manufacturer and model number. We'll investigate and let you know if it's compatible.

Recommended Digital Tuner Box

We have tested and support the PrimeDTV PHD-208 Digital Tuner Box. This tuner box has been tested and is 100% compatible with GTCN. This tuner box can be purchased online for approximately $120 (excluding tax, shipping) from the manufacturer's website.

USB/Network TV Tuners

We do not support the use of TV tuners used to receive channels on a computer. Most of these tuners do not have the proper shielding or tuner to receive channels optimally on GTCN. We recommend purchasing a standalone TV over the purchase of a USB/network TV tuner for a computer to ensure compatibility.

Tuner Types

QAM TUNER (COMPATIBLE)

QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is the format by which digital cable channels are encoded and transmitted via cable television providers, including Georgia Tech. A QAM tuner is the cable equivalent of an ATSC tuner which receives over-the-air digital channels broadcast by local television stations. Many new digital televisions support both of these standards. Because there is no requirement, though, some inexpensive manufacturers or models may not include the QAM tuner.

NTSC TUNER (NOT COMPATIBLE)

NTSC, named for the National Television System Committee, is the analog television system used in the United States from 1941 to 2009. After nearly 70 years of use, the FCC ordered the discontinuation of most over-the-air NTSC transmissions in the United States in 2009. Analog channels are still available on many cable systems to provide basic programming without the use of a cable conversion box. Some manufacturers no longer include this type of tuner in televisions built after 2009.

ATSC TUNER (NOT COMPATIBLE)

An ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuner, often called an ATSC receiver or HDTV tuner is a type of television tuner that allows reception of digital television (DTV) television channels transmitted by television stations in North America. The FCC required all television manufacturers to include an ATSC tuner in all products since 2007, and required television broadcasters to switch in 2009. This type of tuner is currently included in all new televisions, including the inexpensive "digital conversion boxes" that were widely available leading up to the 2009 switchover.