Information for Current Residents - NMU Housing and Residence Life

Digital TV's (QAM Tuner Required)

Northern Michigan University's incoming cable signal is digital which means that in order to take advantage of the campus digital cable service, you need a digital TV with a built-in QAM tuner.  If the TV does not have the QAM tuner, then the TV will not display any signal or sound. If your TV does not have a QAM tuner, you should either purchase one that does or purchase an aftermarket conversion box. The iView 3500STBII Multi-Function-Converter is one that we have found to work quite well. Housing and Residence Life does not sell these converter boxes.

TV Set-Up

When setting up a TV, you will need to go into the TV's menu and scan for channels by selecting the auto programming mode. Make sure your TV is scanning in the cable mode and not antenna mode. Some televisions can take 15-20 minutes to complete the auto programming cycle, so please be patient as it sets up.

Troubleshooting

If the auto programming does not seem to be working in your room there are some things to try before contacting the residence life staff in your building.

1. Try your TV and coaxial cable in a room with a working TV signal (suitemate, friend's room, TV room). If it does not work, then try using the coaxial cable from the TV that was working. If that does not work, then you need a new coaxial cable or your TV does not have a QAM tuner.
2. Have someone whose TV is working in their room connect to the cable outlet in your room and see if their TV works. If it does, then you either need a new coaxial cable or your TV does not have a QAM tuner. If your friend's television does not work, then contact the Housing and Residence Life office as outlined below.

If you do not have a QAM tuner, the iView 3500STBII Multi-Function-Converter is one that we have found to work quite well.

Questions or Problems

If you experience problems or if the procedures above do not work, please DO NOT contact Charter Communications directly.  If you have followed the troubleshooting steps above and it appears as though the cable connection in your room is not functioning correctly, please email the Housing and Residence Life Office at housing@nmu.edu and include your name, full campus address, a description of the problem, the make and model of your TV, and a phone number where you can be reached.

All student rooms are provided with a blue recycling bin. The bin is considered part of the room inventory.  When the bin is full, take it outside to the recycling dumpster.  Click here to learn more about recycling at NMU.