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S-23 Linquist Center, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1589
PHONE: 319-335-5730 | FAX: 319-335-6116
Emails:
WSUI@uiowa.edu | KSUI@uiowa.edu | UITV@uiowa.edu | cabletv@uiowa.edu

Hookup Instructions | Watching Free Channels While Recording Cable Channels

CAMPUS VIDEO SERVICE
SIMPLIFIED HOOKUP INSTRUCTIONS

Consult the printed information you were given or our Cable Box User's Guide for additional hookup and operating instructions if needed.

1. Obtain a good quality coaxial cable. You will need this cable to connect the cable box to the cable wall outlet. Avoid using cables that are cheap and flimsy.  They can cause poorer quality pictures and operational problems with your cable box.  Use the cable we issued to connect the cable box to your TV.

If you need additional cables, we recommend purchasing them at Cellular Phone Booth.  They are located behind Hardee's at 216 1st Ave. in Coralville.  Their phone number is (319) 354-2355.  A Coralville bus stop is located nearby.  Cellular Phone Booth will make TV cables to length.  Their made to length cables are very good quality.  We have also found that cables made specifically for DSS satellite dish installations also work very well.

2. Connect one of your cables directly between your room's TV outlet and the "Input" connection on back of the cable box.  The cable box will now be able to receive the authorization signal.  Other equipment connected before the input of the cable box will cause improper operation of your cable box.  Connect the cable box "Output" connection to the "VHF input" on your TV.  You may insert a VCR or video game between the cable box "Output" and the TV.  It may take 24 hours from the time you connect your cable box before it will authorize.  The following are cable box connection diagrams for TV Only and TV with VCR installations.

3. Tune your TELEVISION and VCR (if you have one) to Channel 3. It may be necessary to program your television and VCR to be able to receive channel 3. Refer to your equipment's operation manual for instructions.

4. Change channels by pressing the "+" or "-" buttons on the cable box or the cable box's remote control.  You will need 2 AAA batteries for the remote control.  Cable TV service will not be viewable unless you leave your TV and VCR on channel 3.  Don't forget that you must also program your VCR to record channel 3 whenever you use the VCR's timer feature as well.

5. If your cable does not work, CALL the Campus Video System office at 335-5898 during normal working hours.  Please be near your equipment when you call.  We will be able to talk you through most problems with your equipment and cabling.  We may schedule you for a service call if necessary.  DO NOT disconnect the cable box and bring it in for service unless you have been instructed to do so by a CVS employee.

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Note... This cabling is not simple however it is the only way to do so and keep your cable box operational short of buying two subscriptions to CVS.

HOW TO WATCH FREE SERVICE CHANNELS WHILE RECORDING CABLE CHANNELS

(Free service channels include channels: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.)

diagram to watch channels while recording

PARTS LIST: (Items below not available through CVS. Available at most TV & VCR dealers.)

  • 6 cables - type RG-6 or RG-59 coax with properly installed "F" connectors.
  • 1 "two-way" splitter with "F" connections.
  • 1 "AB" switch with "F" connections
  • 1 matching "transformer" (not needed if TV has "F" connector for VHF).

IMPORTANT NOTES:

"F" Connections are the type of connection used for the Input and output of the cable box.

Use TV's and VCR's VHF connections as indicated above. REMOVE ANY WIRES that are already connected to the VHF connections. DO NOT USE THE UHF CONNECTIONS!

MAKE SURE VCR is tuned to channel 3. The output channel (3 or 4) switch should be on channel 3 position as well. TV and VCR turners can be programmed to put almost any channel on their "channel 3" location. They must be actually "tuned" to channel 3 for the cable channels to come in. Refer to the manuals for your equipment for instructions on programming channel if necessary.

When properly connection, with the "AB" switch in "A" position you can select what you want to watch with the tuner in the TV while recording the channel selected on the cable box. When "AB" switch is in the "B" position and the TV is tuned to channel 3 you can watch what is being received by or play on the VCR.

If you have trouble making this work, consult your instruction manuals first. If still have problems, contact Campus Video System repair at 335-5898 or fill out our Trouble Report Form.

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