Cable TV—DTV and the Capitol Connection

Select one of the local channels (7 for example) and channel up or down to determine if you’re receiving more than one channel 7.  The channel designations are channels 7.1 and 7.2. The same is true for channels 4 (4.1 & 4.2) and 9 (9.1 & 9.2).

Select the local channel on the STB. Channel up or down on the STB and check the “on screen” display information for the channel type.  Digital channels will be either STD or HD.  Although the window on the STB will show one channel number, 7 for example, the STB should allow you to select two channels for 7 (7.1 & 7.2) or 9 (9.1 & 9.2) for example.

Digital TV Basics

To view the digital Capitol Connection (QAM) and the local broadcast channels (ATSC - 4, 5, 7, 9 and 26) you need both a QAM and an ATSC tuner. Some customers receive these programs using NTSC (via analog “headend”) technology. If your TV does not receive QAM and NTSC signals, contact us at 703-993-3100 about purchasing a set top box.

The information below describes TV receive equipment that offers both QAM and ATSC digital reception. It is not intended as an endorsement of specific models or brands. It does reflect our customers' experience with these products.* Please note: manufacturers may change the technical specifications without changing the model number.

Digital TVs

LG Model: 20LS7D, 20” Class LCD HDTV (19.7” diagonal) - Tuning QAM/ATSC and NTSC signals only took one step. http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/tv%7Caudio%7Cvideo_lcd%20flat%20panel__20LS7D.jhtml

Computers and Digital TV Programming

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q, Model 1191 is a USB stick (for USB2 ports only) that is Windows XP and Vista compatible and may work with a Mac. It tunes our QAM as well as ATSC/NTSC, stores all the stations in memory on the computer and switches fairly quickly between formats. Approximate cost $90 (Amazon, Micro Center, etc.)

If you have any questions, please call 703-993-3100 or send email to capcon@gmu.edu

* The Capitol Connection/GMUIF does not endorse any products or companies. By providing this information, we assume no financial or other responsibility for any relationship established by and between any company or organization listed on tour website.

Most local programmers are inserting their station identification in the lower right or upper left portion of the screen identifying it as a digital television (DTV) station.  Check the identification for the digital designation.  For example channel 4 reads WRC-DTV.

Reception problems are often due to tuning issues and can be remedied over the phone.   If you are not receiving multiple channels for channels 4, 7 or 9, or are unable to identify the local stations as digital or have any questions, please call The Capitol Connection for assistance at (703) 993-3100.  You get the local stations by using a standard TV antenna so there is no charge for this programming.  The Capitol Connection only ‘facilitates’ your local channel reception and does not broadcast them over our cable system, therefore, we cannot guarantee their reception.  As a result of this, there will be a charge for repairs that require an on-site visit by our technicians.  We look forward to helping you through this local broadcast station digital transition that promises to provide more programming options, crisp clear pictures, and enhanced audio.