Cable FAQ

As an on-campus resident, cable service is available on your TV in each residence hall room and streaming via Stream2 on your computer, mobile device, Roku, FireTV, or Apple TV anywhere on campus.

Where do I find the cable channel lineup?
Visit www.marshall.edu/housing/cable.

What equipment will I need to connect my TV to the cable system?
The preferred method of access is from Stream2 on the device of your choice. Using Stream2 provides a searchable lineup, schedule guide, and DVR. Standard coaxial cable and a TV with a QAM tuner or an external QAM tuner is another option.

What is a QAM tuner?
QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is the format by which digital cable channels are encoded and transmitted via cable television providers.

In order to connect your TV to the digital cable a QAM tuner is required. You must check the specifications from your TV manufacturer to determine if it includes the required tuner. The types of tuners currently in use in the United States are listed here for your reference.

  1. QAM Tuner (REQUIRED) QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is the format by which digital cable channels are encoded and transmitted via cable television providers, including Marshall University. 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 cable-ready digital televisions support both of these standards. Because there is no requirement, though, some very inexpensive manufacturers or models may not include the QAM tuner. Please be advised that less expensive TVs sometimes come with a lower quality QAM tuner that may be unable to tune all of the channels. We have found this to be true of bargain brands. If that is the case a digital conversion box can be loaned from Housing and Residence Life.
  2. NTSC and ATSC tuners are not compatible with the campus cable system.

If your television does not have a QAM tuner, you can update your television, purchase an external QAM tuner, or borrow an external QAM tuner from Housing and Residence Life. Marshall has tested and recommends the following tuner: Pico Digital -HD-2.1-High Definition MPEG-2/4 QAM Set-Top Box with CAS

Do all QAM tuners work with the cable system?
Our cable provider has compiled the following information about television compatibility, and provide this list as an informal reference for newer devices. This information is compiled from staff and student reports, and is not intended to be complete. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information. You should verify the specifications when you make a purchase. As a general rule a TV without a tuner will be referred to as a display in the product description. In order to be called a TV one of the 3 tuners listed above are required.

  • Dynex – Only limited models have a QAM tuner
  • Element – Only limited models have a QAM tuner
  • Insignia – Only limited models have a QAM tuner
  • LG – Most models since 2007 have a QAM tuner
  • Samsung – All models since 2009 have a QAM tuner (fifth digit of model number must be B or higher)
  • Seiki – Only limited models have a QAM tuner
  • Sony – Most models since 2007 have a QAM tuner
  • Sylvania – Do not appear to have QAM tuners
  • Toshiba – Most models since 2007 have a QAM tuner
  • Vizio – Some models have a QAM tuner. Vizio has started selling tuner free displays.
  • Westinghouse – Some models require QAM tuner activation

How do I set-up my TV?


Method 1: Stream2

  1. Download the Stream2 app from Apogee for your device. (see these instructions).
  2. Open the app and search for Marshall University.
  3. Sign-in with your MUNet username and password.
  4. If desired, connect the device to your TV.

Method 1: Internal QAM tuner

  1. Connect one end of the coax cable into the wall jack and the other end to the TV.
  2. Set the TV to CABLE or CATV. This setting is normally located in the menu or set-up option however it varies depending on the TV make and model
  3. Run a channel scan. This setting is normally located in the menu or set-up option however it varies depending on the TV make and model

Method 2: External QAM tuner

  1. Connect one end of the coax cable into the wall jack and the other end into the external QAM tuner
  2. Connect the external QAM tuner to the TV via an HDMI cable
  3. Set the TV to the proper HDMI input
  4. Run a channel scan on the external QAM tuner. This setting is normally located in the menu or set-up option.

My television does not appear to be working properly. What should I do?

  1. Verify that your TV has the proper QAM tuner (internal or external). Without a QAM tuner you will not receive the channels.
  2. Ensure that all cables are connected securely
  3. In the menu or set-up options on the TV, verify that the TV is set to CABLE or CATV. If you are using an external tuner this setting will be in the menu of the tuner.
  4. Run a channel scan. This setting is normally located in the menu or set-up option
  5. Check the marshall.edu/housing/cable for a maintenance notice. While maintenances that are service impacting are infrequent, it may be possible that we are undergoing a maintenance.
  6. Submit a cable work order at marshall.edu/housing/cable.

Can I watch TV on my computer or mobile device?
Marshall University is pleased to offer Stream2 as the preferred method of watching cable TV on campus. With a stellar channel lineup, the ability to pause and rewind live TV, and your own DVR space, Stream2 gives you the flexibility and control you need to stay up-to-date on sports, current events, and the shows that matter to you most.

How to Watch Stream2

  1. Desktop Version or Download the Stream2 app from Apogee for your device. (see these instructions).
  2. Open the app and search for Marshall University.
  3. Sign-in with your MUNet username and password.
  4. If desired, connect the device to your TV.