Element and Sceptre TV's

This year we have had many a call about Sceptre and Element TV's on our campus network.

With the recent changes to Harding's Cable Network, we are now operating on Digital HD channels. This is good news for most students because we are now getting much cleaner pictures than before both in terms of resolution and a lack of static. We also now offer Philo which can be used on Roku devices and computers for students living in the dorms when they are on Harding's Network.* Our cable network has 25 channels in HD, while Philo has a total of 64 (including those 25).

Now onto the bad news. Now that these changes are in effect, your TV must have an HD decoder to be able to see the channels. This can be an issue for older, or low-cost TV's. Recently many students bought a 32" Element TV from Wal-Mart and found that it doesn't acquire the channels. This TV is missing that decoder.

When it comes to fixing this problem there are 3 solutions.

Firstly, you are able to purchase the decoder, but it does cost $25+. This is not what I would recommend. The Reason is that a Roku Express+ is (at this time) $25. This device runs from an HDMI Port, and can be used to get Philo, Netflix, Hulu+, and other services. This gives you all the available channels of cable and more, for the same price or less. This is a solution I do recommend.

Lastly, you can purchase and use an HDMI cable to connect your computer to the TV. This is likely the cheapest option, but requires you to plug in the computer to the TV every time rather than just leaving the Roku there all the time.

*Specifically HU-Student (Guest doesn't work!!!)