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PVN is brought to you by:

ISC

College Houses


PVN is a proud member of:

AHECTA - Association of Higher Education Cable Television Administrators

Research Channel


Contact us at:
video (at) isc.upenn.edu

Here are some general questions you may have about the Penn Video Network.

For help hooking up your TV or VCR, please visit our Hook-Up Guide. For troubleshooting reception problems, please visit our Troubleshooting FAQ.

General Questions
Is the Penn Video Network in stereo?
CHANNELS: Can we get the Comcast Sports Network?
CHANNELS: Can I order premium channels, such as HBO?
CHANNELS: How are PVN channels selected? How can I get my favorite channel added to the lineup?
CHANNELS: Which PVN channels are in HD?
I have a DVR (ie TiVo). Will it work with PVN?
There was supposed to be a sports game on, but all I see is a blank screen, or there's some totally different programming on. What happened to my game?
I am in a non-ResNet building; how can I get cable service?
I work on campus, and I want Penn Video Network in my office. How do I get it?
How do I request movies for the PVN Movie Channels?
What is the Video Bulletin Board, and how do I place a promotional message on it?
Is the Penn Video Network in stereo?

All regional off-air channels are capable of stereo transmission over the Penn Video Network. Therefore, if programming is produced in stereo and is transmitted in stereo by the local affiliate, those customers with stereo-capable television sets should receive audio signals in stereo.

These channels include: KYW (NBC, 3); WPVI (ABC, 6); WTXF (Fox, 9); WCAU (CBS, 10); WHYY (PBS, 12); WPHL (WB, 17); WNJN (PBS, 23); WYBE (35); WLVT (PBS, 39);WGBS (UPN, 57); WTGI (61).

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Can we get the Comcast Sports Network, for Philadelphia sports?

PVN is very proud of the success we have had in satisfying the University's video needs. Our Programming Advisory Board routinely reviews popular channel requests, and regular channel additions have been made based largely upon student demand. So, we are very aware of the strong interest many residents have for Comcast SportsNet. Unfortunately, we cannot offer CSN at this time.

The key factor is that the PVN is a closed-circuit cable system, with no connection to other cable TV franchises. All of the programming that we receive is acquired via satellite dish. CSN is not currently available by satellite; it is instead passed from one regional franchise to another where the different cable plants intersect. So, presently, we are unable to receive CSN or deliver it to campus.

While we face significant challenges, we do continue to examine possible solutions, and we look forward to one day featuring Comcast SportsNet in PVN's cable lineup.

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Can I order premium channels, such as HBO?

Because the Penn Video Network is designed as an open-access system to all customers, without the need for converter or cable boxes, pay-per-view or select premium channels are not available. Cost considerations make the network-wide transmission of premium services an unfeasible proposition at this time.

Penn Video Network offers the premium-styled PVN Movie Channels. The PVN Movie Channels are presented as a Penn-specific alternative to such channels, with movies and programming selected by the University community. These channels are automatically available to all Penn Video Network customers at no extra cost.

Please refer to our Channel Lineup for a complete listing of all Penn Video Network channels.

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How are PVN channels selected? How can I get my favorite channel added to the lineup?

The PVN is presented to the University to meet the academic, informational, and recreational needs of the Penn community. All programming decisions -- including the channel lineup -- are a function of the PVN Programming Advisory Board. This board is a representative panel composed of students, faculty, and staff.

We understand that our viewers may be used to a different lineup when they arrive at Penn. We work to present as well-rounded a channel lineup as we are able. However, sometimes technical hurdles prevent us from being able to offer the channel you want.

Feedback from PVN viewers is regularly reviewed by the Advisory Committee. Suggestions can be sent to video @ isc.upenn.edu.

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Which PVN channels are in HD (High-Definition)?
Currently, PVN does not broadcast in HD. Please check our homepage for new developments.
I have a DVR (ie TiVo). Will it work with PVN?
PVN does not advocate the use of any DVR over another. However, many residents do use them, and have success with using them. Please contact your DVR's manufacturer about using your DVR with the PVN channel lineup. Make sure that you mention that you are working with a closed-circuit campus system, and specify the difference between your campus phone and a regular home phone.
Where's my sports game?

Occasionally, a local (Philadelphia) team game (the 76ers, Flyers, Eagles, etc.) will be scheduled to air but then the listed broadcaster will choose not to air the game, or to air replacement programming. This is called a sports blackout.

Blackout restrictions are determined by the professional sports leagues and teams. Penn Video Network has no control over blackout restrictions.

For more information, see our page on sports blackouts.

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I am in a non-ResNet building. How can I get Penn Video Network?

Penn Video Network is only available in ResNet-wired buildings. For a listing of buildings with PVN, see our Locations.

You can request a new video installation to your building, though. To request a quote, send an email to video[at]isc.upenn.edu with your building information. It generally takes about one business week to formulate an accurate work estimate for new building wiring.

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I work on campus, and I am interested in bringing the Penn Video Network to my office. Is this possible?

Yes.

More than 60 academic and adminstrative buildings are currently wired for the Penn Video Network. Contact the PVN office (video[at]isc.upenn.edu) to discuss the feasibility and costs that would be involved with wiring your facilities.

The cost for PVN outlets are $15.50 per outlet per month (FY09).

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How do I request movies for the PVN Movie Channels?

The Penn Video Network does its best to incorporate all requests into the programming of the PVN Movie Channels. If you are a faculty member wishing to plan a movie event for your course, fill out the online film request form, or contact the PVN at video[at]isc.upenn.edu to discuss the ways we can help.

All movie requests are taken into consideration by the PVN programmers and the Movie Channel Managers. To learn more about the movie channel, please see the PVN Movie Channel Home Page.

Because we determine each month's lineup 2 months early, it is often not possible to accommodate last-minute requests.

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What is the Video Bulletin Board, and how do I place a promotional message on it?

To learn more about the Video Bulletin Board (channel 2), please see the Video Bulletin Board Home Page. There you will find information about the channel, and you can fill out the on-line form to place a message promoting your student or departmental service or event.

The Video Bulletin Board service is offered free of charge to all University of Pennsylvania student groups and departments.

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How can I contact PVN?

We encourage all PVN viewers to make their needs and voices heard: send us ideas through the feedback opportunities on this website, or send email to video @ isc.upenn.edu.

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