Terrence Payne
Editor-in-Chief
Springfield College is known for its reputation as being an active campus. However, the residents at SC could see a rapid increase of leisure time.
Over the summer, students received multiple e-mails and letters regarding the school’s upgrade to digital television, which included additional channels.
And although the decision was made over the summer, the idea has been put in place for over a year.
“Our contract was coming up in October,” said Chief Information Officer Danny Davis. “We started negotiating back in March (2011) and our discussed our options. That took a little bit of time, then the decision was made during the summer.”
“We wanted to move to digital and provide high-definition service that we were unable to have. We also wanted to increase our channel package.”
It wasn’t just Davis’ decision. Student Affairs, as well as Residence Life had a say and agreed to upgrade the package.
“Everyone came on board,” said Davis. “Student Affairs and Residence Life were very instrumental in the channel lineup. We wanted to provide a lineup students liked.”
In previous years, students had around 60 channels, but the change added over 100 channels, including 20 high definition stations.
The athletic-minded school receives a better sports package, which includes NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, NHL Network, and NBC Sports Channel (formerly Versus). HBO and Starz channels were also added to improve the movie selection.
The upgrade was driven by providing the students with a better entertainment service, but Davis mentioned it will also set a foundation with the school and its campus television station, SCTV3.
“We have some really great faculty in Communications,” said Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students David Braverman. “It will bring more student production and more opportunities – anything from promoting different activities on campus to a host of programming we can do on our own channel.”
Residents were informed about this change numerous times throughout the summer, from e-mails to letters. For those students who brought analog televisions, they can still work by buying a converter, which can be found at stores like WalMart and Best Buy.
Davis explained the converter is easy to install and the cost is around $50.
“Everything I’ve heard has been positive,” said Braverman. “From my perspective we were getting more channels and high definition.”
While most of the students are able to successfully enjoy new programming, other students have had trouble receiving channels. Davis is in constant contact with the school’s cable provider, as well as television manufacturers to resolve this issue.
Davis believes any difficulties with the cable will be solved soon.
“I’ll be disappointed if this change is looked as a negative. The vast majority of students are using this without a problem.”
Davis made it clear that if any student is unsatisfied with the new lineup to reach him at ddavis@springfieldcollege.edu.