University to change television providers

USC will switch its television provider from Dish Network to Direct TV on Saturday, one USC official said Wednesday.

If an average person switches cable providers, it usually involves a couple phone calls and a technician installing new hardware.

When an entire university does it, the process is slightly more complicated.

"It's all about improving Gamecock Cable TV," said Ron Segroves, cable television coordinator for Housing.

The change will add several channels to the university lineup, including ESPN U, the NFL Network, Spike TV and AMC, among others. Other channels, including Boomerang and PAX TV, are being dropped from the university roster.

Segroves said USC is trying to "replace the least-watched channels with better programming.

"Also, different vendors offer different programming," Segroves said. "Our goal in changing from dish to Direct TV is to greatly improve programming and add many quality channels to Gamecock Cable TV."

While the change is taking place, channels are being moved around on the campus cable system on a nearly daily basis.

Jeff Hostilo - an official with Distance Education and Instructional Support, part of the Office of Information Technology participating in the technical side of the switch - said most of the channels should be in their new position today.

"However," Hostilo said, "the planned launch of the new lineup is Oct. 1."

Students can tune in to Channel 2 on the university cable system to see current listings. In addition, on Saturday the new channel lineup will be posted on the Housing Web site, www.housing.sc.edu.

Hostilo said the new lineup will also be published on a new Gamecock Cable Web site to be launched Saturday.

Segroves said that while small changes to the university cable system will be made every year, students should not expect another major overhaul like this for another two or three years.

Student reaction has been generally positive.

"I think the change in carrier is fine as long as the outcome is in favor of the students," said Tashia Goodwine, a second-year advertising student.

The addition of more sports channels seems popular.

"I'm a big football fan, so I think it's a good idea," said second-year chemistry student Dan Patel. "The more ESPN channels, the better."

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