Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  1. What is Public Access Television?
  2. Where do you get your programs from?
  3. I have an event in town I'd like you to tape - how do I get you to do that?
  4. You loan out equipment?  What equipment can I borrow? 
  5. I don't know how to use any of that stuff!  What do I do? 
  6. What can I learn to do at NCTV? 
  7. How come Channel 14 or 16 is all static? 
  8. What does it cost to do a show? 
  9. Do I have to be a member to do a show at NCTV?
  10. Can I advertise my business on NCTV?
  11. How do I get an event put on the "scroller"? 
  12. Can I watch NCTV on the Internet? 
  13. You guys make it look easy.  Really, how hard is it to do a show?
  14. This sounds great!  How do I get involved?
  15. I have a problem with my Cox Cable service.  How can you help?
  16. What are the details of the Cox Cable Franchise?
     
     

Frequently Given Answers

  1. Public Access Television is a term for a service called "Community Access" that most cable companies must provide in order to acquire their franchise from the state regulatory agency.  In this case, Cox Cable's franchise agreement with the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (see below) mandates that they provide a facility for local Public, Educational, and Governmental programs.  In essence, provide a facility where local users or groups can produce and show non-commercial programs of local interest.   Next Question

  2. We get our programs from you, our Newington neighbors.  We have local programs which are a series (The Way of the Cross, Kiwanis Hour, Talk to the Mayor, etc.) and some series which are not locally produced but which have been requested by residents (The House of Yahweh, Bible Believer's Broadcast).  There are also many dedicated volunteers who tape town meetings, sporting events, school programs, and events of interest around town.   Next Question

  3. While we would love to tape everything that goes on in town, it's impossible for a small group to satisfy all the requests.  After all, we are all volunteers with jobs, families and other demands on our time.  You can make a request to get us involved by emailing or calling us, or by coming to a meeting, but the easiest way to air something of interest is if you tape it, and we'll show it!  The program needs to be of broadcast quality, on VHS or S-VHS tape or a DVD without any titles, and you'll need to fill out a program request form, available on this web site.  If you want to do a show (as opposed to just showing a one-time event), coming to a meeting is the best way to get started.   Next Question

  4. We have some very nice Panasonic S-VHS and MiniDV camcorders, tripods, microphones, and mixers that trained users can borrow.  We even have a mobile production studio which we can provide so you can produce programs at sporting events, and schools.   Next Question

  5. It's pretty easy to use a camcorder, microphone and tripod, and you can be trained on that in short order.  Classes and on-site training may be required in order to use our studio and editing systems.   Next Question

  6. If you're interested in the TV business, especially as an on-air personality, then NCTV may be a great way to get started being on or behind the camera.  NCTV has had volunteers go on to work for Disney, ESPN, and Hartford-area TV stations.  If you're interested in learning about TV we'd be happy to teach you!  You can learn all about using a variety of cameras, graphic systems, editors, audio mixers, how to do effective lighting, green-screen (Chromakey), and more.  Next Question

  7. On nights when we show LIVE Town meetings, we have to turn off the transmitter at our studio in order to turn on a transmitter at Town Hall.  The studio transmitter automatically goes on at 11:00 PM.  If the town meeting ends early, you will see static until 11:00.   Next Question

  8. Using NCTV facilities is free to town residents.  You are responsible for the costs of your own production, but the facilities are free.  NCTV is supported by our fund raising activities, Cox Cable, the Town of Newington, and donations from individuals and local civic organizations.   Next Question

  9. No.  Anyone can use the facilities as a volunteer.  Members provide advice and guidance on station operation, help us with fund raising, and have showed interest in helping others do programs.   Next Question

  10. Unfortunately, the rules of Community Access do not allow us to advertise for-profit businesses on TV.   Next Question

  11. The scroller is the list of community events that airs when no other program is running.  Scroller items must be for non-profit organizations and events.  Download our form and submit it via one of the methods listed on the form.   Next Question

  12. We hope to make some programs available on the internet later in 2006.  Check this page periodically to see what becomes available.  If you have an interest in making this happen, then come volunteer!   Next Question

  13. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to plan shows, coordinate guests and volunteers, and learn the systems to be able to put a show on air.  But it's not very hard - and it is rewarding!   Next Question

  14. The best way is to come to one of our monthly meetings and see the facilities and talk to the volunteers.  You can see what we have and learn what opportunities exist.  If you want to host or produce a show, then you'll want to read our program application and talk with us about how to get started.  Again, the meeting is a great place to start.  If the meeting time doesn't work for you, then send us an email or give us a call and someone will contact you.   Next Question

  15. We have no control over Cox's service.  We simply provide a facility where local residents can produce and show programs.  If you have problems with your reception or would like more information about your service, please contact Cox directly at http://www.cox.com/newengland  Next Question

  16. Information about the Cox Cable (Manchester) franchise can be found in databases at the DPUC's web site.  The docket number is 98-04-08.  Different items will be found in different databases so be sure to go through all of them, but here is a link to the DPUC's Final Decision.

 
Last Updated 11/1/2005