SU Rolls Out Starvision Amongst Mixed Reviews

On Saturday, September 3 Southern University finally made the transition from analog to digital with the adoption of its newest cable providers Starvision and PhiloTV.
A leading satellite service provider among residential and businesses along the gulf coast, Starvision TV, specializes in providing commercial customers with programming tailored to their interests saving up to 70 percent compared to cable.
While its counterpart Philo TV is a next-generation platform that allows residential students to access TV services via smartphones, tablets, or PCs anywhere on campus.
Starvision will feature some 86 digital channels including HD and premium channels from networks like HBO, STARZ and Encore.
With the adoption of Starvision also comes the added convenience of more channels and a better overall experience than students had with Cox Communications.
Chief Information Officer Dr. Fagbeyiro says that the implementation of the new services are to provide students with a more fun environment, adding that much of the reason for the new services were because of student input.
“A majority of our students really felt that they weren’t getting all of their services when it comes to TV programming,” said Fagbeyiro adding that “a lot of our students live on campus and our motto is live, learn, and play,”.
The roll out of Starvision, which has been months in the making, was not free from its headaches however, as some students reported being unable to catch channels after making the big switch.
“Some older televisions are not going to catch the channels,” said Tele-Communication Analyst Brandon Johnson adding that had they kept services with Cox students would still be in the same predicament.
“Two years ago Cox told us they were going to make the switch to digital,” said Johnson “Not only is Starvision better but because we save $285,000 dollars using Starvision its beneficial to both students and the University.”
Adding that although some students would have to purchase digital converter boxes, in the end it is a small price to pay for a minor luxury.
Senior Criminal justice major of Mobile, Alabama, Tymere Barett, who was effected by Saturdays rollout of Starvision was unsure about the notion students should have to purchase digital boxes.
“Personally I can’t afford one when it’s so many other fees taking my funds,” said Barett.
should do something to help those affected Barett responded that there are other things this funding could have went to.
“The cable was just fine,” said Barett “ but if they wanted to upgrade I feel like they should help those affected,” he finished.
Fagbeyiro says that they are aware of the issue and are working with the administration on a fair solution to the problem
When asked what the administration could do to ease students concerns about buying the digital boxes Fagbeyiro stated that he and others were looking into “a fair solution,” to the problem.
While students with compatible televisions can watch Starvision now the implementation of PhiloTV will come later in the semester as the school makes upgrades essential to have the service working properly.