Overview

• What is SpectrumU?

  • SpectrumU is a streaming service provided by Charter/Spectrum that allows you to stream 161 live TV channels on your mobile devices and access hundreds of on-demand TV shows and movies, so long as you are on the University of Wisconsin-Madison's wired/wireless network UWNet or eduroam. 

• Do I need to pay to use the App?

  • SpectrumU is available to Schools, Colleges and Divisions (S/C/Ds) who have purchased a subscription through the Division of Information Technology (DoIT).
  • Authorized users and locations will be determined by the S/C/Ds that fund these subscriptions.
  • If your S/C/D is not currently using this service but would like to start, please fill out the form. The cost is $12.50/user/month with a 12-month commitment. Note that this service cannot be purchased by individuals (students or faculty/staff).

• What mobile devices can I use with the App?

  • iPads and iPhones running iOS 13.0 or later
  • Apple TV (4th gen or later) running TvOS 12.0 or later
  • Android phones and tablets running version 5.0 or higher
  • Roku devices (2nd gen or later) running 9.1 or later
  • Amazon Fire Stick running Fire OS 5.0.0 or later 

• What do I need to use the App?

  • You will need to download the SpectrumU App from the Apple App store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android), Roku Store or Amazon App Store and have the ability to access the University's wired/wireless network. Check out the SpectrumU - Installing the Spectrum U App

Watching Content

• How do I watch live content?

  • SpectrumU App - Make sure your device's WiFi is configured to the University's wireless network UWNet or eduroam. Tap on the "Live TV" section of the app OR the "Guide" to view channels that you can stream. Click on any program or channel and you can begin watching live! See SpectrumU - Using the SpectrumU App for more information.
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  • Spectrum Website - Make sure your computer is connected to wireless networks UWNet/eduroam or the campus LAN. Navigate to the SpectrumU website and select the link next to University Student, "Sign in to SpectrumU".  If asked for a domain, enter "@wisc.edu".

• How do I change channels in the app?

  • If you are under the Live TV tab, you can select the channels from the list that appears below the live program.  If you are under the Guide tab, you can select the channels from the list by scrolling or searching using the magnifying glass icon.

• Why can't I watch live channels outside of the University?

  • We receive the right to provide these shows and the programming services to you from the TV networks, and they place various limitations on Spectrum as to how, when and where we can authorize viewing (the same limits are placed on any other distributors as well). For some networks or shows, we are unable to offer streamed, live programming outside of the University. We are always working to gain the widest access to view these shows and provide you with the best experience possible.

• Why are there channels not available to watch on the App?

  • For the same reasons you can't watch live channels outside the University (see above). Additional channels will be made available as able. For a listing of the channels currently offered through SpectrumU, see SpectrumU - Channel Listing.