Boiler Television (BTV) is a closed-circuit cable system serving Purdue University's residence halls and select academic and administrative buildings on the main campus. BTV services include a 40-channel cable line-up, a locally inserted Movie Channel, and an Electronic Bulletin Board. The Movie Channel features 18 new blockbuster and thought-provoking titles each month to entertain and educate students living in Purdue University Residences. The BTV Bulletin Board is resourceful in offering a quick overview of the latest announcements and events happening on-campus. Additionally, BTV produces and airs several television productions completed on-campus each year.

Boiler Television began in the late 1960s as University Residences Television Antenna System (URTAS). As television’s popularity increased and small “rabbit-ear” antennas were seen extended out residence hall windows, it quickly became evident that a system that provided a direct signal to students in residence halls was important.

With the advent of cable networks, programming opportunities increased. University Residences officials wished to increase the channel options offered to students. A movie channel was added in the 1990s – the first movie shown on this new channel was “Mrs. Doubtfire.” As cable offerings such as mtv, mtv2, CNN became popular, they too were added to BTV. To better reflect the true mission of the system, the name was changed from URTAS to Boiler Television in 2003.

With so many options, care is given to provide channels that appeal to the widest possible audience. In addition to entertainment, offerings are chosen to educate and inform as well. Movie Channel selections may enhance a cultural event on campus – for instance, films depicting the African American experience are shown during Black History month; and this fall “Seven Years in Tibet” will be shown in anticipation of the Dalai Lama’s visit to Purdue. This fall, ESPNU, Fox News and the Big Ten Network were added in response to student requests and to provide as many viewing options as possible for Purdue athletics.

Currently there are over 7,000 Boiler Television outlets on campus, with the largest number in residential facilities. Each student room/apartment is provided with one outlet; residence hall and PMU lounges have outlets; outlets are in Union Club Hotel rooms, and many academic areas offer BTV as well. Outlet costs are included in student housing bills or charged to the appropriate administrative or academic operating department. BTV is managed by Housing and Food Services staff members and Physical Facilities technicians make repairs, upgrades and adjustments to the system and to individual outlets. Repair requests may be made through an online system.

As the television industry continues to evolve, studies are underway to determine the optimum upgrade options for Boiler Television. Possibilities include high-definition and digital content. While final determinations have not been made, it is important that BTV enhances the overall student experience.

September 9, 2007
Prepared by Elaine McVay
Director, Housing and Food Services Marketing