CUTVTerms & Conditions |
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Terms and Conditions for Faculty and Staff Subscriptions
Cornell University has policies and codes that govern the use of university computers, networks, and university property. In order to facilitate the administration of the Cornell University Television service (CUTV) and to maintain equitable use of limited network resources, additional terms and conditions apply to the use of this service.
These Terms and Conditions are drawn with due regard to New York State law, and your agreement indicates acceptance of the obligations under New York State law. You agree to conform to such rules and regulations as the university may from time to time issue for the welfare of the community or for the general convenience or comfort of residents.
You further agree to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and with local ordinances. The university reserves the right to make corrections on the contract for clerical or other errors. Please note that all terms and conditions are subject to change.
Cost of Service
A Windows-based CUTV subscription is $30 per month for the Windows software client and the USB dongle that contains the decryption SIM. A Set Top Box (STB) based CUTV subscription is $45 per month for the STB and the Smart Card used for decryption. For subscriptions being billed to a University departmental account no deposits are charged, but if at the termination of the service the leased materials are not returned in their entirety or are damaged, replacement charges will be assessed.Charges for CUTV: Faculty and staff may establish and pay for a CUTV subscription only by using a university departmental account, and no arrangements can be made for paying privately for a CUTV subscription.
As currently configured, CUTV carries some 50 cable channels as provided by Time Warner, Inc. At this time, CUTV does not offer "tiered" subscriptions, e.g. reduced channel lineup packages for reduced subscription fees.
There is no prorating of CUTV charges for periods of service less than one month. Billing is by the calendar month. CUTV will grant a five-day grace period at the beginning and end of each month. New subscriptions for a month beginning in the last five days, with no prior subscription for that month, will not be billed for that month. Similarly, cancellations during the first five days of a month, with no subsequent re-subscriptions, will not be billed for the month in which the cancellation takes place. If a subscription and a cancellation take place over two consecutive months, only one grace period will apply. Should you cancel your service and attempt to re-subscribe during the same academic year, you will be charged a reactivation fee of $45.
You may change your service from the Windows client to a Set Top Box subscription or from STB to Windows client during the academic year without incurring a reactivation fee. However, to change your CUTV service from one to the other, you must cancel your subscription, return ALL of your equipment to CIT, receive a receipt, and then re-subscribe to the alternate CUTV service.
Return of Equipment, Cancellation of Service, & Refund of Deposit
Subscribers are required to return the CUTV equipment at the end of the subscription period, or upon the subscriber's cancellation of the subscription. Equipment must be returned in the same condition as when received, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
In order to avoid a charge to your University departmental account, you MUST return ALL equipment components when you cancel your service. For the Windows client users, this includes the USB Connector/SIM Chip AND the white card with serial number. Failure to do so will incur a charge of $45. For the Set Top Box users, this includes the Set Top Box, Smart Card, remote control, cords, and all pieces included in the STB cardboard box. Failure to do so will incur a charge of $150. Replacement parts for either kit are available by contacting NCS-OS at 4-NCS1.
Subscription cancellations by University departmental account subscribers may be made using the same RFS form as used to subscribe.
Bandwidth Utilization
Most network jacks have at minimum a switched 10 mbps connection. CUTV uses approximately 4 mbps, leaving 6 mbps, which is more than enough for other functions. For some programs that use very high bandwidth, such as some file sharing tools, the reduced bandwidth may become noticeable. In terms of CPU usage, CUTV does not noticeably slow down the use of a 1 Ghz or faster computer when doing other tasks such as web browsing, writing, or email.
Supported CUTV Network Configurations and Limitations
CUTV is intended for installation on CIT-managed networks to make the service supportable end-to-end. The inclusion of non-CIT equipment limits the ability to configure the network for CUTV and to diagnose any problems which may occur. If CUTV is installed on a non-CIT supported jack and a problem does arise, it may be necessary to remove, if possible, any intervening network elements for root cause analysis. If the root cause of the problem is determined to be the non-CIT equipment, then the customer will be billed at the going rate for the level of field service called to the scene. CIT will not debug non-CIT network elements or their configurations. For Set Top Box installations, the jack will be enabled with the CUTV VLAN which passes only CUTV traffic, to guarantee proper delivery of the service, and to keep the jack from being hijacked by other users.
Service Installation
Staff and Faculty installation methods depend on the mode of the service subscription. Windows-based installations are self-service and should be done by the administrator of the target computer. STB installations are done via NCS Field Service (NCS-FS) personnel. The network jack to be used must be within 25 feet of the planned location of the Set Top Box. Normally the STB will be co-located with the television or monitor, so a suitable network jack location must be planned for.
Service Removal
Staff and Faculty removal methods depend on the mode of the service subscription - Windows client removals are self-service and should be done by the administrator of the target computer. STB removals are done via NCS Field Service (NCS-FS) personnel.
General Usage
Recording and time shifting functions are NOT available with CUTV due to contract restrictions imposed by the content owners.
CUTV is not available over the wireless Red Rover network. Our current contract with the content providers does not allow us to distribute CUTV wirelessly, and the current Red Rover infrastructure does not have the bandwidth to support the CUTV service.
University-owned computers and networks are governed by policies and codes as well as federal, state, and local laws. In addition, all non-university computers and servers using these networks are governed by the same policies. Among other restrictions, the operation of any commercial or for-profit enterprise or advertising is prohibited, along with any re-sale of access or services. Illegal activities including, but not limited to such practices as fraud, harassment, piracy, and copyright infringement are prohibited. In addition, any activity that disrupts the network is a violation of Cornell computer abuse policies.
The university reserves the right to place limited restrictions on the use of its computers and network systems in response to complaints presenting evidence of violations of university policies or codes, or state or federal laws. Once evidence is established, computers involved in alleged violations may be disconnected from the network until the situation is resolved. In addition, violators will be referred to the appropriate university officials. For further details on Cornell policies and codes, refer to www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/responsible-use/.
User Responsibility
CUTV subscribers are personally responsible for all use of their computers and network connections and will be held accountable for any violations that occur involving their computers or network connections. Users should only allow others to use their machines with the full understanding of the consequences of that action.
In addition, it is the responsibility of all users to maintain reasonable security and anti-virus protection for their systems. This includes using a secure administrator password, maintaining the latest operating system security updates, and regularly updating anti-virus protection with the most recent virus definitions. Systems found to be vulnerable to compromise, infected by a virus, or otherwise insecure, may be disconnected from the campus network until steps have been taken to secure and/or disinfect the system, as required.
Terms and Conditions for Student (ResNet) Subscriptions
CUTV is Cornell University's campus television service delivered through data network connections in Cornell's residence halls. CUTV brings 50 channels of news and entertainment programming to students residing in Campus Life on-campus housing.
CUTV brings many familiar channels from cable TV (in fact, the programming is provided by Time Warner). The difference is that CUTV is delivered as a data stream to network jacks in residence halls instead of through traditional coaxial cable. CUTV can be viewed using a special software client on Windows based-PCs. The Windows client is navigated using the mouse and the Electronic Program Guide. Or, a Set Top Box (STB) can be used to provide output that's viewable on a regular TV (for an additional rental fee). CUTV is available in any facility that already has access to ResNet.
CUTV offers 50 channels of news and entertainment programming for only $30 per month ($45 if you're using the Set Top Box). Monthly charges will appear on your Bursar bill, as well as a security deposit for equipment. Note: The custom software needed to decode and decrypt the data stream for CUTV currently supports Windows. Cornell University is working to secure a client for Macintosh computers.
Terms and Conditions
Cornell University has policies and codes that govern the use of university computers, networks, and university property. In order to facilitate the administration of Cornell University Television service and to maintain equitable use of limited network resources, additional terms and conditions apply to the use of this service.
These Terms and Conditions are drawn with due regard to New York State law, and your agreement indicates acceptance of the obligations under New York State law. You agree to conform to such rules and regulations as the university may from time to time issue for the welfare of the community or for the general convenience or comfort of residents.
You further agree to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and with local ordinances. The university reserves the right to make corrections on the contract for clerical or other errors. Please note that all terms and conditions are subject to change.
Cost of Service
CUTV is billed monthly to the subscriber at a rate of $30 per month for use with a Windowsbased PC and a one-time $45 deposit for the USB connector and SIM chip equipment. If you subscribe to CUTV using the Set Top Box, the monthly fee is $45 per month, plus a one-time $150 deposit for the Set Top Box and Smart Card equipment.
Charges for CUTV will be billed directly to the subscriber's Bursar account. Subscribers who are NOT Bursar-billable must make separate payment arrangements with the Service Center at the time of subscription.
There is no prorating of CUTV charges for periods of service less than one month. Billing is by the calendar month. CUTV will grant a five-day grace period at the beginning and end of each month. New subscriptions for a month beginning in the last five days, with no prior subscription for that month, will not be billed for that month. Similarly, cancellations during the first five days of a month, with no subsequent re-subscriptions, will not be billed for the month in which the cancellation takes place. If a subscription and a cancellation take place over two consecutive months, only one grace period will apply. Should you cancel your service during the academic year and attempt to re-subscribe during the same academic year within 45 days, CIT reserves the right to charge a reactivation fee of $45. You may change your service during the academic year without incurring a reactivation fee. However, to change your CUTV service, you must cancel your subscription, return ALL of your equipment to the service center, receive a receipt, and then resubscribe to the alternate CUTV service.
Return of Equipment, Cancellation of Service, & Refund of Deposit
Subscribers are required to return the CUTV equipment at the end of the subscription period, or upon the subscriber's cancellation of the subscription. Equipment must be returned in the same condition as when received, ordinary wear and tear excepted. If the equipment is damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen while in the subscriber's care, the subscriber will forfeit the security deposit paid at the start of the subscription.
In order to receive a full refund of your security deposit, you MUST return ALL equipment components when you cancel your service. For the $45 security deposit, this includes the USB Connector/SIM Chip. For the $150 deposit, this includes the Set Top Box, Smart Card, remote control, cords, and all pieces included in the STB cardboard box, INCLUDING THE BOX ITSELF. In cases of missing components or pieces, a partial refund may be issued in instances where the total replacement cost of the missing pieces is less than the security deposit.
Subscription cancellations must be made in person at the subscriber's assigned Service Center location during specified hours. Once Cornell University staff have verified receipt of the equipment in good working order, a credit will be made to the subscriber's Bursar account.
Any undergraduate subscriptions which remain outstanding after the end of the academic year will be subject to automatic cancellation (an "opt out" choice will be provided for continuing residents). Subscriptions which are automatically cancelled without the return of the CUTV equipment will have 60 days from the date of cancellation to return any CUTV equipment. Failure to return the CUTV equipment within 60 days will constitute forfeit of the security deposit.
Bandwidth Utilization
All residence network jacks have at minimum a switched 10-Mbps connection. CUTV uses approximately half of that, leaving 4-5 mbps for other functions. On computers with 1 GHz or more CPU speed, there is no noticeable effect in web, writing, or e-mail functions. For some programs that use very high bandwidth, such as some file sharing tools, the reduced bandwidth may be noticeable.
General Usage
Recording and time shifting functions are NOT available with CUTV due to contract restrictions imposed by the content owners.
CUTV may not be used with wireless access. Cornell University's contract with the content providers currently prohibits wireless distribution.
University owned computers and networks are governed by policies and codes as well as federal, state, and local laws. In addition, all non-university computers and servers using these networks are governed by the same policies. Among other restrictions, the operation of any commercial or for-profit enterprise or advertising is prohibited, along with any re-sale of access or services. Illegal activities including, but not limited to such practices as fraud, harassment, piracy, and copyright infringement are prohibited. In addition, any activity that disrupts the network is a violation of Cornell computer abuse policies.
The university reserves the right to place limited restrictions on the use of its computers and network systems in response to complaints presenting evidence of violations of university policies or codes, or state or federal laws. Once evidence is established, computers involved in alleged violations may be disconnected from the network until the situation is resolved. In addition, violators will be referred to the appropriate university officials. For further details on Cornell policies and codes, refer to www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/responsible-use/.
User Responsibility
CUTV subscribers are personally responsible for all use of their computers and network connections and will be held accountable for any violations that occur involving their computers or network connections. Students should only allow others to use their machines with the full understanding of the consequences of that action.
In addition, it is the responsibility of all users to maintain reasonable security and anti-virus protection for their systems. This includes using a secure administrator password, maintaining the latest operating system security updates, and regularly updating anti-virus protection with the most recent virus definitions. Systems found to be vulnerable to compromise, infected by a virus, or otherwise insecure, may be disconnected from the campus network until steps have been taken to secure and/or disinfect the system, as required.
Last modified: January 29, 2008
