otion picture technology represents one of the most compelling storytelling mediums ever devised. The Dubuque Community Schools are riding the wave of digital imaging production technology with DCS-TV, Dubuque Community Schools Television. DCS-TV combines traditional video delivered on cable television with the technology of digital video delivered on the Web. It's carefully integrated into our curriculum which is designed to prepare our students to not only be proficient in the basic skills (reading, math, English, the sciences, and social studies), but communication skills such as collaboration, team building, creative thinking and problem solving that when combined with computers and networks become technology-enabled communication. Add to this mix visual and performing arts, and it all combines to form DCS-TV.

If you have a question about our cable television enterprise, please click on the mailbox or email Gary Olsen, Media Developer for the Dubuque Community Schools at our headquarters 2300 Chaney Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 golsen@dubuque.k12.ia.us. We have a 24 hour cable channel and its filled with everything from series television (national award winning series television like Kids in the Kitchen) to Musical Moments, musical performances, dance, instrumental, vocal, ensemble, etc., documentaries, The Garden Organic (gardening show), Splash!, Crazy Cam! and many many more. We use a multiscreen format like CNN. You can watch our channel online if you have high speed Internet.

Here's what you must do to view our channel (in real time in your web browser):

Step 1: You will click on a link in step 3 below which will take you to a page of instructions, but don't be put off by the complexity of those instructions.  If you already have RealPlayer or Windows Media Player on your computer (these are called helping applications that enable you to play streaming video) our station may launch automatically in one of those applications. There may be a problem if your system locks out streaming videos for security reasons. In which case we urge you to visit your Systems Administrator and ask for help so you can see our channel.

Step 2:  Look at the last paragraph of the instructions, and click on one of the links described in the text which will put you in contact with our online channel. 

Step 3.  Click here to get to the launch page and instructions .

Archival Files: The following was published in December 2005 on the eve of the Dubuque Schools obtaining its own cable access channel from Mediacom.

Gary Olsen's Report on the New DCS-TV Channel 16 Cable Channel

by Gary Olsen, Media Developer for the Dubuque Community School District

Project Background:

The Dubuque Community School District Cable Channel 16 first broadcast to Mediacom Cable Television subscribers February 21, 2006. This event and the technology that supports it were the result of successful cable franchise negotiations between the City of Dubuque and Mediacom. In these negotiations, Mediacom agreed to provide such things as public access to television channels, equipment for broadcast of programs and events in the local public's interest, and a substantial amount of money goes to educational institutions for instructional purposes or anything that would benefit from cable television involvement. The agreement was expanded to include access to high speed Internet services and the expansion of a fiber optic network linking government and educational facilities. In these negotiations, it was reasoned that we (Dubuque Community Schools) already produce a substantial number of quality television shows, and to distinguish ourselves from the other educational institutions in town, we should have our own channel.

Costs:

There are no maintenance fees or any other ongoing costs involving the District. In other words, our budget does not have to be increased to cover expenses above what is normal for our operation. The cost of the computer equipment and accessories including software and most of the broadcast equipment used for video production was added to the franchise agreement during negotiations between the City of Dubuque and Mediacom. Consequently all of this cost is covered by the Dubuque Cable Commission.

How do I view Channel 16 on my Cable Equipped TV.

Q: How can I view Channel 16 on my cable equipped TV?

A: If you have a digital cable box attached to your TV, you merely tune in to Channel 16. However, if you have a digital-ready TV without a cable box and you are accessing channels via the built-in tuner, then you may not received Channel 16 on Channel 16. It may appear on digital tier 97-6. Ons some TVs you have to use your remote and punch in 97-6 (don't forget the hyphen), or on some TV remotes there is no hyphen button, but it may automatically put the hyphen in for you. All brands of sets seem to be different.

Also, if you can't find the channel on your television, you should click on the menu button on either the TV or the cable box, and do a RESCAN of available channels. If somone in your family has not blocked local access channels, then you will find them and Channel 16 or 97-6. If you are having problems locating the channel, call Mediacom.

Q: I'm a Dish Network subscriber. I don't get cable out where we live. How can I see this channel?

A: If you're on Dish or Direct TV, you can't get this channel because it's exclusively available to Mediacom subscribers. However, you can still get the channel on the Web!

Click here for streaming video from our very own Mediacom Channel 16. There are complete instructions and a downloadable application that will enable you to see our exclusive cable channel on your home computer. If this link doesn't work for you, you may have to upgrade your video application on your computer. Windows Media Player or RealPlayer should work. Click here for an information and instruction page.

Gary Olsen has been involved in broadcasting, film and multimedia production and design in all forms his entire working life. He is the Webmaster and Public Affairs Coordinator for the Dubuque Community Schools and the project leader on DCS-TV Cable Channel 16. He's been employed by the Dubuque Community School District for seven years. He's won several awards in media design and production, website and publication design, and he has written two best selling books on technology's role in creativity.