Part of what makes your apartment great is the activities you do there. For many renters, watching TV provides entertainment, relaxation, and even opportunities for socializing with family or friends. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated binge watcher, Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP wants to make your TV time easier. Here, we provide information for renters to subscribe to TV services, look up broadcast schedules, and find news about the latest shows.
Some apartments for rent are pre-wired for TV service from a specific provider, while others can be serviced by multiple providers. Here, we list the top TV providers in the Gainesville area. To confirm which services are available at your residence, consult your property manager.
Many student apartments have cable TV services pre-installed and included in the monthly installment payments. This arrangement is convenient because renters don’t have to worry about scheduling installation appointments or managing monthly bills. Family and professional apartments, meanwhile, tend to leave TV services up to the discretion of tenants. If you’re interested in installing cable TV at your apartment, the main provider in North Central Florida is Cox Communications.
Satellite TV service uses outdoor dishes that receive wireless programming signals transmitted from outer space. Satellite is preferred by some renters over cable because it can offer more channels. However, not all apartments in Gainesville are eligible for satellite service. Overhanging trees (which are prominent in some regions of North Florida) can interfere with channel reception — weak satellite signals are also more prone to disruption from seasonal rain storms. That said, a technician from DIRECTV or DISH Network, the two leading satellite providers, can determine prior to installation whether your residence is eligible for service.
Digital TV provided by online streaming services is an affordable alternative to traditional cable and satellite TV. Online streaming has long been one of the preferred ways for younger renters in off campus apartments near UF to get their entertainment. But digital TV is now also a mainstream option with viewers of all ages thanks to the advent of Wi-Fi enabled technology in most households. Viewing digital TV requires three elements: 1) a reliable Internet connection; 2) a smart TV or streaming device (such as a Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast); and a subscription streaming service — Sling TV and DIRECTV NOW are currently offered in Gainesville, and YouTube TV may be available soon.
To get the most out of your TV experience, you need to know which programs to watch and when they air. TV providers have digital channel guides that watchers can access using their remotes. Channel listings vary between locations and TV providers. Cox customers can view their channel lineups by visiting The Gainesville Sun TV listings guide. DIRECTV customers can find programs by visiting the DIRECTV channel guide and entering their ZIP codes to look up local listings, while DISH Network customers can download a printable channel lineup card.
A marquee sporting event or the season finale of a popular TV series presents the opportunity for a watch party. When the Florida Gators play an away game, students in apartments near UF can get together to watch the match-up and root on their school’s team. When roommates or family members don’t hang out much or have many of the same interests, something that may still bring them together is a must-see episode of a hit series or reality show. And when ideas or cash are spare for date night, watching a movie at home is a failsafe solution.
Watching TV isn’t enough for some viewers who also want to stay up-to-date on the news regarding their favorite sitcoms, reality series, dramas, and more. If you’re interested in complementing your TV watching with entertainment news, there are many sources you can turn to for information. The latest buzz about shows, stars, and releases can be viewed at IMDb (Internet Movie Database) TV. Suggestions about which shows to watch (and which to avoid) is available in the reviews in The Hollywood Reporter. And for a comprehensive look at all things TV entertainment, flip open The New York Times Television section.
Whether you’re looking for UF student apartments, professional lofts in downtown Gainesville, or family homes in a quiet suburban neighborhood, Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP has the right type of apartment to fit your needs. Contact us to learn more!