Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of programming does PCN carry?
The Pennsylvania Cable Network was organized August 29, 1979, as a nonprofit corporation by Pennsylvania cable companies. Its purpose was to provide a cable television network as a public service for the distribution of educational programming by Pennsylvania institutions of higher learning under the leadership of Penn State University.
Over the years, we've expanded our coverage to Pennsylvania state political programming plus original programming on Pennsylvania history, culture, and sports. Event coverage includes the Pennsylvania Farm Show, Groundhog Day, Pennsylvania Budget Hearings, PIAA high school sport championships, and Gettysburg National Military Park Battlewalks. Original programs include PA Books, PCN Tours, Keystone Cuisine, PCN Call-In Program, and Voices of Veterans.
In 1993, PCN added unedited, live, and same-day coverage of Pennsylvania Senate and House floor proceedings. Today, we also televise committee hearings, press conferences, speeches and other public forums and events.
How is PCN funded?
PCN is primarily supported through a monthly per-subscriber fee paid by Pennsylvania cable companies. We also receive revenue from the sale of PCN Select subscriptions, shop sales, and sponsors.
What channel is PCN on my television?
We are voluntarily carried by every cable system in the state. PCN is in 3.1 million households, reaching over 10 million people. To see a list of participating cable companies and channel designations, click here.
Instead of cable, I have a satellite dish. Can I still watch PCN?
PA cable operators voluntarily carry PCN as a service to their customers. However, satellite providers Direct TV and Dish Network choose not to carry PCN, even though it is available to them. As a satellite subscriber, you can still access all of PCN's unique programming with a subscription to PCN Select.
Does PCN just carry news from the Harrisburg area?
PCN is a statewide network. Camera crews and producers consistently travel throughout the state to provide coverage of timely and informative events of interest to all Pennsylvania residents.
Have an event you'd like us to cover? Send the details to us at info@pcntv.com.
What if I miss a program?
Events generally re-air in the days immediately following the first air. In addition, most programs are available to watch on demand through our PCN Select streaming service. Viewers can also purchase DVDs, Blu-rays, and digital downloads of sports, public affairs programming, regular PCN series, and special events for personal viewing.
What is PCN's connection to high school sports?
Through an agreement with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), we have statewide telecasting rights to high school championships. Click here to learn more about PIAA.
How do I get PCN?
PCN can be enjoyed on cable and streaming on most devices. PCN is on all cable systems throughout Pennsylvania. Click here for channel listing.
If you prefer to stream, PCN is available to stream with a PCN Select subscription on most devices, including Apple TV, FireTV, and Roku. Click here to subscribe.
What is PCN Select?
PCN Select is the Pennsylvania Cable Network's online video streaming service. PCN Select enables viewers to access PCN content anytime, anywhere, on your favorite device with a PCN Select subscription.
Our Election coverage is always free and so is our public affairs event coverage. Retro PCN clips, Weather World, and Civics 101 are free as well as clips and testimonials for many of our programs.
Download the PCN Select mobile application to watch the network live or stream multiple events on your favorite device. The PCN Select app is a free download from any online application marketplace and available on Apple TV, FireTV, Roku, and for Android 4.0+, iOS 4.0+, iOS 8.1, and iPad2+. For the best quality streams, we recommend streaming on a wired connection with high-speed internet. PCN Select is not compatible with Chromecast or other screen mirroring options.
Certain content requires a PCN Select subscription. Stream multiple channels to watch live or choose from a variety of PCN originals like PCN Tours, PA Books, or Gettysburg Battlewalks to watch on demand anytime.
How do I watch on the PCN Select app?
First, subscribe to PCN Select at https://pcntv.com/membership-signup/. All subscriptions are active immediately upon payment.
Then, download the PCN Select app on your app store. Login using your information, and enjoy PCN live and on demand!
Is there anything free on the app?
Yes. When browsing programs in the categories, look for green flags that denote content as FREE. Previews, select programs, clips, and several public affairs events can all be accessed without a paid account.
See your mobile application store to download the PCN Select App to begin watching now.
How do I create an account?
You will need a PCN Select subscription to have an account. Visit pcnselect.com and choose “Subscribe” in the top right corner of the home page. Follow the instructions to pay by credit card, completing the steps as directed by the form. An email notification will confirm your account registration. Click here to subscribe.
The PCN Select subscription purchase appears on bank and credit card statements as Pennsylvania Education Systems. If you have additional questions, please contact us at 717-730-6000 or info@pcntv.com.
How do I renew my PCN Select account?
To renew your PCN Select subscription, go to PCN Select and click “Sign In” in the upper left corner. Log in using your username or email address and password (if you’ve forgotten your password, click “Forgot Password?” below the Login button to reset it). Once signed in, click “Profile” in the upper left corner, then select “Edit your Membership Profile.” On your Membership Profile page, click the red link at the top that says “Renew your PCN Select subscription” and follow the prompts to complete your renewal. If you need assistance or would like us to renew your subscription for you, please contact us at 717-730-6000 or info@pcntv.com
Why is my credit card being declined?
Please double check that you are entering the correct credit card information including the card number, billing address, zip code, and spelling. If your credit card information continues to be declined, please contact us at 717-730-6000 or info@pcntv.com.
I did not receive an email confirmation, is my account registered?
Some email clients filter messages to “Spam.” Check your Spam and Junk mail folders for this message. If you are unable to locate this message, contact us 717-730-6000 or info@pcntv.com to reset your password, check the status of your account, would like a receipt, or have any additional questions.
Can I share my PCN Select Account?
Only one person can be registered to an account at a time. Subscribers can be logged into three devices simultaneously.
Why is the stream quality poor/ excessive buffering/ freezing?
Live streaming is subject to many potential issues. Bandwidth is always variable – due to server, hardware, and traffic conditions that change minute-to-minute across the Internet. Here are some tips for troubleshooting:
We recommend watching live streams on a wired internet connection.
Make sure you have the latest browser or App updates.
Make sure you have sufficient free memory and drive space on your PC for video playback/caching.
Minimize additional traffic on your network if necessary to reduce buffering.
More specific troubleshooting steps and reporting methods are detailed at pcntv.com/video-troubleshooting.
Why does PCN show political ads?
The 21st century is bringing rapid changes to the media and information business and also to the public's viewing habits. For more than 40 years PCN has provided a valuable service to the people of Pennsylvania. In order to continue providing that service in a changing media landscape, we are modifying our business model to allow for more diverse revenue sources, one of which is that PCN will now accept paid political advertising.
As has always been the case, advertisers and underwriters will in no way influence PCN's editorial decision-making, which has a well-deserved reputation for non-partisanship and journalistic integrity.
Support PCN
Help us continue to bring unique and original content to Pennsylvania
As a nonprofit network, PCN delivers a diverse lineup of programming dedicated to telling Pennsylvania’s story — showcasing its people, places, past and future. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to educate, connect and celebrate.
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