How to Receive the Reading Service Signal

Did you know that there are five different ways you can receive our programming? Just in the past year we have added two new internet based methods of access.

Our mission, at TRRS, is to reach anyone in our listening area who could benefit from our service, and we are working hard to stay current with changes in technology and the changing needs of our listeners. To reach both of these goals, we really need your help. Help us spread the word about the valuable service we provide to the blind and print impaired community. If you know anyone that qualifies, but is not presently a listener, ask them to contact us to find out how they can get connected.

1. SCA Receivers

TRRS broadcasts its news and information programming over a sub-channel of WUNC-FM and can be received over the air anywhere in their service area. To receive our on air broadcast requires the use of a specially tuned sub-channel receiver (SCA), and thankfully, these radios are loaned out free of charge to our listeners, due to the generous donations of individuals and corporations. We now have access to more portable models of SCA receivers, so if one of these smaller units would suit your needs better, call us about availability. To apply for the free use of a special receiver, call the TRRS office at (919) 832-5138. Of course, the return of unused receivers is vitally important to allow us to continue to put our limited supply to good use.

While we gather contact information on the user at the time the receiver is provided, we lose track of some listeners from time to time. If you currently have one of our SCA receivers, please get in touch with us to confirm or update your information we have on file and to let us know you still have it. We would also appreciate if you would give us some idea of when you listen and how you enjoy our programming.

2. Community Access Channels

TRRS programming is the audio portion for community access channels on Time Warner Cable in many Triangle communities. Please note that we do not have control over when our program is aired or when it is pre-empted for other community programming, so check with your local cable provider for complete details, or contact us for more information about how to receive our programming on community access, or you would like to hear TRRS on your community access cable channel, call us at (919) 832-5138.

Here are the cable channels where you should find our audio signal.  Click the links to see each city's published schedule (in PDF format).

• Raleigh:  22
• Cary, Apex, Garner: 11
• Hillsborough: 18

We are not aware of our signal being passed on community access channels in Durham or Chapel Hill.

3. Cable FM

If you are a Time Warner cable subscriber in Raleigh, you already have uninterrupted, 24/7 programming from TRRS on cable FM radio. If you have an active cable connection in your home, all you need is a cable ready radio to begin receiving TRRS programming. A cable ready radio is any radio that has a cable jack just like your TV. We broadcast through Time Warner Cable FM on channel 89.3 in Raleigh.

Simply connect your radio to the cable jack on the wall, tune to our channel and begin listening. If you have a TV already connected to that jack, with a simple device called a splitter, you can receive both signals. If you have any questions about how to get TRRS on cable FM, give us a call at (919) 832-5138.

4. Web Streaming

With web streaming available from our web site, you can receive TRRS programming from any computer connected to the internet, from anywhere in the world. Note the “Listen Now” options from the menu on the right and follow the instructions. In minutes you can begin listening to our programming from your online computer, no matter where you are. Depending upon your computer and software, you may need to take a few additional steps the first time you use it, but if you have difficulty, just contact our office at (919) 832-5138, and we will help walk you through the process.

5. Podcasting

We currently offer selected TRRS programming by podcasting. One of the most innovative means of time shifting, podcasting lets you download programs to your MP3 player and listen when and where you want -- or you can listen to them right away directly from the website. Presently, based upon feedback from our listeners, we offer Grocery Ads and Drug and Department Store Ads within hours of when they originally air, and we are offering the following weekly publications:

• Our State Magazine
• Readers Digest
• Triangle Business Journal
• more to follow ...

We are ready to add more programs as you, our listeners, tell us what you want to have available through podcasting. To access our podcast programs, go to our website and click the podcast menu on the right. If you are unfamiliar with how to download podcasts, or how to set up automatic downloads, call our office to request detailed instructions. To tell us what additional podcasts you want or ask any questions about podcasting, call us at (919) 832-5138.

Other Options

TRRS programming is also available on the in-house cable systems at:

• Rex Hospital
• Duke University Medical Center
• UNC Memorial Hospitals
• Wake Medical Center
• VA Hospital
• Duke Raleigh Hospital
• Croasdaile Village Retirement Center.

If you know of a facility whose residents or patients would benefit from this type of connection, please call us at (919) 832-5138 to let us know, and we’ll contact them.

TRRS programming is also transmitted via satellite and sent out over a closed band on the internet where it is used for rebroadcast as network programming by other reading services around the state, such as in Rocky Mount, Greenville, Wilmington, Winston Salem, Hillsborough, and Alexander County.

At TRRS, we are continually working to make our distribution methods meet the needs and availability of our intended audience. If you have any ideas or suggestions we would love to hear from you. Call us at (919) 832-5138. We look forward to hearing from you.