At our Language Center we have just implemented a new system of
Internet-based multilingual programming, which replaces our former Dish
programming. We offer a variety of live streaming Internet channels from
around the globe on our Lab's big-screen television, with sound coming
through wireless headphones. The programming is also available on the
computers in the Lab for patrons who want to tune in to a channel that's
not being streamed on the big screen.

The Lab attendants manually switch the channels every 2 hours by clicking
on a new link on the TV Schedule web page, which is controlled from the Lab
Attendant Mac computer via Screen Sharing. You can view our schedule here:
http://languagecenter.cla.umn.edu/lab_tv.php (Notice that French is not on
this schedule because we still offer round-the-clock French TV5 separately
via Dish, which is subsidized by the French Department. )

This system is still in its beta phase, but so far it has been working well
and allows us to offer a wide variety of languages and shows. Feel free to
contact me with any questions about the system.

Thanks
~ Kate