MiND FAQ

If you are a member of MiND, please contact the Membership Department at 215-483-3900 ext. 223 or membership@mindtv.org regarding your inquiry.

MiND: Media Independence welcomes viewer input. Your feedback is very important to us. Due to the high volume of inquiries we receive and limited capacity to respond, we may be unable to respond to your questions individually at this time. Please know, however, that all feedback will be noted.

General Programming Questions
Technical Questions
Producer/Distributor Questions
Membership Questions
Other Questions

General Programming Questions

Where can I watch MiND, NHK World and MiND Presents MHz Worldview?
In the Greater Philadelphia area, you can receive all three of MiND channels over the air on the following channels:

MiND: Media Independence:
Channel 35.1 (over the air broadcast)
Comcast 20, 35, 98
Cablevision 15, 23
FIOS 35
Direct TV 35

NHK World:
Channel 35.2 (over the air broadcast)
Comcast 265/ Comcast 135 in NJ
Cablevision 115
FIOS 475
DirectTV (Coming Soon)

MiND Presents MHz Worldview:
Channel 35.3 (over the air broadcast)
Comcast 264
Cablevision 116

For up to date listings on cable and satellite, please contact your specific provider. If your provider does not carry our channels, please tell them you want to watch MiND!

Is MiND available on DirecTV?
You can watch MiND on DirecTV Channel 35 and NHK World on Direct TV 35-2.

Where can I find the program schedules for MiND's channels?
All of our schedules are available for download on our "MiND on TV" page. Schedules are also available on www.zap2it.com and www.tvguide.com. For the most up to date MHZ Worldview (35.3) schedule, please visit http://www.mhznetworks.org/mhzworldview/programming/.

You'll find a list of the next hour's MiND 5 Minute programs on our homepage and view “Coming Up Next” below the video player – you will see what is coming up within the hour on MiND 35.1. For members, visit your myMiND account for your programs' airtimes.

Can I watch NHK World 35.2 or MHZ Worldview 35.3 programs and Philadelphia Stories online too?
No, MiND does not have the rights to distribute these programs on the internet.

MiND’s 5-minute format is so different. Is MiND still public television?
Yes, MiND is really different. And, yes, MiND is still member-supported, public television. MiND is one of very few fully-independent, non-PBS, non-commercial stations in the United States. We hold the only educational broadcasting license in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What are the MiND “themed months” I keep hearing about?
Each month MiND presents some programs on an important theme such as the environment or Veteran's issues. MiND presents several documentaries, and 5 Minute programs made by MiND by partners and by members of the community. If you live in the area, we invite you to join us for our live events, where you will see a preview screening and speak with the filmmakers. For information check our news and events section.

How can I submit to these months?
First, become a member! Then join us for a Boot Camp to learn how to create video programs, or simply submit your 5-minute program through your online myMiND account – and mail us your DVD! Make sure all programs are on topic for each month, are exactly 5-minutes long and meet all of MiND’s submission criteria. It must have a learning component and be non-commercial and non-promotional in nature. Contact membership@mindtv.org for more information on deadlines and topics.

How can I get copies of the programs MiND airs?
Every 5 Minute program is available online on demand, and many are available on MiND's YouTube account. Regarding half-hour and hour MiND programs, MiND does not have the rights to sell or provide copies of the programs it airs. If you would like a copy of a program, please contact the distributor directly. You may also consult our primary distributors' websites at www.aptonline.org and www.netaonline.org to see if copies are available.

• MiND: Media Independence (35.1) – You may view MiND programs via our video on demand feature on our website at www.mindtv.org. If there is contact information at the end of the program, copies may be available.

• NHK World (35.2) - MiND does not have the rights to sell or provide copies of the programs it airs.

• MiND Presents MHz Worldview (35.3) - Please consult the MHz Worldview website at http://www.mhznetworks.org/mhzworldview. Generally MHz Networks does not have rights to sell or provide copies of the programs it airs.

How can I get copies of the Korean Dramas?
Copies with English subtitles are generally unavailable. You may check the internet to see if any become available in the future.

How many episodes are in a Korean drama series?
Since many of the dramas we air are currently under production in Korea, we are usually unable to provide accurate information. You may conduct an internet search but we have found this information to be generally unreliable.

What happened to the show I watch? I don’t see it in the schedule anymore. Will you re-air it?
Like every television channel, MiND purchases rights to air programs/series a certain number of times. If you do not see your program in the schedule, it is because we no longer have rights to air it, we are giving the program a rest, or we have decided not to air the program again to make room for new programming.

How do I get a transcript of a show?
MiND does not provide transcripts of the programs it airs. Please conduct an internet search and contact the producer/distributor of the program.

How can I contact the producer of a program?
Please check for contact information at the end of the program. If the program welcomes viewer inquiries, a phone number, website address or e-mail address will be provided. You may also conduct an internet search for this information. Many programs have their own websites.

Why are your television listings sometimes incorrect?
We reserve the right to make program scheduling changes at any time. If a change has been made at the last minute, our television listings may be inaccurate. The most accurate listings can be found on our website. For accurate listings, you may also check www.zap2it.com and www.tvguide.com.

Technical Questions

How do I report a technical problem?
Please e-mail programming.dept@mindtv.org. Please be as specific as possible with your email. Please indicate your provider, detailed description of incident, time of day, location you are reporting from, and your name and contact information. We cannot respond to all reports, nor fix all technical difficulties immediately, but all reports will be noted.

Why were there no subtitles on the Korean drama? Why are there technical problems with the dramas?
Our Korean dramas come directly from Korea and we air these programs as they are provided by the distributor.

Why are MiND audio levels different between programs and different from other stations?
We recieve our programs from many different sources and while we do our best to provide consistant audio levels, we do not control the sources of these programs, which may be inconsistant. We have invested in equipment and processes to eliminate much of the problem.

Why does MiND come in pixelated, or why does the picture drop out suddenly with distorted or no audio?
Unlike analog television, digital television is an “all or nothing” signal type. That means that when there are reception problems, the video drops out and becomes pixilated and the audio breaks up. There are many factors that cause signal degradation and reception problems. Sometimes having your antenna near an area in your house where pipes run can cause the signal to drop. Luckily sometimes the remedy to these problems is as easy as repositioning the antenna. Try aiming your antenna towards the Roxborough/Philadelphia area to improve reception. In some cases a roof-mount antenna is the best solution, as it’s less likely to experience interference.

My screen is completely black with no audio while watching MiND – what is happening?
Lack of video or audio can be caused from reception problems. Please see our section on pixelated video and distorted audio for troubleshooting reception problems. Usually this occurs when tower work has to be completed at our transmitter site, or during times when we are doing maintenance to improve our over-the-air signal. If you notice that there is a black picture with a full signal and there are no announcements on our website, please e-mail programming.dept@mindtv.org and report the problem.

I have two DT tuners/converter boxes in my house. One works perfectly and the other doesn’t work as well. What is the problem?
Many reception problems are due to antenna placement. If you’re experiencing reception problems, try to adjust your antenna. If you continue to have problems, check the DT tuner/converter box. We’ve had a lot of feedback since the digital transition with regards to different makes and models of these boxes and we’ve concluded that some of the DT tuners/converters operate better than others. Unfortunately there is no standard on components or protocol handling of DT tuners, and it’s up to the individual manufacturers to include error detection/handling in regards to the digital tuner and how it receives the digital signal.

What channel is MiND on in my area?
We have three channels and they are located on the following channels.

MiND: Media Independence:
Channel 35.1 (over the air broadcast)
Comcast 20, 35, 98
Cablevision 15, 23
FIOS 35
Direct TV 35

NHK World
Channel 35.2 (over the air broadcast)
Comcast 265/ Comcast 135 in NJ
Cablevision 115
FIOS 475
DirectTV (Coming Soon)

MiND Presents Worldview:
Channel 35.3 (over the air broadcast)
Comcast 264
Cablevision 116

Producer/Distributor Questions

How do I submit a program to MiND?
Submitting a program to MiND is easy. First, become a member. submitting programs is a member benefit. We are a member-supported organization!

Once you become a member, you will have access to your myMiND account. Here you can fill out the submission form that is required for every 5-minute program sent to MiND. Fill it out, print out and sign a copy, then send it in with your program. You can print a shipping label, but in case you lose it, all submissions must be sent to:

MiND: Media Independence
8200 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19128

What are the rules for submitting programs to MiND?
Please review our submission guidelines (PDF).

How will I know if my 5-minute program is accepted? When will it air?
It takes MiND 1-2 weeks to review member programs. In your myMiND account, you can see when your program has been received, accepted, rejected, and/or scheduled. Check back often to your myMiND for updated air dates for your program. MiND’s program schedule changes often.

Does MiND take programs that are longer than 5-minutes?
MiND accepts programs that are exactly 5-minutes long for our MiND Channel 35.1.

Do you accept 30 minute or 60 minute programs?
We will consider completed documentaries of superior quality. We do not offer a licensing fee.

We are also interested in series with at least a dozen completed episodes consitant with MiND's themes. The series must somehow connect to a global/int'l theme. The series should also have underwriting/sponsors already attached.

We do not fund the creation of programs/series. The only exception is our Philadelphia Stories series. For more information about this series, please check our website at http://www.philadelphiastories.tv/.

For more information on programming other than 5 minutes, please e-mail programming.dept@mindtv.org.

I have submitted a program for MiND Presents. When will I hear back from you with a decision?
We will contact you after we have screened the program. Please note that this may take some time. Also note that we are not offering an acquisition fee for new programming at this time.

What formats do you accept for submissions?
We prefer DVD, Beta SP or DVC Pro tapes.

Can I rent your studio?
Yes, MiND offers various rental options for our studio. Please contact us at membership@mindtv.org or call 215-483-3900 ext. 223 for more information.

When will Philadelphia Stories accept submissions for next year?
Please consult the Philadelphia Stories page of our website at http://www.philadelphiastories.tv/. Submission dates and other information will be posted once they have been determined.

When will Philadelphia Stories start airing?
Please consult the Philadelphia Stories page of our website at http://www.philadelphiastories.tv/.

I have a question about Philadelphia Stories. Who should I contact?
You may contact programming.dept@mindtv.org.

Will you promote my film/documentary which was accepted for air?
Your film will appear on our website schedule and television listings. It may also be included in our monthly e-blasts. At this time, we are only promoting our Philadelphia Stories series on television.

How do I underwrite or sponsor a show?
Please call 215.483.3900 ext. 215

Membership Questions

How do I become a member?
You can become a member of MiND by visiting our website at www.mindtv.org and clicking on the button in the upper right hand corner that says, “Become A Member Today!” If you prefer to pay by cash, check or money order, please contact Member Relations at 215-483-3900 x223 or membership@mindtv.org to get a sign-up form.

What does my membership include?
Your MiND membership includes the following:

o Unlimited 5-minute Program Submissions
o Great Rates on the Member Equipment Rental Program
o Discounted Rates on Advanced Workshops
o MiND’s Media Making Field Guide TV Made Easy For MiND Members
o myMiND Online Member Page

How do I submit a 5 minute program?
You can submit your 5-minute programs by becoming a member of MiND, logging into your myMiND account, and clicking on “New Submission.” From there, follow the instructions on screen and mail in your completed five minute program on a DVD with the signed submission form. Please note that MiND only accepts completed, programs that are exactly 5-minutes. Please review our submission guidelines (PDF) for more information about what programs we accept.

What are your submission guidelines?
Please click here to see a list of our submission guidelines (PDF).

Can MiND make programs for me?
Please view our rate card (PDF) for MiND production services pricing.

How often will my 5 minute program air?
Your program will air a minimum of 18 times over a two year period. Many programs air many more times.

How do I know when my 5 Minute program will air?
You can see when your program will air by logging in to your myMiND account and clicking on “View schedule” for any of your submissions.

Also please check the MiND schedule. If your program is scheduled to air at the same time as one of our long format programs, your program will air on our internet stream but not on the broadcast. Also, please note that if we are airing special programming in support of a fund drive, usually 9-10:30pm Mon-Fri, your program may be pre-empted.

What if I want to join, and share my stories, but I have no idea how to get started? Does MiND offer workshops?
MiND can help! We offer “MiND Boot Camp – You Can Do It!” training sessions to help all of our members get started making their video projects. These full-day workshops are essential for anyone who wants to get the basic skills, or brush up on existing knowledge of telling stories with video. Information about MiND Boot Camp, and our other training classes can be found on our special dedicated website just for this: www.mindtv.org/training. You can also contact us at membership@mindtv.org.