Sun Outages - How Solar Flares Interfere with TV Signal
Solar Interference Schedule – Spring and Fall
Fall is nearly here, and with it comes cooler weather, less daylight, and …TV service interruptions?
Yes, as the sun gently nudges summer out of the way until next year, it’ll cause brief, unavoidable TV service outages from October 5th through October 10th between 1PM and 5PM each day, depending on the channel. These solar interferences are expected to last approximately eight minutes per channel. They also happen in February/March in the Northern Hemisphere.
What is Solar Interference ?
Twice each year, TV customers may experience some degree of television interference due to solar interferences, which are caused by a phenomenon known as “solar satellite interference.” These brief outages occur when the sun passes directly behind the satellites that transmit cable signals for any provider, not just Blue Ridge. When the sun is aligned with a transmitting satellite, solar flares and radiation emitted by the sun disrupts the satellite’s signal and causes a brief signal outage.
Unlike satellite TV customers, whose service can be disrupted unpredictably throughout the year by rain, snow, or other inclement weather, cable TV customers only face these solar interferences for brief, predictable periods during spring and autumn.
What To Expect During A Solar Interference
During the solar interference , customers may experience a pixelated picture, picture freezes, or audio distortions for a brief period of time. Fortunately, solar interferences don’t impact internet or phone service.
You can still watch TV recordings stored in your TiVo, DVR, or Blue Ridge Stream without any trouble during solar interferences. Be aware, however, that programs being recorded during solar interferences will likely be affected.
When your TV service is disrupted on these days and during this time, you’re likely experiencing a solar interference. You don’t have to do anything to restore your service but wait a few minutes for the event to end. Sounds like the perfect time to get yourself a snack.
If you have trouble with your TV service that lasts longer than a few minutes, check out our support center, chat with us, or call 1.800.222.5377. We’re always happy to lend a hand.