Quote:
Originally Posted by outlaw
Do ham radios still interfere with nearby OTA televisions? Is that why they are prohibited in TV. Just curious.
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This simple question does not have a simple answer.
However, the short answer is that ham radio transmissions have the potential for disturbing TV reception both over the air and by cable.
Part of the complexity of the issue is that cable companies are allowed to utilize certain radio frequencies through their cables that are in the licensed ham radio bands. It is assumed that cables in good condition prevent ham radio emissions from entering the cables. However, not all cable company equipment is in good condition.
The basic Federal Communications Commission (FCC) law provides that if a licensed ham radio transmitter is being operated legally and complies with FCC emission standards, and the signal interferes with reception of signals in a home entertainment device
the owner of the home device is responsible for remedying the problem. Put simply, the law provides that the manufacturers of radios, TVs, VCRs, etc. are supposed to design their devices to be immune from interference from ham radio transmissions. If they are not, the purchaser must correct the problem.
In the case of interference with cable TV, the cable company is supposed to be sure their equipment is immune.
The FCC, and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) both encourage ham radio operators to work with their neighbors to correct interference problems where they exist. There is an assumption that the ham knows more than the average person about utilization of chokes, filters, and other devices that might be installed on the home entertainment devices to correct the problem.
Ham radio operators want to be good neighbors.