Spring is nearly here, and with it comes warmer weather, more daylight, and…TV signal interruptions?

Yes, as the sun gently nudges winter out of the way until next year, it will cause brief, unavoidable TV service outages from March 2nd through March 7th between 1PM and 5PM each day, depending on the channel. These sun outages are expected to last approximately 8 minutes per channel. They also happen in September/October in the Southern Hemisphere.

What is a Sun Outage?
Twice each year, TV customers may experience some degree of television interference due to sun outages, 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 disrupt the satellite’s signal and cause 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 sun outages for brief, predictable periods during spring and autumn.

What To Expect During A Sun Outage.
During the sun outage, customers may experience a pixelated picture, picture freezes, or audio distortions for a brief period of time. Fortunately, sun outages don’t impact internet or phone service.

You can still watch TV recordings stored in your TiVo or DVR without any trouble during sun outages. Be aware, however, that programs being recorded during sun outages will likely be affected.

When your TV service is disrupted on these days and during this time, you’re likely experiencing a sun outage. 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.