Background:

A new TV station has begun operating in Tijuana, Mexico, on TV channel 3. This station may cause interference to the reception of cable TV, and the use of TV channel 3 for video games, VCRs, and satellite receivers, in the San Diego area. While such interference can occur, there are steps that can be taken to minimize or eliminate the interference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q.    What does this interference generally look like?

A.     Interference will likely appear as two signals (picture and sound) on your TV at the same time, one of which will be in Spanish. The TV may also display fluttering lines throughout the television picture, with Spanish audio being heard in some cases. The interference should occur only when your TV is tuned to channel 3, but for cable viewers it may occur when your cable converter is tuned to other channels.

Q.     I'm a cable TV subscriber. What do I do if I am experiencing interference to my cable reception, or to other TV, VCR, video games, or other video devices?

A.     Contact your local cable company for assistance. Contact points are: Americable (619) 435-8240; Cox Communications (619) 262-1122; Chula Vista Cable (619) 476-0177; Daniels Cablevision (760) 931-7000; and Time Warner (619) 695-3220. Cox Communications also has an informative troubleshooting page on their website at www.cox.com/sandiego/CableTV/channel3.asp. This site describes solutions to interference problems associated with the various cable converter boxes, VCRs and other devices.

Q.     I'm not a cable subscriber. What can I do if I am experiencing interference to my VCR, video game, and satellite receiver?

A.    You can change the switch on the back or side of your video devices from TV channel 3 to channel 4. Your TV receiver also must be re-tuned to channel 4. While there is a TV channel 4 in Los Angeles, this station should not cause any interference to users located near Mexico.

Q.     What else can I do to minimize interference?

A.     It is recommended that you check all the cables connected to a satellite receiver or video game, and between a VCR and TV, to assure that they are tight and not corroded. It is also recommended that shielded cable be used, and corroded cables replaced. If possible, shielded cable should be used between the TV set and any outside antenna.

Q.     Do I have any other resources for more information concerning this matter?

A.     Yes, contact the FCC's National Call Center (NCC) at its toll free number at (888) 225-5322. NCC can help consumers make the necessary changes to switch their devices from TV channel 3 to channel 4, and answer other interference questions.

Q.    Has the Commission done anything to minimize the potential of the interference from the new TV channel 3 station in Tijuana?

A.    The Commission has been working for several years with Mexican authorities, the TV channel 3 licensee, and a local cable TV system operator to consider alternatives.

Q.     What other alternatives have been considered?

A.    (1) Studies were performed to determine if a different TV channel could be used. Unfortunately, it was determined that no other channel was available that provided adequate coverage of Tijuana and protection of existing TV stations.

        (2) Studies were also performed to determine whether the power level of the new TV station could be reduced while maintaining good coverage in Tijuana. Based on the results of these studies, Mexico has agreed to reduce the power of the new station to the level necessary to achieve adequate coverage of Tijuana.

        (3) Third, at our request, the Mexican licensee changed their antenna configuration so that less power will be sent from the TV station towards the U.S. border.

        (4) Finally, Mexico has agreed that the initial TV channel 3 operations will be based on a test plan developed by the U.S. This plan calls for a slow increase in power by the new station over a period of several weeks, providing consumers and cable operators the opportunity to take remedial actions to eliminate any interference problems before they become severe.

Q.     Why did the U.S. allow Mexico to operate on TV channel 3 near the San Diego, CA border area?

A.     Mexico and the U.S. adopted an agreement in 1962 that specifies how the VHF/TV stations (channels 2 - 13) are coordinated in the U.S./Mexico border areas. In 1995, the Mexican government notified the U.S. that they intended to establish a new TV channel 3 station with 100 kilowatts of power in Tijuana. The FCC accepted this station pursuant to the 1962 agreement because it provided the necessary protection to existing TV stations.
The 1962 VHF/TV agreement does not address interference involving the use of channel 3 by video devices, such as VCRs, video games, satellite receivers and cable TV converters. None of these technologies were in use in 1962. In addition, new channel 3 stations can rarely be implemented because of the large number of existing VHF/TV stations. Even though video devices are not covered by the Agreement, the FCC and Mexico have been working together to address this unusual situation and to adopt plans that minimize interference to U.S. consumers.