Gov Test EAS system
As I told you back in March the EAS system would be tested. As I expected it failed in may cable systems due to poor maintance and improper connections.
Reports are that some systems tuned all channels to QVC. Its easy to understand why when you read the install manuals. The factory recomends using the modulator for QVC to install your decoder. That modulator is used in an emergency to broadcast the message to all channels. If the switch fails or someone disconects the decoder it will broadcast QVC on all channels.
Most of these problems could have been found earler of the cable companies would program decoders to carry local weather alearts then problems like this would show up.
Another major problem with the EAS is that it is basicaly a off switch for all TV and radio in the us. Any president anytime he wants can activate the system and shut everything down for any amount of time. The laws need to be changed so that news channels and local stations can disconnet from the system in an emergency and bring us news coverage. Under the current system the government could actualy censor all news coverage…..
To make matters worse the EAS tones can be faked and a rouge persion could insert such a fake tone into the system.
Rules need to be modified to allow broadcasters to disconnect from this system when they think it is being abused or is violating free speach rights.
