Variable frequency catv jamming method and apparatus

Abstract

A frequency generating means, generates an initial frequency of greater amplitude than the amplitude of a television signal carrier wave. The generated frequency is compared to a reference frequency which would be suitable for jamming one of the channels to be jammed. If the generated frequency is too high or too low, the frequency generating means generates a new frequency which is, respectively, either lower or higher than the initial frequency it generated. If the new generated frequency is still higher or lower than the reference frequency, the frequency generating means generates another new frequency, which is respectively, either lower or higher than the previously generated frequency, but by a lesser amount than the amount by which the previously generated frequency differed from the frequency generated before it. The generation of new frequencies continues until one of them is within a desired range of the reference frequency, at which time the generated frequency is stored in memory. The same procedure is used to obtain memorized frequencies to be generated by the frequency generating means for jamming each channel to be controlled. On a time divisional basis the frequency generating means generates the jamming frequencies which are transmitted to each of the subscribers who are not entitled to receive the channel they are jamming. Periodically the jamming of channels is briefly stopped and the jamming frequencies are re-calculated and re-memorized, then the calculation process stops and the jamming resumes.