Don’t Adjust Your Television – it May Be Sunspots
Have you ever heard of sunspots? You probably haven’t, but you may have experienced them.
Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, HTC Video members everywhere can possibly experience the effects of sunspots, also known as Sun Transit or Sun Fade. This fall, Sunspots may occur between October 2 and October 14. During this time, channels may go dark, pixelate or freeze for up to 10 minutes at a time.
These interruptions are caused by solar radiation overwhelming satellite signals. During the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun’s path lines up directly between the ground and space satellites. The solar radiation in this line causes black screen or pixilation.
Talk about a science lesson!
On the bright side, these issues resolve on their own when the sun moves and shouldn’t last for more than 10 minutes. For a great visual explanation of sunspots, check out this clip:
Since this is all dependent on the movement of the sun, there is nothing HTC can do to stop sunspots from potentially impacting your video service. We hope to see these issues decrease over time as television affiliates transition to more internet-based services instead of satellite-based ones.
If you experience channel loss for more than 10 minutes at a time or in the nighttime hours, this could indicate a more significant issue beyond sunspots. In this case, you should call HTC Technical Support at 843-365-2186. Available 24/7/365, we’ll be able to quickly respond and work to correct any issue you may have.
About HTC
HTC is the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States. Celebrating 70 years as the local leader in communications, HTC provides services in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network, HTC service offerings include: Internet; Video; Security; Mobile; and Voice. HTC also offers advanced business services, including: Internet; Voice and Hosted Voice Solutions; IT Solutions such as Wi-Fi, Data Backup & Recovery and Firewalls; and Business Security. To learn more about HTC, visit www.htcinc.net. For additional information about HTC or becoming a member, call 843-365-2154.
