whats the dialing noise on cable tv?

[Bob The Great]

ok, everyonce in a while I hear this dialing noise on cable tv when I'm watching. The sound goes and it just sounds like a quick dial. Sometimes the screen goes weird to. I know its the cable companies or channles doing something, but any one know what that actually is?

My guess is either an error in the broadcast, or they are testing lines for something... Dunno, I'm sure a bunch of you do!

What you hear is a tone alert inserted by the originating source to tell the videocasting system at local cable ops or production studios when to switch into a commcercial break mode. The sequence sounds like a dialing on touch tone telephone.

The tones do not always occur directly with a commercial break, but can be announced well before due to timing issues. The Outdoor Life Channel is the worst in my area for this annoyance.

Robert Richmond

[Bob The Great]

cool.

Now how do I become wise like you?

[sixf00t4]

dont sleep

That is my method, but I would not recommend it. Continuously reading might be a little better for your health.

[Bob The Great]

hmm...I think I'll stay in the cave and watch the shadows on the wall. Much easier then the natural light burning me retninas.

[sixf00t4]

what is this "light" you speak of? is it a new FPS? must try it sometime.

[gjimene2]

[Bob The Great]

yeah its made by Plato-soft. its called the allegory of the cave. Interesting thing