From: smith@acpy01.att.com (Bob Smith (CXNIXPT1))
Subject: Re: What's this ""bullet"" thing?
Organization: AT&T IMS - Piscataway, NJ (USA)
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 13:33:12 GMT

In article <1992Aug19.050522.4628@ucsu.Colorado.EDU> gerace@ucsu.Colorado.EDU (Jerry Gerace) writes:
>In article <1565@anagld.analytics.com> sammy@anagld.analytics.com (Sam Blackburn) writes:
>>Radio Electronics magazine published an article on the magic bullet.  I can't
>>remember the date of the issue.  Seems like it was in 1991 though.
>
>Yeh, I seem to remember that also...I DID have the issue, but can't find it.
>
>Anyways (or was it in Pop. Electronics???)...anyways..
>
>The "bullet" is sent at the same frequency as the authorization streams
>which are apparently in the FM range (87-108MHz)...so the article recommended
>using a trap to block whatever frequency it was (104 maybe???)...
>
>You also block any genuine authorization signals, but if you're using your
>own box, then so what.
>
>MPB

Radio Electronics - January 1992 explained the magic bullet.
Radio Electronics - April 1992 showed how to create an FM filter to stop
the bullet. It would also stop all authorization to your box. Some boxes
shutdown if they don't receive a signal after a certain amount of time.
Although the article described the filter as stopping 'splash' on your
FM receiver from a cable hookup, the filter can be used for other things.

For instance:
* Leave the  filter off before a free preview weekend for a premium
  channel. Hook the filter back up and the signal cannot be turned off.
* Order pay-per-view. Turn on the filter and enjoy more than one movie.

The article tells how to check if the filter will work on your system.
Though it isn't stated in the article, the filter is designed to work
with Jerrold boxes which have a signal at 106.5 MHz.

The address and telephone number of the company that will sell you the
kit ($19.95 + 4.50 S/H) with a reprint of the April article is:

Northeast Electronics, Inc.
P.O. Box 3310
N. Attleboro, MA 02761
1-800-886-8699

Since we're talking about signals and addressable cable boxes, let me
tell about my experiences with my cable system. I don't have  a descrambler,
but have enjoyed free premium stations on-and-off. I know this was discussed
before and some feel it doesn't work, but it works for me:

* On the Sunday evening of a free preview weekend, pull the input cable from
  your box. Connect it again the next evening. You should still be getting
  the premium station for free. I once got the Movie Channel for 1 1/2 months
  before it was turned off. Try it with the Disney Channel's preview next week -
  I think it ends on Friday - anyone know for sure?

* You can watch more than one movie on pay-per-view if you know when the
  signal is sent to turn off the channel. Most companies will send the
  signal about 15 minutes after the hour. They will show you some of the
  next movie hoping you'll get interested and order it. Well, before
  the signal comes, pull the input connection (an A/B switch makes things
  a little easier). In a few minutes, reconnect the cable. The next movie
  should still be playing. You will have to do this every hour to continue
  watching. A slight inconvenience :-)

RCS