# Radio Frequency/ Small broadcasts and TV interference **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 2, 2003, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-frequency-small-broadcasts-and-tv-interference/185866 "2003-07-02T20:57:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2003, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-frequency-small-broadcasts-and-tv-interference/185866/1 "2003-07-02T20:57:34Z")
In the field we use PRC-126 radios to talk to each other. These radios cover a wide range of frequencies. When we are bored we sometimes tune in a local tv freq just to listen to it through the hand mic. The radio will also transmit on those freq. I think it makes sense that if the radio was transmitting near a television, the tv would pick up the audio from the radio. A buddy of mine says that would not happen. I think that the only two reasons the tv would not pick up the audio from the radio are: The station signal is too strong for the transmission from the small portable radio to have any effect. Or the signal from the radio is not formatted for the tv. I dont think it would be the latter because the radio seems to play the audio from the station’s signal fine. So what would happen if the radio was transmitting near a tv on the same freq as the tv station? Nothing because the station signal is too strong? Nothing because it’s the wrong format? The tv will play whatever audio you broadcast? The tv will play both the stations audio and yours? The tv will show signs of signal interference and thats it. It has to be one of those, right? My buddy argues that nothing at all will happen. I think that ‘something’ has to happen. Even the vacuum cleaner causes interference… ---
**Author:** ![justwannano](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@justwannano](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justwannano)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2003, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-frequency-small-broadcasts-and-tv-interference/185866/2 "2003-07-02T21:17:08Z")
The sound signal is only a part of the TVs transmitted signal. What you’d probably do is just disrupt the signal in the area you are transmitting. It may be enough for the TV to play your audio. My guess is both signal interference and quite possibly both stations audio. Need to know more about the radios you are using. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2003, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-frequency-small-broadcasts-and-tv-interference/185866/3 "2003-07-02T21:40:11Z")
All I really know is that they are VHF/FM radios that operate between about 30-88 mhz. and they have a range of about 2-3km. ---
**Author:** ![justwannano](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@justwannano](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justwannano)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2003, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-frequency-small-broadcasts-and-tv-interference/185866/4 "2003-07-03T00:29:11Z")
Channel 6 allocated frequency is 82 to 88 mhz. FM broadcast radio is 88 to 108 mhz. I’m surprised that the radios use the freqs from 54 to 88 mhz. Thats allocated TV frequencies. ---
**Author:** ![justwannano](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@justwannano](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justwannano)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2003, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-frequency-small-broadcasts-and-tv-interference/185866/5 "2003-07-03T00:35:51Z")
Sorry about the double post. The sound portion of the 6 mhz tv channel is in the upper portion of the band. its just 1/4 mhz from the top end. Its only 50 khz wide. So it depends just where you are transmitting in that band as to weather it will be received. ---
**Author:** ![justwannano](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@justwannano](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justwannano)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2003, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-frequency-small-broadcasts-and-tv-interference/185866/6 "2003-07-03T00:38:10Z")
Another vote for edit Really it will be received wherever you are transmitting just how it will be received is the question.