Abstract: A cable television interdiction apparatus comprises a microprocessor actuation and control means for actuating and controlling one or more frequency agile voltage controlled oscillators. The voltage controlled oscillators selectively jam only unauthorized premium programming transmitted from a headend to a particular subscriber. The method of interdiction comprises the steps of generating and storing voltage control words for operating the oscillators consistent with a headend selected jamming factor for a particular channel to be jammed and addressably transmitted and stored premium programming authorization data.

Abstract: Off premises cable television interdiction apparatus comprises a microprocessor actuation and control means for actuating and controlling a plurality of frequency agile voltage controlled oscillators. The voltage controlled oscillators selectively jam only unauthorized premium programming transmitted in the clear from a headend to a particular subscriber. Each voltage controlled oscillator is allocated a continuous band of frequencies consistent with the elimination of jamming signal frequency harmonics which may disturb authorized programming at a higher channel frequency. The microprocessor actuation and control means provides a calibration mode and a normal mode of operation. During the normal mode of operation, a frequency hopping rate on the order of four thousand hertz is achievable.