`BLACK BOX' AMNESTY; CABLE COMPANY TARGETS ILLEGAL SETS.

Byline: Karen Maeshiro Daily News Staff Writer

Jones Intercable announced Monday a monthlong ``no questions asked'' amnesty program for people to turn in ``black boxes'' that allow them to illegally get premium cable channels for free.

After the Aug. 31 deadline, Jones Intercable will begin checking cable lines with new equipment that can detect altered equipment used to descramble signals and receive unauthorized services.

``The goal is to remove the illegal devices from the system, to make honest customers, not prosecute,'' said Janet Spatz, general manager of Jones Intercable, which has 70,000 customers.

People who turn in illegal equipment will get a free month of HBO, company officials said. For those who do not take advantage of the amnesty program, Jones Intercable officials pledged to pursue criminal charges and civil damages against those caught receiving basic cable services or premium movie services through illegal line tapping or the use of the black boxes.

Cable theft losses in the Antelope Valley were estimated at $3.1 million annually and represent franchise fees to the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, company officials said. The amnesty program was announced at a news conference attended by Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford, Lancaster Vice Mayor Henry Hearns and sheriff's officials.

While illegal line tapping is easy to detect, finding illegal black box devices or Jones Intercable converter boxes that have been altered is more difficult because they are in people's homes, said Don Jones, system engineering manager.

Now, a new meter can be hooked up to cable lines outside the home to check box devices inside, Jones said.

Based on audits done in the spring, including one of 2,200 homes, Jones estimates the theft rate is 14 percent. The company also believes there are 14,000 black boxes in the Antelope Valley.

Cable theft is a violation of state law, punishable by up to a year in jail and fines up to $10,000. Manufacturers and consumers who tamper with equipment for monetary gain face penalties of up to five years behind bars and fines of up to $50,000.

In addition, Jones Intercable has the right to file civil charges against any illegal users for back payment of services received for up to $10,000.

Illegal equipment can be turned in at the Jones Intercable Palmdale office at 41551 10th St. W. To anonymously report cable theft, people can call the theft hotline at [phone].

Jones Intercable officials said some customers might not realize they are stealing cable services, having bought descrambling devices from out of state.

The black box devices are sometimes advertised as being legal, but the small print states people must consult with their local cable company before they hook them up, said Bill Rivas, marketing director.

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Photo

PHOTO (Color) Jones Intercable engineer Don Jones shows some of the ``black boxes'' used to receive premium cable TV channels without paying.

John Lazar/Special to the Daily News