Kicked out for texting at movies. Her voicemail is used for a pre-show PSA- Page 4

[morosco]

Posted: 6/8/11 at 8:33pm

Using cell phone jammers is illegal in the United States because the radio frequencies used by the cellphone carriers are protected by the FCC, just like those used by television and radio broadcasters.

It has also been said that the jammers can interfere with medical equipment (pacemakers for example). There's also the argument that bad guys could use them during a crime to make it impossible for a victim to use their cell phone to call for help. (I don't buy that argument. A bad guy is going to get one no matter what the law says.)

I wish the FCC would let theatres get around this law by simply requiring them to post warning signs that say, "Be advised that once you enter this theatre you will not be able to initiate or receive any transmissions on your cell phone or electronic device. Electronic signal jammers are in use."

I also wonder if cell phone signals could interfere with the technology associated with automated scenery? Seems like a good argument for the theatre industry (especially Broadway) would be to say that they can't allow the use of cell phones in the theatre because it puts the actors and stage hands in danger.

Some businesses have taken a different approach. During construction or renovation they install steel mesh on their walls, floors, and ceiling surfaces. The mesh is then covered over with regular building materials and carpeting. No signal comes in or goes out. Problem solved. (Not sure about the legality of that though...they are still actively actively blocking signals.)

I wish jammers were legal. I'd buy one of these and keep it in my pocket and turn it on when I go to the theatre, sit near an incessant talker on the train or while at a fine restaurant.
Portable Cigarette Case Cell Phone Signal Jammer

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 6/8/11 at 8:55pm

As I said, there have been cases of cell phones and other wireless devices interfering and causing unexpected results backstage (the most common occurrence I have experienced is static on headsets, but stories abound, as I posted above). So a jammer that is capable of blocking that signal is probably also capable of blocking or interfering in some other way with those devices we want to be able to use backstage (remote control for automation, wireless dimmers, headsets, microphones, etc).

[morosco]

Posted: 6/8/11 at 9:06pm

...a jammer that is capable of blocking that signal is probably also capable of blocking or interfering in some other way with those devices we want to be able to use backstage...

Good point. I didn't think about that.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 6/8/11 at 9:26pm

Unfortunately the only feasible solution is, as others have said, theatre management taking a more vigilant stance. Yes, they are not going to get everyone, but sometimes the act of seeing them bust another person near you is just as good a deterrent. I have seen it happen more than once when I send an usher or the house manager to talk to a patron that you see another patron nearby get a guilty look on their face and quickly stash their phone or camera away as well.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 6/8/11 at 10:29pm

Last time we were there, at In the Heights was a teen texting.....in front of her parents who did nothing, so I turned to her and said.....stop texting, gave the parents a dirty look....and I was surprised, but she did.
Nothing worse than texting, talking, or once someone on the phone at a production....I just won't stand for it.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 8:17am

Whoopi showed this psa yesterday on The View. Something tells me this girl will never do it again.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 9:46am

The Alamo Drafthouse gives me hope for Texas.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 9:53am

I saw SUPER 8 yesterday and a guy a few rows up from me had his phone out all through the previews and I just knew I was going to have to say something. He put it away when the movie started and than in the first five minutes he pulled it out to text twice. I told myself that three times was the charm and if he did it again I was going to say something so 10 seconds later when he did I yelled out "If you don't put that fu**king phone away I'm gonna break it!" Some people clapped, he put the phone away, I was pleased.

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 6/28/11 at 10:15pm

Joy Behar really should know better after Whoopi showed that clip on The View.

Edit -okay link doesn't quite work, but still. Bad Joy.
Oh, Joy - no tweeting during the movie! Out!

Updated On: 6/28/11 at 10:15 PM

[Eris0303]

Posted: 6/29/11 at 3:33pm

I wish jammers were legal. I'd buy one of these and keep it in my pocket and turn it on when I go to the theatre, sit near an incessant talker on the train


So a jammer that is capable of blocking that signal is probably also capable of blocking or interfering in some other way with those devices we want to be able to use backstage (remote control for automation, wireless dimmers, headsets, microphones, etc).

Or interfere with the operation of the train.

Or the on-call doctor who makes the mistake of going to the same restaurant as you.

Updated On: 6/29/11 at 03:33 PM