Before the emergence of TV Maravilha, there were illegal relays of
TVE1 and
TVE2 available in northern Portugal. The relays started in the Alto Minho region and later spread to Porto in 1980. At around 11:30 on the morning of February 12, 1984, TVE1's relayer located in Santo Ovídio on VHF channel 7 was jammed during a sports program. A test pattern saying "TV MARAVILHA - PORTO" was broadcast accompanied by the message "Em breve emissões regulares" (Regular broadcasts soon). The cost of operating TV Maravilha was of approximately 80 contos. The most expensive piece of equipment was a video recorder with UHF jack, costing between 50 and 60 contos in the black market, a UHF amplifier and an antenna adapter. Its equipment was built from scratch as well as some army equipment from the Colonial War. After the initial broadcast the TV Maravilha producer, nicknamed "Coca-Cola" to evade police intervention, reportedly contacted Os Comediantes, a local professional theatre team, as well as the promise of airing the American made-for-TV film
The Day After, having bought the tapes for it. Programs were scheduled for Sunday mornings, yet no further broadcasts were made. ==References==