Manifests as interference patterns in magnetic tape substrate, creates horizontal shift distortion in tracking lines, generates spontaneous audio bleeding between channels, appears as color burst artifacts on corrupted recordings, and manifests as blue screen static with embedded imagery that travels through coaxial connections.

The Phantom Signal serves as the Chaintrix's recorder of last resort - when official systems fail, it preserves what would otherwise be lost, making its testimony more binding than official records. It judges player presence by capturing what perfect systems miss, ensuring that even failed recordings leave permanent evidence.