Page 1 of 4 >>
There’s a lot of angst among churches who use wireless—meaning most of them—concerning the fate of their gear in light of the increasingly public battle over the fate of the spectrum after the U.S. completes its transition to digital TV broadcasting. This transition is already in process, and will be, by law, completed by February 17, 2009.
There are two areas of concern. First, will my existing wireless systems work, and will they be legal? Second, if I’m buying wireless systems now, what should I look for, and what should I avoid?
This article will cover the basics of the issue, and attempt to provide guidance on the status of both current and future wireless purchases. For the purposes of this story, “wireless systems” includes any RF (radio frequency) device that operates in the UHF frequency range, including microphone and instrument systems (handheld and bodypack), in-ear monitoring (IEM) systems, and intercoms.
Background
Starting around 1990 (roughly the date that they became practical), wireless systems began gaining a foothold in the live sound market. By the end of the decade, these systems had become both robust and affordable, to the point where they became extremely popular in churches, especially those with contemporary music. Most of these systems operate on the UHF band, in the “white spaces” found between TV channels, and offer enough channel selection (agility) to overcome interference from nearby TV stations and competing wireless. For wireless users, life has been good.
A few years back, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided that the U.S. should convert from analog to digital broadcasting for over-the-air television. All licensed TV stations were assigned a new frequency – most of them in the UHF band – and were notified that they would have to cease analog transmissions on their old channels no later than February 17, 2009. Most of these new digital television (DTV) stations activated are broadcasting already, simulcasting with their soon-to-be-vacated analog versions. In addition, other parts of the UHF band would be allocated to public safety communications (first responders), medical devices, etc. This FCC initiative has created both legal and operational issues for wireless systems users. However, the FCC has never stated that wireless systems will be outlawed. So don’t panic.
Legal Issues
Wireless systems in the TV band live in a legal twilight zone. Technically, each system requires a license to operate, but the FCC never enforced that rule—primarily because these are low-power devices (under 100 milliwatts) that are not a threat to broadcast TV. This “no harm, no foul” approach has led to many thousands, perhaps millions, of wireless systems in use across America, happily co-existing with each other and broadcasters.
But the move to DTV created issues. First, the legal status of conventional wireless systems was not addressed. Wireless manufacturers, led by Shure, got directly involved in raising the issue with the FCC, pointing out the potential of disenfranchising the existing users, including broadcasters, churches, live concerts, theaters, etc. Their goal was to create a safe haven in the new wireless landscape, so that major productions (which often use over 100 systems at once) and, by extension, local users, would be protected.
Page 1 of 4 next page >>
Jack Kontney heads Kontney Communications Inc., a marketing and content creation consultancy specializing in pro audio and electronics. He can be contacted at www.kontneycomm.com.
Post a Comment
ADD NEW COMMENT