Recorded 27 February 2009
…Why White Space gives me a headache
If you’re a musician or a speaker, or an actor, or a presenter and you use a wireless microphone system or wireless personal monitors (in ear) or a wireless guitar pickup and you don’t know whether or not it operates in the 700 MHz spectrum (698 – 806 MHz to be exact), you need to. You need to stop what you’re doing and check. You see, manufacturers aren’t making those systems in that range anymore and sooner rather than later, using that spectrum will be considered illegal. I know, tough language and a bit dramatic, but a real issue. The FCC has reallocated that spectrum and wireless systems won’t be allowed. And to make matters even more confusing to the little guy, it’s all based on Broadcast Television channels, channels 52 – 69. Take a listen.
So what do we do about it? If you have a professional sound person, most likely, nothing, they’ve got it handled. But if you don’t, that’s what this episode of With A Voice Like This is all about.
News You can Use
- Why was it reallocated? For Public Safety and some commercial use. The FCC Public Notice from 2000 and a more recent explanation 700 MHz Second Report and Order
- What it means to the Wireless users
- What to Do with 700 MHz Wireless Systems a Prosoundnews.com post withA list of Manufacturers and their response (including rebate programs). The list includes AKG, Audio-Technica, Audix, Electro-Voice, Lectrosonics, Sennheiser and Shure.
At Any Rate
- The FCC’s Second Report and Order approving the use of White Space
- Protections for wireless systems
- Wireless systems are considered Licensed TVBDs
- Licensed vs. unlicensed TVBDs (TV Band Devices)
- Example of clear channels for wireless use in Chicago from the ProSoundWeb.com’s LiveSound article
- Database setup for users registering channels and usage
- FCC to solicit third party bids to create and maintain the database
- A quick wrap up of the entire discussion
Additional Resource Links
- White Spaces Overview [UPDATE: Article no longer exits on website] – Shure Pro Audio article
- “White Spaces” Information [UPDATE: Article no longer exits on website] – Shure Pro Audio article
I have no affiliation with Shure, I just got a lot of information through their Newsletter and companion website.
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