I'm sure all of us are aware on Feb 19, 2009 TV broadcast is transitioning from analog to digital. If not have a look here http://www.dtv.gov
This transition IS going to affect many operators of wireless audio devices. If you own a wireless audio device that operates in the RF spectrum between 698 to 806 MHz ( the 700 MHz spectrum) in the near future you may need to replace your device.
You should check your wireless audio device manufactures website. AKG, Shure, Sennhesier and other manufacturers are offering limited rebates for upgrading/exchanging 700MHz wireless audio products.
After Feb 19:
- public safety agencies will begin to use 764 - 776 MHz and 794 - 806 MHz for two-way radio communications.
- 746 - 764 MHz and 776 - 794 MHz will be opened up for use by new commercial wireless services. Licenses for these new services by competitive bidding. Some auctions have already occurred, but the winners will not be able to use this spectrum until it has been vacated by the television broadcasts.
* Wireless audio devices that operate on frequencies above 698 MHz should not be used after February 19, 2009. How ever...
If you own a device operating in the public safety agency range 764 - 776 MHz and 794 - 806 MHz, I would be really concerned and consider a back up plan straight away.
If you own a device in frequency of the 700MHz spectrum not in the public safety range you may have a grace period. As of my research today, it appears none of the new devices licensed to use these frequencies will be available for public sale till late 2009 or early 2010. They all have to got through development and pass FCC.
* ALSO NOTE if you end up buying a new wireless audio device you still may not be future proofed :(
The issue(s) are complicated but boil down to:
- Digital TV is freeing up "white space" in the 150 - 700 MHz bands
- Manufactures and wireless carriers for new breeds of cordless telephones, wireless multimedia systems, PDA devices, and similar equipment want those bands to provide us with faster wireless data transmission.
- Over the past 35 years, wireless audio devices used by the performing arts have operated on radio frequencies between the television broadcast channels, on the so-called "white spaces" (from 150MHz - 175MHz and 470MHz - 806MHz) and these operators have not has to carry a license.
Personally I have $1,000's in wireless audio, most of which is in the 700 MHz spectrum and to old to qualify for manufacture rebates. This gear has worked for years flawlessly.
On the other hand I love my PDA, a WM6 HTC Tilt 3G speed (fastest available) mini computer cell phone. This is at least my 25th cell phone. I've spent $1,000's on cell phones. My kids have a older $200 cell phones as toys. Here we are gearing up for another round of faster wireless networks and new devices. If history repeats I will go out and buy a faster PDA Cell before the "price drop" with the desire to be geek cool. That new PDA will be just like the previous 25, it will not work flawlessly.
Reference's for this article:
What’s the FCC Doing to My Wireless Microphones?
Other Issues that Impact the Performing Arts from American Arts Alliance
What Digital TV Means to Wireless Microphone Users from Shure
FCC Rules for NEW TV BAND DEVICES: What This Means For Wireless Microphone Users from Sennheiser
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