February 24, 2009
By Ty Ford
Wireless microphone usage in the U.S. will fundamentally change when the NTSC-to-ATSC switch is finally completed (delayed from February 17, when only some 400 stations made the change due to a Federal extension of the deadline, to June 12). How significantly that switch will affect you depends to some degree on what part of the US you’re in, but the FCC has notched out every frequency from 698 MHz to 806 MHz, channels 60 to 69 on the UHF TV band. Although the original plan was to auction those frequencies for creating new commercial uses, the sticking point is what to do with the wireless mic users who are legally registered to use that part of the spectrum.
In addition, the FCC will also allow unlicensed consumer products to be created for the remaining lower TV frequencies. No one knows exactly how wireless mic operation will be affected in the short term. It’s highly likely that it will take some time for the 60 to 69 MHz band to be legally re-populated. As a result, some operators may gamble and illegally hang out on those frequencies until interference becomes too great or they are contacted by the FCC and told to move on.
Wireless mic manufacturers are now gearing up for the change, some with inviting incentives. Here’s how they stack up:
Audio-Technica (www.audio-technica.com) stopped making wireless mics in this part of the band 10 years ago Their 3000, 4000, 5000 and 1800 wireless are unaffected.
Lectrosonics (www.lectrosonics.com) has already implemented a block switching program for the wireless systems that are in the affected bandwidth. Modification costs range from $225 to $495 per transmitter or receiver.
Zaxcom (www.zaxcom.com) modifications are running from $150 to $600 for any transmitter receiver combo.
Shure (www.shure.com) is offering rebates of up to $1,000 for the trade-in of Shure 700 MHz frequency band (698-806 MHz) wireless systems and related components purchased before February 1, 2007 and for any other manufacturers’ qualifying 700 MHz frequency band wireless systems and related components. Some restrictions apply. For information on Shure wireless systems purchased on or after February 1, 2007, contact Shure.
Sony Electronics (www.sony.com/professional) high-end WL800 wireless with the letter B in the model number suffix can be altered a cost of $300-$400 per transmitter or receiver. It could cost $700 to alter both a transmitter and receiver. For the Sony UWP, the modification costs exceed the cost of replacement.
Sennheiser (www.sennheiser.com) is offering rebates for purchases made between December 1, 2008 and December 1, 2009 on new Sennheiser wireless systems, additional transmitters or receivers (the Sennheiser Freeport system is excluded from this offer). To receive a rebate, an equal number of old wireless systems, additional transmitters or receivers that operated in the range 698 MHz to 806 MHz must be traded in (we will accept non-Sennheiser brands as well). Single components (transmitters or receivers) are rebated at half the system rebate value. To customers who purchased our systems within the recent years we are offering a tiered rebate. We are also offering a simple flat rebate for systems and components that do not qualify. Details are available on the website.
Audio Ltd. (www.audioltd.com) charges $700 for altering both transmitter and receiver together.
AKG (www.akgusa.com) is offering a competitive $100 trade in/up program for their WMS450 in any wireless of 698 MHz and above. There’s a $100 rebate for any manufacturer’s wireless towards an AKG 450 series and a $250 rebate for any manufacturer’s wireless towards an AKG 4500 series. No restrictions apply. AKG will also help existing WMS4000 wireless owners upgrade their systems prorated on the duration of ownership.
| COMMENTS (3) | | 03/01/2009 | | ...Didn't mention Nady. |
| | 02/27/2009 | | Wow... I never considered that my wireless mic would be affected by this! |
| | 02/25/2009 | | Nice Article |
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