The DTV Transition is now complete, and the FCC's decision to prohibit the use of 700 MHz-range wireless mics is still pending, but expected. It is likely that the operation of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz range will be prohibited in the near future. If you're among the many wireless users that have been affected, you can use this opportunity to upgrade your wireless at a reduced cost - several manufacturers are offering great rebates on the purchase of new systems. Below is a summary of the current offers.

As always, don't hesitate to call us at 800-433-2105 or email us for assistance. We are standing by to answer your questions.

DTV is here

On June 12, 2009, US television broadcasters completed the switch to digital. As part of this transition, TV channels 58 - 69 (698 - 806 MHz, commonly referred to as the 700 MHz range) were reassigned for public safety use and auctioned to telecom service providers. TV channels 2 - 51 have become the new core TV band into which all digital TV broadcasts were consolidated. Furthermore, new consumer wireless broadband devices called TVBDs (formerly known as White Space Devices or WSDs) will begin operating in the "white spaces", or vacant frequency ranges, between TV channels 2 and 51. Over time, this part of the spectrum will become more crowded as new wireless technologies go into widespread use by the public.

How will this affect wireless mics, monitors and intercoms?

Many wireless microphone, monitor and intercom systems also operate in white spaces. Now that this part of the TV spectrum is more crowded, wireless systems operating on frequencies below 698 MHz will be subject to RF interference from emergency radios and TVBDs. Types of interference might include dropouts, excessive noise, and decreased transmission range. It's also widely expected that the FCC will soon prohibit the usage of 700 MHz-range wireless systems altogether. In light of these developments, most US wireless system manufacturers have ceased production on 700 MHz-range wireless products and are recommending that wireless users move away from systems operating in this frequency range.

The good news

Wireless equipment manufacturers, users, and other concerned parties have been actively lobbying on behalf of the entire industry. Their tireless efforts have succeeded measurably - a recent FCC ruling places significant restrictions on the operation of TVBDs and requires them to incorporate spectrum-sensing technology that will detect and avoid incumbent TV and wireless mic signals. The ruling also calls for the creation of a geolocation database in which users can register events and locations where wireless systems are regularly in use. Additionally, in anticipation of the FCC's decision to prohibit 700 MHz-range wireless systems, most wireless mic manufacturers have reworked their products to operate on new ranges below 698 MHz or above 900 MHz.

Additional Resources

For more information on these events and how they will affect you, follow these links:

• DTV.gov (official FCC website)
• Church Production.com - Your Wireless Mics after the DTV Transition - by Jack Kontney (January 2009)
• ProSoundWeb.com - Final FCC Ruling Includes Protection for Wireless Microphones - by Christopher Lyons (January 8, 2009)

Note: The information on this page is intended to be a guide. All rebate/trade-in offers are available for US residents only. Other restrictions apply; see rebate forms for details.