Real World Gear: Is Now The Time To Replace 700 MHz Wireless Systems?
Possible rethinking of brands and models of wireless equipment in light of ongoing changes; plus, a tour of more than a dozen wireless system options
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A further issue is that interfering in emergency communications (the new purpose of some of the reclaimed spectrum) could be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Digital broadcasts completely fill most 6 MHz-wide TV channels, so by now many have memorized the list in their city. (For example, I live in the Jacksonville, Florida region, and my list is 19, 24, 32, 34, 38, 42 and 44.)

If you don’t know the channels in your area, several on-line resources are available.

Scanning for optimum frequency assignment is now almost mandatory when employing multiple wireless channels in big cities.

Equipment with automatic group assignment can quickly pick the best assignment to a pre-coordinated group of frequencies. Infrared transmitter synchronizing from a receiver allows users to quickly set each transmitter to a particular receiver’s frequency - useful after automatic scanning and assignment.

Computer control and monitoring allows users to monitor audio and RF levels as well as battery status for a large number of wireless channels with a glance at a computer screen. Walk tests can be logged to determine if complete coverage exists for chosen frequencies and antenna deployments.

If your company or department makes its living providing wireless systems downtown in a big city, you’ve probably already started to rebuild your wireless department, and there may be more rentals in the future.

Users of all types are being forced to re-evaluate their wireless systems. For now, many may choose to only replace a fraction of their inventory and rent additional systems as needed.

Again, several manufacturers have rebates in effect through June 30. Place your order now and you may have your new equipment in hand by June 12. Check out these systems from each of 16 wireless manufacturers.

With change comes opportunity, and now is the time to rethink brands and models of wireless equipment.

Mark Frink is Editorial Director of
Live Sound International.


Source: Live Sound International

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Comments (9) Most recent displayed first | All comments in chronological order
Posted by Jess  on  11/10/11  at  04:56 AM
I didn't know that the 700 mhz spectrum will be auctioned off. Will be interesting to see what happens then. I'm sure everyone in Nigeria as ogbonnanta says will be grateful to receive the leftovers!

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Posted by Anna  on  10/26/11  at  05:31 AM
Wow that's amazing to think of so many people breaking the law without realising they were doing so! Can't really blame them if it's not well enough publicised and of course sellers on eBay aren't going to 'fees up. That's a lot of illegal units out there though, why have they banned them, are they dangerous? Portrait artists|pencil portraits|portraits from photos
Posted by Sophie  on  10/12/11  at  07:26 AM
Hadn't heard about it till I read this article, I didn't know that 250,000 units in the US will soon be illegal! That's a little scary. I bet people will still be selling them on eBay though because most people don't know any better

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Posted by dunya302  on  08/12/11  at  06:39 AM
I am trying to sort out the Gipsy Kings wireless systems. I am renting one for this tour but your article is in perfect timing. Keep up the good work.

JN0-332 | JN0-522 | SY0-101 | C-TFIN52-64 | C-TADM51-70 | 1Y0-A21 | E20-335 | E20-522 | 199-01 | 156-315.71

Posted by Angelo  on  04/17/11  at  06:33 AM
In canada, the 700 mhz spectrum will be auctionned off in late 2012. Once that is done, i don't know how long it can take for the ban of wireless music equipment in that range to take effect. Today is april 17 2011. Maybe by early 2014, they will become illegal.

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