Shure has announced that its ULX-D digital wireless systems are now available in the 900 MHz ISM frequency band.
Targeted for use where UHF “TV band” spectrum is limited or congested, ULX-D 900 MHz provides components and accessories optimized for use within regional variations of the 902-928 MHz spectrum, generally known as the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band.
“Shure has been at the forefront of spectrum topics, serving as a source for the latest information about the UHF TV Band Incentive Auction, explaining the impact for wireless microphone users, and advocating on behalf of the industry,” says Nick Wood, category director for wireless products at Shure. “As awareness of the upcoming spectrum change increases, we continue to research and develop solutions for wireless microphone users.
“We saw the opportunity to adapt the digital technology of our ULX-D systems to the specific requirements of the 900 MHz ISM band while keeping the same great performance and feature sets that have made these systems successful.”
The 900 MHz ISM band may also be used by devices such as wireless internet access points, security systems, smart meters, Bluetooth devices, two-way radios, and intercoms. Because many of these services transmit in short bursts across multiple frequencies, this RF environment can be less predictable than the TV band has typically been, according to Shure.
For this reason, the company has announced that the latest version of its Wireless Workbench 6 software (version WWB 6.11.2) will offer a new Site Survey tool that enables customers to assess the availability of 900 MHz ISM spectrum in a particular venue. The Site Survey Tool uses the receiver to capture a long-term scan and processes the data to provide a usability report, indicating an approximate number of usable channels in the ISM band.
In general, the company states that ULX-D 900 MHz systems are best suited for indoor use, where the environment can be assessed before the systems are installed. Usage outside of these applications is certainly an option, but Shure recommends consulting with an authorized retailer if there is any question about which band is the best fit.
In the U.S., pricing for ULX-D 900 MHz systems starts at $1,320 and can support up to 12 compatible channels per frequency band, or up to 73 channels in high density mode.
