In August, the FCC proposed that this should occur as of the DTV transition date on February 18, 2009. Given that some wireless microphone users will need to replace significant amounts of equipment in order to comply, many consider this to be an unreasonable – if not impossible – timeline.
The next logical date for the FCC to announce a final decision on this issue would have been at their December 18th meeting, but the 700 MHz matter was not on the meeting agenda.
Nevertheless, wireless mic manufacturers have rapidly created programs to help wireless mic users to comply with the transition, which will occur sooner or later.
The White Spaces Order also does not deal with what some users consider to be the most worrisome issue still hanging: licensing. As most readers are probably aware, the FCC Part 74 Rules created in the 1970’s required wireless microphone users to have a license, and limited eligibility to broadcast stations, TV and film production companies, and cable TV networks.
Decades of problem-free operation with no record of complaints may have allowed the FCC to miss the rapidly expanding use of wireless audio equipment, as well as the fact that most users did not attempt to navigate the incredibly complex 26-page licensing form.
The fact that the FCC intends to allow very liberal access to the database of registered users – with no stated requirement for a license – would seem to indicate that the licensing topic will continue to lay dormant. A final decision in the 700 MHz issue could give the FCC an opportunity to address the licensing issue, but there have not been any announcements of this so far.
There’s no question that using wireless mics will become more complicated as new types of devices begin sharing the television band. Here are some operating tips that will help live sound engineers to maintain stellar performance:
Know the terrain. Before working at any venue, find out what RF transmitters are operating in the TV band nearby. his includes TV stations, Public Safety radios, and Fixed TV Band Devices.
Most major manufacturers offer an online Frequency Finder as well as free software that can help to identify these users. A high-quality scanner that interfaces with a laptop can also help to analyze the real conditions inside a venue, whose steel and concrete may reduce the strength of signals coming from outside.
Get registered. Once the new database is up and running, use it. TV Band Devices need to download the database every day, but that means the need to select TV channels (although not the exact frequencies) at least two days before the show.
Take inventory. Make sure that the wireless gear to be used covers the TV channels that you need to be in. Virtually all professional wireless mics are now frequency agile, but having the widest possible tuning range gives the most flexibility to take advantage of clear channels.
If renting gear, make sure that the provider knows that it may not be okay to substitute the same product in a different frequency range.
The good news is that wireless microphone users have become an important blip on the FCC’s radar. The cultural and financial importance of live entertainment content helped to emphasize the importance of protecting wireless audio systems from interference.
Working together, wireless manufacturers and live sound engineers have ensured the ability for wireless microphones to continue as the reliable, great-sounding tools for live sound.