Wireless systems in jeopardy?!

[doctorwho]

I got an e-mail from an eBay seller I've bought stuff from and was shocked to read the following:

Election Day Danger for Wireless Mics
Pro Gear Warehouse

Churches, schools, bands, DJs....anyone who uses a wireless mic or instrument system needs to be aware of the proposed Federal Communication Commission changes taking place. October 27, may be our last chance to make our opinions heard and protect our rights as entertainers, worship leaders and musicians. Please read the letter below from Shure, Inc. and let your voices be heard!

Thank you,
Tom Murphy - Sales Manager
Pro Gear Warehouse, Inc.

On November 4, 2008 the FCC plans to change the rules that govern the use of wireless microphones and other wireless audio equipment. The new rules may make it impossible for you to continue using wireless microphones as you do today, and your inventory of wireless equipment may become obsolete within months.

The current deadline to send comments to the FCC on this issue is Monday, October 27, 2008. It is critical that you act immediately to tell the FCC and your legislators that these changes are unacceptable to you.

Background
The FCC is reorganizing the UHF television band, coinciding with the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting. Soon, TV stations will occupy a smaller section of the UHF spectrum because digital stations can be spaced more closely together - even on adjacent channels - without interfering with each other. There will still be unoccupied channels in every market - referred to as "White Spaces" - just as there are now.

Why does this matter to you? These "White Spaces" are used by wireless microphones and instrument systems, in-ear monitors, and production intercom systems. Beginning on February 18, 2009, the FCC plans to allow consumer wireless devices - mobile phones, BlackBerry's, etc. - to access the internet using the same frequencies currently used by wireless audio equipment.

These devices can cause catastrophic interference if operated on the same frequency as wireless audio equipment. The effect on a wireless microphone could be decreased range (perhaps to as little as 10 feet), an increase in the number and severity of audio dropouts, or even complete interruption of the signal. Tests have also proven that White Space devices can interfere with DTV reception and even cable TV signals.

Not Enough Channels
Shure has proposed that the FCC set aside eight "protected" TV channels (2 in the VHF band and 6 in the UHF band) in each market, in which wireless microphones could operate without interference from White Space devices. Through geo-location, white space devices would check an online database and avoid transmitting on the channels that are "protected."

The Problem: The FCC could set aside as few as TWO UHF TV channels for unlicensed wireless mics - and there is no indication where they are in the spectrum. In most cases, two TV channels (12 MHz of spectrum) would only be enough for about 12-15 professional wireless systems - fewer if other wireless mic users are nearby. This is insufficient for many users.

Tests Say "No", But The FCC Says "Go"
In addition to the geo-location database, the FCC proposes to use a technology known as "spectrum sensing." This would require White Space devices to be "smart" enough to detect DTV stations and wireless audio equipment and avoid transmitting on the frequencies that they are using. When spectrum sensing is used on its own, the FCC's tests have demonstrated that this technology often fails to detect that a wireless microphone is present, even at very short distances.

The Problem: The FCC plans to allow new devices that rely solely on spectrum sensing anyway.

No Clear Plan For Large-Scale Users
In situations where many wireless audio devices are in use, several open TV channels may be required. The FCC has proposed that users would need to register in an online database that would include the event location and duration.

The Problem: The FCC has not revealed who would have access to this database. Many types of wireless users could be locked out.

The FCC Needs to Hear From You Now
The FCC needs to hear from wireless users, installers, and resellers that sufficient protection for wireless microphones is essential. Contact the FCC and your Congressional representatives directly, using one of the links below. Tell them how important wireless audio equipment is to your organization's activities. If you are a performer or producer, tell them how it will affect your performance or content. If you are an installer or reseller, tell them how this will impact your business.

* NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences)
Click here (http://www.admail.net/url/461088/d5c4e7/) to go to the NARAS Advocacy page, which allows you to find your U.S. Representatives and Senators by entering your zip code.
* NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)
Click here (http://www.admail.net/url/461089/d5c4e7/) to send a letter to the FCC specifically stating the interests of the music equipment industry.
* InfoComm (Audiovisual (AV) Association)
To express your support for InfoComm's letter to the FCC representing the interests of AV equipment dealers and installers, go to http://www.infocomm.org.
* Shure Incorporated
Click here (http://www.admail.net/url/461091/d5c4e7/) for instructions on how to file a comment with the FCC, and a direct link to the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System.

http://www.progearwarehouse.com
1.877.511.8800

Entire contents Copyright 2004-2008 Pro Gear Warehouse, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Publisher does not accept liability for incorrect spelling, printing errors (including prices), incorrect manufacturers' specifications or changes, or grammatical inaccuracies in any product included in the Pro Gear Warehouse Catalog and Web site. Prices subject to change without notice.

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Pro Gear Warehouse
1026 Mitchell Blvd
Springfield, OH 45503

I used the NAMM link to send a message in support of musicians' rights. I urge everyone to do so.

[jdogric12]

This stinks. When I run for president I'll make sure this **** never happens. J DOG in 2012!!!!!!!

[blueflamerick]

Well that kinda sucks. Luckily, I don't use a wireless setup. Maybe someone will come up with an attachment for these wireless systems that won't interfere with crackberrys, etc. I was just sent a device for my XM radio MyFi unit so it won't interfere with other frequencies when using the FM transmitter.

[windchimp]

This is such a crock. In my former job I dealt with the compliance testing for FCC regulated devices (EMI testing). Their rules change without sufficient technical merit, and even then devices labeled as "compliant" will also carry a caveat that there remains the potential for interference with other devices. Try bringing a Blackberry near a Polycom conference phone and listen for the buzzing.

This is just another money grab by the Commission by auctioning off bandwidth. I hope all of the government agencies are prepared to replace their existing stock of wireless devices - there are thousands scattered around the globe in service as we speak.

[paologregorio]

This really blows; looks like another "kill a fly with a sledgehammer" governmental approach; typical.