There are many "pro-sumers" still using old 700 MHz wireless microphones even though it's been illegal for 18 months. Their attitude is: "If my mics still work, who's going to come along and stop me?" Like using Propofol for a sleep aid, it's fine until someone gets hurt. New 700 MHz services haven't activated many places, and when they are, they won't immediately affect every TV channel. But when they hit, 700 MHz mics will be "squashed like a bug," as Shure's Tim Vear says. And fined like a rock star.
Now is the time to replace illegal wireless inventory for several reasons. First, manufacturers have responded with new "future proof" frequency groups. Besides brand or model preferences, the larger issue is, which frequency group to buy? Had users been better aware 10 years ago of the DTV transition, more might have purchased lower frequency groups in the first place. Under the FCC's new rules, several protections are in place for wireless mic users, including "safe havens" for unlicensed users.
But safe for how long? I must preface all this by saying that high demand for wireless bandwidth will likely cause the FCC to consolidate spectrum again within a decade, so the best guess is that, at a minimum, TV channels 41-51 will be taken away next, but not for a while. Before that happens, sometime in 2013, unlicensed TV Band Devices (TVBDs – fancy phones/pads using Super WiFi) will arrive to infiltrate our "white spaces" – the remaining unused TV channels where we want to use wireless mics.
As prior white space tenants, the FCC is letting unlicensed wireless mics have their own little "pedestrian malls" where TVBDs are prohibited. Under the FCC's rules, in place for over a year, there are two "safe havens" for unlicensed wireless mic users (and IEMs). In the UHF mid-band, one area is the first unoccupied TV channel above and below TV channel 37 (608-614 MHz, reserved for radio astronomy). These vary by city, and have not yet been completely finalized.
Also, due to further TVBD restrictions, the UHF low band will likely have one or more open TV channels from 14 to 20 (470-512 MHz), because only fixed TVBDs can operate below TV 21. The implications for future purchases of wireless mics are surprising. The majority of wireless mic use is unlicensed, and those users shouldn't consider buying new equipment that doesn't operate in one of these safe havens. If you're a licensed operator, God bless you. You already know this and more.
A geo-location database will tell future TVBDs, based on their location, which TV channels they can and can't use. Spectrum Bridge, Inc. (SBI) is one of nine companies the FCC chose to manage a database. SBI's $4.99 micFrequency iPhone app is aimed at helping wireless mic users locate unused TV channels that are "safe havens." Coincidentally, SBI's free ShowMyWhiteSpace iPhone app is designed to show what channels are available for TVBDs.
However, both apps provide the same information from SBI's online database. If you don't want to shell out $5, just get the free app, or browse on over to SBI's Website (whitespaces.spectrumbridge.com). Entering an address shows where TVBDs can operate, but also "safe haven" TV channels for unlicensed wireless mics. Have a look. In Las Vegas, TV channels 36 and 38 are the UHF mid-band safe havens and TV 15 is the UHF low-band safe haven.
Also notice that in Las Vegas, UHF TV channels 8, 10 and 12 are safe for wireless mics. VHF wireless equipment operates on unoccupied TV channels from 150 to 215 MHz, which includes VHF TV channels 7 to 13, is usually crystal-controlled, fixed-frequency and less expensive than frequency agile UHF systems. VHF is a good choice for wireless that stays in one location, especially where other touring wireless will be brought in and must co-exist. I got my 1980s Samson CR-2X out of the garage a couple years ago and it's still working great. Consider VHF.
Newer high-end UHF receivers cover large swaths of spectrum, which is good for now, but in a couple years there will only be one or two valuable groups for unlicensed users, the safe havens: roughly 588 to 632 MHz and 470 to 512 MHz. Other groups below 700 MHz are perfectly legal, but understanding where the new TVBD services are going to land will save users the frustration of buying equipment that's perfectly good now, but could be useless in a few years without a license.
Exceptions are wireless mics that operate in the ISM bands above UHF (which are required to be digital). The 902-928 MHz band has decent propagation (but is only available in the Americas). The 2.4 GHz band competes with everything from microwave ovens to Bluetooth and WiFi (active in bigger venues for wireless ticket readers, Internet access and sound guys controlling equipment).
Coincidentally, wireless manufacturers have started rebates again. Maybe you don't need new wireless, because you've already done the right thing. In that case, this might be a great time to buy those new amps, another digital desk or a line array. The last and best reason for replacing illegal wireless is found in this year's tax code. (Pay attention)
Always get professional tax advice, but it's worth noting that under Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code, up to $500K (double 2010) can be deducted for new and used equipment, as long as it's placed into service by year's end. Assuming a 35% tax rate, that's a savings of $175K. There are further advantages to leasing or financing that can save more than the first full year of payments, and above $500K, there's a 100% Bonus Depreciation write off of up to $2M. But don't wait until December, because your tax guy will be busy and your equipment backordered. Merry Christmas.
