|
What's this all about?
Basically, Ofcom have decided to sell some wireless frequency bands to mobile broadband.
The problem is that these frequencies are currently being used by wireless
microphones and in-ear monitors across the UK.
During 2012, any wireless
microphones which use channel 69 (790-862MHz) will start to experience
interference. It will actually become illegal to use them as this bandwidth
will be licensed to someone rather than being free for public use. Ofcom are
releasing channel 38 for the public to use instead, but the microphones which use channel 69 will not
magically switch over to channel 38 - they have not been configured to work
on these frequencies.
Which microphones will be affected, and what should you
be buying?
This change will not affect our LD Systems Sweet
Sixteen and Eco ranges of wireless microphones, which operate on Frequency
Range 863.00 MHz – 865.00 MHz and 863.100MHz - 864.900 MHz respectively.
It will affect the LDWS100 and LDWS1000 series mics which operate
on 790.850 MHz - 813.800 MHz. Manufacturers are not under obligation to
replace any system which is under guarantee at the time of the changeover,
and What PA? are being completely clear with our customers to tell them
where they stand. From now on, these models will be sold with a limited warranty
which will expire on 31st December 2011. After this time, as long as you can
prove the date of purchase, the Manufacturers (Adam Hall) will generously
offer a 20% reduction in cost for a replacement product which they are under
no obligation to do. Replacement equipment will carry the full 2 year
guarantee.
If you have questions about other wireless products
sold by us please email
enquiries@whatpa.co.uk and we will do our best to advise you.
Which frequencies will be affected and when?
The changes affect 550-606MHz (TV
Channels 31-37) and 790-862MHz (TV channels 61-69) which are going to be
re-allocated to new services, thought likely to be mobile broadband.
Ofcom confirmed that these bands (including channel
69) will still be available for the London 2012 Olympics.
From 4 January 2010, channel 38 will become available on a shared use basis
for most of the UK, however there are a number of locations where it will
not be fully available until 1 January 2012. This is because of the need to
protect radio astronomy sites in Cheshire and Cambridgeshire and terrestrial
television transmissions in adjacent channels where digital switchover has
not taken place.
More detailed information relating to
our products will be shown here as soon as it becomes available to us. For more information
about the digital switchover (DSO), please visit the
Ofcom website. |
