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View Full Version : Head Mic's - are we going to have problems?



Lounge Lizard
20th-February-2007, 04:12 PM
Just read this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6378925.stm
looks like it could affect a lot of teachers etc.
or have I misunderstood the meaning of the change
peter

DavidY
20th-February-2007, 04:50 PM
:yeah:
I heard a story on the radio about this a few weeks ago.

They were interviewing people involved in big musicals (where radio mics are the norm).

They were saying that the problem with digital mics is that they introduce delays - which is no good if you're trying to sing or dance in time with music that's being played at the same time.

ducasi
20th-February-2007, 07:15 PM
As I understand it, it's only the specialised *licenced* part of the radio mic frequencies that are being "repurposed".

These are used for radio mics where it essential there is no interference from other users, and so the open frequencies used by your average dance teacher cannot be used.

These frequencies have to be licenced at quite a high cost for each use as there are so few frequencies and so many people wanting to use them – especially around London.

In short, unless you're a putting on a large-scale concert, filming a big-budget movie, or running a theatre, you've got nothing to worry about.

Mary
26th-February-2007, 05:47 PM
It seems the effect would be far-reaching. I have just had this email from my union.

"As part of the Digital Dividend Review, OFCOM has announced plans to sell
off the Analogue UHF TV band. This band is also heavily used for so called
Programme Making and Special Events, covering usage of radio microphone,
radio talkback/foldback, and wireless comms systems.

This advice from BECTU follows:

"The Government is currently making preparations for the switch over to
Digital TV broadcasting. However, what many of you may not know is that
as a result of this changeover, the entertainment industry will be directly
affected.

The live entertainment industry relies heavily on wireless microphones, in
ear devices and wireless talk back systems. This equipment is
fundamental to many live performances, from West End musicals through to
live broadcast and film. Once the switchover to Digital occurs, this
equipment will be useless.

This is because the equipment relies on the radio spectrum that it currently
shares with analogue TV. Under Government plans this vacated
spectrum will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. It is unlikely that
those that rely on this equipment - the Programme Making and
Special Events (PMSE) sector will be able to compete with the many
organisations, like mobile phone contractors, that will bid for vacated
spectrum.

If we do not add our weight to this campaign, we will be directly affected.
Modern production standards will be impossible. Live musical
performances of all genres will be adversely affected. The UK currently
enjoys a global reputation for quality live music. If the DDR goes ahead
without allowances for current spectrum users, this reputation will be
seriously undermined."

If you would like to sign the petition, please go to:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/PMSEspectrum/


M

DavidY
18th-July-2007, 10:35 PM
It looks like Ofcom have started a consultation (http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/pmse/) on this issue.

I must admit I haven't read it myself, but I imagine it's very relevant to people using Radio Mics (including dance teachers and event organisers).

Consultation closes on 31st August 2007.

DavidY
22nd-August-2007, 08:24 AM
It looks like Ofcom have started a consultation (http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/pmse/) on this issue.

I must admit I haven't read it myself, but I imagine it's very relevant to people using Radio Mics (including dance teachers and event organisers).

Consultation closes on 31st August 2007.Just a reminder to people using Head Mics - you have just over a week to respond to the Ofcom consultation on this.

ducasi
22nd-August-2007, 10:33 AM
Just a reminder to people using Head Mics - you have just over a week to respond to the Ofcom consultation on this.
Based on a quick scan through this document, the proposals do not involve any change to the use of "channel 69" which most radio mics used by dance teachers, etc., will use.

It's more the specialist frequencies used by theatres, TV, touring bands, etc., that are affected.

DavidY
28th-November-2009, 12:20 PM
Thread resurrection as I heard something on the radio this week about this issue. It looks like it will have quite a big effect on the MJ world.


Based on a quick scan through this document, the proposals do not involve any change to the use of "channel 69" which most radio mics used by dance teachers, etc., will use.It looks like the changes will now affect channel 69, which will be gone by 2012 (possibly January).

The implication is that teachers and DJs who use a radio mic will be forced to get new equipment in the next 2-3 years, and I guess anyone buying new equipment for any other reason will need to check that the new frequencies (channel 38?) are supported.

The new frequencies won't work straight away as they're still used for other things (analogue TV I think), so I guess some sort of "dual band" products will be needed.

It seems the only issue still up for debate is how much compensation people may get for new equipment.

Ofcom has some information here:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumer/2009/11/managing-the-airwaves-in-a-wireless-world/

There's a group campaigning for compensation here:
http://www.saveoursounduk.com/ with some useful information in this press release (http://saveoursound.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/sos-launch-press-release-10th-november-2009-doc.pdf).

And for an alternative perspective, here's the view of The Register (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/11/12/save_our_sounds/).