Systems Contractor News:
“...the frequencies on which wireless mics operate will be opened up to interference from an array of unlicensed devices (UD). To complicate things further, in an attempt to stop interference between multiple UDs, many of these products will be operating on multiple frequencies simultaneously to ensure a constant connection.”
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ProSoundWeb.com:
"The White Spaces battle is heating up again as the FCC gets ready to test devices from companies like Microsoft, Philips, Motorola and Google. And those companies are once again claiming the broadcast, sports, and Broadway communities are undertaking a “public misinformation campaign.” Read More...
Pro Sound Web:
“The Wireless Innovation Alliance is fighting to gain access to White Space spectrum that currently prevents TV channels from interfering with each other and is also the home to tens of thousands of wireless microphones and other professional devices that need to exist in relatively clear and interference-free spectrum. The use of unlicensed consumer devices within that spectrum could cause untold harm to over-the-air TV reception and render wireless communication devices and microphones useless.” Read More...
Broadcast Engineering:
“The White Spaces Coalition, which counts some heavy hitters in the computer industry among its members, are pushing for the commission [FCC] to allow unlicensed RF devices to use unoccupied TV spectrum [below 698 MHz] for a new generation of devices.
The fact that such devices are portable is of particular concern to the broadcast associations because while their operation in one geographic location may not interfere with DTV reception, use of the same device in another locale may cause harmful interference." Read more...
Fox News:
"Consumer groups are accusing Broadway actors, mega-church pastors, karaoke DJs and others who use popular wireless microphones of unwittingly violating Federal Communications Commission rules that require government licenses for such devices. In a complaint filed Wednesday, the groups accused manufacturers, such as Shure Inc. of Niles, Ill., of deceptive advertising in the way they market and sell high-end, wireless microphones to people who are not legally permitted to use them." Read more...
PC Magazine:
“At issue is the transition from analog to digital TV signals. In an effort to free up spectrum for public safety use, Congress has ordered TV broadcasters to shift their signals from analog to digital by February 2009. When this happens, there will be open, unregulated spectrum between the digital channels, or white spaces, that companies like Google and Microsoft want to use for wireless broadband service. ” Read More...
Los Angeles Times:
" Nationally, UHF channels 52 to 69 are being cleared for public safety communications and broadband wireless services. Regionally, significant chunks of unused airwaves could open up between channels, depending on how many stations are broadcasting in the area. These "white spaces" are the subject of an intensifying debate in Washington. Broadcasters, sports leagues and some TV manufacturers started an advertising blitz this week urging policymakers not to let portable devices transmit on those bands of spectrum. They are opposed by a coalition of high-tech firms and consumer electronics companies that wants to use the vacant TV airwaves for high-speed Internet access, home networks and other digital services. ” Read More...
Gizmodo.com:
“The initials F-C-C don't usually engender excitement, but at least according to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, its ground zero for most of the broadcasting, wireless and high-bandwidth landline innovations we'll see in the next couple years. He thinks it's "possible" we'll see 700MHz devices within a year—which is why the "hard" analog cutoff date of Feb. 19, 2009 is important. In sum, more openness, more competition, more consumer protections—in theory. It could be a great year for us across the board at the expense of closed industries, particularly cable and wireless.” Read More...
