FYI For You Entertainers.

[Racerbvd]

Just got this today.

National Association Mobile Entertainers Alert
On November 4, 2008 the FCC plans to change the rules that govern the
use of wireless microphones and other wireless audio equipment.




DJ's, Bands, Churches, schools,....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!

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.


Full Comment Filing Instructions:
Comments regarding the negative impact that proposed unlicensed devices will have on wireless microphones already operating in the TV broadcast band must be filed with the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") through the Electronic Comment Filing System ("ECFS"). ECFS can be accessed at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/

To express your support for InfoComm's letter to the FCC representing
the interests of AV equipment dealers and installers, go to
www.infocomm.org