Article posted on Aug 13, 2020
Of all the professions out there likely to run afoul of the law, an IT buyer or AV integrator probably doesn’t come to the top of your mind. But, thanks to new FCC regulations about bandwidth use, your AV solutions—particularly your wireless microphones whether they’re in conference rooms, auditoriums or city council chambers—could be out of compliance. For that, and probably a few other reasons, too, it might be time for your organization to consider a sound system upgrade.
The new regulations from the FCC focus specifically on wireless microphones, but could impact your AV sound system as a whole. Due to increasing demand from other wireless services such as wireless Internet, TV band spectrum in the 600 MHz band has been repurposed and will no longer be available to wireless microphones. Wireless microphones currently operating in the band (the 617-652 MHz and 663-698 MHz frequencies) have to cease operation by July 13, 2020 and may be required to stop operating in that band sooner if they start to interfere with new wireless licenses in that band.
The good news is, the FCC has opened up new opportunities for licensed wireless microphone operation on different parts of the spectrum outside the TV broadcast band, including in the 169-172 MHz band and portions of the 900 MHz band, the 1435-1525 MHz, and the 6875-7125 MHz bands. Additional bands have also been opened for unlicensed wireless microphone operators.
And, wait! There’s even more good news. To help with the cost of system upgrades this new regulation will require, and to incentivize organizations to make the change faster, the Shure 600 MHz Wireless Rebate lets you trade in your existing, ineligible system for a rebate on a new, eligible system. Your existing system doesn’t have to be a Shure model to qualify for the rebate. That’s a deal good enough to make you consider whether the time might be right for a full or partial sound system upgrade.
Sounds systems can be made up of any number of components including wireless microphones and receivers, and can be found in a wide variety of spaces including auditoriums and performance venues, places of worship, corporate conference rooms, public lobbies and college classrooms and lecture halls. Each type of location will have specific audio needs and considerations, but there are some universal indications that you are due for a sound system upgrade.
Even with savings from the Shure 600 MHz Wireless Rebate, upgrading your sound system can still be an expensive undertaking. If you don’t have the budget for an enterprise overhaul, here are the system components that give you the most bang for your buck.
For starters, don’t leave money on the table! If you are eligible for the Shure 600 MHz Wireless Rebate, act today. Once you have those savings in hand, peruse some of the latest sound system products to see what works best with your upgrade plans. Need help making up your mind? There’s always someone nearby to help.
