SHURE/CHANNEL 38 NEWS ANALYSIS
broadband services, which will benefit us all in the long run. As the current television digital switchover is
a gradual process, taking over three years to cover the whole of the UK, there are currently restrictions to the use of Channel 38. The procedure was completed on the border of England and Scotland as long ago as the tail end of 2008, but it will be 2012 before regions such as London lose the analog signal. Because of this, Channel 38 will not be fully available nationwide until September next year. Retailers need to have a basic level of knowledge on this subject, if they are to pass information on to concerned customers, but they don’t need to become experts. “They need to know when this comes into
effect and understand the dates and deadlines,” he explained. “Don’t panic about what you’re selling or think that everything has to be thrown out. While talk of licensing and ‘bands’ can be confusing, the frequency choice for most users and dealers is very small and getting a grip on this will clarify the issues enormously.” The word ‘switchover’ might imply that the
analog to digital transition is as simple as flicking off a switch. In reality, it is a complicated procedure and can create interference with the TV signals.
TIME FOR A CHANGE From now until September 2011, forward- thinking users in areas with continuing analog presence will be able to use Channels 39 and
“
It’s important not to panic about what you’re selling and not think that everything has to be
thrown out. Peter James Shure
40, subject to certain licence requirements. This brings us onto another factor that individuals will have to take into consideration when using future-proofed wireless systems: licences. On January 4th this year, the new UHF UK
Wireless Microphone Licenses were introduced for users of both Channel 38 and the old frequencies, for those still awaiting the switchover. JFMG is the dedicated band manager for all relevant activities associated with wireless systemsin the UK and is the port of call for all licence-related enquiries. Perhaps the main downside to this new development is that most equipment cannot be updated or modified, meaning that products that are currently non-compliant with the rules will be rendered obsolete. This might seem a
bit harsh, but there is funding in place, announced by the Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) that will provide a contribution to licence holding owners of Channel 69 equipment bought before June 30th 2009, as long as a valid claim is made before December 31st 2010. As the deadlines get nearer, the number of
frantic dealers and end users unsure about the switchover is likely to increase, but help is at hand in the form of manufacturers like Shure. “We have a hotline that is dedicated to
answering queries about the switchover,” James added. “Questions like ‘will my system work after 2012?’ will be answered by staff who understand the equipment, legislation, licensing and the claims process for funding. All current Shure wireless products are available in Channel 38 versions, including our PSM900 in-ear monitoring system, which was the first system of its type to be fully optimised for the new UK regulations.” So, maybe it’s not as complicated as we
first feared. As long as retailers and their customers understand the basics, there’s no need to for them to cram their brains with the inner workings of wireless systems in order to understand the switch. The common ‘I’ll sort it out later’ mindset that perhaps we’re all guilty of on occasion will need to be rectified soon, though, as before you know it, you could be left with a non-compliant system and no compensation to ease the loss. SHURE: 01992 703058
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miPRO DECEMBER 2010 15
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