4G space auctions put back until Q4 2012 at the earliest, writes Kevin Hilton BY Kevin Hilton
THE SAGAsurrounding the reallocation of frequency spectrum in the UK has taken yet another turn with regulator Ofcom putting back the auctions for 4G space until at least the fourth quarter of 2012. This is likely to prolong the uncertainty for PMSE (programme makers and special
UNITED KINGDOM New owner for Sound-Link By Dave Robinson
IN AN agreement signed during Prolight + Sound, veteran sound engineer and classical music recordist John Willett has acquired UK pro-audio distribution company Sound-
Link. Roger Clemo, founder of Sound-Link some 20 years ago, is selling his business for personal reasons, he told PSNEurope. Willett says: “I have always considered Sound-Link’s product range to be in my top five list of the best on the market, and when
events) users, although they will be able to continue using the 800MHz band, including channel 69, until the end of this year. In a statement Ofcom said the consultation on the Everything Everywhere (Orange and T-Mobile) 1,800MHz spectrum licences to allow use of LTE (long term evolution) and WiMAX technologies had been extended from 17 April to 8
May 2012. The regulator said this had been done “following requests from stakeholders for more time to respond”. The feeling among the PMSE
community is that this means the other major mobile phone companies, which are seen as the main bidders for the spectrum, are trying to protect their interests. “This is just another one of many delays in the process,”
the opportunity arose to purchase the business from Roger I jumped at the chance.” Sound-Link is the exclusive UK distributor for brands including Microtech Gefell, Håkan, Grace Design and Musikelectronic Geithain. Clemo comments: “I am delighted to see the business I have built up pass into such a capable pair of hands.” He will remain with Sound-Link for a
Alan March, BEIRG: “One of many delays”
says Alan March from BEIRG. “It gives wireless microphone and in-ear monitor users more time to access the 800MHz band and channel 69 but there has already been a huge switch with people buying new equipment. And there is also the situation of systems that had been handed in being sold back into the market.” www.ofcom.org.uk
Roger Clemo (left) with Doug Wood of Grace Design (centre) and John Willett
period to ensure a smooth transition to Willett’s ownership. www.sound-link.co.uk
For the latest broadcast news
SOUNDBITES
US-based mix engineer Jonathan Freed used SoundField’s DSF-2 microphone and DSF-3 digital surround processor to capture audio for the National Football League (NFL). “The SoundField capsules have an extraordinarily smooth and wide response, at least equal to the very best mics I have heard in 40 years of mixing, with a tremendous sense of detail, and the sonic illusion of being located inside the stadium,”said Freed. www.soundfield.com
Wireless audio specialist Raycom has completed a major deal with Gearhouse Broadcast to supply Wisycom radio microphone systems for the new Sky Sports F1 HD channel. “Raycom provides some of the best wireless microphone systems available today. Their products are well designed and they fulfill the requirements we have for this prestigious project for Sky which is why we chose them,” said Gearhouse’s Kevin Moorhouse. www.raycom.co.uk
German audio production company Echo Park Studios has installed NTP Technology’s Digital Audio Denmark (DAD) AX24 analogue/ digital/analogue converters at its Essen headquarters. www.echopark.dewww.ntp.dk