Tune In On Your Wireless - Switchover To Channel 38
Published: Wed January 02, 2013
The Digital Switchover
We've been aware of the digital switchover for some time and after a slight delay in 2012 the switchover has finally occurred, but the details haven't necessarily become any easier to understand. Much of it is only relevant for large scale productions which require large numbers of wireless microphones and IEM systems. If you're staging a small theatre production or putting on a gig for local bands then there are only three systems you need to be paying attention to.
If you're likely to be using the wireless setup on a regular basis or you require 6 or more wireless devices then its worth getting a licence to use Channel 38. This is the single dedicated channel for wireless audio visual systems, managed by
JFMG who offer annual fixed site fees or more short term 48 hour licences for one off gigs. You can check the current usage of Channel 38 in your area using the JFMG
JFMG who offer annual fixed site fees or more short term 48 hour licences for one off gigs. You can check the current usage of Channel 38 in your area using the JFMG
Look Up Tool.
For More Occasional Unregulated Use - Channel 70 Systems
Use of channel 70 remains unchanged by the switchover, 863-865MHz can be used without needing to buy a licence. Only being a 2MHz section of the channels spectrum means that the number of wireless devices you can use reliably will be limited. Also being unregulated you can't be sure that there won't be interference from nearby sources using the same Channel.
The Unlicenced Alternative - 2.4GHz Systems
Neatly side-stepping the issue of licenced frequencies and changes in the use of the UHF spectrum there are a number of systems which operate in the 2.4GHz band. Similar to Channel 70 in that it is unlicenced and unregulated.
The Complete Spectrum
*Courtesy Of Shure