The "recent" analog to digital TV freq conversion and Wireless Mics at DVinfo.net

Kyle Root · October 24th, 2009, 12:40 PM

I would say in the past 2 years or so, about the time the FCC and government started making the push to do that frequency reallocation on those TV channels occupying the same band of frequencies as some UHF wireless mics, we have, on a number of occassions run into massive dropouts with out wireless mics.

We got 2 Samson Micro 32 units around 2002 or so, and used them without any problems. Good range. No dropouts etc.

Now they hardly ever work, and even reception at distances of of less than 50 ft do not pick up reliably.

We are wondering if the problem is related to this recent frequency reallocation.

Has anyone else noticed issues with their wireless mic systems in the 700-800 MHz range?

Looking for any thoughts or help in determining why our mics, which use to perform flawlessly, now exhibit this problem.

Jordan Block · October 24th, 2009, 09:57 PM

If your mics are in the 700MHz spectrum, you have no reason to expect they'll work properly anymore.

Seth Bloombaum · October 24th, 2009, 11:00 PM

My understanding is that some of this spectrum was sold to Verizon, some to AT&T, and some was reserved for inter-agency emergency communications. I've read that Verizon has started building up to roll out service, don't know when, but it seems likely that one of these services may now be active in your area.

Richard Crowley · October 29th, 2009, 07:31 AM

Wireless mics in the 700-800 MHz range are no longer legal to use in the US. Because of the switch from analog to digital terrestrial TV broadcasting.

Some vendors are offering some modest "trade-in" value for purchasing replacement equipment but, IMHO, it is a thinly-disguised promotional scheme at the low values they are discounting.

Here is a magazine article on the subject...
Wireless companies gear up to assist users of 700MHz gear

Kyle Root · October 30th, 2009, 06:46 PM

I appreciate the input.

My former business partner contacted Samson this past week, and the techs on the phone didn't seem to really know anything about it... the changeover... and they suggested we send the mics in so they can look at them for the rate of $50/hr.

He just bought a new Sennheiser G3 system from Guitar Center.

Not sure what route I'm going to take yet, as I have some time before my next wedding shoot.

Jordan Block · October 30th, 2009, 07:10 PM

Go with the Sennheiser over the Samson.

October 24th, 2009, 12:40 PM	#1
Kyle Root Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Decatur, AL Posts: 883	The "recent" analog to digital TV freq conversion and Wireless Mics I would say in the past 2 years or so, about the time the FCC and government started making the push to do that frequency reallocation on those TV channels occupying the same band of frequencies as some UHF wireless mics, we have, on a number of occassions run into massive dropouts with out wireless mics. We got 2 Samson Micro 32 units around 2002 or so, and used them without any problems. Good range. No dropouts etc. Now they hardly ever work, and even reception at distances of of less than 50 ft do not pick up reliably. We are wondering if the problem is related to this recent frequency reallocation. Has anyone else noticed issues with their wireless mic systems in the 700-800 MHz range? Looking for any thoughts or help in determining why our mics, which use to perform flawlessly, now exhibit this problem. __________________ Kyle KR Productions; www.kyleroot.com

October 24th, 2009, 11:00 PM	#3
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	My understanding is that some of this spectrum was sold to Verizon, some to AT&T, and some was reserved for inter-agency emergency communications. I've read that Verizon has started building up to roll out service, don't know when, but it seems likely that one of these services may now be active in your area. __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.

October 29th, 2009, 07:31 AM	#4
Richard Crowley Trustee Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,238	Illegal Wireless mics in the 700-800 MHz range are no longer legal to use in the US. Because of the switch from analog to digital terrestrial TV broadcasting. Some vendors are offering some modest "trade-in" value for purchasing replacement equipment but, IMHO, it is a thinly-disguised promotional scheme at the low values they are discounting. Here is a magazine article on the subject... Wireless companies gear up to assist users of 700MHz gear

October 30th, 2009, 06:46 PM	#5
Kyle Root Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Decatur, AL Posts: 883	Thanks I appreciate the input. My former business partner contacted Samson this past week, and the techs on the phone didn't seem to really know anything about it... the changeover... and they suggested we send the mics in so they can look at them for the rate of $50/hr. He just bought a new Sennheiser G3 system from Guitar Center. Not sure what route I'm going to take yet, as I have some time before my next wedding shoot. __________________ Kyle KR Productions; www.kyleroot.com

October 24th, 2009, 09:57 PM	#2
Jordan Block Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 67	If your mics are in the 700MHz spectrum, you have no reason to expect they'll work properly anymore.

October 30th, 2009, 07:10 PM	#6
Jordan Block Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 67	Go with the Sennheiser over the Samson.