I bought two Evolution G2 100 sets a little over a year ago. Both are block C, the one that will soon be unusable in the U.S ( 700 mhz ).

I searched for any sort of support/rebate plan that Sennheiser might have and found nothing online. I called their support number a couple of days ago ( had to leave a message ) and never heard back from them.

Does anyone have any concrete information about whether Sennheiser will do anything for owners of Block C wireless systems ? If so, I would appreciate a reference or a link to the info.

Thanks,

Stephen H

AFAIK the only manufacturer so far to announce any user support plans for people caught holding the bag with the soon to be illegal units is Lectro. We can hope other manufacturers will follow suit but at this point I think they're the only ones to announce a program.

Uhhhh... I missed something big here... I have C-Block sennheiser... time to google...

Edit:

Ohhhhh so that is what they were selling....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/700_MHz_wireless_spectrum_auction

great.... so... this should be fun. The college I work for just bought a boat load of C block as well...

http://www.lectrosonics.com/PressReleases/whitespace/whitespace.htm

So can keep using them most likely but seems that it will be illegal. Will need to get more info.

I'm meeting with Sennheiser today. I'll see if I can get the scoop.

I too own two sets of G2 100s block C. About a year ago, I called Sennheiser and asked the upgrade/conversion question. I was told that there would be nothing for the G2 series and that it hadn't been decided on the higher end units. It may (hopefully) have changed since then.

I noticed on B+H that the c block say they can't be sold via the web.

Did Sennheiser, Sony and other companies sell these units with the knowledge that there would be legal issues?

Did Sennheiser, Sony and other companies sell these units with the knowledge that there would be legal issues?


It's been well known for a number of years that there would changes in block C with the switchover to digital TV and the reassignment of that frequency band (previous used by analog TV broadcasting) for other purposes. I'm not sure when the FCC announced that sale of new wireless units operating in that band would be illegal after Feb '09 but that too has been known for quite a long time. But the new twist with the announcment that continued operation of existing units currently in the field will ALSO become illegal, is new, coming just a few weeks ago.

I emailed Sennheiser and their response was a FAQ type of reply which said they would not do anything for existing block C wireless systems/customers. But they would keep the used spectrum information updated so we could dodge between the licensed users. And this response was sent to me after the ruling that stated that unlicensed users would not be able to do that.

I don't have the technical knowledge in this area, but since these systems are so low powered and have such short range, how would the FCC be able to find someone using them anyway?

The situation here in the UK is that in the future Band E (where we are at the moment) is likely to be changed - nobody is sure when, or to where - but the situation is 'subject to change'. This means buying new kit is dodgy - it might be fine, or could just be a pile of junk at some point.

Interestingly, over here, all that seems to be happening is that the licensing authority make it clear, when asked, that nothing is certain. I'm not aware that any manufacturer would be expected to provide any mods free of charge. We have a Sale of Goods Act that in essence is only concerned with the state the goods are in when sold. If license rules change - for us I suspect the response would be Tough! Best of luck to all in this position stateside.

I can't see you swapping boards out for senn g2 wireless. Those things cost about what.. $500? I think you'd be better off just buying a new set considering what they'll probably charge you to change blocks.

I don't have the technical knowledge in this area, but since these systems are so low powered and have such short range, how would the FCC be able to find someone using them anyway?

The range isn't actually that short when using the bodypack transmitters which are more powerful in the UK at least. As an experiment, I tested it out a couple of months ago with a Sennheiser EW-112PG2 bodypack transmitter on the balcony of a top floor apartment and the lav picking up the TV.

I got an almost full scale signal least 400 yards away on the beach, line-of-sight in clear air with the camera mounted receiver, monitoring with headphones to check the quality of the audio.

In fact I ended up using the radio mic outside quite a lot that week because I forgot to take the XLR leads for my shotgun and other mics. I just stuck the lav in a Rode deadcat and positioned it out of the wind as far as possible. I acquired some very clean audio on wide shots with the mic hidden in the middle of the scene. Worked fine, but technically illegal as the bodypack supposed to be worn on the body (funny, that).

I emailed Sennheiser and their response was a FAQ type of reply which said they would not do anything for existing block C wireless systems/customers. But they would keep the used spectrum information updated so we could dodge between the licensed users. And this response was sent to me after the ruling that stated that unlicensed users would not be able to do that.

I don't have the technical knowledge in this area, but since these systems are so low powered and have such short range, how would the FCC be able to find someone using them anyway?

Supposed a lot of the frequencies will be used for public safety, etc. I can easily see the mic receivers on your shoot picking up dispatch or a beat cop's walky suddenly picking up a bank robbery in progress, ie, your crime-drama dialog. Realistically you're probably pretty safe from legal difficulties but the new uses will make it increasingly difficult to find a clear part of the spectrum in which to operate as the current "white spaces" the wirelesses operate it start to fill in with new high-power users.

I can't see you swapping boards out for senn g2 wireless. Those things cost about what.. $500? I think you'd be better off just buying a new set considering what they'll probably charge you to change blocks.

Yeah, I wasn't really expecting a return/re-vamp program -- it's not Sennheiser's fault that the spectrum is getting shaken up in the U.S.

I had hoped for at least some kind of rebate, though.

Ah well.

The situation here in the UK is that in the future Band E (where we are at the moment) is likely to be changed - nobody is sure when, or to where - but the situation is 'subject to change'. This means buying new kit is dodgy - it might be fine, or could just be a pile of junk at some point.


In the UK there is no real problem.

The 863-865 MHz licence-free frequencies (1st 4 frequencies in memory bank 8 on G2 version E systems) are by International agreement - these are legal in all ETSI signatory countries and won't be changed.

It will never be a "pile of junk" as you will always be able to use these frequencies - they are not part of the government sell-off.

The lower channels of version E were licensed for fixed-site use only.

The mobile licence (memory bank 6 on G2 version E systems) is still legal with a licence from JFMG. This may stay or may go as part of a trans-European agreement - the government have not decided this yet - we can but hope.

But it is easy to change a G2 system from one version to another - Sennheiser change the RF board in the transmitter and receiver and charge an hour's labour per TX/RX system.

I assume Sennheiser USA will do the same for anyone with version C systems.

I hope this helps.

Hi John - nice to see you here! Any idea when the mobile licence (memory bank 6 on G2 version E systems = Channel 69?) question is likely to be resolved in UK?

Are we talking weeks, months, years....or waiting on some particular external decision or development?

Hi John - nice to see you here! Any idea when the mobile licence (memory bank 6 on G2 version E systems = Channel 69?) question is likely to be resolved in UK?

Are we talking weeks, months, years....or waiting on some particular external decision or development?

Hi Martin,

I found this from someone linking on another forum.

I have no idea about Ch.69 at all. First they said it would be safe, then it pops up in the proposed pan-European frequency set (I forget for what).

I think it will be around until 2012 as they will need every frequency they can get for the Olympics. But I have no concrete idea as to what and when at all.

All I know is that the de-regulated frequencies are safe as that is by ETSI agreement.

So I can set aside 4 receivers, and consign the remainder to the junk pile! The price of an hours labour plus two RF boards is a substantial proportion of the brand new cost, let alone residual value after you've had them a few months/years.

Users in the UK, with less than four systems can use the de-reg channels, but four channels doesn't go very far - does it? The funny thing is that John is in the same position as everyone else - manufacturers don't seem to be given any advance warning, and when the research on radio mic users was compiled and published, as usual - it seems very little attention is being paid?

As for 2012 and the Olympics -this is when we really find out how well UK frequency planning works. Sennheiser know how many systems they have sold in the UK, so should be aware how crowded the band is with just their kit in every pub/club/disco/nightclub/theatre - let alone the broadcasters. I'd guess that most of these users just found an empty channel and used it - certainly most visiting user's systems coming through my venue don't seem to be on the channels my racks are licensed for!

So I can set aside 4 receivers, and consign the remainder to the junk pile!
No - sell them s/h to people who want licence-free channels.



manufacturers don't seem to be given any advance warning, and when the research on radio mic users was compiled and published, as usual - it seems very little attention is being paid?
Most manufacturers know what's going on, but it's still very up in the air for Ch.69 at the moment.



- certainly most visiting user's systems coming through my venue don't seem to be on the channels my racks are licensed for!
Most people just seem to buy and switch on - and likely to be illegal, unfortunately, as dealers don't give the info.

Here is the official response.




October 21, 2008

Spectrum Reallocation & White Space
An Explanation and Current Developments

Many questions have surfaced in recent weeks over the actions of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding digital television, spectrum re-allocation, and wireless microphone technology. These actions have an impact on the current professional wireless microphones. The following information is published in order to reduce misunderstanding about these issues.

How is the TV spectrum being reallocated?
The U.S. is in transition from conventional analog TV to digital TV. This is scheduled to be completed on February 17, 2009. At this same time, the reassignment of TV channels 52-69 (698 – 806 MHz) will be completed. This band will partially be used for emergency communications in channels 63, 64, 68, and
69. The rights to use the majority of the remaining channels were auctioned to AT&T, Verizon, and Qualcomm to provide what is being termed as advanced wireless services (AWS). This raised billions of dollars for the federal government and was therefore called the digital dividend. This will affect wireless microphones operating between 698-806 MHz (generically called the 700 MHz band), such as our evolution wireless C range systems.


Is this the White Space issue I’ve been hearing about?
No. The White Space debate is separate and distinct from the digital dividend.


Will my C range evolution wireless system operate after February 2009?
Technically systems will still work. However, wireless mics will be prohibited to operate between 698 – 806 MHz in the near future. This restriction could go into effect as early as February 17, 2009. It is likely the FCC will make an announcement after their meeting scheduled on November 4th, 2008.


What is the White Space debate?
The FCC is considering to allow a new class of unlicensed consumer electronic products, known as white space devices (WSD), to operate in locally unused UHF TV channels 21-51. If enacted, these new devices would also affect wireless mic users.

The debate centers on how current licensed devices (wireless mics are considered to be licensed devices by the FCC) will be protected from these new unlicensed white space devices (WSD). The FCC has acknowledged the need to prevent interference from white space devices to digital television signals and wireless microphones. The FCC recently conducted tests on WSD prototypes and published a report



in mid October. A link to this report is referenced below. Once again, we expect further FCC action after their meeting on November 4th.


What has Sennheiser been doing regarding the White Space debate?
Sennheiser has been directly communicating with the FCC and legislators making them aware that the term “white space” is a misnomer since broadcasters, film producers, and professional entertainers have been using licensed devices, such as wireless microphones and monitoring systems, in this spectrum for years. Therefore major news, political, sports and entertainment events would not be able to operate reliably if the spectrum was randomly flooded by new unlicensed devices. To demonstrate this point, Sennheiser participated in the FCC field tests of WSD prototypes.

Sennheiser has also been deeply involved in helping to shape response to the FCC through the Professional Audio Manufacturers Association, the Sports Video Group, and the Microphone Interests Coalition.


What about the future?
It is certain that the amount of spectrum available for wireless microphone use is shrinking. The 700MHz range will no longer be available for use for wireless mics. The remaining usable UHF spectrum may become smaller, or it may be shared with new devices. No matter what happens, Sennheiser will continue to support wireless microphone use with the most flexible products and service available.
Sennheiser is continually developing unique ways to face new challenges with the same reliability that has always characterized our products.


Explanation of Recent FCC Activity
There have been two recent communications from the FCC that have caused heightened anxiety:

Notice of Proposed Rule Making banning wireless mics from the 700 MHz band
This NPRM can be read in its entirety at: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-
188A1.pdf http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-284758A1.pdf

Sennheiser had predicted this action. That's why we advised our customers back in early 2007 that the FCC was likely to impose restrictions on operating wireless mics between 698 MHz and 806 MHz. We therefore eliminated systems operating in this range from our regular assortment and made them available only based on a special order.

Sennheiser submitted a detailed response to this proposal on Oct 3rd and again on Monday, Oct. 20th. We are lobbying hard for a measured migration out of the 700 MHz band that includes a grace period that would allow existing users to continue to operate in this band on a non-interference basis. The full comment to the FCC is posted on the following webpage:

Sennheiser USA - RF Spectrum Reallocation (http://www.sennheiserusa.com/spectrumreallocation)


The White Space Technical Report
The FCC executive summary can be found at: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-
08-2243A2.pdf

This report relates to spectrum sensing capabilities of proposed white space devices (WSD). Other than the FCC stating that "...we believe... the ‘proof of concept’ has been met," there is nothing new in this
report.

1) WSD devices would still be required to detect and avoid wireless mics
2) Fixed WSD are being considered ahead of the more problematic portable units
3) More development is required on WSDs to meet the performance standards that have been set

Furthermore, there is also a proposal being considered that would dedicate at least two TV channels in every market for wireless microphone use. Major events, such as sports, would have additional channels reserved.


The bottom line is this: wireless mics will continue to be used throughout our nation. The FCC has scheduled a discussion and may vote on these issues on November 4th. We will distribute the results of this vote as well as a detailed analysis of what this means to wireless mic users. In the meantime, feel free to contact me with further questions.

Thank you.




Joe Ciaudelli
860-434-9190 Ext. 508
SENNHEISER ELECTRONIC CORP

Dear Guy,

Thank you for posting this information.

Yet in all of that, they really did fail to address most people's concern, which is what can I do with my 'C' block? Seems their answer is 'wait and see'...

Wayne

Anyone have more info on this? Anything new? Yes, I have a C-Block set. Grrrrrr.

There is this...

Sennheiser USA - 12.16.08 - News (http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/newspage.asp?transid=3390&transid0=001)

and this...

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/media/pdfFiles/Pro_700MHz_Range_Rebate.pdf

Thanks for the link, Greg.

Oh, great. In my case it's a $60 rebate for an otherwise perfectly fine G2 system. Makes more sense to just keep it for the rare times I have to shoot in Canada or abroad.

Sennheiser USA is offering a rebate program, and although it seems more complicated than it needs to be, at least it's something, read about it here: Sennheiser USA - Wireless Microphone Systems (http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/category.asp?transid=cat50) //Battle Vaughan/miamiherald.com video team