Here you will find a number of different resources to help clarify how users of wireless microphones or In-Ear Monitoring systems will be affected by the 2012 Digital Switchover.
FAQ's below and for further information and advice see the Shure Wireless Frequency Guide or call the Channel 69 to 38 Switchover Helpline 01992 703 038.
Every Shure handheld mic, every body pack, every headset, every lapel wireless system and our PSM900 In-Ear Monitoring system is available in Channel 38 versions for use now and beyond 2012.
FAQ's
What is the 2012 Digital Switchover (DSO)?
Why does it affect wireless microphone & IEM users?
What frequencies are affected?
What happens to the European harmonised de-regulated licence-free spectrum between 863–865MHz?
Which frequencies can I use for wireless microphones & IEM's?
Do I need a licence to operate my wireless microphones or IEM’s?
What can I do if I own Shure wireless products, that I can no longer use after 2012?
Is there financial assistance available for replacing non-compliant products?
What Shure wireless system is right for me?
What is the 2012 Digital Switchover (DSO)?
The analogue to digital TV switchover is Government policy. It will mean that almost everyone will be able to receive digital TV through an aerial. Digital TV uses less broadcast space which means that after switchover, there will be more room for new services such as wireless broadband, local TV and High Definition Television (HDTV).
Why does it affect wireless microphone & IEM users?
After the DSO the 800MHz band will no longer be used for TV broadcast. Ofcom is clearing the 800MHz band TV channels 61-69 to match spectrum being released in other European countries (European Harmonisation). This will benefit people across the UK because the spectrum will be able to be used for next-generation mobile broadband services.
What frequencies are affected?
550-606MHz (TV channels 31-37) and 790-862MHz (TV channels 61-69).
What happens to the European harmonised de-regulated licence-free spectrum between 863–865MHz?
The de-regulated licence-free spectrum 863-865MHz remains untouched by DSO. If you are currently operating in this area of spectrum, you are free to carry on using it now and beyond the 2012 DSO.
Which Frequencies can I use for wireless microphones & IEM's?
1. TV channel 38 (606-614MHz) has been officially announced by Ofcom as the replacement for TV channel 69 (854-862MHz).
Although it is not available nationwide until 21.09.2011 for two reasons:
a.) Radio astronomy holds the current license until 01.01.2012, consequently creating “restriction zones” in parts of the UK. Ofcom recently announced that radio astronomy would be moving out of Channel 38 three months earlier than planned, on 21.09.2011.
b.) The protection of analogue TV broadcast in channel 37 in areas where DSO is not complete.
Note In the meantime channels 39 (614-622MHz) and 40 (622-630MHz) are available on the same channel 38 Shared Licence until channel 38 becomes available nationwide.
Note A Shared Licence allows wireless mics and IEM systems to be used in channels 38, 39 and 40. Contact JFMG (Joint Frequency Management Group) www.jfmg.co.uk
Note The availability of channel 38 differs dramatically on whether wireless equipment is being used indoors or outdoors.
The availability of channel 38-40 can be checked using the online Look Up Tool www.jfmg.co.uk
2. 470-550MHz (TV channels 21-30) and 630-790MHz (TV channels 41-60) are available now and post 2012 for wireless microphones and IEM’s on an interleaved basis.These are used for special project events only and require a unique licence. Refer to www.jfmg.co.uk
3. The deregulated licence-free spectrum from TV channel 70 863-865MHz remains untouched by DSO.
Do I need a licence to operate my wireless microphones or IEM’s?
Yes. It is required by law in the UK to be in possession of a licence to legally operate radio microphones or IEM’s unless you are using the de-regulated spectrum between 863-865MHz. Please contact JFMG for licensing information.
What can I do if I own Shure wireless products, that I can no longer use after 2012?
If your product is non-compliant you will need to purchase a new product as it is not possible to modify a non-compliant product. All Shure wireless products are now available in UK specifically designed, channel 38 (606-614MHz) versions.
Is there financial assistance available for replacing non-compliant products?
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) announced that it will provide a significant contribution towards the cost of replacing channel 69 (854-862MHZ) equipment bought before 30 June 2009 of any age, with new equipment that is compatible with other channels.
There are various criteria that have to be met in order to claim for part funding and claimants must register before 31 December 2010 to be considered for eligibility.
Visit www.pmsefunding.co.uk for details.
What Shure wireless system is right for me?
Shure manufactures wireless systems in a number of different versions that operate in different parts of the spectrum.
A suffix indicates the tuning bandwidth or frequency range that a particular product can operate in e.g. for K4E the frequency range is 606-666MHZ.
Visit the Wireless Microphone and In Ear Monitoring sections of the website or call the Shure Sales Team on 01992 703058 for more information or advice.
© 2010 Shure UK Ltd.
