Please read this if you are considering the purchase of
production wireless equipment (including, but not limited to, wireless
microphone systems, in-ear monitoring systems, or intercom systems) during
2008 or 2009.
As a result of the emergence of Digital television and
actions by the US Federal Communications Commission to reallocate and
auction existing radio spectrum, we feel it is likely that wireless
production devices that are currently being used and sold may have reduced
functionality - or possibly be rendered obsolete - starting in 2009.
Unfortunately, there is a great deal of uncertainty
surrounding what is being called the "White Spaces" issue because of ongoing
legal and regulatory activity. It is currently impossible to say with
any certainty when these changes will take place, what devices will be
affected, to what degree the problems will affect current production
wireless operations, and what solutions or alternatives will be available to
production wireless users.
We are advising our clients to proceed very cautiously when
considering the purchase of production wireless equipment (microphones,
in-ear monitoring systems, or intercom) until the FCC and wireless
manufacturers can provide detailed information about the future of
production wireless equipment.
In the mean time, we suggest you stay abreast of the White
Spaces issue by reading our monthly
Soundcheck newsletter, consulting the
White Spaces page on our website, and by speaking with your sales
person at TC Furlong.
