The future for wireless audio
The world of wireless audio is facing upheaval as European licensing authorities reallocate the spectrum. We examine the impact on users of analogue kit.
Across Europe one of the consequences of the end of analogue broadcasting is the upheaval of the broadcast spectrum, a shift which will impact the creators of broadcast content and theatrical productions – both heavy users of short range wireless audio services.
The EU has decided that analogue TV will be switched off across Europe by the end of 2012 with transmission switching to DVB-T, the new format for digital broadcasting. At the same time national governments have taken the opportunity to reorganise who uses what parts of the analogue UHF spectrum.
Part of the ambition is to free up the wireless audio frequencies – currently used by broadcasters, programme makers and special events broadcasters to make room for the fourth generation of mobile phone technologies (4G).
The argument that the telecom providers are successfully making is that to deliver film, TV and games content direct to iPads, laptops and next generation mobile phones they need access to more spectrum.
Not surprisingly, governments are keen make this new block of freed up spectrum in the 800KHz band available to them because they can auction it.
Shifting spectrum
As Sony’s Product Specialist, Professional Audio, Markus Warlich explains: “The problem for wireless audio is that this is exactly the range we use for wireless microphones in the most countries.”
Access to Channels 61 – 69 (790-862MHz) will cease completely and audio licences for programme makers and special events broadcasting will no longer be valid.
The new spectrum for short range wireless audio in most countries will be Channel 38 and users of wireless audio kit such as the popular Sony UWP range will either need to upgrade their existing kit, buy new Channel 38-ready kit, or consider the benefits of moving up to the next level of digital wireless technology, Sony’s DWX series.
Says Warlich: “UWP-Series 38 kits will work in Channel 38, 39 and 40 (24MHz Bandwidth) with all three channels allowed in the UK and in most EU countries. If that isn’t the case, other frequency versions of the UWP-Series are available.”
According to Sony Professional Strategic Marketing Manager Bill Drummond the best option for those not looking to make the investment in digital is simply to replace the UWP series with Channel 38-ready kit.
Upgrading to UWP-Series kit
“Although technically feasible, adapting existing UWP kit to Channel 38 isn’t cost effective so you are better off upgrading to one of our best-selling UWP series of wireless audio transmitters and receivers.”
“It’s a product range which is fantastically well-priced with a true diversity receiver system for optimum RF reception as opposed to aerial diversity systems often proposed by the competition. For instance, UWP-V1 is our big seller – a must have from independent filmmakers to mainstream production – which includes lavalier mic, body pack transmitter and true diversity receiver.”
“The UWP range can be used with just about any camcorder; as effective with Sony’s own HXR-NX5E and PMW range of professional camcorder as any DSLR kit.”
One filmmaker currently mulling over the options for sound recording post-switchover is Sony Independent Certified Expert Rick Young, a cameraman/producer/director who edits his own website about digital filmmaking.
The importance of switching to Channel 38
Young stresses that continuing to use Channel 69 probably isn’t the best option in 2013. “The problem for sound recordists and filmmakers is that that it’s going to be illegal to use Channel 69 frequencies in the UK from January 2013. If you continue to use them you could be fined.”
Another problem facing sound recordists who have mics which still work on different UHF frequencies is that they are likely to suddenly become much more crowded, as users cram themselves into a more constricted frequency range.
“I would recommend that the best course of action is to upgrade your kit to Channel 38-ready technology,” says Young, who owns a wide range of audio equipment including the URX-P1, a UWP series portable tuner. “It’s not that expensive. You’ll pay around £4-500 including VAT for Sony’s UWP-V1 wireless microphone system.”
Diversity receiver system for reliable sound
He adds: “One of the strengths of the UWP range is that it’s a diversity receiver system. This means that you get more stable reception because you can source signal from two different paths and the receiver automatically selects the best.”
“I find the Sony wireless audio systems in general much easier to use than other brands of radio mics, which have more complicated menu structures. With Sony I plug in, connect up the system, turn on the transmitter and receiver and that’s it. It’s really simple and easy to manage. I plan to buy Sony when I upgrade.”
In the post-switchover world Sony’s Bill Drummond expects the UWP range to continue to be popular. “We have been quietly developing the reputation of our wireless audio systems and now have options which are very robust, offering quality and stability. The UWP range is the only true analogue diversity system on market,” he enthuses. “It’s simply the best, most affordable range of wireless mics.”
