A series of reports detailing the latest developments about the FCC "White Spaces" and Shure's efforts on Capitol Hill. Host Cory Lorentz is joined by Shure's spokesperson on this issue, Chris Lyons, for an introduction on what the white spaces are, the affect it may have on wireless technology and what can be done to influence the decisions being made by the FCC. Stay tuned for more developments in future episodes.

WASHINGTON — FOH has been at the forefront of fighting the white space battle with the FCC for almost two years. We received word that the Federal Communications Commission followed the money and voted to allow technology companies like Google, Microsoft, Dell and Motorola to produce consumer devices that will use radio frequency (RF) spectrum now being used by wireless microphone systems. The decision comes despite objections from FCC engineers and the 100% failure rate of prototype devices in “real world” tests.

They did throw the industry a bone or two. According to USA Today, use of these yet-to-be-produced wireless consumer devices will be prohibited near television broadcast facilities or major entertainment venues. Smaller operators can request “safe-zone” treatment, but we’ll see how far that goes.

This ruling has not been unexpected. The issue has been framed inaccurately by people like FCC chief Kevin “Weasel-Boy” Martin, while phony “c

Wigwam Go Down Under

Wigwam are opening an office and warehouse in Australia with its Far East partner 3db Audio.

A giant corporation, Google, has taken an interest in the same issue, and companies invested in the Internet would like to sell new services over those broadcast frequencies. In fact, Google started a website, freetheairwaves.com, to promote the commercial use of the “unused” radio airwaves that wireless microphones use.

Like it or not, Australia will have no choice but the follow the USA lead and grant 'special interest' groups access to frequencies currently used by TV and broadcast, sporting events, convention and meetings industry, fitness industry, touring and music performance, musical theatre, the fast food industry and many more.

The 24th Annual Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards winners were announced at the recent AES convention in San Francisco.

The biggest issue affecting the live sound, broadcast and theatre industry in the coming years will be the allocation of radio frequencies.