Who Stole My Bandwidth; or Wireless Device Management

June 12, 2009 was a historic day marking when broadcasters switched from analog to digital transmission of on air programming. Previously, the frequencies (54 MHz-806 MHz) encompassing TV channels 2-69 in the VHF and UHF spectrum were no longer available to musicians, AV companies and TV/film production houses. In fact, we had to send our old wireless mics to Shure for shredding.

With the switch to digital transmission, broadcasters are required to operate between 54 and 698 MHz. This leaves the 700MHz bandwidth open for the FCC to broadcast public safety messages. It's now illegal for AV production and rental houses to use the this bandwidth range, causing a major overhaul of costly UHF wireless systems. The switch from fixed to frequency agile systems also became paramount for users because of the reshuffled D-TV transmissions.

The new UHF bandwidths designated for wireless audio systems are low-band UHF (450-698 MHz) and high-band UHF (900-1GHz). The 900 MHz bandwidth is undesirable for wireless manufacturers because it already has primary and secondary users, including STL (studio to transmitter links), and consumer products like cordless phones and home AV repeaters.

This leaves the low-band UHF (450-698 MHz) for the growing number of wireless devices. The average corporate production is comprised of many wireless microphones and instruments, IEM’s (in ear monitors) and more. This leaves an AV specialist with the daunting task of managing as many as 20+ frequencies within a narrow bandwidth, all while dodging around the local D-TV transmissions.

Luckily, computers come to the rescue! Computerized scanning software and hardware (i.e. free download, Shure Wireless Workbench) help AV specialists see what signals are present. These programs help bundle channels in non-interfering groups.

Some programs will automatically assign frequencies to open units allowing for the maximum number of devices in a given bandwidth. There are also new high-tech systems that detect outside frequency interference and warn the AV specialist; or automatically switch to a clear frequency making it undetectable to the listener. These new systems are costly, but it will ensure that your chairman or CEO's mic will not fail.

High-tech systems notwithstanding, your best solution to wireless device management is careful planning and coordination before load-in. Implementing both will ensure a flawless presentation and impress your client.

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Craig Vlasic | Technical Director/Audio

Joining WAV in 1982, Craig was the first full-time employee. In 30+ years, Craig has engineered over 700 meetings with audiences ranging from 20 to 35,000 people. While current in the latest audio techniques and theories, he brings knowledge in fundamental audio logic to every production from corporate talking heads to rock-n-roll bands.

Graffiti6 at Shubas

A few weeks ago, WAV helped the rock band, Graffiti6, provide the sound equipment for a webcast of the Graffiti6 concert live at Schubas in Chicago.

Project Manager, Craig Vlasic, created a web viewing experience that makes viewers feel like they were actually at the concert by taking the band's feed from the sound engineer who was mixing the band and adding two audience microphones.

D-TOUR Presents: Graffiti6 - Free by D-Tour

The Jeff Show: Re-booking a Flight Due to a Summer Storm

June is very busy at WAV with three Microsoft events and two Honeywell events; and with the beginning of summer concert season, a myriad of other small events. As I write this, everyone is on the road except me. 

This makes me think about summer storm season around the old airport. That means at some point you (and I do mean you) will get caught at a gate with your travel plans delayed by Mother Nature. You and about 180 of your closest friends (ok they are not your friends) are trying to get a seat on the next flight home.
  

Everyone lines up at the ticket counter as two gate agents try to rebook 180 people with travel plans that are next to impossible. So, you’re looking at about a two hour wait just to talk to an agent.

You won’t have to wait if you have status or are smart. If you have status, the computer will automatically rebook you and send an email. If you’re smart, you can rebook your flight in no time and get a free drink for a mere $50. That’s right, head over to the airline club, pay the $50 one day fee, go upstairs to the desk and let the agent fix it. You're in the club, they are the best at what they do, and they never want to tick off a club member.  While the other 179 of your friends all battle for the last 3 seats on the next flight, the number just went to 2 as you get your boarding pass.

Problem solved.  But wait Jeff, what if you are in Smoot Wyoming where there is not a club. Just go past security and hit the ticket counter. It helps if you can give the agent puppy eyes. And remember; never be mean to a ticket agent. Mother Nature is not their fault.

I, myself. try to restrict my summer travel to taking the family to Door County. But when we drive by O’Hare every time on the way up, I promise to think of you.
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Company owner Jeff Warner has been involved in the industry of as long as he can remember as his dad, Harry, started WAV. He joined the company full-time in 1979, and travels the world to help big clients like Bankers Life and Casualty, McDonald's and Microsoft plan AV displays for meetings and events. Please e-mail Jeff you own travel tips to jwarner@warnerav.com, and your tip might be featured in our blog.