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.
Latest News
18 October 2012 - Channel 38 access update
As part of the transition from Channel 69 to Channel 38 Ofcom allowed access to Channels 39 and 40. This access was subject to geographic restrictions to protect Radio Astronomy before they vacated Channel 38 and TV broadcasting in Channels 39 and 40.
Radio Astronomy vacated Channel 38 in September 2011 and the last stage of digital switchover finishes in Northern Ireland on 24 October 2012. Therefore, from 24 October 2012 only Channel 38, 606-614 MHz will be specified in the UHF Shared licence and the use of Channels 39 and 40 will not be authorised under this licence. Frequencies will still be available in Channels 39 and 40 on a co-ordinated basis.
16 May 2012 - Ofcom release a Guide to the Radio Spectrum for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games. The guide has useful information for those broadcasting outside London 2012 Games Venues. We would like to encourage all customers to apply as early as possible for a wireless licence this summer for both business as usual and Olympics related requirements.
12 January 2012 - Ofcom publish their decision to extend access to 790 – 862 MHz for PMSE (Channel 61 to Channel 69) until the end of 2012. Paragraphs 3.8 - 3.9 (p16) of the consultation provide information on the decision to extend the use of 790 – 862 MHz for PMSE (Channel 61 to Channel 69).
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?
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 the switchover is complete is 2012, there will be more room for new services such as wireless broadband (4G), local TV and High Definition Television (HDTV).
Why does it affect wireless microphone & IEM users?
After the DSO, the 800MHz (TV Channels 61-69) band will no longer be used for TV broadcast. The 800MHz band was previously used by wireless microphones alongside broadcast. Ofcom is clearing the 800MHz band 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 in the form of 4G.
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.
However with the introduction of 4G, OfCom recently conducted a study on potential interference from 4G services into 863-865MHz. The results of the study can be found here - http://bit.ly/WNyjGm.
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).
Note: A Shared Licence allows wireless mics and IEM systems to be used in Channels 38. Contact the Joint Frequency Management Group (JFMG) on www.jfmg.co.uk for info.
Note: The availability of Channel 38 can also be checked using the online ‘Look Up Tool’ from
JMFG on 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 to be used for large events, fixed installations and other special project events only and require a unique licence. Refer to www.jfmg.co.uk. 550-606 (TV Channels 31-37) is also available for PMSE on a 6 month rolling notice period.
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 or re-tune a currently non-compliant product. All operation of wireless equipment in the 800MHz band MUST stop on 31.12.2012. Usage of wireless equipment in the 800MHz band after this date will be prone to interference from 4G services but is also legally not permitted.
All Shure wireless products are now available in specifically designed UK Channel 38 (606-614MHz) versions.
Visit www.shure.co.uk or call 01992 703058 for product information.
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.
© 2012 Shure UK Ltd.
