Save Our Sound UK campaign

[Adam_F]

Interesting read here - http://www.saveoursounduk.com
A new group started to fight for decent control over radio frequencies, which WILL affect us as mobile DJs on things like radio mics, and wireless speaker systems.

[rob1963]

Interesting.

I was aware that the frequencies were changing, but not that the government were literally selling off the existing frequencies.

:shrug:

[DazzyD]

This is not new news. This was discussed at least two years ago that I can remember.

The government was lobbied then to keep a range of frequencies available to the entertainment sector which, if I remember correctly, they said they would at the time.

But, without getting too political, we've seen that the government aren't very good at keeping their word so anything might happen! :eek:

[Adam_F]

This is not new news. This was discussed at least two years ago that I can remember.


Yeah, I've mentioned it before, but now they're finally trying to do something about it, that was the point of highlighting this new website.

[DJMaxG]

A new group started to fight for decent control over radio frequencies, which WILL affect us as mobile DJs on things like radio mics, and wireless speaker systems

Does that mean that frequencies will be changed, or taken away permanently preventing wireless mics and speakers from working?

Changing the Frequency won't really harm any of us too much, would it. :(

[JTRS]

Does that mean that frequencies will be changed, or taken away permanently preventing wireless mics and speakers from working?

Changing the Frequency won't really harm any of us too much, would it. :(


I don't think you can 'take away a frequency' without changing the laws of physics (and you cannae do that Jim).

If you have a radio mic set on a particular frequency and a receiver for it then it will work forever, whether or not it's legal is another matter.

JTRS

[DJMaxG]

I don't think you can 'take away a frequency' without changing the laws of physics (and you cannae do that Jim).

If you have a radio mic set on a particular frequency and a receiver for it then it will work forever, whether or not it's legal is another matter

Correct :approve:

But say the law is changed, then that would mean investing in new microphones to comply with it.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Does that mean that frequencies will be..... taken away permanently preventing wireless mics and speakers from working?


I don't think you can 'take away a frequency' without changing the laws of physics....


Correct :approve:So were you just doing a pop quiz then, or what? :bang:

[rob1963]

Changing the Frequency won't really harm any of us too much, would it. :(

It certainly won't make any difference to those who only use wired microphones.

:D :D :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I think the more prudent issue is the likes of big show/event companies. Last week end is say 10 wireless mics on set...and hundreds of event security systems. If the lay makes these unusable then thats a huge oncost for someone.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I think the more prudent issue is the likes of big show/event companies. Last week end is say 10 wireless mics on set...and hundreds of event security systems. If the lay makes these unusable then thats a huge oncost for someone.But it's all relative, isn't it? The small guy with 1 mic generally has a smaller turnover and profit, whilst the large company generally has the larger turnover and profit.

As a % of the overall turnover/profit, it may be more of a hardship for the smaller guy.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

But it's all relative, isn't it? The small guy with 1 mic generally has a smaller turnover and profit, whilst the large company generally has the larger turnover and profit.

As a % of the overall turnover/profit, it may be more of a hardship for the smaller guy.

I get that, and agree. But it will be less of a ballache for the smaller guy to go out and one unit, when the bug company has to replace then all. ;)

[DazzyD]

I don't think you can 'take away a frequency' without changing the laws of physics (and you cannae do that Jim).

If you have a radio mic set on a particular frequency and a receiver for it then it will work forever, whether or not it's legal is another matter.

JTRS

They can't "take away" the frequencies but the original plans were to sell off a large portion of the radio wave spectrum to the highest bidder which, we believed at the time, would probably be to mobile phone companies.

To say that your radio mic equipment would simply not work is probably short of the mark. However, I do believe the sold-off frequencies will be carrying a lot more traffic so the chances are that the resulting interference on your receiver units will make your whole system unusable.

The sale of radio frequencies has already begun. This is an extract from OfComs Annual Report 2007-08:


Freeing up valuable public spectrum

Public bodies use around half of the radio spectrum below 15 GHz – the most sought-after and congested frequencies. Independent experts have estimated that the spectrum held by the public sector could have a market value of between £3bn and over £20bn.

In January 2008, we announced new plans to allow public organisations to trade, share or release their considerable spectrum holdings.

The proposals were of particular significance to the Ministry of Defence, which has the largest holdings of public sector spectrum.


When you look at the value figures quoted you can see why the government are interested in selling it off. More can be found on the Ofcom site, http://www.ofcom.org.uk if you do a search.


And bear in mind that Ofcom recently did a similar sale of digital frequencies which has resulted in some people losing the use of their Digital Set-Top Boxes.

[DJMaxG]

So were you just doing a pop quiz then, or what?

If they insist that manafactures no longer use those frequencies, then it is effectively "taking them away" isn't it.


It certainly won't make any difference to those who only use wired microphones

Good old wired SM58s, you mean :p

[Corabar Entertainment]

If they insist that manafactures no longer use those frequencies, then it is effectively "taking them away" isn't it.W-H-O-O-S-H! :cool:

[Babybob]

Ask Kenneth, he will know. :sofa:

[Corabar Steve]

*makes note to slap Babybob for that one, should we ever meet * :sj:

[Babybob]

Oooo threats of violence on the forum, and worst of all from one Welshman to another....:D :D ;)

[Corabar Steve]

I can ban you, you know :sj::sj::sj: