shure wireless australian radio frequency guide 2013

SHURE WIRELESS
AUSTRALIAN RADIO
FREQUENCY GUIDE 2013
Introduction
Are you ready for the Digital Dividend Restack?
Wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems that operate in the soon to be
reallocated digital dividend spectrum (694-820MHz) will become illegal to operate after
the 1st of January 2015. Most of the major manufacturers, including Shure, Sennheiser,
AKG, Audio Technica, Bosch and Audio Telex, will have products that operate legally
below 694MHz. In addition to this all TV allocations are being restacked onto a “block
allocation” structure commencing mid-2013. During this time allocations will vary
from city to city, month to month. Wireless audio users must stay informed of these
changes. This brochure should be your starting point to help with the changes. The
website www.readyfordigital.com.au is intended to be your main reference tool during
the restack period.
What is changing?
Australia is in transition from Analogue to Digital TV transmission. Digital TV transmission is much more spectrally
efficient than analogue, thus once transition is complete a significant portion of the spectrum currently allocated
to TV broadcast (694-820MHz) will become “surplus to requirements”. This surplus spectrum, referred to as the
DIGITAL DIVIDEND, will be reallocated to Telecommunications service providers to enable next generation 4G mobile
data services. As a result, wireless audio devices must also vacate this part of the spectrum to make way for the new
services.
Additionally the TV services will be restacked into a block structure in the remaining 520-694MHz broadcast
spectrum. The allocation of these blocks will vary from location to location, making it imperative that operators of
wireless audio devices research the new block allocations in order to coordinate operations.
How will this affect me?
From the 1st of January 2015 the authorised frequency range for wireless audio devices will be reduced from the
current 520-820MHz to 520-694MHz. Older devices that operate above 694MHz in what is colloquially known as “the
700MHz band” must be restricted to operate below 694MHz ONLY. Devices that are not capable of operating below
694MHz may no longer be used after the 1st of January 2015.
What do I need to do?
• Do an audit of your current systems. What frequency range do they operate on now? Are they capable of
operating in the range 520-694MHz?
• Plan to transition out non-compliant products before the 1st of January 2015.
• Research the TV block allocation and confirm products operating below 694MHz are compatible with the block
allocation in locations of interest.
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www.readyfordigital.com.au
How can we help you?
•
Frequency Guide
Overleaf you’ll find the latest version of our renowned Australian Radio Frequency Guide which now also includes
the restack dates for listed regions. Our Frequency Guide will assist you to find the best frequency range to use for
most capital cities and regions throughout Australia. Not all wireless product will work in every location, so not only
have we listed the Shure products that WILL work in your location but also the products that will provide you with the
greatest flexibility. Also available for download at www.readyfordigital.com.au.
Want more information on a region not listed on the Guide? Head to www.readyfordigital.com.au for our Online
Automated Frequency Guide. Data is regularly updated, direct from the ACMA, giving you optimum frequencies and
product for any location in Australia.
•
Digital Dividend Ready Products
Shure products are Digital Dividend ready! Shure have wireless and personal monitoring products that will meet the
frequency of your region and come in a variety of options to suit your usage requirements.
•
Shure Wireless Workbench 6
Shure also brings to you Wireless Workbench® 6 - the ultimate software based configuration, control and monitoring
application. The latest version of this software offers a new level of efficiency and flexibility, along with advanced
tools for frequency coordination and comprehensive networked control of Shure wireless products. With the ability to
control all Shure products as well as wireless products from various manufacturers, it’s the only tool you’ll need.
•
Shure Product Replacement Finder
Are you currently using an existing Shure system that will be affected by the wireless spectrum reallocation? Do not
fear, we have created the Shure Product Replacement Finder to recommend Digital Dividend Ready product options
that will best replace your existing system.
•Training
Shure Wireless Workbench School is run once a month alternating between Sydney, Melbourne and occasionally
other capital cities. This half day training course is highly recommended for audio professionals involved in the design
and / or operation of wireless audio systems.
•Forum
Participate in general discussions about all things relating to the wireless spectrum allocations on our Forum. Ask
questions, get answers.
For all of the above information, go to
www.readyfordigital.com.au
Can’t find what you need?
Contact us via the website or email on
info@readyfordigital.com.au
We are here to help.
www.readyfordigital.com.au
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Shure Ready for Digital Products
ENTRY LEVEL
Shure SVX
Shure BLX
Shure PGW
Wireless for performers that manage their own
sound.
The perfect entry to Wireless Microphones, fast
and easy setup and a wide variety of microphone
options available.
Optimal for musicians, singers, and presenters who
want the best in wireless products with easy setup
at an affordable price.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Shure PGX
Shure SLX
Shure PGX-D
Bringing the superior sound of Shure microphones
together with innovative automatic setup features in
eight easy-to-use packages.
24-bit true digital wireless technology that delivers
strong, clean RF performance. Operates in the 900
MHz ISM band, thus no need to coordinate with TV.
For virtually any application with ease of setup and
exceptional audio quality.
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
Shure ULX
Superior systems for working
musicians and professional sound
installers with advanced features and
controls.
Shure ULX-D
Uncompromising digital wireless
tailored for professional sound
reinforcement.
Shure UHF-R
Shure Axient
Flagship networkable wireless
technology used by professionals all
over the world.
Ultimate wireless control.
The ONLY intelligent wireless
system that actively detects and
avoids interference. Ideal for critical
applications in high density areas.
PERSONAL MONITORING
Shure PSM 200
The entry to professional in-ear personal monitoring
from Shure containing all the components you need.
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Shure PSM 900
Clear audio quality and robust RF performance for
pro applications.
Shure PSM 1000
An unprecedented combination of audio and RF
performance for the most demanding professional
monitoring applications. True diversity (twin
antenna) belt pack for rock solid RF coverage.
www.readyfordigital.com.au
Shure Wireless Workbench® 6
As available spectrum for wireless systems decreases and
becomes increasingly contested, computer assistance will
become essential to confidently deploy multi-channel wireless
systems post digital dividend restack.
Shure Wireless Workbench® 6 is the latest iteration of Shure’s
software based configuration, control and monitoring application.
It offers a new level of efficiency and flexibility, along with
advanced tools for frequency coordination and comprehensive
networked control of Shure wireless products.
Wireless Workbench® 6 directly interfaces over an Ethernet
network with the following Shure wireless systems:
•
•
•
•
Shure Axient® Wireless Management Network
Shure UHF-R® Wireless System
Shure ULX-D™ Digital Wireless System
Shure PSM®1000 Personal Monitoring System
Additionally it can calculate compatible frequencies for other Shure products, and a wide range of wireless products
from various manufacturers.
Features
Scan
Use detailed graphical displays of scan data from Shure wireless receivers to monitor device performance and the
surrounding RF spectrum.
Coordinate
• Offers comprehensive frequency coordination
• Includes equipment profiles for Shure products along with several profiles for wireless microphone, IEM, and
intercom systems from other manufacturers
• Avoids occupied spectrum based on scan data captured from networked Shure receivers, a TV channel
database, and user-defined exclusion ranges
• Creates a set of compatible frequencies by avoiding intermodulation conflicts between channels
• Saves and prints coordination results
• Deploys the solution directly to Shure gear on the network
Control
Wireless Workbench enables fast setup for large groups of wireless systems and allows comprehensive control
of many device parameters. Monitoring views of connected hardware enable customisation of the view of your
hardware from any connected workstation.
Download Shure Wireless Workbench® 6 or register for one of our Shure Wireless Workbench training sessions at
www.readyfordigital.com.au.
www.readyfordigital.com.au
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FAQ’s
Do I need a license to operate a wireless microphone or in-ear system in
Australia?
Yes. All forms of radio transmitters must be licensed under Australian law. However, most wireless microphones and
in-ear monitor systems are covered by a class license. All Shure products imported by Jands are covered under this
license. This means that as long as the product meets the relevant technical specifications and you operate within
the conditions of the license document, you do not need to take out an individual license. The license document in
question is called Radio Communications (Low Interference Potential Devices - LIPD) Class License 2000. Issued
by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), further details are available on the ACMA website:
www.acma.gov.au.
What is the legal frequency range in Australia?
There are a number of frequency ranges permitted for operation of wireless audio devices in Australia. These are
covered in detail in the LIPD class licence document. The primary and highest capacity band is the UHF TV band.
Allocations summarised as follows;
Band
VHF TV
UHF TV
Frequency Range (MHz) Power
170 - 230
520 - 820
3mW
100mW
Comments
•
•
•
Shared with TV broadcasters
No spare capacity in most capital cities
Most major manufactures no longer produce
VHF product
•
•
•
Shared with TV broadcasters
Highest capacity and highest power
Majority of manufacturers produce product for
this band
This allocation to be withdrawn after
31st December 2014 (see below for new
allocation)
•
UHF TV
520 - 694
100mW
900MHz
915 -928
1W digital only
•
•
•
Shared with TV broadcasters
New post digital dividend allocation
Effective 1st January 2015
•
Shared with various services including “smart
meters”, RFID and Radar
Possible 915-932MHz extension under review
•
1.8GHz
1.9GHz (DECT)
1790 - 1800
1880 - 1900
100mW
10mW digital only
•
•
•
Under review. Potential new band
Mobile telephone mid-band gap
May be subject to interference in areas close
to mobile (cell) phone systems
•
Shared with DECT cordless telephone
systems
Potential for interference in areas of high
DECT usage such as corporate environments
•
•
2.4GHz
6
2400 – 2483.5
500mW digital only
•
•
VERY crowded band. Shared with Bluetooth,
WiFi, multitude of remotes, etc.
Must use digital frequency hopping
Strong error protection / correction required
www.readyfordigital.com.au
I heard that some of the 700MHz spectrum was left unsold after the auction.
Does this mean that wireless microphones may be permitted to keep using it?
The digital dividend auction started on the 23rd of April 2013 and concluded on the 7th of May 2013. Only Telstra and
Optus bid for sections of the available 700MHz spectrum, and at the conclusion of the auction two blocks of 15MHz
of spectrum were left unsold (733-748MHz and 788-803MHz). It’s too early to speculate at the possible implications
of this for wireless audio devices. The LIPD has already been modified to restrict operations to 520 – 694MHz from
the 1st of January 2015. It is most likely that the unsold 700MHz spectrum will be re-offered to auction at some future
date. AWAG is in discussion with the ACMA regarding possible temporary access to this part of the band until it is
sold. However it is VERY early days, so don’t pin your hopes on this. Monitor the www.readyfordigital.com.au forum
for updates.
What do the blocks mean?
As part of the digital dividend reallocation all TV transmitter allocations will be restacked into the remaining spectrum;
520–694MHz into blocks. Five blocks of six contiguous TV channels (42MHz) will be created. A block or multiple
blocks will be allocated as required for TV services in each coverage area. Block allocations will vary from area to
area.
Block
TV Channels
Frequency (MHz)
Comments
•
A
6, 7, 8, 10, 11 ,12
174 - 230
B
28 - 33
526 - 568
C
34 - 39
568 - 610
D
40 - 45
610 - 652
E
46 - 51
652 - 694
•
VHF Block. Primary allocation for most
capital cities
Channels 9 & 9A (195–209MHz) allocated
to DAB digital radio broadcast
Refer to frequency guide overleaf for block allocation in capital cities and major regions.
For more FAQ’s or to participate in
Q&A discussions, please visit our
FAQ page and Forum at
www.readyfordigital.com.au
www.readyfordigital.com.au
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Training
Shure Wireless Workbench School
The Shure Wireless Workbench Certification Program is more than an
excellent training course. You’ll also earn 4 renewal units (RUs) toward
InfoComm CTS accreditation through successful completion of the course.
Frequency selection and coordination is critical to the successful design
of wireless microphone and in-ear systems. This will become more so as
the pool of available frequencies diminishes in coming years due to the
digital dividend reallocation. Frequency coordination tasks become more
complex as the number of systems increases, often to the point of requiring
a dedicated RF engineer on large productions.
Shure have lifted the veil on the dark art of frequency selection with the release
of version 6 of Wireless Workbench (WWB6), their software application for
configuration, control and monitoring of wireless audio devices.
Shure Wireless Workbench School is run once a month alternating between
Sydney and Melbourne and occasionally in other capital cities.
This half day course is recommended for audio professionals involved in
the design and / or operation of wireless audio systems. Attendees should
have previous experience with wireless audio systems and be familiar with
technical terms and concepts.
Class sizes are limited. We recommend that you register now to ensure your place at www.readyfordigital.com.au.
All information in this document is correct as at 1/6/2013.
For any changes or for up-to-date information please go to
www.readyfordigital.com.au
www.readyfordigital.com.au
Further details contact:
40 Kent Rd. Mascot NSW 2020
Ph:(02) 9582 0909 • Fax:(02) 9582 0999
www.jands.com.au
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does
not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Jands Pty Ltd shall
not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of
information or any error contained in this document.
June 2013