Information resource on the impact of digital spectrum changes

Audio equipment distributor Jands has launched a new online resource providing advice on the impact of digital spectrum changes for users of wireless microphone devices for group fitness classes, events, presentations or exhibitions.

With Australia currently transitioning from Analogue to Digital TV transmission, the Federal Government has recently sold off the digital spectrum to telecommunications companies, a process kown as the 'Digital Dividend'. However, once transition is complete, wireless audio devices must vacate the surplus spectrum as it will be no longer legal to operate wireless microphones in the radio frequency spectrum between 694Mhz and 820MHz after 31st December 31st 2014.

This means that:

• Around 40% of the spectrum previously available for use is to be removed, and that

• At least 150,000 radio microphones currently in use will need to be switched off and scrapped.

Highlighting that "there's a lot of speculation and misinformation out there about the changes that are happening, and even when you know what you are looking for it is hard to find the information you need", Jands' 'Ready for Digital' website offers a "one-stop-shop for all the information you need about the Digital Dividend Restack, and how you can navigate your way around it."

The website offers:

• Information about the change and what users of wireless microphone devices need to do

• The latest news and updates from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Australian Wireless Audio Group (AWAG)

• The best wireless management tools to help you find the best frequency for your region

• The renowned Australian Radio Frequency Guide by Shure, used by the Government and AWAG in their Digital Dividend talks

• Ready for Digital Dividend Restack products

• Product replacement finders, in case you do need new systems

• Communications information, because the challenge extends beyond wireless microphones

• Downloads from the ACMA specifically relevant to the Wireless Audio users

• A quick guide to the changes

• An industry forum dedicated to the Digital Dividend changes.

Click here for more information.

As part of pre Federal Election lobbying, Live Performance Australian (LPA) has called on the next Federal Government to launch an education campaign around the wireless spectrum switchover and to compensate users forced to purchase new and compliant equipment.

In a document highlighting policy priorities for the incoming Federal Government, the LPA state "no financial provision has been made by the Government to assist with the transition, despite the $2 billion in income the Government took from the sell off."

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16th October 2012 - ‘DIGITAL DIVIDEND’ WON’T BENEFIT LEISURE