NAB Event News
NAB2008: A White Spaces Wipeout?
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Apr 17, 2008 - 10:12:41 AM

NAB2008: A White Spaces Wipeout?

By Carl Lindemann

Despite a brewing controversy set to boil over, there’s been almost no formal mention at NAB 2008 of what happens with the proposed addition of consumer devices on “white space” frequencies where wireless mics now reside. The issue is conspicuous in its absence.

The one officially scheduled mention was wrapped up in the “DTV Reception Issues” program during the TV Engineering Conference.  Christopher Lyons, manager of technical and educational communications for Shure presented “New Neighbors: Can Wireless Microphones and Consumer Devices Coexist in the White Spaces?” How did the hundred-odd engineers that attended respond?

“The reaction wasn’t like that I’ve seen elsewhere,” says Lyons. “They seemed aware of the issue, but not upset. Maybe these were mostly station engineers, since this was clearly not their top topic.”

For Lyons, this seeming acceptance is not representative of how most NAB attendees who are aware of the potential for problems feel. He sees this as a clash between the need for the FCC to carefully consider the technical issues versus Microsoft, Google, HP and Dell pressuring for a fast OK. What happens if these new devices are unleashed in the market?  It could fast turn into an intolerable situation for media producers in sports, news, houses of worship and most anywhere that wireless microphones intersect with consumer electronics – which is to say, everywhere wireless mics are used.

“We don’t have any technical information about the ‘white space’ consumer devices. Will they cause interference at 1,000 feet, a mile?  We don’t know,” says Lyons. “There’s corporate pressure for shortcuts without a full technical investigation. This is not a good situation for making a quick decision thinking you can fix it later in the process. Once the devices are in the market, they’re not going to be recalled or repaired. We need to get this right the first time around”

Lyons is clear that he does not oppose consumer devices utilizing the bandwidth.  What’s at issue is making that work.

“What’s at issue is protecting the incumbent users,” said Lyons.

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