That Sounds About Right: Maintaining Spectrum for Wireless Mics

When it comes to SVG’s coverage of venue operations, we will be the first to admit that the word video within our name has always created the sense of a bias toward creation of video images rather than the auditory experience.

But that bias has always been more perception than reality. First, the roots of SVG’s founders are deep in professional audio (in particular, Paul Gallo and Marty Porter have careers defined by the important work they have done with professional audio publications as well as at AES). Second, SVG has successfully played a role improving the landscape of professional audio.

When SVG was launched 10 years ago, one of the areas of growing concern was the impending auction of the White Space spectrum, the home of professional, licensed users of wireless microphones. The concern was quite simple: when one’s livelihood depends on using a wireless microphone, any potential interference that would threaten its use would also be a threat to one’s livelihood.

In the following years, concerns over the sanctity of White Space spectrum only grew, and, a little more than five years ago, SVG, along with leading sports broadcasters and professional leagues, began a series of meetings with members of Congress, the Senate, and the FCC to make those concerns heard. Those early meetings eventually led to the formation of the DTV Audio Group, an outgrowth of SVG focused not only on White Space challenges but on other issues as well.

At times, that fight seemed to be a bit hopeless, but the energy and focus paid off, with new rules adopted by the FCC on Aug. 6.

Sponsors and members of SVG and the DTV Audio Group can expect to see us continue to do what we can, where we can, and when we can with respect to the wireless-spectrum transition. The goal is always the same: to provide a unified voice that can truly have clout with a Washington, DC, audience often distracted by empty promises.

Our promise is simple. To be a safe harbor for the honest exchange of ideas. To develop strategies for the future based on real-world market and technology conditions. And to make sure that, ultimately, any transitions have as little impact not only on our industry but also on consumers and viewers across our nation, who have come to expect the in-venue sports, concert, and event experience to be as robust and vibrant as ever. And wireless systems — whether microphones, communications systems, or wireless controllers — are a big part of that future.