If you're thinking about filing comments in response to the FCC's request for input relative to wireless microphones, heads up - deadlines have now been set.… Continue Reading
Despite the shrinking spectrum for wireless microphones, we can't do without them - at least so long as we want good audio in our movies, TV, and stage shows. Even the FCC has implicitly acknowledged these devices are indispensable.… Continue Reading
We assume the pace of approvals will pick up. At the current rate, it will probably take until the year 2797 before white space systems are fully deployed.… Continue Reading
All of these rules control only a limited deployment in Wilmington, NC. But with the rules approaching final form, and more databases coming on line, white space devices may finally take the big step from PowerPoint to reality.… Continue Reading
At the outset, white space operations will be limited to Wilmington, NC, the same city chosen by the FCC for an early cut-over from analog to digital TV. Does someone live there whom the FCC doesn't like?… Continue Reading
A second white space database administrator has given the word that it is ready for testing . . . or at least it will be, as of December 7.… Continue Reading
Each of ten separate "white space" databases will automatically extract information on protected services from the FCC's licensing databases, and will share information entered manually.… Continue Reading
We have no doubt Microsoft's qualifications equal or exceed some of the other nine companies'. Not obvious, though, is why Microsoft's qualifications are so overwhelming as to justify re-opening the application process after more than a year.… Continue Reading
If you're a TV licensee providing over-the-air feeds to one or more distant translator/LPTV/Class A stations, cable head-ends or satellite local receive sites, heads up. You need to act soon if you want those sites to be protected from unlicensed "white spaces" devices.… Continue Reading
To say, "You're all winners!" is fine for T-ball, but we may come to wish the FCC had exercised greater adult authority in choosing its database administrators.… Continue Reading
Poring over the fine print of the FCC's "white spaces" decision we wrote about last week, we have found two issues that merit the attention of TV broadcasters.… Continue Reading
In some other universe, the agency might insist the promised technology function properly before it allows deployment. This universe, though, works differently: the FCC simply dropped the requirement.… Continue Reading
A White Space decision may be imminent . . . but the FCC faces 17 petitions for reconsideration, a court appeal, and unresolved issues of its own. Just among ourselves, we think the controversy might continue beyond the next round of rulemaking.… Continue Reading
The FCC has invited proposals from entities seeking to be designated TV band database managers. This is in part a creative design competition. Sharpen your crayons.… Continue Reading
Reconsideration petitions in the FCC's "white space" proceeding - about unlicensed devices in locally vacant TV channels - show the controversy is far from over.… Continue Reading
Two associations of broadcasters, along with groups that make heavy use of wireless microphones, have appealed the FCC's rules authorizing unlicensed devices in vacant TV channels.… Continue Reading