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Wireless microphone systems need replacing after FCC sells bandwidthDAYTON, Jan 30, 2012 (Dayton Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Dayton's nonprofit Victoria Theatre Association recently had to replace relatively new microphone systems at the Schuster Center because the federal government sold the broadcast frequencies they previously used. Theaters and performing organizations across the country have had to replace similar equipment since the Federal Communications Commission auctioned off the previously open bandwidth to top bidders, including telecommunications giants Verizon and AT&T for smart phones and tablets. Some of the frequencies also were reserved for police, fire and rescue operations. Without new wireless microphones and backstage communications devices that use other ranges, "there's a chance an HBO broadcast or nearby police or ambulance call might be heard during 'Jersey Boys,' instead of the singers on our stage," VTA Production Manager Patrick Keough said, "We couldn't take that chance." "These systems are quite expensive," Keough said. "Not everyone has been able to afford it. It's my guess that some theaters are still taking their chances with the old." The Performing Arts Alliance in Washington, D.C., estimates that many arts centers spent $25,000 to $100,000 as a result of transactions that contributed $19.5 billion to the federal treasury's deficit-reduction measures. The changes were mostly in the 700-megahertz range, where the Schuster microphones were calibrated. Units at Dayton's Victoria Theatre operate in the 500 to 600 range, "so we haven't had to change those," Keough said. "We haven't had to buy any new equipment so far either," said Dan Hunt, an associate professor of theater at Clark State Community College and technical director of the Kuss Auditorium in Springfield. Laurie Baskin, director of government and education programs at the national Theatre Communications Group in New York, said there's concern that those ranges may also be sold in the future. "The federal payroll tax extension bill that was debated last year included a measure concerning government auctions in the 600s. This issue may come up again in February," Baskin said. Theatre Communications Group and the Performing Arts Alliance have asked the congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to create a fund to help cash-strapped arts groups if more of their equipment is rendered useless. They also are urging the FCC to monitor the effectiveness of new interference-protection devices for wireless mics. "We are just beginning a survey of our members to find out what impact this has had on them," Baskin said. Alicia Anstead, interim director of communications for the New York-based Association of Arts Presenters, said her organization was also launching a similar survey of its 1,400 member organizations now that the impact on them is becoming clearer. Wireless mics are crucial in the current production at the Schuster Center, the hit musical "Jersey Boys." "If we were only speaking, we could project our voices and be heard clearly," said performer Jason Kappus. "But with the band, there's no way. During the song 'Dawn,' we're right next to the drums and can't even hear each other." Wireless equipment has been used on stages for more than 30 years, allowing performers freedom from microphone stands and wires. ___ (c)2012 the Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio) Visit the Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio) at www.daytondailynews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |