How does the DTV transition affect the local church?

Most wireless mic systems manufactured before 2008 occupy the 700 MHz band…actually 698-806 MHz. Analog TV stations also fall within this range. When the government-mandated DTV transition occurs on June 12, 2009 (originally scheduled for February 17, 2009), the 700 MHz band will be occupied by Public Safety stations and new commercial wireless services (awarded by competitive bidding). All analog TV stations must switch to a digital transmission and all wireless microphones within that range are required to cease operation by the June 12 deadline.

So how does that affect us? When we installed new Yamaha M7CL digital audio consoles in our Worship Center and Fellowship Hall (secondary worship venue) a little over a year ago, we replaced the wireless systems with Sure UR2 Beta 87C systems. The wireless systems that were in those venues were migrated to our Chapel and Student Ministry Rally Room (The Pit). We knew that we would have to replace these systems, but decided to wait until we were a little closer to the DTV deadline. We are currently in the process of replacing those systems to meet the government requirements.

For more details on DTV and wireless mics, visit Sure DTV information page.