SHURE WIRELESS AUSTRALIAN RADIO FREQUENCY GUIDE 2013

IntroductionAre you ready for the Digital Dividend Restack?

Wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems that operate in the soon to be

reallocated digital dividend spectrum (694-820MHz) will become illegal to operate after

the 1st of January 2015. Most of the major manufacturers, including Shure, Sennheiser,

AKG, Audio Technica, Bosch and Audio Telex, will have products that operate legally

below 694MHz. In addition to this all TV allocations are being restacked onto a “block

allocation” structure commencing mid-2013. During this time allocations will vary

from city to city, month to month. Wireless audio users must stay informed of these

changes. This brochure should be your starting point to help with the changes. The

website www.readyfordigital.com.au is intended to be your main reference tool during

the restack period.

What is changing?

Australia is in transition from Analogue to Digital TV transmission. Digital TV transmission is much more spectrally

efficient than analogue, thus once transition is complete a significant portion of the spectrum currently allocated

to TV broadcast (694-820MHz) will become “surplus to requirements”. This surplus spectrum, referred to as the

DIGITAL DIVIDEND, will be reallocated to Telecommunications service providers to enable next generation 4G mobile

data services. As a result, wireless audio devices must also vacate this part of the spectrum to make way for the new

services.

Additionally the TV services will be restacked into a block structure in the remaining 520-694MHz broadcast

spectrum. The allocation of these blocks will vary from location to location, making it imperative that operators of

wireless audio devices research the new block allocations in order to coordinate operations.

How will this affect me?

From the 1st of January 2015 the authorised frequency range for wireless audio devices will be reduced from the

current 520-820MHz to 520-694MHz. Older devices that operate above 694MHz in what is colloquially known as “the

700MHz band” must be restricted to operate below 694MHz ONLY. Devices that are not capable of operating below

694MHz may no longer be used after the 1st of January 2015.

What do I need to do?• Do an audit of your current systems. What frequency range do they operate on now? Are they capable of

operating in the range 520-694MHz?

• Plan to transition out non-compliant products before the 1st of January 2015.

• Research the TV block allocation and confirm products operating below 694MHz are compatible with the block allocation in locations of interest.

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How can we help you?

• Frequency GuideOverleaf you’ll find the latest version of our renowned Australian Radio Frequency Guide which now also includes

the restack dates for listed regions. Our Frequency Guide will assist you to find the best frequency range to use for

most capital cities and regions throughout Australia. Not all wireless product will work in every location, so not only

have we listed the Shure products that WILL work in your location but also the products that will provide you with the

greatest flexibility. Also available for download at www.readyfordigital.com.au.

Want more information on a region not listed on the Guide? Head to www.readyfordigital.com.au for our Online

Automated Frequency Guide. Data is regularly updated, direct from the ACMA, giving you optimum frequencies and

product for any location in Australia.

• Digital Dividend Ready ProductsShure products are Digital Dividend ready! Shure have wireless and personal monitoring products that will meet the

frequency of your region and come in a variety of options to suit your usage requirements.

• Shure Wireless Workbench 6Shure also brings to you Wireless Workbench® 6 - the ultimate software based configuration, control and monitoring

application. The latest version of this software offers a new level of efficiency and flexibility, along with advanced

tools for frequency coordination and comprehensive networked control of Shure wireless products. With the ability to

control all Shure products as well as wireless products from various manufacturers, it’s the only tool you’ll need.

• Shure Product Replacement FinderAre you currently using an existing Shure system that will be affected by the wireless spectrum reallocation? Do not

fear, we have created the Shure Product Replacement Finder to recommend Digital Dividend Ready product options

that will best replace your existing system.

• TrainingShure Wireless Workbench School is run once a month alternating between Sydney, Melbourne and occasionally

other capital cities. This half day training course is highly recommended for audio professionals involved in the design

and / or operation of wireless audio systems.

• ForumParticipate in general discussions about all things relating to the wireless spectrum allocations on our Forum. Ask

questions, get answers.

For all of the above information, go to www.readyfordigital.com.au

Can’t find what you need?Contact us via the website or email on

info@readyfordigital.com.auWe are here to help.

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Shure Ready for Digital Products

Shure SVX

Shure PGX

Shure PSM 200

Shure ULX

Shure PGW

Shure PGX-D

Shure PSM 900

Shure BLX

Shure SLX

Shure PSM 1000

Shure Axient

Wireless for performers that manage their own sound.

Bringing the superior sound of Shure microphones together with innovative automatic setup features in eight easy-to-use packages.

The entry to professional in-ear personal monitoring from Shure containing all the components you need.

Superior systems for working musicians and professional sound installers with advanced features and controls.

The perfect entry to Wireless Microphones, fast and easy setup and a wide variety of microphone options available.

24-bit true digital wireless technology that delivers strong, clean RF performance. Operates in the 900 MHz ISM band, thus no need to coordinate with TV.

Clear audio quality and robust RF performance for pro applications.

Optimal for musicians, singers, and presenters who want the best in wireless products with easy setup at an affordable price.

For virtually any application with ease of setup and exceptional audio quality.

An unprecedented combination of audio and RF performance for the most demanding professional monitoring applications. True diversity (twin antenna) belt pack for rock solid RF coverage.

Ultimate wireless control.The ONLY intelligent wireless system that actively detects and avoids interference. Ideal for critical applications in high density areas.

ENTRY LEVEL

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

PERSONAL MONITORING

Shure UHF-RFlagship networkable wireless technology used by professionals all over the world.

Shure ULX-DUncompromising digital wireless tailored for professional sound reinforcement.

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Shure Wireless Workbench® 6As available spectrum for wireless systems decreases and becomes increasingly contested, computer assistance will become essential to confidently deploy multi-channel wireless systems post digital dividend restack.

Shure Wireless Workbench® 6 is the latest iteration of Shure’s software based configuration, control and monitoring application. It offers a new level of efficiency and flexibility, along with advanced tools for frequency coordination and comprehensive networked control of Shure wireless products.

Wireless Workbench® 6 directly interfaces over an Ethernet network with the following Shure wireless systems:• Shure Axient® Wireless Management Network• Shure UHF-R® Wireless System• Shure ULX-D™ Digital Wireless System• Shure PSM®1000 Personal Monitoring System

Additionally it can calculate compatible frequencies for other Shure products, and a wide range of wireless products from various manufacturers.

FeaturesScanUse detailed graphical displays of scan data from Shure wireless receivers to monitor device performance and the surrounding RF spectrum.

Coordinate• Offers comprehensive frequency coordination• Includes equipment profiles for Shure products along with several profiles for wireless microphone, IEM, and

intercom systems from other manufacturers• Avoids occupied spectrum based on scan data captured from networked Shure receivers, a TV channel

database, and user-defined exclusion ranges• Creates a set of compatible frequencies by avoiding intermodulation conflicts between channels• Saves and prints coordination results• Deploys the solution directly to Shure gear on the network

ControlWireless Workbench enables fast setup for large groups of wireless systems and allows comprehensive control of many device parameters. Monitoring views of connected hardware enable customisation of the view of your hardware from any connected workstation.

Download Shure Wireless Workbench® 6 or register for one of our Shure Wireless Workbench training sessions at

www.readyfordigital.com.au.

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FAQ’s

Do I need a license to operate a wireless microphone or in-ear system in Australia?Yes. All forms of radio transmitters must be licensed under Australian law. However, most wireless microphones and in-ear monitor systems are covered by a class license. All Shure products imported by Jands are covered under this license. This means that as long as the product meets the relevant technical specifications and you operate within the conditions of the license document, you do not need to take out an individual license. The license document in question is called Radio Communications (Low Interference Potential Devices - LIPD) Class License 2000. Issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), further details are available on the ACMA website: www.acma.gov.au.

What is the legal frequency range in Australia?There are a number of frequency ranges permitted for operation of wireless audio devices in Australia. These are covered in detail in the LIPD class licence document. The primary and highest capacity band is the UHF TV band. Allocations summarised as follows;

Band Frequency Range (MHz) Power Comments

VHF TV 170 - 230 3mW

• Shared with TV broadcasters

• No spare capacity in most capital cities

• Most major manufactures no longer produce VHF product

UHF TV 520 - 820 100mW

• Shared with TV broadcasters

• Highest capacity and highest power

• Majority of manufacturers produce product for this band

• This allocation to be withdrawn after 31st December 2014 (see below for new allocation)

UHF TV 520 - 694 100mW

• Shared with TV broadcasters

• New post digital dividend allocation

• Effective 1st January 2015

900MHz 915 -928 1W digital only• Shared with various services including “smart

meters”, RFID and Radar

• Possible 915-932MHz extension under review

1.8GHz 1790 - 1800 100mW

• Under review. Potential new band

• Mobile telephone mid-band gap

• May be subject to interference in areas close to mobile (cell) phone systems

1.9GHz (DECT) 1880 - 1900 10mW digital only

• Shared with DECT cordless telephone systems

• Potential for interference in areas of high DECT usage such as corporate environments

2.4GHz 2400 – 2483.5 500mW digital only

• VERY crowded band. Shared with Bluetooth, WiFi, multitude of remotes, etc.

• Must use digital frequency hopping

• Strong error protection / correction required

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I heard that some of the 700MHz spectrum was left unsold after the auction. Does this mean that wireless microphones may be permitted to keep using it?The digital dividend auction started on the 23rd of April 2013 and concluded on the 7th of May 2013. Only Telstra and Optus bid for sections of the available 700MHz spectrum, and at the conclusion of the auction two blocks of 15MHz of spectrum were left unsold (733-748MHz and 788-803MHz). It’s too early to speculate at the possible implications of this for wireless audio devices. The LIPD has already been modified to restrict operations to 520 – 694MHz from the 1st of January 2015. It is most likely that the unsold 700MHz spectrum will be re-offered to auction at some future date. AWAG is in discussion with the ACMA regarding possible temporary access to this part of the band until it is sold. However it is VERY early days, so don’t pin your hopes on this. Monitor the www.readyfordigital.com.au forum for updates.

What do the blocks mean?As part of the digital dividend reallocation all TV transmitter allocations will be restacked into the remaining spectrum; 520–694MHz into blocks. Five blocks of six contiguous TV channels (42MHz) will be created. A block or multiple blocks will be allocated as required for TV services in each coverage area. Block allocations will vary from area to area.

Block TV Channels Frequency (MHz) Comments

A 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 ,12 174 - 230

• VHF Block. Primary allocation for most capital cities

• Channels 9 & 9A (195–209MHz) allocated to DAB digital radio broadcast

B 28 - 33 526 - 568

C 34 - 39 568 - 610

D 40 - 45 610 - 652

E 46 - 51 652 - 694

Refer to frequency guide overleaf for block allocation in capital cities and major regions.

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For more FAQ’s or to participate in Q&A discussions, please visit our

FAQ page and Forum at

www.readyfordigital.com.au

www.readyfordigital.com.au

40 Kent Rd. Mascot NSW 2020Ph:(02) 9582 0909 • Fax:(02) 9582 0999www.jands.com.au

Further details contact:Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Jands Pty Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this document.

June 2013

Training

Shure Wireless Workbench SchoolThe Shure Wireless Workbench Certification Program is more than an excellent training course. You’ll also earn 4 renewal units (RUs) toward InfoComm CTS accreditation through successful completion of the course.

Frequency selection and coordination is critical to the successful design of wireless microphone and in-ear systems. This will become more so as the pool of available frequencies diminishes in coming years due to the digital dividend reallocation. Frequency coordination tasks become more complex as the number of systems increases, often to the point of requiring a dedicated RF engineer on large productions.

Shure have lifted the veil on the dark art of frequency selection with the release of version 6 of Wireless Workbench (WWB6), their software application for configuration, control and monitoring of wireless audio devices.

Shure Wireless Workbench School is run once a month alternating between Sydney and Melbourne and occasionally in other capital cities.

This half day course is recommended for audio professionals involved in the design and / or operation of wireless audio systems. Attendees should have previous experience with wireless audio systems and be familiar with technical terms and concepts.

Class sizes are limited. We recommend that you register now to ensure your place at www.readyfordigital.com.au.

www.readyfordigital.com.au

All information in this document is correct as at 1/6/2013.For any changes or for up-to-date information please go to

www.readyfordigital.com.au