MTV, CMT (Viacom?) and the Grand Ol’ Opry filed papers in Washington DC Tuesday to try to stop the impending onslaught of high tech gadgets that plan to use the same frequency spectrum for wireless broadcasting. According to a c|net report, Google, Microsoft, Intel, and Dell (among others) want to use the frequencies between licensed TV and wireless channels (AKA “white space”) to enable new digital camcorders, mp3 players, etc. to access the internet. The new devices seek out an “empty” space and attempt to avoid “taken” frequencies, but some of us remember the old wireless days when truckers’ CB rigs could blast into virtually any venue (church, school assembly, rock concert).
While proponents of these new devices say it could lower internet costs by increasing competition, it seems like a step backwards to those of us who were finally beginning to trust wireless microphone systems. What will the future hold? Will we have to pay AT&T/Sprint/Verizon a monthly fee for a “private” wireless channel or will these new digital spambots threaten all frequencies? Imagine 5 years from now when wireless “spamming” becomes a closet industry (and your wireless vocal mic’s frequency is taken over by recorded message for some political candidate).
Anyone remember when touring groups actually had to tech. rehearse their movements onstage to avoid tangled mic lines?
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