Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Helpful info for wireless microphone users.
Churches, businesses, and other organizations that use wireless microphones operating in the 700 MHz band (698-806 MHz) must stop doing so by June 12, according to a decision in January by the Federal Communications Commission.
Many churches own wireless mics in the 700 MHz band and continue to operate them, even though the FCC's digital television transition last year signaled a ban to that activity eventually would come. The FCC estimates that 25 percent of wireless mics operate in the spectrum, meaning thousands of churches likely are affected.
Ever since the FCC auctioned off the rights to the 700 MHz band in 2008, it was only a matter of time before the new owners (Verizon and AT&T, among others) would receive sole access to the sections of the spectrum for which they paid billions of dollars. These frequencies will be used (and in some cases, are already being used) by public safety agencies and next-generation (4G) wireless devices.
The FCC says it is ready to help organizations affected by the changes.
"We're doing everything we can to notify as many of these organizations as possible," says Matthew Nodine, chief of staff for the FCC's Wireless Communications Bureau.
For users who are unsure whether their devices need to be replaced, the FCC compiled a list of affected devices: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html. Users with further questions can call 1-888-CALL-FCC. The FCC recommends contacting the manufacturers with any technical questions, Nodine says.
Churches who don't comply face fines. Those that do comply likely face the cost of buying new equipment, although some may find low cost - or no cost - solutions in the short term if they can live without a wireless setup.
The key, microphone manufacturers say, is that churches shouldn't wait to act, since June 12 is a firm deadline, and problems likely will emerge even sooner.
"The reality is that users will begin to suffer dropouts and interference from the new data traffic anyway, so at some point in the next few months [their wireless devices] won't work wel anyway," says Chris Lyons, manager of technical and educational communications for Shure Inc., a microphone and audio systems provider.
Most churches never received a license for operating 700 MHz wireless microphones, but used them anyway without authorization. That wasn't illegal, Nodine says, but it will become illegal with the June 12 deadline.
For the few churches that did receive 700 MHz licenses, they're out of luck with the deadline too.
"It should be clearly pointed out that this vacating of the band includes licensed and unlicensed devices," says Kent Margraves, national applications manager for Sennheiser Electronic Corporation, another microphone manufacturer. "It does not matter if the user holds a license."
So what happens if a church continues to use these wireless devices after the deadline?
"There's going to be a wide array of potential penalties, including civil and/or criminal penalties," Nodine says. "We always look at things on a case-by-case basis, but obviously, any interference with public safety will be looked at with greater scrutiny."
Nodine says some users will be asked to stop using their devices prior to the deadline.
"In certain areas of the country, commercial enterprises are going to start implementing new devices, and if users cause interference, they'll be given 60 days to stop," Nodine says. "Essentially, if they're causing interference, they need to stop immediately."
Nodine also says that users should know if they're causing interference.
"Typically, if they're receiving interference, then they're also causing it," he says.
Despite all of the attention given to the clearing of the 700 MHz band, Lyons says some churches are just now finding out about it - and despite what some think, everyone needs to comply with the new rule.
"A surprising number of customers seem to think they don't need to comply because 'the FCC doesn't have people driving around with scanners' looking for people using wireless mics in the 700 MHz band," Lyons says. "But the companies who paid billions of dollars for the licenses to use spectrum in the 700 MHz band definitely do have the people, skill, and equipment to do just that."
In addition to incurring fines from the FCC, a church that continues to use its 700 MHz wireless devices could even jeopardize the health of those attending services.
What if someone has a heart attack during the service?" Lyons says. "When the paramedics rush in to help him, the pastor's own wireless mic could prevent the paramedics from using their walkie-talkies. This scenario may seem unlikely, but it is absolutely possible."
The FCC says some tinkering with existing mics that use the 700 MHz spectrum may resolve the problem, but mic experts say that won't work for most.
"A very large percentage of those that operate in the 700 MHz band can be re-tuned," Nodine says.
Lyons and Margraves both suggest that the FCC's suggestion is ambitious.
"I think that only a small fraction of users have systems that can be re-tuned to operate in a different band," Lyons says.
"There are a number of systems on the market that can be re-tuned," Margraves says. "But there are also many, many systems on the market that operate in fixed frequency ranges. They may be 'frequency agile' but have a fixed bandwidth of several TV stations wide, which cannot be change, short of a complete overhaul.
"In those instances, system replacement is the best option."
In addition to reviewing the FCC's list to see if certain models can be re-tuned, churches should consult with the equipment manufacturer about the possibility.
Some manufacturers are still offering return rebates to affected users. Both Sennheiser and Shure have extended their rebate programs through June 30, and both companies accept systems made by other manufacturers.
If churches don't have the money to replace their wireless mics, Lyons and Margraves recommend turning to wired microphones.
"If a user doesn't have the budget to replace their 700 MHz systems now, they must turn them off and switch to wired mics until the money becomes available," Lyons says.
Margraves recommends reevaluating the number of RF systems that are needed on a weekly basis.
"Some churches find that they only need their full stock of wireless systems at special events like concerts and pageants," Margraves says. "If that is the case, it is worth considering wireless systems rental for those occasions. Quality rental suppliers will have up-to-date equipment."
Tyler Charles is a freelance writer living in Delaware, Ohio.
Copyright 2010 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Your Church magazine.
Many churches own wireless mics in the 700 MHz band and continue to operate them, even though the FCC's digital television transition last year signaled a ban to that activity eventually would come. The FCC estimates that 25 percent of wireless mics operate in the spectrum, meaning thousands of churches likely are affected.
Ever since the FCC auctioned off the rights to the 700 MHz band in 2008, it was only a matter of time before the new owners (Verizon and AT&T, among others) would receive sole access to the sections of the spectrum for which they paid billions of dollars. These frequencies will be used (and in some cases, are already being used) by public safety agencies and next-generation (4G) wireless devices.
The FCC says it is ready to help organizations affected by the changes.
"We're doing everything we can to notify as many of these organizations as possible," says Matthew Nodine, chief of staff for the FCC's Wireless Communications Bureau.
For users who are unsure whether their devices need to be replaced, the FCC compiled a list of affected devices: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html. Users with further questions can call 1-888-CALL-FCC. The FCC recommends contacting the manufacturers with any technical questions, Nodine says.
Churches who don't comply face fines. Those that do comply likely face the cost of buying new equipment, although some may find low cost - or no cost - solutions in the short term if they can live without a wireless setup.
The key, microphone manufacturers say, is that churches shouldn't wait to act, since June 12 is a firm deadline, and problems likely will emerge even sooner.
"The reality is that users will begin to suffer dropouts and interference from the new data traffic anyway, so at some point in the next few months [their wireless devices] won't work wel anyway," says Chris Lyons, manager of technical and educational communications for Shure Inc., a microphone and audio systems provider.
Most churches never received a license for operating 700 MHz wireless microphones, but used them anyway without authorization. That wasn't illegal, Nodine says, but it will become illegal with the June 12 deadline.
For the few churches that did receive 700 MHz licenses, they're out of luck with the deadline too.
"It should be clearly pointed out that this vacating of the band includes licensed and unlicensed devices," says Kent Margraves, national applications manager for Sennheiser Electronic Corporation, another microphone manufacturer. "It does not matter if the user holds a license."
So what happens if a church continues to use these wireless devices after the deadline?
"There's going to be a wide array of potential penalties, including civil and/or criminal penalties," Nodine says. "We always look at things on a case-by-case basis, but obviously, any interference with public safety will be looked at with greater scrutiny."
Nodine says some users will be asked to stop using their devices prior to the deadline.
"In certain areas of the country, commercial enterprises are going to start implementing new devices, and if users cause interference, they'll be given 60 days to stop," Nodine says. "Essentially, if they're causing interference, they need to stop immediately."
Nodine also says that users should know if they're causing interference.
"Typically, if they're receiving interference, then they're also causing it," he says.
Despite all of the attention given to the clearing of the 700 MHz band, Lyons says some churches are just now finding out about it - and despite what some think, everyone needs to comply with the new rule.
"A surprising number of customers seem to think they don't need to comply because 'the FCC doesn't have people driving around with scanners' looking for people using wireless mics in the 700 MHz band," Lyons says. "But the companies who paid billions of dollars for the licenses to use spectrum in the 700 MHz band definitely do have the people, skill, and equipment to do just that."
In addition to incurring fines from the FCC, a church that continues to use its 700 MHz wireless devices could even jeopardize the health of those attending services.
What if someone has a heart attack during the service?" Lyons says. "When the paramedics rush in to help him, the pastor's own wireless mic could prevent the paramedics from using their walkie-talkies. This scenario may seem unlikely, but it is absolutely possible."
The FCC says some tinkering with existing mics that use the 700 MHz spectrum may resolve the problem, but mic experts say that won't work for most.
"A very large percentage of those that operate in the 700 MHz band can be re-tuned," Nodine says.
Lyons and Margraves both suggest that the FCC's suggestion is ambitious.
"I think that only a small fraction of users have systems that can be re-tuned to operate in a different band," Lyons says.
"There are a number of systems on the market that can be re-tuned," Margraves says. "But there are also many, many systems on the market that operate in fixed frequency ranges. They may be 'frequency agile' but have a fixed bandwidth of several TV stations wide, which cannot be change, short of a complete overhaul.
"In those instances, system replacement is the best option."
In addition to reviewing the FCC's list to see if certain models can be re-tuned, churches should consult with the equipment manufacturer about the possibility.
Some manufacturers are still offering return rebates to affected users. Both Sennheiser and Shure have extended their rebate programs through June 30, and both companies accept systems made by other manufacturers.
If churches don't have the money to replace their wireless mics, Lyons and Margraves recommend turning to wired microphones.
"If a user doesn't have the budget to replace their 700 MHz systems now, they must turn them off and switch to wired mics until the money becomes available," Lyons says.
Margraves recommends reevaluating the number of RF systems that are needed on a weekly basis.
"Some churches find that they only need their full stock of wireless systems at special events like concerts and pageants," Margraves says. "If that is the case, it is worth considering wireless systems rental for those occasions. Quality rental suppliers will have up-to-date equipment."
Tyler Charles is a freelance writer living in Delaware, Ohio.
Copyright 2010 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Your Church magazine.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Piano Prodigy Micah McLaurin Featured on Ch5 News
Link to Ch 5 Video
You are cordially invited to attend the reception immediately following the concert on the second floor of the Sottile Theater lobby.
Tickets for Micah's performance are available at the IPS website here. Or you can call (843) 953-6575.
You are cordially invited to attend the reception immediately following the concert on the second floor of the Sottile Theater lobby.
Tickets for Micah's performance are available at the IPS website here. Or you can call (843) 953-6575.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Fox Featured on Ch4 as Local Business impacted by Boeing
Features Charles Fox (President) and Jason Usry (Fox Employee & Pianist)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mozart in the South
Upcoming Event!
Inaugural Festival
Charleston, SC - September 10-13, 2009
I am pleased to announce Mozart in the South, a four day festival produced by Chamber Music Charleston (CMC) to celebrate classical music in Charleston. The purpose of this festival is to increase awareness and exposure to classical music opportunities in Charleston for children and adults alike. We also aim to create an exciting kick-off to the fall classical music season and provide an opportunity for all music-based arts organizations to promote their upcoming season.
CMC will be producing 4 performances for this festival that will feature musicians of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and CMC. Please visit www.MozartInTheSouth.org to see the complete concert schedule.
In addition, Mozart in the South will produce a large scale outdoor educational event titled the “Little Mozart Circus” on Saturday, September 12 to help promote all music-based educational opportunities in the Charleston area.
www.ChamberMusicCharleston.org
Inaugural Festival
Charleston, SC - September 10-13, 2009
I am pleased to announce Mozart in the South, a four day festival produced by Chamber Music Charleston (CMC) to celebrate classical music in Charleston. The purpose of this festival is to increase awareness and exposure to classical music opportunities in Charleston for children and adults alike. We also aim to create an exciting kick-off to the fall classical music season and provide an opportunity for all music-based arts organizations to promote their upcoming season.
CMC will be producing 4 performances for this festival that will feature musicians of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and CMC. Please visit www.MozartInTheSouth.org to see the complete concert schedule.
In addition, Mozart in the South will produce a large scale outdoor educational event titled the “Little Mozart Circus” on Saturday, September 12 to help promote all music-based educational opportunities in the Charleston area.
www.ChamberMusicCharleston.org
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Governor Sanford visits Fox Music!
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford chose Fox Music House to host a press conferences on his position on the stimulus package. He wanted to focus on locally owned businesses and said that he chose Fox as one of his locations because the store has been through several economic climates and has survived and thrived. Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
You are invited to a Church Musician Workshop!
Saturday October 18, 2008, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fox Music House, 3005 West Montague, Charleston, 29418, www.foxmusichouse.com
Agenda:
9:00 – 10:00 am: Breakfast goodies and coffee
10:00 am – 12:00 noon: Morning session, Dr. Greg Jones,
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm: Break for lunch
1:00 – 3:00 pm: Afternoon session, Rev. Marcia Bentley, Woodland United Methodist Church, Rock Hill, SC. Marcia has a special gift and pa ssion for leading primary age (grades 1-5) children in worship to begin a lifetime of participation in a church's ministry to the community. Children are the lifeblood of a thriving church, and forming a children's choir is one way that you can insure your congregation's vitality f or many many years to come!
Each session will include time for a lively question and answer discussion.
Fee for materials and food: $20.00, payable in advance or at the door.
Fox Music House is near exit 213 just off Hwy 26 in
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Organ Concert at FMH
On June 10 Fox Music presented a concert of organ music by Mr. Brad Bryan. Brad is Regional Sales Manager for Lowrey's Southeast territory but he is also an experienced and gifted organist. His exceptional musical skills and knowledge of the Lowrey organ in particular are the result of his playing Lowrey organs exclusively since 1963. His unique style showcases many types of music from country, bix band, and gospel as well as popular standards. Brad's musical skills have been put to work in the studio on no fewer than 36 album projects for various artists, including six of his own albums. He has his own radio show via the internet. The address is www.Live365.com. Put Lowrey Organ Radio in the search box (a space between each word). You can then choose what style of music you want to listen to. He is on 24/7.
All current, past, and future Lowrey class members were invited to the concert. Approximately 70 were in attendance.
If you would be interested in one of Lowrey's Senior Adult Recreational/Wellness music classes at Fox Music, call Judy at 843-568-7997. New classes will be starting soon
All current, past, and future Lowrey class members were invited to the concert. Approximately 70 were in attendance.
If you would be interested in one of Lowrey's Senior Adult Recreational/Wellness music classes at Fox Music, call Judy at 843-568-7997. New classes will be starting soon
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Stress Reduction
An article in a recent issue of Religious Product News caught my attention, because I am always in favor of reducing stress levels, and I thought it would be good to share it here. Author Chris Huff briefly runs through a few good ideas that your church may want to start implementing or may just need a reminder about...
Follow the link to read more:
Church Sound System Stress Reduction
*The Link to the article is from Huff's own website Behindthemixer.com, it was also printed in the May 2008 issue of RPN
Follow the link to read more:
Church Sound System Stress Reduction
*The Link to the article is from Huff's own website Behindthemixer.com, it was also printed in the May 2008 issue of RPN
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Meet Zeke
Zeke is one of the newest members of the Fox Music family, but he is quickly learning the ropes.
Here Zeke shows off the features of a fine upright piano.
"Wouldn't this look lovely in your home?"
Initially brought on for his door greeting abilities Zeke quickly showed an aptitude for advancing in several departments.
Zeke would be glad to help you with all of your cable / accessory needs.
Sometimes it IS tough being the only 4 legged employee
Some of Zeke's favorite artists include Pink Floyd and Canadian Brass
To find out more about Zeke you can check out his site:
To find out about any of the products shown, give us a call or stop by and meet Zeke, he LOVES new people!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Fox Music - New Blog
Fox Music now has a blog. Keep checking back for updates, industry news, product information etc...
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