ASP Frequency Management Ltd, agents of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have recently introduced a multi-channel licence for use by independent programme makers. The multi channel licence covers 19 frequencies allocated in three groups. They are:-
All frequencies are restricted to the max 10 mW ERP for handheld use and max 50 mW ERP for body worn use.
These frequencies are for the sole use of the independent sector of the Film & TV Industry in the UK and have not been allocated to any other users. This means that when using these frequencies, the freelance sound mixer with the appropriate licence can safely and legally operate radio microphone channels on most locations (including studios and theatres) for feature films, TV series, broadcast and corporate productions.
There are however restrictions on the VHF frequencies in Northern Ireland, The Isle of man and the Channel Isles. The Radio Communication Agency should be consulted if work in these places is intended.
The licence fee for each group is £130 per annum which is considerably cheaper than the £110 per annum each for any of the frequencies previously allocated to the independent sector.
There is also what is known as a Band Edge Licence for use at fixed sites; a fixed site being a building consisting of four walls and a roof. The licence is available on a yearly or a renewable seven day basis. It covers the VHF frequencies of 173.7 MHz to 175.1 MHz and spot frequencies 176.4 MHz and 177 MHz, operating on the 10/50 mW ERP regulations with equipment conforming to the MPT 1350 type approval.
In a studio complex, each set not under the same roof requires a licence taken out by the site owner. Studio renters can operate under the umbrella of the site licence on the licensed frequencies. These licences would not apply to filming in the studio grounds or back lot where either independent or broadcast frequencies appropriate to the production must be used.
Obviously this is not very practical for film studios and it is recommended that freelance mixers make their own provision to use radio microphones legally on these sites.
When radio microphone channels are rented from a hire company with their own licence, an SAP 3 form covering the end user must be completed and signed by the hirer.
It is possible for freelance mixers to use frequencies allocated to the BBC and ITV companies whilst working on productions directly commissioned through an independent producer. Both the BBC and ITV have offices and staff to regulate this use. It is simply a matter of making a phone call to the office stating the production, production company and general geographic area in which the radio microphones are to be used.
As there is a frequency sharing arrangement between the BBC and ITV operated by a Joint Frequency Management Group (JFMG), it is possible , subject to availability, to licence a BBC frequency for use on an ITV production and vice versa.
The administration staff at both BBC and ITV offices are very helpful, putting emphasis on making the production happen. They ask for as much notice as possible to carry out the necessary checks and paper work for which there is no charge. Telephone numbers are listed at the end of this article.
USERS BEWARE
Users should be aware that the VHF frequency of 199.7 MHz can be reserved for high power use allowing up to 1 watt ERP on specific sites, with licences issued for periods up to 7 days. Use is restricted to mainland UK only. In the south East of England to the east of a line drawn between Sheerness and Bexhill, Transmission Power is limited to 100 mW.Intended for use on TV outside broadcasts such as Golf tournaments, freelance mixers using 199.7 MHz with the 10/50 mW ERP maximums in the vicinity may experience interference. However as directional transmission aerials are required for the high power operation risk of interfering with other users is minimal.
Users should also be aware of the importance of Type Approval as only equipment conforming to this standard can be licensed. This could mean that any radio microphone equipment purchased outside the UK may not be legal even if on the correct frequency.
LISTENING FOR OTHERS
Radio cue programme/talkback link frequencies are only licensable on a specified fixed site for multiples of seven day periods. These are aimed at theatres, TV studios and outside broadcast applications. There is no frequency allocated for multiple location use so this provision is fairly useless for freelance mixers. It is permissible however to use any legal licensed radio microphone frequency for this purpose. Whilst it may not be desirable to surrender one of the new regulated frequencies for this use, it might be worth considering using the deregulated radio mic frequencies of 173.8 MHz to 175.0 MHz conforming to MPT 1345 at the 2 mW power levels. These frequencies are sufficiently spaced from the regulated frequencies and should cause no interference problems. Because of their low radiated power fading may be a hazard but since their only use is supplying monitor headsets for directors and script supervisors, this could be tolerated.This systems would require no licence and equipment is available on the non-professional market at reasonable prices. Some of our radio microphone manufacturers are looking into this idea of manufacturing low power deregulated equipment tailored to the needs of the freelance sound mixer. It is well to remember that there would be a problem using this system on a fixed site with a Band Edge type licence if the 173.8 MHz to 177 MHz equipment is in use.
USE IT OR LOSE IT
Precipitated by a clash between a London West End theatre and a BBC radio news team both operating on the same frequency, the Department of Trade & Industry in the 1980s investigated the radio microphone situation. To avoid further problems, frequencies in both VHF and UHF bands were allocated to BBC, ITV, theatres and conference halls and independent programme makers. The BBC got 67 frequencies; ITV 47; theatres and conference halls 32; and the independent programme makers a meagre 13.The reasons for the small number of frequencies allocated to the Independent programme makers was because so few licences had been taken out for the already existing 173.8 MHz to 175 MHz frequencies allocated to film production, it was considered by the DTI that there was little usage of radio microphones in the independent sector.
This was quite wrong, of course, but difficult to prove as so many operators in film and independent production had been using their equipment illegally.
With the introduction of this Multi-channel licence it is imperative that mixers owning their own radio equipment take out a licence or licences in the group or groups of their choice.
There is great pressure on the Radio Communications Agency to provide more spectrum for other high power users making these frequencies unsuitable for low powered radio microphones. If insufficient licences are taken out using the 19 Multi-channel frequencies, then it could again be considered that the independent sector had little use for them and the frequencies reallocated for other use.
For those with radio mics on any of the old frequencies, it is quite practical to have the frequencies changed within the same band. The major radio mic manufacturers have a price structure to realign the older systems and are willing to carry out the work to the correct specification.
Because the bandwidth and the effective radiated power still have to conform to MPT 1350 type approval, it's not simply a matter of 'changing the crystals'. It is however a cheaper option than replacing the units.
The choice between VHF and UHF frequencies is very much a personal one It is true to say that UHF frequencies are much less susceptible to interference than VHF. Body absorption however is greater the higher the frequency, thus the usable range is reduced making it almost essential to use diversity receiver systems to improve the range.
The same diversity receiver systems can be used in the VHF band to reduce interference and extend the usable range.
Another point to be considered is that UHF radio mics consume about 50% more battery power - not a major problem with modern alkaline batteries but should be taken into account.
In UHF's favour, particularly when using the diversity receiver system, the aerials are smaller and less cumbersome than VHF aerials.
So you pay your money and take your choice but please licence them.
It is now certainly a matter of using the frequencies legally, or losing them. It is in all our interests that as many licences as possible are taken out to keep the frequencies available.
The licence application forms are relatively simple to complete and it is only a matter of paying the annual fee of £130 for a Multi-channel Independent Programme Makers Licence. A quick phone call to ASP Frequency Management will get you an application form. Please do it to support the industry and make yourself legal.
For Information and Licence application forms:
ASP Frequency Management Ltd
Edgcott House, Lawn Hill, Edgcott,
Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0QW
Tel: (01296) 770458, Fax: (01296) 770423
For ITV, Channel 4 and SC4 commissioned productions:
Broadcasters Joint Frequency Management Group Ltd
Richard Greenleaf or Philip Harris
Tel: (0171) 737 8443 / 8434, Fax: (0171) 737 8644
For BBC commissioned productions:
Steve Dunn
Tel: (0181) 993 9312, Fax: (0181) 992 6701
For Independent Radio:
Derrick Connolly
Tel: (01909) 731317
Still uncertain? Ask Ken Weston or Sandy MacRae via AMPS.