OT: Which one for VHF Wireless

Cliff Etzel wrote on 12/15/2007, 9:37 AM
I just met with a new client yesterday to begin working on a video project starting next month and now have to look at a budget wireless lav setup.

In addition, I'm FINALLY making the move to a couple of compact HC7's as they fit in with my style of shooting, so I need to go with mini phone jacks.

After doing some reading, there doesn't seem to be any reason why I couldn't use a VHF wireless lav as compared to a UHF.

Since I'm on a budget, I'm looking at the Audio Technica Pro-88w wireless lav setup on B&H. I'm confused as to which one to get since they offer several ones, each with a different frequency range - anyone know which one would work for here in the states?

Cliff Etzel - Solo Video Journalist
bluprojekt

Comments

musicvid10 wrote on 12/15/2007, 2:33 PM
You're right about both things -- VHF is perfectly fine and the A/T Pro-88w is a very good quality wireless.

The frequencies you choose are locale-dependent; that is, you must use frequencies that are not assigned or reserved for local TV channels in your area ("reserved" is a biggie because of the proliferation of over-the-air HDTV channels to come in the near future).

There are also a few "traveling" VHF frequencies which do not conflict with TV stations, but they are unreliable because you never know who will be using them in any given area.

Consult the "wireless frequency charts" on the manufacturers' websites to find the combinations that will work in your locale.
Cliff Etzel wrote on 12/16/2007, 12:15 PM
Trying to determine this is confusing to say the least. The charts don't seem to correspond to the various models offered and I don't understand how to select the right one - This is frustrating.

Cliff Etzel - Solo Video Journalist
bluprojekt
richard-courtney wrote on 12/16/2007, 1:47 PM
You need need to stay away from TV7 and TV9 in your area. (based on some
research from your website.)

Do you shoot in any churches? Ask the church(es) which frequencies they are
using so you can avoid theirs.

Which mic pattern Cardioid or Omni?

This info will help us to narrow your choices.

From:
http://www.lectrosonics.com/service/tvlookup/tvstationlookup.htm
TV7 is 174-180 Mhz
TV9 is 186-192 Mhz
Cliff Etzel wrote on 12/16/2007, 9:49 PM
So if I understand you response RCourtney, for Eugene, OR, any TV# that has something like A41N listed, that frequency range is being utilized and will need to find a column that has no 4 digit code listed for the city. Right??? The TV8 (180-186mhz) and TV10 (192-198mhz) columns have no 4 digit listings so that frequency range is available???

Cliff Etzel - Solo Video Journalist
bluprojekt
richard-courtney wrote on 12/17/2007, 6:22 AM
Correct, However, there may be some spill when the Digital broadcasts start
in 2009. Right now they are temporarily on UHF channels they are expected to move
back down to the VHF. TV8 might work now OK but may not when they move.

Staying down in the 171 Mhz group would be better. Keep in mind of other
wireless gear such as church mics will most likely be there too. Depends on
your needs.

Here's the AT link that has the channels you can choose for that model:

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wls_systems/f706c310ed826ec4/index.html
Cliff Etzel wrote on 12/17/2007, 7:26 AM
OK - So either the T24 or T13 range is a safer bet.

As for the mic, which would be a better option for usage with someone talking say while walking on camera??? The cardioid condenser or omnidirectional condenser microphone???

I've tried to wrap my head around this aspect of the profession but can't seem to determine the differences between these two types as the apply to wireless lav mics.

Cliff Etzel - Solo Video Journalist
bluprojekt
richard-courtney wrote on 12/17/2007, 4:35 PM
An Omni is better if you have two people in a conversation and only one mic
for the two. Example: bride and groom.

Outdoors the omni can bite you with picking up everything around the talent
including birds and traffic.

You can always buy the other later!

EDIT: Still unsure? Buy the Onmi mic as the AT829mW is only $47 more
separately.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68062-REG/Audio_Technica_AT829MW_AT829mW_Cardioid_Condenser_Lavalier.html