CONSUMER ALERT and FAQs

Shure Digital 600 MHz wireless instant rebate and
Boston Light & Sound, Inc. upgrade incentives ::

FCC changes to 600 MHz band, wireless mic upgrades required

About the changes to operations on frequencies in the 600 MHz service band

On July 13th, 2020, the FCC is instituting a complete stop of wireless mic operations in the 600 MHz spectrum to meet increasing demand for wireless broadband services. The “600 MHz service band” refers to frequency ranges 616–653 MHz and 663–698 MHz that are currently used by many wireless microphones and in-ear monitors. These devices will become illegal to use and may stop functioning when the FCC rule change occurs. Affected equipment may also become less stable and experience interference in the weeks leading up to the change date as manufacturer preparations and testing begin. As a result of these FCC changes, organizations that currently use wireless devices in this range will need to upgrade their equipment.

Boston Light & Sound® (BL&S) is supporting customers through this transition by facilitating upgrades, and by offering rebates, incentives and related services.

Who is affected?

Organizations that currently use wireless mics and accessories in the 600 MHz range should upgrade their equipment to ensure compliance with the new FCC rules, and to avoid performance issues. These include houses of worship; museums; performing arts centers and theatres; schools, colleges and universities; sports facilities or other groups who regularly present performances, events and lectures.

What equipment needs to be upgraded?

Multiple models of wireless equipment in the 600 MHz service band frequency ranges 616–653 MHz and 663–698 MHz, including many wireless microphones and in-ear monitors, need to be upgraded.

Equipment upgrades through BL&S will feature all-digital Shure products. In addition to ensuring FCC compliance, digital equipment in approved bands will provide greater flexibility and customization for customers through ease of updating and access to a greater number of frequencies in the new supported range.

When does the change go into effect?

• June 15, 2020– Recommended application date. BL&S recommends you begin the upgrade process by June 15th at the latest, to ensure sufficient time for shipping, equipment set-up and installation before July 13th.
• July 13, 2020 – FCC complete stop date for wireless devices in the 600 MHz range
• July 31, 2020 – Shure rebate end date

How can BL&S help? ::

Rebates and incentives

BL&S is an authorized distributor of Shure products, and is offering three ways for organizations to make a smooth transition:

• 1. Shure instant rebate (Up to $200./$100.): Purchase your upgraded digital wireless equipment through BL&S to access this point-of-sale rebate on your purchase. There is no paperwork for you to complete; BL&S completes the rebate as part of your purchase, resulting in an instant credit to your invoice total.
• Options include:
  - Up to $200. credit per channel on ULXD equipment
  - Up to $100. credit per channel on QLXD equipment
  (Note: One channel = one transmitter/one receiver set)
  
  
• 2. BL&S microphone incentive: As an added thank you for working with us, BL&S will include 12 (AA) batteries (compatible with microphones) and microphone disinfecting spray with your purchase. (Standard disinfecting spray - effectiveness unknown for COVID-19. See: How to clean your microphone from Shure.)


• 3. BL&S accessories incentive (Up to $500.): BL&S will credit up to $500. on the purchase of wireless accessories. See BL&S’s list of common accessories [PDF] to consider as part of your equipment upgrade.

Installation and customer service

Need help with installation and set-up? As experienced consultants, BL&S brings together all the equipment and staff for every audiovisual need, from project planning through installation, optimizing, and on-site support for live events and live streaming. Our audiovisual team would be happy to install and calibrate your organization’s new digital equipment so it’s ready to plug and play. You can rely on BL&S’s ongoing support and service to ensure that everything continues to run smoothly.

Getting started – How can I access
the rebate and incentives through BL&S? ::

Please contact Mark Grundstrom to review equipment packages, the instant rebate and BL&S incentives that will work best for your organization’s needs. BL&S will complete the rebate on your behalf. See the links below for more information.

Mark Grundstrom, AV Sales
617.787.3131, ext. 107
markg@blsi.com

Related services to consider

• Hearing assist system upgrades – While you’re upgrading to digital wireless, ask BL&S about improved wifi digital hearing assist systems to complement your digital wireless microphone systems. In the past few years, technology advances have greatly improved product offerings for hearing assist systems, making it possible to have a complete digital system that operates over wifi, making your event experiences easier to access and more comfortable for all patrons. Learn more about BL&S hearing assist products and Listen Tech Everywhere.
• Live streaming services – Have an event your audience needs to attend remotely? BL&S supports corporate and higher education clients, houses of worship, and esports programs with an array of live streaming and multicasting services.
• Coming soon: How-to videos from BL&S – Watch blsi.com for our series of how-to videos, including topics like “Adjusting the frequency of your wireless devices,” and “Proper microphone placement for optimum sound.”

More information ::

• Shure rebate press release – NOTE: Rebate promotion extended until July 31.
• Shure Digital wireless promotion [PNG]
• BL&S Shure accessories list [PDF]
• FCC consumer alert
• FCC consumer poster [PDF]