The FCC has issued a consumer alert:

FCC Consumer Alert
Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: The system may not cause harmful interference; it must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts); and it has no protection from interference received from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless microphone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1–888–CALL–FCC (TTY: 1–888–TELL–FCC) or visit the FCC's wireless microphone Web site.

If you're a licensed Part 74 operator, you may continue to use 50mW and greater wireless systems under certain conditions. Eligible parties include a person or organization engaged in the production or filming of motion pictures or television, so, to the best of our knowledge, this includes below the line crew. More information on also can be found here. To apply for a license, visit www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form601/601.html

We are required by the FCC to post this notice, and you should soon be seeing it anywhere wireless microphones and related communications equipment are sold or leased.

Zaxcom has just released the details of their nifty new IFB recievers. The ERX1 and ERX1TCD receive high quality digital audio, timecode and metadata from a Zaxcom IFB transmitter and the TCD even outputs timecode continuously, to help keep everyone in sync.

The receiver also allows variable audio delay to compensate for SD downconversion. It's also perfect for anyone who needs to get reference audio and timecode to a camera.

Check out more here.

The esteemed Danny Michael's thoughts on the new 8 track recorder.

FULL STORY

There's very little worse than returning home after a shoot to find that one file corrupted that contains the epic ten minute tracking shot that sells the whole movie. Fortunately, there's now a surprisingly easy and affordable solution: Repair Kit.

Elegant in its simplicity, Repair Kit functions entirely over the internet. First it analyzes the damaged file locally, comparing it to an uncorrupted file, pulling stills and figuring out if the file is salvageable. If so, a 30mb sample can be uploaded to the Aero Quartet company, who will customize a solution that you then implement right on your home computer. You can even see a watermarked version first, so you can check the results before you buy.

Gotham recently ran into a problem with just such a file and we couldn't be happier with the process. It was pain free and worked splendidly.

FULL STORY