4VideoEquipment Wireless Microphone Buying Guide: UHF vs VHF

Common Myths of VHF & UHF:

Many people mistakenly think that UHF is an inherently better technology. It is not. The difference between UHF and VHF transmissions is only the frequency range or 'band' they are in. The technology, or principle of operation is the same. UHF frequencies are higher so the componentry used in those devices must adhere to very tight tolerances, and therefore tends to be more expensive, which helps perpetuate the myth that the technology is better. The main advantage of UHF operation is that there is less chance of interference. One of the more common problems with wireless operation is interference between wireless systems. Since there are considerably fewer UHF wireless systems in use at present, the chances of this type of interference are reduced. However, this problem can generally be avoided in VHF systems by properly selecting operating frequencies.

If your show utilizes many systems it can be easier to find good frequencies for all of them to operate if they are in the UHF band. And though there is no difference in technology, interference due to spurious outputs from other radio frequency equipment is somewhat less of a problem at UHF frequencies because there are fewer transmitters operating at frequencies likely to cause problems. Interference due to electrical equipment, digital devices, computers and other electronic equipment is also generally lower at UHF frequencies. This is because noise from these sources becomes less intense as the frequency increases. Interference of all types does not travel over as great a distance as at VHF frequencies. So there are some 'advantages,' but they come at a cost, and depending upon your situation may not be significant.

VHF systems cost less and have a wider variety of choices and options. They also do work better than UHF systems in 'some' circumstances. For example, because VHF frequencies are lower they can sometimes work better when the transmitter and receiving antenna are not in sight of each other. Most UHF systems are in fact considered 'line of sight' systems, but they can have more range than comparable VHF systems.

Does this mean that UHF is always a better choice than VHF? Not necessarily. Your needs and your budget still take precedence.

Choose UHF if:

You travel and perform in several different cities
You need to use more than 5 or 6 wireless systems at the same time
You play in "crowded" radio environments, meaning there is a strong presence of other radio activity all around your location
You're willing and able to spend a little extra

Consider VHF if:

You use less than 5 systems at the same time
You perform in "open" radio environments, free from interference
You do not have line of sight between transmitter and receiver
Your budget is limited

Introducing the Azden 200UPR, a dual 63-channel receiver, allowing you to record the voices of 2 subjects simultaneously!

AT LAST, A DUAL ON-CAMERA UHF RECEIVER!

The new 200UPR receiver allows the use of two wireless transmitters at the same time. It features twin-antennas, a 3.5mm -64dbB 2-channel mic level output jack, two recessed On/Off switches, two Power On/ Signal Received LED and 2 sets of channel selectors to set the desired frequency for each receiver. Using crystal-control and PLL synthesis the 200UPR operates for better than 8 hours on 6 "AA" batteries. The receiver comes with a "hot-shoe" mount, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm output cable and a 3.5mm to twin XLR cable.

Available in the following complete system configurations:

200ULT Kit - 200UPR receiver plus 2 - 10BT bodypacks with EX-503 lavalier microphones

200ULH Kit - 200UPR receiver plus 1 - 10BT bodypack and 1 - 10HT handheld microphone

200ULX Kit - 200UPR receiver plus 1 - 10BT bodypack and 1 - 51XT plug-in xlr transmitter

Or, you can order the individual components separately to make your own system!

Other features of the 200UPR UHF Receiver:
High gain antennas with BNC connectors
Separate on/off and frequency selectors for each channel
Compatible with all Azden 51, 41, and 10 series transmitters
Mini-to-Mini and Mini-to-dual-XLR cables includes
Camera shoe-mount included
Uses "AA" batteries (not included)

Call Toll Free at 1-888-9VIDGUY (984-3489) with any questions or visit our ebay store to purchase: 4VideoEquipment eBay Store

WMS-PRO VHF Lavalier Wireless Handheld Microphone System w/ 1 Lavalier & 1 Handheld

The "all-time" best selling wireless microphone for videography. This versatile system consists of the WM-PRO belt-pack transmitter 2 plug-in electret condenser microphones, a lavalier (EX-503) and handheld (EX-413) and the WR-PRO receiver which comes with both shoe-mount and hook and loop fastener.

Call Toll Free at 1-888-9VIDGUY (984-3489) with any questions or visit our ebay store to purchase: 4VideoEquipment eBay Store