Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

What is DAB?

DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting, it's commonly referred to as; 'D-A-B Digital Radio'. Using DAB signals to transmit radio means more stations can be squeezed on to the waveband to give listeners greater choice. It also allows for text information to be broadcast along with the signal, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Humberside's service carries, travel, weather and news information. LiveText can also be used to tell listeners what's coming up next but can also be used for other information too. Some services offer a full 'electronic programme guide' or EPG. More about that later.

Although DAB radio is broadcast 'over the air', a DAB radio is not 'tuned' in the traditional way or received on the wavebands and transmission types traditionally used for radio like AM, LW, and FM or short wave. It uses frequencies once used for some VHF tv services, but don't go digging that old 405 line telly out of the loft, it won't work. Additionally you can't sit there 'fiddling' with a knob to get better reception. It's worth mentioning that a new generation of mobile phones are likely to have DAB radios built in and there are new products coming out all of the time which will give the listeners more information through the 'LiveText' facility.

Is it any good?

With regard to 'sound quality', there's been some debate about whether DAB sounds better than standard FM quality. Ofcom who regulate broadcasting in this county have recently published the results of their research that showed more than 80% of DAB owners were very satisfied with the sound quality.

It's worth noting that not all services come from the same transmission sites and you may find that reception varies depending on which service you're listening to in any particular location.Μύ For those of a technical disposition, the DAB frequency is 218.640 mhz on Block 11B and operated by EMAP Digital Radio. There are three sites scattered around our area.

Can I get it?

The first thing to do before splashing out on a new set it to see if you live in the transmission area. There's a link below which will take you to a page where you can input your post code to see if you can receive Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Humberside on DAB. It's worth bearing in mind that results are based on mathematical calculations of the predicted coverage and don't take into account local factors such as high rise buildings whichΜύ may be in the way of your reception and impede the signal. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Digital Radio link below will help you.

Equipment?

DAB radio sets have been around for some time now and in keeping with most 'new' technology, prices have dropped significantly. In an effort to woo consumers, many manufacturers have reverted to a 'retro' style for their portables. The idea is that people won't be put off by too many knobs and switches and that the new technology has a familar feel. However, some manufacturers have bucked the trend and have gone all out with some whacky designs. There are over 270 products from handhelds, audio systems, clock radios, to audio separates available.

Sets are constantly evolving and some of the latest have 'record' facilities, which allow you to keep programmes or in some cases, to pause a programme whilst you do something else. This uses something called an EPG (Electonic Programme Guide), you may ask why we don't have this option.

One of the top technology people in the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has this to say on the subject of the EPG: "At present we're not in a position to deliver this service on local radio stations; there are a couple of reasons for this. The main reason is that we are reliant on the multiplex operators upgrading their infrastructure in order to accommodate EPG technology. Secondly, there would be an on going cost of delivering such a service; at present only a small percentage of DAB devices have the ability to display EPG information so we need to weigh up the cost of delivering the service against the number of potential users. We will continue to explore the provision of a complete EPG service, in the meantime, the scrolling text features "now and next" information."

On the subject of picking up the signal,Μύ for more 'solid' reception, an external aerial is often a blessing, but you'll need one which is tuned to the DAB frequencies. You might get away with splitting your fm aerial output, but don't expect too much if you do.

Long distance reception

Those who have been used to tweaking their aerials to receive distant stations are likely to be disappointed when it comes to DAB. Because of the low power transmissions employed often utilising the same frequencies across the country, long distance reception is less likely. Although, as with other types of transmission, reception can be affected by weather systems.

The future

There are new digital developments taking place all the time the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has recently started a trial in the south west using medium wave frequencies to test out a new type of digital radio service, called DRM. The purpose of the trial is to evaluate the technology and help inform decisions on future use of this spectrum. Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon is at the forefront of this test and if you want to find out more, visit their website using the links on this page.

Of course, regardless of the technology, it's the programmes that matter and we're pleased to say that whatever comes along, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Humberside will concentrate on giving you reasons to keep listening.