TUNERS:

 

FM/AM

The concept of radio began in 1831 when Michael Faraday discovered the principle of electro-magnetical induction. Since then analogue radio has been a staple for generations providing news and entertainment. While FM & AM radio is still alive and well the government still aims to phase it out. A report by the BBC, and submitted to the Government's review of UK digital radio take-up, said the nation was not yet ready for a digital radio switchover date.

Instead, the BBC report recommended a government review of DAB progress be conducted in three years with a view to setting the date for switchover.

DAB

Because of the way DAB technology works - broadcasters can transmit many more stations than ever before. In 2002 the BBC launched five new digital radio services covering credible rock, pop & urban music, sports, new & classic comedy, plays, Asian music and speech, books and children's radio.
On average (depending on location) the DAB listener will have double the choice of stations compared to listening via FM.

DAB digital radio rarely suffers from the annoying effects of interference caused by adverse atmospheric conditions or electrical interference, which can spoil analogue broadcasts. With DAB digital radio, you get far more robust reception and hiss & crackle free sound, as long as you are within a good coverage area.

A DAB digital radio will tune to a station at the touch of a button. No more fiddly fine tuning a station to improve variable reception - a DAB set allows the listener to scroll through a list of available stations - then simply, instantly tune to the station of your choice in by pressing the 'select' button...a much wider choice of radio stations without any fuss.

The BBC's national digital radio stations are broadcast on the same single frequency wherever you are in the country. This means that if you are listening to one of the BBC's national networks you will not need to re-tune an in-car DAB digital radio when you're on the move. However local BBC stations and many commercial radio stations availability varies in different locations around the country and may require an 'auto tune' to make some accessible via your DAB radio in any one specific location.

Have you ever heard a song on the radio and wanted to know who it is by or what it's called? Or tuned into speech radio and wanted to know what the programme is about or who is speaking?

DAB digital radio sets come equipped with a small screen which carries information about the programme you're listening to. This may be a plot summary to a play, the name of the track currently being played, email addresses, up to the minute sports results or competition details.

Some of the latest DAB products can pick up a broadcast E.P.G (Electronic Programme Guide) which provides free, useful information programme information for up to 7 days in advance prior to broadcast, allowing users to programme the set to record a particular show automatically - or even an entire series of programmes.

For more information please visit www.drdb.org