The Ten Myths of DAB

[Resurrection Man]

I cannot see the switchover being consumer-led.
Unless the criterion is whether the Eton chums all have DAB radios.
The reality is that most radios being sold are FM/AM only.

That's the trouble, EA. One of the criteria is not "listening via DAB"....it is "listening on all digital platforms"...a sleight of hand that was introduced by the last Government under the guise of the DRWAG (Digital Radio Working Group). Their initial interim report stated one of the criteria should be 50% of listening via DAB. Someone woke up and pointed out that that figure would probably only be achieved in 3013 and so they moved the goalposts.

As you rightly say, sales of DAB radios have plateaued. If DAB offered a compelling 'Must-Have' then they would be flying off the shelves.

[Resurrection Man]

That Which link is useful. I note it says:

“a decision on switchover can only be made once:

· 50% of all radio listening is to digital.
· National DAB coverage is comparable to FM, and local DAB reaches 90% of the population and all major roads.”

Does anyone know of a source giving a timetable for extending national DAB coverage (e.g. R3) in specific areas? My particular reason for asking is that we’re toying with the idea of moving to a rural area which we know doesn’t have DAB coverage at present.

Well Digital Radio who are busy telling us how wonderful the quality of DAB is are unable to help you http://www.ukdigitalradio.com/covera...etransmitters/

The BBC say that the roll-out is "subject to good weather"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/transmitters/radio/digital_radio.shtml

[JFLL]

Well Digital Radio who are busy telling us how wonderful the quality of DAB is are unable to help you http://www.ukdigitalradio.com/covera...etransmitters/

The BBC say that the roll-out is "subject to good weather"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/trans...al_radio.shtml

Thanks, RM. UK Digital Radio: “At the moment we are unable to provide details of the timetable or where further transmitters might be.”

Pretty pathetic, given the stated intentions re a switchover, isn’t it? Are they waiting for somebody to make certain locations worth their while (subsidy)?

Strangely, the BBC page lists a transmitter (Clee Hill SO599779) near ‘our’ area which it says was operational in 2011, but it’s not listed on the UK Digital Radio coverage lists/maps! Better take the DAB down there and see for ourselves, I suppose.

EDIT. Sorry, just seen in the small print that the UK Digital Radio coverage lists don't include BBC transmitters!

[amateur51]

That's the trouble, EA. One of the criteria is not "listening via DAB"....it is "listening on all digital platforms"...a sleight of hand that was introduced by the last Government under the guise of the DRWAG (Digital Radio Working Group). Their initial interim report stated one of the criteria should be 50% of listening via DAB. Someone woke up and pointed out that that figure would probably only be achieved in 3013 and so they moved the goalposts.

As you rightly say, sales of DAB radios have plateaued. If DAB offered a compelling 'Must-Have' then they would be flying off the shelves.

[An_Inspector_Calls]

That's the trouble, EA. One of the criteria is not "listening via DAB"....it is "listening on all digital platforms"...a sleight of hand that was introduced by the last Government under the guise of the DRWAG (Digital Radio Working Group). Their initial interim report stated one of the criteria should be 50% of listening via DAB. Someone woke up and pointed out that that figure would probably only be achieved in 3013 and so they moved the goalposts.

As you rightly say, sales of DAB radios have plateaued. If DAB offered a compelling 'Must-Have' then they would be flying off the shelves.

It seems entirely reasonable that people listening to digital radio by whatever means should be counted in the digital pile. They certainly have no interest in the FM broadcasts.

Ofcom list digital radio listening growing at 13 % per annum, which would agree with the Which? projection of 2018 for switchoff as at that point digital listening would be ~55 %.

[An_Inspector_Calls]

Of course it's hyperbole, and as such unnecessarily misleading for those who might be taken in by it and think that DAB is always less picky about having an aerial than FM is, hence the "Rubbish". I got a fine 70dB+ signal via a 5 element chimney mounted Yagi for FM (from Wrotham) until those damned wood pigeons and collared doves snapped the reflector. Now it's down to around 50dB but still serviceable, with little hiss. However, DAB (in 3 different rooms, each fed from a chimney mounted simple dipole via a 7dB amp) is just so convenient for 'live' listening. Anything 'important' is accessed via the iPlayer's 320kbps aac-lc offering, which I find more reliable via the 'Listen Again' facility.

If I were to buy a DAB radio to add to my hi-fi system, the first thing I'd do would be to try it with a screwdriver in the aerial socket (or the manufacturer's short piece of wire). As Gordon points out, with DAB (and Freeview) digital reception is such that you either fail or you get excellent sound. All you'd need to check would be reception under varying conditions, such as when the house walls are wet.

[Nick_G]

It seems entirely reasonable that people listening to digital radio by whatever means should be counted in the digital pile. They certainly have no interest in the FM broadcasts.

Ofcom list digital radio listening growing at 13 % per annum, which would agree with the Which? projection of 2018 for switchoff as at that point digital listening would be ~55 %.

Are you sure that everyone who listens to digital radio has no interest in FM? What a sweeping statement to make! So anyone who listens to any form of digital radio has no interest in FM and therefore would support a switchover. Yeah right :rolleyes:

Just because someone listens to digital radio doesn't automatically mean that they would support a switchover.

[amateur51]

If I were to buy a DAB radio to add to my hi-fi system, the first thing I'd do would be to try it with a screwdriver in the aerial socket (or the manufacturer's short piece of wire). As Gordon points out, with DAB (and Freeview) digital reception is such that you either fail or you get excellent sound. All you'd need to check would be reception under varying conditions, such as when the house walls are wet.

In UK? In the 21st century? Can there be any doubt?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Just because someone listens to digital radio doesn't automatically mean that they would support a switchover.

Only an escapee politician would think such a thing.
I listen to Radio 4 Extra and Radio 5 on digital equipment, but on FM for everything else.

[Nick_G]

Only an escapee politician would think such a thing.
I listen to Radio 4 Extra and Radio 5 on digital equipment, but on FM for everything else.

Same here - I use a Squeezebox Touch to listen to stations that aren't available on FM, otherwise I use an FM tuner.

Perhaps AIC is a politician ;)

Regards,
Nick

[An_Inspector_Calls]

Are you sure that everyone who listens to digital radio has no interest in FM? What a sweeping statement to make! So anyone who listens to any form of digital radio has no interest in FM and therefore would support a switchover. Yeah right :rolleyes:

Just because someone listens to digital radio doesn't automatically mean that they would support a switchover.

One assumes that those surveying radio reception are sensible in their questioning and establish that the listeners are reporting their majority listening habits. That can be checked, rather than be the subject of cynicism. And if the majority are listening to digital radio for the majority of the time, then it seems economically sensible to drop antiquated FM duplication.

[Nick_G]

One assumes that those surveying radio reception are sensible in their questioning and establish that the listeners are reporting their majority listening habits. That can be checked, rather than be the subject of cynicism. And if the majority are listening to digital radio for the majority of the time, then it seems economically sensible to drop antiquated FM duplication.

Don't assume anything of the sort. These are politicians and spin doctors with a vested interest in pushing through a switchover as fast as possible.

[An_Inspector_Calls]

Don't assume anything of the sort. These are politicians and spin doctors with a vested interest in pushing through a switchover as fast as possible.

I thought RAJAR supplied the figures, and decribed their survey techniques.

[David-G]

It seems entirely reasonable that people listening to digital radio by whatever means should be counted in the digital pile. They certainly have no interest in the FM broadcasts.

That is a sweeping statement and it is mistaken.

I do listen to digital radio sometimes, in the form of R3 via the Internet, at times when it is convenient to listen via the computer. I therefore should be counted in the "digital pile". But I mainly listen on FM, either on the hi-fi, on small radios around the house, or in the car. I do not listen to DAB, and I do not want FM discontinued.

[An_Inspector_Calls]

That is a sweeping statement and it is mistaken.

As is the way you've construed my meaning. #281 makes it clear that I am assuming RAJAR are counting majority listening habits. You obviously listen to analogue radio for the majority of the time, so you won't be counted in the digital pile. I'm the opposite, I listen to digital most of the time (but not DAB) and I want to be counted in the digital pile and not be disenfranchised as RM would have it.