Changes to DAB Radio Broadcasts

[wHIZZY]

I read this morning that many radio stations including Classic FM will shortly be ceasing standard DAB broadcasts and changing to DAB+ only.

 

[Lurch]

Considering the quality and content of most modern radio stations, it would be a bonus to humanity if they just stopped, Let Alone stopped broadcasting on DAB.

 

[flyingorthopod]

I read this morning that many radio stations including Classic FM will shortly be ceasing standard DAB broadcasts and changing to DAB+ only.

There is a paucity of dab+ tuners. I do like the convenience of switching on radio3(fm) vs Internet radio so hope I can either get dab+ or fm keeps going fir some time.

 

[hifinutt]

bonkers ... will it mean millions of dab radios will be landfill?

 

[audio_PHIL_e]

fm keeps going fir [sic: probably a typo for "for"] some time

this may help

 

[wHIZZY]

this may help

Stations changing over to DAB+ may result in less DAB users as older sets stop working and people revert to FM. So it may well delay the planned FM turn off.

 

[flyingorthopod]

this may help

Optimistic but vague.

Interesting geek aside, BBC FM broadcasts have been digital from studio to transmitter for many years
https://www.bbceng.info/Technical Reviews/pcm-nicam/digits-fm.html

 

[lowendall]

bonkers ... will it mean millions of dab radios will be landfill?

not sure the goverment give a monekies not a clue, i still have a couple of fm radios , kitchen , my stereo, out teh garage etc,, all work fine , but i dont htink the goverment are going to be keeping up fm transmition , its costs a lot to service etc, ,

 

[hifinutt]

FM is ok , its just dab i am thinking about

classic FM says this

If your radio is not DAB+ ready, you can recycle your old device. Find your nearest donation or recycling point here.


its just pathetic that my 1970`s technics tuner will still work but ot one bought 10 years ago . how pathetic is that .

 

[I.D.S.]

Dab was superseded by Dab+ over most of Europe years ago,once again good old 'blighty' being left behind

 

[wHIZZY]

not sure the goverment give a monekies not a clue, i still have a couple of fm radios , kitchen , my stereo, out teh garage etc,, all work fine , but i dont htink the goverment are going to be keeping up fm transmition , its costs a lot to service etc, ,

I've always assumed the FM & DAB network transmitters were privately owned and broadcasters paid to broadcast. Therefore government interest in decommissioning FM was solely the money they could raise from selling off the FM frequency band. Is that not the case?

 

[mayebaza]

I've always assumed the FM & DAB network transmitters were privately owned and broadcasters paid to broadcast. Therefore government interest in decommissioning FM was solely the money they could raise from selling off the FM frequency band. Is that not the case?

No, Transmitters, like the Internet, origins lay as commincations back up during war.

 

[JANDL100]

Broadcasters like ClassicFM might revert back to DAB when they see audience numbers fall off a cliff edge? - advertisers will not be impressed.

 

[Pedro2]

Access radio over the internet. Have done for years. The DAB thing has just passed me by.

 

[Jules_S]

The only time I listen to DAB is in the car. I guess that's going to change soon... welcome back FM! I reckon a lot of standard-fit car audio is going to become redundant

 

[wHIZZY]

No, Transmitters, like the Internet, origins lay as commincations back up during war.

Historically agreed but as I understand it currently they are privately owned by a US owned entity.

 

[lowendall]

Broadcasters like ClassicFM might revert back to DAB when they see audience numbers fall off a cliff edge? - advertisers will not be impressed.

I get impression classic FM only had three or four at the most CDs ,it's the same tracks every day !!!

 

[lowendall]

Access radio over the internet. Have done for years. The DAB thing has just passed me by.

I am wondering what's the quality radio overwinter net ,I quiet like some FM classical .

 

[JANDL100]

Access radio over the internet. Have done for years. The DAB thing has just passed me by.

Now that's a thought.
I can access Internet radio in my car, I think.
Like musicbox, that's the only time I listen to DAB.

 

[Pedro2]

I am wondering what's the quality radio overwinter net ,I quiet like some FM classical .

The quality can vary from mediocre to excellent (FLAC CD streaming rate). Radio Paradise, for example is the latter. BBC bit rates are generally 320bps which is generally ok on decent kit. I’ve no idea how it sounds next to FM sources as I haven’t got the kit but it’s generally ok to my ears.

I’m not sure that DAB will last over time, as 5G roll out across cities, towns and eventually countryside locations will make internet radio access easier, even in cars.