Nimbus

Did I hear right on the Gadget Show that the Government are planning to have all FM radio moved to DAB by 2015? Does anyone else think this is a bad idea? It's not the same situation as the move to DVB. A set top box is pretty easy to install and does not effect TV viewing too much, but how are you supposed to convert the millions of car radios that will no longer pick up and FM radio after the switch over?

TelBoy

That's why they're giving you 5 years to buy new equipment - that's not unreasonable is it?

But that's aside from the fact i'll rue the passing of yet another analogue source in the name of "progress". Digital TV sucks, digital radio and digital sound suck too, in my opinion.

stilover

Just think of all the VAT they'll earn off this little idea !!

Nimbus

But most cars now have built in radios. It's not like you can swap your current model for a DAB version and have the likes of Halfords etc change it in half an hour. I think most people will find they have problems when this happens. I agree though that this sounds like change for change's sake.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

I heard them slip that out, first I heard of it and thought WTF? So now not only the TV in my BMW will longer work when analogue TV is turned off, but also the radio!

I suppose some sort of little black box which picks up DAB stations and then converts them to analogue and transmits it to the aerial socket on the radio via an FM transponder would do the trick. Bit like the old CD-changer kits your could get.

Would have to multiplex all (or a user selectable range) of the stations though, unlike the current transponders for MP3 players that don't multiplex, so that it be tuneble and seclectable via the radio tuner without the need of a remote control. Would also have to wire directly into the aerial socket on the radio to overcome external interferance from people using similar devices.


< runs off to patent office >

douglasb

I've heard the "2015" rumour as well, however Ofcom say that there are no plans for this.

TelBoy

To be honest it's not the biggest job in the world, i had mine changed to DAB about a year ago, there's not much more to it than needing a specific DAB aerial. I went with a windscreen stick-on jobby and that's a mistake, the reception is crap even on a good day, you won't get decent DAB reception without a proper roof mounted aerial. Blaupunkt make a nice one for the Scoob, it's about £100 but obviously a load more hassle to pull everything apart to fit.

What surprises me though, is that more manufacturers aren't offering DAB as a radio option, or fitting it as standard now. But then it is only the UK which is currently obsessed with DAB, so perhaps it's still economically unviable.

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

I think the main issue with DAB in cars is that is just doesn't work. Even in cities there is too much reflection of the signal to get good reception all the time. If reception is going to be poor then there is just no point in getting a DAB radio.

Hopefully they will see sense before its too late. However, some politician will have their fingers in the too many pies and will make too much out of letting this go through

Nimbus

You're saying that all you need is a different type of aerial to pick up DAB? Forgive my ignorance, but that sounds poppycock. Surely there's more to it that that. For the new BMW I bought it's a £300 option for DAB, so I hate to think what it will cost to retro fit, even if it's possible.

On the other hand, I can see lots of devices similar to the one Ali-B mentions coming onto the market if this does go ahead.

tanyatriangles

iTrader: (2)

AFAIK, our government jumped onto the DAB bandwagon too early, so that the other EC states are going to be using a later generation of stuff that won't be compatible with ours...........unless we change AGAIN

TelBoy

Yes, just a different aerial. Just like installing a DAB in your home in place of an analogue radio. How on Earth is that Popycock for Christ's sake??

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Wires may be getting crossed here. You need a different radio (of course) and also a new aerial. One without the other does not breed success.

EDIT: unless you just get a digital aerial, and something that converts and retransmits to your analogue radio in your car - as has been said above

Nimbus

Luminous,

Thanks for the clarification. I think wires (and airwaves) were getting crossed


I still think this is a bad idea.

TelBoy

In theory, it'll give you lots more choice etc. But with current technology, it just can't deliver.

SJ_Skyline

So something like a DAB receiver plugged into an iTrip should get around the problem? (if it becomes a problem)

what would scooby do

DAB audio quality is usually poorer than when you have good FM signal so I have heard.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Hmm, just looked on pioneer's car audio website,

They no longer make any DAB Head units or hide away DAB tuners (all discontinued)

Just as well, to convert my Golf I would need a new double DIN head unit (single DIN ina double slot would look awful): £250, DAB tuner ( £? discontinued), facia adapater £40, harness £20, CAN-bus interface £60 (to allow the steering controls to work and to switch on/off with the ignition). So, that £370, before I've even got the DAB tuner!

dunx

iTrader: (3)

Quality is poorer because of commercial pressure to cram more channels in at a lower bit rate...

Fully digital utilisation of the available airspace will allow higher bit rates for all channels leading to the (promised) improvement in reception, and perceived audio quality....

IMHO

dunx

what would scooby do

dpb

When is this promised for ?


Seems to be a bit of a gimmick presently - dont they fit them to all new tvr's ?

TelBoy

Given the thread title, why would you possibly need to ask this?

dpb

Well if the service is decent say by 2014 - i might just wait till then

Leslie

Is there actually an advantage over FM? Or is it as someone said above just another way to screw more tax out of us and there may even be a backhander or two!

Les

Ant

We need to better then DAB we should follow the yanks and move to sattelite radio. DAB would be crap on the move.

pacenote

You could use one of these with you existing car radio.

Highway - In-Car DAB Digital Radio with FM Transmitter.

have'nt tried one myself though