Digital Radio Explored…
Digital radio formats are rapidly becoming more and more popular. It could be because of the fact that there have been rumours about the traditional FM analogue bandwidth being phased out for other purposes. Although we will miss FM, digital alternatives offer a greater choice of topics and musical genres through both DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and internet radio. Also, a good quality DAB and internet radio provider with limited compression can rival the analogue bandwidths on smaller systems where specific details may not be as precise as that of a larger, audiophile built system. We will look in this article as to what digital radio alternatives have to offer, as well as getting the best out of the main digital alternatives.
DAB:
DAB radio has become a firm favourite within many peoples’ homes across the UK. This is because the choice of station variety is vast, hiss that was once associated with FM is banished and service information is much greater than the original FM RDS (Radio Data System). DAB is set to become the standard radio format if FM is phased out for being used by alternative systems, just like the internet for usually inaccessible areas, or for greater Bluetooth usability and range.
DAB is a clear and concise format is a very good idea for those who’d like greater clarity in areas of weak signal. DAB uses the digitals coding. All audio is sent out as digital codes and then received by the receiver, then finally de-coded back into audio. Being coded it limits any harsh external interferences as the contained audio is preserved. On top of this, data information from the broadcasters can be sent across the national DAB data range - artists, track title, signal quality and even compression rates can be displayed, along with important broadcaster contact information or additional data services. It’s strong, robust and probably what FM will become with the plans that are set for analogue radio’s future.
DAB+ is the latest phase of DAB’s development. Thanks DAB+, we can now pause, rewind and fast forward (previously paused or rewound material) live broadcasts. This gives the listener maximum accessibility and the ability to enjoy material over and over again. A clear point here is granted to DAB over its analogue FM predecessor.
We have a large range of DAB equipped tuners that can both receive analogue, as well as the DAB broadcasts too. We can demonstrate many of our DAB radios in store, with units designed for Hi-Fi and for portability too. Many manufacturers are producing DAB units. These include Arcam, Teac, Rotel and Harman Kardon to name only but a few. If this is to become the standard radio format in the near future, consider using an external aerial for maximised quality and data reception for improved quality and reliability.
Internet Radio:
Internet radio is the latest development for radio in recent years. An enormous choice of radio programmes are now available on a global scale in clean, interference free quality. This now means that choice is endless, accessible from all corners of the earth and will help to broaden your listening repertoire and musical choices. Mainstream stations we’ve had for years are available, as well as AM stations sometimes being able to be received by high quality audio over the internet as opposed to original bandwidth broadcasts that are fuzzy, bleak and alternating in their frequency strengths.
Internet radio, just like DAB, is available in various qualities of compression rates. For smaller systems any station should provide an improvement over weak analogue counterpart broadcasts. Internet radios is also useful for larger Hi-Fi systems as you can receive high quality broadcasts and stream them directly to the Hi-Fi in question in many different ways. Using an iPod with an internet radio application and a sufficient quality iPod dock will convert any Hi-Fi into a digital radio system. Further still, you can now buy internet radio receiver separates from the likes of Musical Fidelity, Rotel and Onkyo to name a few; thus proving that these huge manufacturers are up for the mass of digital radio available to us. Internet radio is something that high-end Hi-Fi manufacturers are now interested in making into a great listening experience.
We can demonstrate this new radio phenomenon in many various ways at our showroom, situated in Gloucester. Sonos is a great streaming example of internet radio and can be used as a multi-room option. We also have alternatives of internet radio with internet radio/DAB and analogue separates. Further to this, internet radio is now available in portable applications of portable radios. We have a large range available and are very keen in assisting you by looking for a new radio alternative to the traditional analogue formats and systems.
Give us a call, or drop us an email for further assistance wherever possible.
