DAB is DAB isnt it?

[dysfunction]

Not when its DAB+ it isnt.

I was looking for a DAB Clock radio and I stumbled across this:

Pure releases first DAB+ upgradeable radio

Aparantly new DAB+ transmitters are going to kick in in the semi near future and if you have any DAB equipment that is not upgradeable it won't work.

I found the above article could be scaremongering a bit as I found this: (extract from buy a digital radio online | radio-now.co.uk | FM/AM/DAB/Freeview/Sky updated radio directory)

The UK may phase out DAB in the future and switch to DAB+, but we're talking years here before all existing DAB services are turned off in favour of DAB+; Manufacturers were estimating the start of DAB+ services in the UK in the region of 8-10 years' time, when existing radios begin to reach the end of their lifespan and the DAB+ module is found in all new equipment. 4 Digital Group, who are bidding for the second national DAB multiplex have stated that (if they win) "All audio podcasts on the 4 Digital Group multiplex will be delivered using the DAB+ format." It is worth pointing out no current DAB receivers can download and store podcasts at present, so if 4 Digital Group win the multiplex licence, you'll still need an enhanced receiver to download podcasts whether they are broadcast in DAB or DAB+ format. You will be able to buy DAB radios that have the capability of receiving DAB+ broadcasts from Autumn this year (these will be compatible with all existing broadcasts, of course), but no live radio services in the UK are planned to broadcast in the additional DAB+ format.

Given that the prediction for DAB radio sales is 13 million by 2008, if the UK were to suddenly switch to DAB+, this would create an awful lot of consumer electronics to recycle and a huge number of disgruntled customers who have already shelled out for new sets. DAB+ modules cannot be retrofitted to existing sets (portable and handheld radios), so the existing DAB format is safe for some years to come.

Still may well be worth looking out for DAB+ upgradeable radios like that Pure Siesta. Looks like quite a nice radio. Still not decided what clock radio yet as I quite like this one: Morgan Computers

 

[Jonty]

Hi dysfunction

The ceaselessly onward march of technology can be quite frustrating at times, right? Anyway, you're right that it pays to look ahead and buy the best in order to stay futureproof (and DAB+ does promise significant quality enhancements).

However, Ofcom have stated that the existing DAB standard will not be switched off until the market is sufficiently saturated with DAB+ players (probably for fear of upsetting the current market), so don't expect changes in the near future.

Kind regards

Jonty

P.S. Charging for the update is quite a poor way to treat their 'valued' customers.

 

[dysfunction]

Yes indeed! In fact its a bit of a cheek!

 

[Deebs]

Dys,

To put that in perspective,

Microsoft will phase out Vista and replace it in 8-10 years time with an even shittier operating system. You should buy Longhorn compatible systems now.

Technology cycles are on average 6-12months in a lab. The day you buy anything with a digital theme to it it will be outdated the moment the till register pings.

 

[dysfunction]

Well yes but i would have thought digital radio would have had a longer shelf life really. Maybe I'm being a bit naive...

I also it a little bit odd that DAB+ isn't "backward compatable". Yes perhaps you won't get all the features but one would have thought you should still be able to receive a signal to your old DAB radio....

But I guess thats tech for you...

 

[throdgrain]

My brother works for Pure, the DAB radio company. Ive got 2 or 3 very nice looking DAB radios and clock radios.

None of them work very well though, the signals dissapear, and I cant get many channels anyway. Ive actually given up with them to be honest. The only one I use is the clock radio, which is quite nice, however it still dont function as a radio as again I cant get hardly any reception on it.

Occasionally the reception is so bad the time disappears too!

In fairness I blame this all on where I live, perhaps its a bad area or something. Never mind, who listens to the radio anyway, I certainly dont.

 

[dysfunction]

oooh can you get me a cheap Tempus-1 XT??

 

[smurkin]

None of them work very well though, the signals dissapear, and I cant get many channels anyway. Ive actually given up with them to be honest. The only one I use is the clock radio, which is quite nice, however it still dont function as a radio as again I cant get hardly any reception on it.

Same here - poor signal . Mind, before the Pure one, I had a Hitachi model - well, I actually had two as the first one smelt like it was burning so it went back - the Hitachis received no stations whasoever. The Pure model gets loads of stations, but sometimes they go a bit "Bubbly" when the reception is weak due to atmoshperics. Imho, Pure are a quality product.

I'm surprised the older ones arent upgrdable to Dab+ - mine has a facility to update its firmware - so I guess DAB+ has some unique hardware.

 

[Rubber Bullets]

Smurkin, we have that Pure Legato in our bedroom, it's fantastic.

I also recently bought a Pure Evoke 3 that is brilliant too.

I guess we're lucky with signal as I've never had a problem.

RB