Apologies! I didn't really want this to become a discussion of of DAB versus analogue as I know this subject is often contentious and the arguments well-rehearsed.
Perhaps it's how I read it but I was rather amused by the copywriting that referred to the 'super-fast wavelength of around 220MHz' and implied FM broadcasts on 75kHz - I have missed out on these but am just thinking about the length of a whip aerial on a portable for the latter!
And also 'you'll be able to listen to [DAB] channels from all over the UK (and sometimes even abroad), rather than local broadcasts on FM / AM'. I know there's been a bit of a VHF 'lift' recently but I've yet to log my first continental DX on DAB! As for 'all over the UK' I'm a bit disappointed that although Radio Caroline is on a small MUX in Birmingham the best I have managed is to get an indication of its existence on the screen but not a squeak - not even 'bubbling mud'. Perhaps I've got the wrong sort of receivers but I seem much more likely to hear broadcasts from all over the UK and abroad on AM on my vintage sets!
As for DAB - I use it here quite a lot as the stations I enjoy are not available via traditional radio. It is solid whereas reception on FM here can be difficult with much aerial waggling - I really need an outside aerial. I have a few kitchen type DAB receivers around the house as I got my first one nearly twenty years ago (a Pure woody - still going strong) and with ageing ears I'm probably not the most discerning listener though I do notice if sound quality is particularly bad. The DAB sets are convenient and the presets make them simple to use. I sometimes listen online but only if I'm near a computer. I do notice a quality improvement on the computer - not least because I then get stereo.
Anyway, I think that copy needs a rewrite. Not getting frequency confused with wavelength might be a start!
Perhaps it's how I read it but I was rather amused by the copywriting that referred to the 'super-fast wavelength of around 220MHz' and implied FM broadcasts on 75kHz - I have missed out on these but am just thinking about the length of a whip aerial on a portable for the latter!
And also 'you'll be able to listen to [DAB] channels from all over the UK (and sometimes even abroad), rather than local broadcasts on FM / AM'. I know there's been a bit of a VHF 'lift' recently but I've yet to log my first continental DX on DAB! As for 'all over the UK' I'm a bit disappointed that although Radio Caroline is on a small MUX in Birmingham the best I have managed is to get an indication of its existence on the screen but not a squeak - not even 'bubbling mud'. Perhaps I've got the wrong sort of receivers but I seem much more likely to hear broadcasts from all over the UK and abroad on AM on my vintage sets!
As for DAB - I use it here quite a lot as the stations I enjoy are not available via traditional radio. It is solid whereas reception on FM here can be difficult with much aerial waggling - I really need an outside aerial. I have a few kitchen type DAB receivers around the house as I got my first one nearly twenty years ago (a Pure woody - still going strong) and with ageing ears I'm probably not the most discerning listener though I do notice if sound quality is particularly bad. The DAB sets are convenient and the presets make them simple to use. I sometimes listen online but only if I'm near a computer. I do notice a quality improvement on the computer - not least because I then get stereo.
Anyway, I think that copy needs a rewrite. Not getting frequency confused with wavelength might be a start!
Nick
