DAB In the UK 

  

  Useful Links:

+ BBC.co.uk/digital
+ Worlddab.org/
+ Classicnet.co.uk/eng
+ Dabdirectory.co.uk
+ Ukdigitalradio.com
+ Dab.org

  Listen to Planet Rock

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DAB in the UK  (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Up until the launch of digital radio in 1997 all public radio programmes had been broadcast in analogue with AM or FM modulation. These analogue signals are subject to interference from atmospheric conditions and electrical equipment. Analogue signals can also be distorted by multi-path signal reflection from hills or large buildings. Digital Radio signals are also more resistant to interference and offer the listener clearer near CD quality reception. FM radio broadcasting (which is the most popular in the UK for music) uses a great deal of the radio spectrum across the country. It also has a limited line-of-site range hence the need to re-tune your car radio to follow the programme that you want to listen to (ie BBC R2 is on many transmitters between 88-91MHz). Digital Radio uses a 'cell' network broadcasting structure, with each group of services on just one frequency across the UK, this means that there is no need for your radio to retune as you travel the country.

 

STATIONS "On-the-AIR" National Service - BBC BBC R1 BBC R2 BBC R3 BBC R4 BBC R5 Live   National Independent Service Digital-1 Virgin Radio Planet Rock Life Digital  Radio Classic FM Core Digital Radio Oneword   Regional Service BBC Glasgow BBC Wales BBC Edinburgh BBC Central Scot BBC N.Ireland    London Restricted License BBC GLR Heart FM Virgin Radio Sunrise Radio WRN1   Local Service Greater London II Edinburgh Leeds Teesside Bristol/Bath Coventry Central Lancs Humberside

BBC DAB coverage shown in green Latest - Independent radio map click here Latest - BBC coverage map click here Frequency spectrum: 217.5 - 230Mhz Each channel bandwidth = 1.55Mhz (7 total)

How many DAB stations will I be able to listen to?
With 12 National DAB Stations (6 independent 6 BBC) and with the ongoing introduction of local stations you should be able to receive a minimum of 15/16 DAB stations if you live in the coverage area (and around 24 in the London area).  See coverage maps above.

Multiplex Channels
Several digital programmes can also be carried on one channel by 'Multiplex' sharing of the frequency, this allows broadcasters to pack several stations on to a single frequency channel called an ensemble. There are seven ensembles in the UK allocated as follows:

• One multiplex for BBC national radio (225.648MHz, Channel 12B).
• One multiplex for National Commercial Radio - Awarded to Digital 1.
• Five multiplexes for local radio in England and National Stations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (for both BBC and Commercial).
• The seven multiplex channels are 11B - 11C - 11D - 12A - 12B - 12C - 12D each channel can carry up to six stereo stations (or 12 mono).
   

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For more Information on DAB and a list of UK Digital Radio stockists for the home or car visit:  www.getdabdigitalradio.com

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