Q. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) - What is it?

A. DAB means less interference and a far superior sound quality, the best way to put it is that it is very similar to what CD's are to old vinyl records.

Q. What's wrong with analogue radio?

A. Very little in a perfect scenario. With a good quality radio signal transmitting a well adjusted audio signal to a good quality radio receiver it sounds great to most listeners... however it's not a perfect world. Radio signals bounce off obstacles like buildings, adding a faint echo to the intended signal. Very similar to the ghosting you get on analogue TV pictures. Radio signals usually suffer some degradation, and this affects the audio signal they carry. Radio signal strength isn't always adequate, and using a bigger aerial is not always practicle. One does not need a roof-top high aerial on a portable or car radio.

Q. How do DAB Radios differ from from older FM/AM Radios?

A. DAB Radios locate the signal to more managable levels, made possiblethanks to silicon chip technology instead of the regular components one finds in older FM/AM Radios.

Q. Will FM/AM analogue transmissions be switched off?, if so - when?

In roughly about four years time (around 2010).You can be confident purchasing a DAB Radio now won't be like buying a Betamax Video Recorder. There won't be a 'format war' It will be DAB or nothing - simple really!
You will find more choice now then there has ever been, plus the prices have come down dramatically too!

Q. The best DAB Radio money can buy?

That's a tough one! All the major consumer electronics manufacturers now have DAB Radios amongst their ranges. Personally I would say take a look at the ranges made by PURE Digital and also Intempo Digital, both of these manufacturers concentrate all their efforts making audio products so that can't be a bad thing and goes in their favour in our opinion!

Q. Am I going to need a new aerial?

Possibly, although should you decide on buying a portable DAB Radio, this won't be a problem as aerials you find are normally supplied.

Q. Will I be able to receive DAB programmes in my area?

Chances are, yes. We have a coverage checker here on our own website so you can find out your station coverage. 

Q. Do I have to subscribe in order to receive DAB?

No. All the DAB stations are being broadcast to you free. All you have to do is buy the radio, you'll even find they will tune themselves in too!

Q. Can I have one in the car?

Yes you can but here at 'JUST CLICK RADIOS' strongly suggest you have one installed professionally.


Q. DAB and digital radio, are they the same?

No... DAB - Digital Audio Broadcasting - the technology behind digital radio. On purchasing a new radio look out for the DAB symbol, this will indicate it features the capability of receiving digital radio.

Don't be fooled, it will only be a DAB Radio if it features the DAB logo.