What is digital radio?
The nirvana of radio, it is the evolution of analogue radio into crystal clear sound with absolutely no interference. This means the days of crackling reception and confusing, changing frequencies when moving areas are over. Digital radio also means an infinite amount of stations. By the end of 2002, it is expected there will be nearly 310 digital radio stations in the UK.
Why do I need to buy a new radio?
It's the same as upgrading to digital TV in that to receive digital radio a listener needs the right decoder chip and the right equipment. Look out for the letters DAB (digital audio broadcasting) as only receivers that carry this logo are smart enough to decode digital radio signals.
How much does it cost?
At the moment it's expensive, but as with all new technology, prices start high and soon come down. Look at how expensive VHS was when it first hit the market. There are various models of digital radio on the market and the cheapest is around the £300 mark. The GWR announcement today means that within 12 months, the mass market will begin to adopt digital radio.
What radio stations are available on digital?
Some are analogue favourites but digitised to produce clearer sound. Digital radio is perfect for niche programming, such as books, plays, comedy, music genres and children's entertainment.
Will I still be able to record off the radio?
Absolutely. In fact, soon you will be able to pre-programme the radio to save, replay or download specific programmes from a wide range of channels.
What is Digital One?
Digital One operates the UK's only national commercial digital radio network under a renewable 12-year licence from the Radio Authority. Controlled by radio group GWR and cable group NTL, its national network of transmitters cover 78% of the UK population. As more transmitters get switched on over the next few years, that number will grow to 85%.
Who else is offering digital radio?
At the moment it would seem that the MXR consortium (which includes Chrysalis, Capital, Jazz, Ford and Guardian Media Group as shareholders) is cleaning up on the local licences, given that it has won the past four major local licences. Emap is another strong operator with a clutch of local licences, and the BBC automatically gets six national stations.
What's exciting about digital radio?
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, digital radio has an LCD display that allows you to see what track is being played on what radio station, and it may even give you background on the artist, details of their current tour and the box office number to call for tickets.
Will my new car have a digital radio?
Not just yet, but it's not far off. Ford announced last year that from 2004, every new car in the UK would have digital radio as standard. Luxury car manufacturer TVR is the first to fit a digital radio as standard in one of its lines, the Tuscan, and some car manufacturers, such as Fiat, Honda, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo and BMW, said they will offer digital radio as an upgrade option.
Can I listen to digital radio now?
By and large, digital radio is still in development, although a number of broadcasters have already launched services - to the 0.1% of the population that currently has digital radio.
Related story
Apr 9: Digital radio becomes accessible
Useful link
ukdigitalradio.com
