DAB radio guide
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a shiny new gadget waiting for us under the tree. And while it may sound a little old-school, the humble radio has become a must-have item on every gadget lover’s wish list. Our John Lewis guest blogger explains why…
Forget crackly signals and twiddly knobs, these days the radio is a web-connected media machine. As well as offering access to a host of extra stations, you can listen to podcasts, stream music through Spotify or even use them to charge your iPhone.
What are DAB radios?
Standing for Digital Audio Broadcasting, DAB radio is the crystal-clear digital alternativeto the more crackle-prone FM and AM broadcasts. Just as digital has changed the way we view TV, DAB radio means enhanced sound quality, an increase in the number of stations available, automatic tuning and live programme information.
Can I get it in my area?
You should do. Digital radio is available to around 90 percent of the population of the UK. To find out for definite, see this digital radio guide. If you’re one of the unlucky few who can’t get it, don’t despair as the analogue signal is unlikely to be turned off in the near future.
What about internet radio?
Whereas DAB digital radios pick up a digital broadcast signal, internet radios connect to web-based stations over your home broadband connection, and offer thousands of channels worldwide. You don’t even need to switch your computer on – all you need is a home internet connection with Wi-Fi wireless networking.
The perfect presents
So which models should you look out for when doing your Christmas shopping? For the retro lover, you can’t go far wrong with a radio from the Roberts Revival Dab range. Although they may look authentically vintage in duck egg blues and pastel pinks, these pretty cases actually house state-of-the-art technology.
A perfect gift for those who struggle to get up in the morning would be the Pure Twilight DAB Digital Clock Radio. Not only does it play both DAB radio or any tunes stored on your iPod or iPhone, it also has a dawn simulation light to rouse the listener gently.
If you’re buying for a high-spec gadget lover, choose the award-winning Pure Contour 200i. Much more than just a radio, this compact system docks your Android or iPhone and lets you use it as a remote, play anything you have downloaded as well as giving you access to thousands of internet stations.
This post is sponsored by John Lewis.
DAB is an outdated system which was designed over 20 years ago and it is now obsolete. It is false to claim that DAB radio offers enhanced sound quality: it absolutely does not, and the Advertising Standards Authority has already taken action against those who make this claim. All scientific evidence proves that the UK’s high-quality FM stereo service is superior – many DAB stations broadcast in low-quality mono, for heaven’s sake – and internet radio gives a far better digital service than DAB.
A licence fee must be paid for every single DAB radio sold – which in part explains the high cost – and it is the companies which receive these fees which are most keen to promote the system. DAB has rightly been abandoned by most other countries in favour of something better, and it deserves to fail in the UK.
DAB is an outdated system which was designed over 20 years ago and it is now obsolete. It is false to claim that DAB radio offers enhanced sound quality: it absolutely does not, and the Advertising Standards Authority has already taken action against those who make this claim. All scientific evidence proves that the UK’s high-quality FM stereo service is superior – many DAB stations broadcast in low-quality mono, for heaven’s sake – and internet radio gives a far better digital service than DAB.
A licence fee must be paid for every single DAB radio sold – which in part explains the high cost – and it is the companies which receive these fees that are most keen to promote the system. DAB has rightly been abandoned by most other countries in favour of something better, and it deserves to fail in the UK.