It’s radio…but not as you know it!
In last month’s newsletter we introduced you to digital TV, which will be the only way we will be able to watch tellie from 2013.
On a more timely note, commercial radio services switched to digital radio in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide in May this year, and on 21 July in Sydney.
Ummm…what is digital radio?
The experts claim it’s a new and exciting way for listeners to tune into their favourite radio stations. Offering an exceptionally high sound and signal quality, digital radio offers a range of exciting features to enhance the listening experience:
- clearer sound,
- improved reception,
- extra channels,
- pause and rewind radio,
- downloadable music,
- Electronic Program Guides,
- up-to-the-second news updates.
What will you need?
Like digital television, you will need specific equipment to enjoy digital radio…but the good news is once you’ve got the equipment – that’s it; you’re in. Beyond that there are no sign-up costs, no subscription fees – all you have to do is tune in.
A digital receiver or a device with a DAB+ chip in it is all you’ll need. You can pick up a digital radio from under $150, like this Bush Kitchen Radio. Most, if not all, digital radios will have the capacity to receive FM services, but it’d be best to check their capacity for AM services on it’s specifications sheet. If you’re looking for a stockist in an area near you, check out this page.
Will you be able to receive digital radio?
Type your postcode into the search function on this page.
What will happen to AM and FM radio?
There are no plans to switch off AM and FM radio services (yet). Each Aussie home has an estimated five radio devices, so it’s going to take time for each home to upgrade.
Have you been using digital radio? Tell us what you think…
Posted by admin
August 6th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Listened to the all the digital radio units at Harvey Norman (connected to an external antenna). It’s absurd! The signal may be great but the receivers are ALL kitchen radios! Most are only Mono, made in China, all plastic and sound terrible compared to any home theatre.
Why didn’t they just use the digital radio band available on any digital TV? Currently, only ABC and SBS use it and the sound is great.
Only solution is to purchase a component Digital Radio receiver and plug it into your digital amplifier. Then you will hear digital radio as it was supposed to sound!!!
August 9th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Digital Radio. Looks like country is missing out again. Try putting in a country town post code. Westnet is country, well, started in the country. Help us get digital radio faster. Kym.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 am
Just got a digital radio (Roberts idream) and am very impressed with the quality of sound and function. There is a large detailed instruction book (thankfully), which took me a while to work out, but after a couple of trys I’ve mastered most functions. I wanted an iPod dock, alarm and radio and have got it all in one quite nice package.
fran