DAB to push out FM broadcasts by 2020: too expensive for both
June 26, 2008 | Filed under Electronics, Radio
If you thought that you were under enough stress over analogue TV being phased out over digital broadcasts, it seems as if we might have to go through yet another transition. This time it will be with our radios, in an interim report by The Digital Radio Working Group, DAB radio is the format choice and that means that FM broadcasts should be phased out by 2020. The report states that DAB should become the primary way of how we listen to our radios in the UK.
DAB is a service that is freely received, however you will have to purchase the more expensive DAB radio to receive the broadcasts. In the Digital Radio Working Group report is states that, it is too expensive for broadcasters to transmit their programmes in both FM analogue and Digital formats. The report goes on to say that a move to digital is a more viable option, as analogue radio “risks becoming increasingly irrelevant, particularly to young listeners, as consumers’ expectations for interactivity, quality and choice grow.”
According to Tech Digest, there is still a long way to go before the UK is ready for the change over. Currently only 90 percent of the UK can receive DAB and just one in five people actually listen to the DAB radio, one of these reasons is because there is a low take-up of people using them in their cars. If they could get more people to take up to using DAB radios in cars, then this would be part of the battle won. One of the ways where this could be done is for more new cars to come with DAB radios.
I have to say that I have tried a DAB radio and this business that it will not lose reception like FM does is rubbish. Whenever people walk near my DAB radio, the thing loses reception, now tell me how is that progress?
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You’re right to point out that DAB (like any wireless technology) will lose a signal if it gets too weak. No laws-of-physics-busting-miracles with DAB, I’m afraid.
What should get better is the robustness of signal, and breadth of coverage. There are a number of things that will need to be improved before reaching the 2020 analogue switch-off target, and most of the operators seem to be understand the need to improve things like in-building and handheld coverage. One of the benefits of DAB (using a Single Frequency Network) is that more and more booster transmitters can be added without needing extra frequencies.
DRWG did point out that FM might still be relevant for extremely rural services.
What do you make of the report by Enders Analysis that said DAB Radio could be the next Betamax? Do you think DAB will survive? Lets hope so!