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Digital Radio is like analogue FM radio but even better. Digital radio offers
an abundance of new digital only stations, improved sound quality, no
frequencies to remember as stations are displayed using names, which
makes it very easy to tune. The audio quality of DAB is near that of a CD
with no interference and no retuning, and the introduction of text, data and
even pictures will enhance DAB in the future.
The BBC was the pioneer of digital radio, beginning transmissions in
September 1995. Digital One, the national commercial radio multiplex
operator began broadcasting in November 1999. There has been a growth
in the number of digital radio stations throughout the UK and both the BBC
and Digital One are committed to extending their coverage. Digital One
currently covers 80% of the UK population, soon to increase to 85%, and
the BBC covers 65% with the aim of increasing coverage to 80% by 2003.
To find out about digital radio coverage in the UK, check out the following
websites:
BBC:
www.bbc.co.uk/digitalradio
National Commercial Radio:
www.ukdigitalradio.com
DRDB:
www.drdb.org
Your Acoustic Solutions’ CDAB-1 DAB & FM tuner will receive programs
broadcast on Band 3 digital radio (174-240MHz), there are 41 channels
within this range numbered 5A to 13F, the number of channels you can
receive will be dependant on your location and signal strength. The UK has
been allocated seven multiplexes by the Radio Authority - in the spectrum
217.5-230.0 MHz, which are numbered 11B to 12D.
A multiplex is a broadcaster such as BBC or Digital One who will provide a
host of different stations within their multiplex. If we consider the BBC as an
example, the following diagram shows how the BBC multiplex may work.
The multiplex name is BBC (also sometimes referred to as an ensemble).
Also shown is channel and carrier frequency although it is not necessary to
know this as the BBC is known by name rather than frequency.
Below the main multiplex provider name will be a host of primary stations.
These are labelled as the station name again rather than the frequency.
This allows you to tune CDAB-1 by station name, which is easier than trying
to recall frequencies.
Sometimes a secondary service station may be provided by the
broadcaster, for instance this is sometimes used when an alternative
commentary is provided on a sporting match or event. These secondary
service stations are not permanent and may not always be used for
broadcast. When a secondary station is available below the primary station,
the following symbol will be shown on the display of the CDAB-1.
Details on how to use the CDAB-1 are covered in the following pages.
WHAT IS DAB?
Summary of Contents for CDAB-1
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