Dab Digital Radio

[Bramleyboy]

I am thinking of changing my car sometime soonish. Is DAB Digital radio a good option and has anyone any experience of what it would be like on the Continent. Many thanks, Bramley.

[SSSid]

Dont buy a ford if you want your DAB radio to work!
My mondeo Dab packed up and Dorchester Ford And Sky Ford dont want know!!!
Googled the problem and seems to be common with fords.
Buy Japanese.

[sunny-dave]

In my experience, DAB is good in most of the UK - occasional drop outs, but not much worse than with FM.

It will only 'sur le continong' if it is a multi-band tuner with DAB+ - many new sets are, but by no means all.

[Buenchico]

VHF FM broadcast transmitters will eventually be closed down. (Under the original plan it should already have happened but, just as the digital TV switchover ran more than 10 years beyond its planned date, the switchover to DAB radio is also running well behind schedule). So, if you're planning on keeping the car for more than a few years, DAB definitely makes sense. (Of course it also gives you a wider choice of stations, such as the excellent BBC Radio 4 Extra).

However if you're planning to use it abroad, you need to be aware that there are two technical standards for digital audio. The UK and Norway were the first to embrace digital technology and adopted 'DAB'. The rest of Europe delayed the introduction of digital radio and adopted the improved 'DAB+' system. (Norway is now gradually switching over to 'DAB+' as well. The UK is likely to follow suit eventually). So any radio that you want to receive digital signals both in the UK and abroad mustbe compatible with both 'DAB' and 'DAB+'. (Many receivers now are but it's possible that some might not be. So check the specifications!)

[Old_Geezer]

In my inexpert opinion. As an option it's fine. But I'd be wary of only having DAB.

[smoneybags]

It's fine in our car, but we have a 'proper' aerial rather than a stick on one. It doesn't work on the continent.

[Bramleyboy]

Thank you all, very much. Buenchico's advice about the two systems was something I was not aware of. Thanks, Bramley.

[Hopkirk]

I don't believe they will ever close down FM, even if that was the original plan.

The DAB system adopted in this country isn't up to the job.