DAB radio in Auckland

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Hiamie

354 posts

Ultimate Geek

#94082 6-Dec-2011 00:13

I am currently holidaying in Sydney. As i wander around the shops, I see lots of radio receivers featuring DAB radio. I presume this is a terresteral based digital radio service. As far as I know the service is not available in NZ. Does anyone know anything about DAB Radio? In particular, I am curious to know what, if anything would be received, if I were to bring a receiver back to Auckland. Are there any test transmissions in Auckland? If the service was introduced to NZ, would a receiver from Australia be compatable? If it is satellite based, is there coverage in NZ? What frequencies are used? etc. Anyone played with a DAB receiver in Auckland?

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#554294 6-Dec-2011 05:56

DAB is terrestrial, not satellite, and uses the VHF band. Last I heard (a few months ago) the trial networks in Wellington and Auckland were still live.

If you want to know a little more your best bet is to search Geekzone as there are a few threads on the issue, including this one http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=83&topicid=84087

Hiamie

354 posts

Ultimate Geek

#554338 6-Dec-2011 09:32

Thanks Steve. That link you provided was very helpful.

ilovemusic

1439 posts

Uber Geek

#554638 6-Dec-2011 18:52

Why DAB ?

Heard it in the UK (who are switching off analogue FM in the next year or two) and it sounds awful.

jbard

1377 posts

Uber Geek

#554641 6-Dec-2011 18:53

ilovemusic: Why DAB ?

Heard it in the UK (who are switching off analogue FM in the next year or two) and it sounds awful.

I had it in the UK recently and it was fantastic, great quality and really easy to find a signal.

Also they have cancelled switching off the FM.

ilovemusic

1439 posts

Uber Geek

#555805 9-Dec-2011 09:51

what's your reference for "great quality" ?

at typical bitrates of 128kbps it sounded compressed and constricted on both a modest denon and expensive magnum dynalab dab tuners.

acceptable for speech but music was unlistenable.

didn't try any lesser tuners or car dab.

for the op;
http://www.digitalradio.co.nz/

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#556064 9-Dec-2011 20:19

'Unlistenable' may be a little harsh...

ilovemusic

1439 posts

Uber Geek

#556175 9-Dec-2011 23:30

not compared to fm/bbc radio 3 proms through the magnum :)