Problem

Broadcast Radio -
Information on Digital Radio

Radio and television services in the UK are going digital. Digital technology enables the pictures and sounds to be converted into computerised bits of information that take up much less space in the airwaves than traditional (analogue) radio and television signals – which in turn means that there is room for more TV channels or radio stations, and space for additional features, like electronic programme listings.

How do I receive digital radio services?

There are a number of different ways in which digital radio services can be received. Listeners who are at home, or in some other fixed location, may be able to listen to radio services through their television set if they have access to digital terrestrial television (Freeview), digital satellite (Sky) or cable; or they may be able to listen to radio services via their PC using the internet.

However, one of radio’s greatest strengths traditionally has been its portability – its ability to go wherever the listener goes. In the digital world, this characteristic is best replicated by using technology that was specifically intended for sound (as opposed to audiovisual) broadcasting, such as DAB.

What is DAB Digital Radio?

There are several different ways in which digital radio signals can be transmitted, but currently, the leading technology is DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting). DAB digital Radio allows a number of different radio services to be broadcast on just one frequency, by ‘bundling’ them together on what is known as a ‘multiplex’ (although you need a DAB-compatible radio set in order to receive them, since analogue sets are unable to decode the digital signal).

There are currently two multiplexes that broadcast national services, and numerous local multiplexes that serve areas that are generally county-sized or larger. One of the national multiplexes is operated by the BBC, while the other national multiplex and all the local multiplexes are operated by commercial companies.

• Information on DAB availability