Digital Radio Receiver (DAB) buyers guide

Digital radios are designed to receive Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB). DAB uses digital radio technology to give near CD-quality sound which is interference-free. There are a wide range of radio stations broadcasting using DAB and as well as just the sound, the digital display on the radio receiver can give other information such as song title and artist.

In this buyers guide we aim to outline the main features of Digital Radio Receivers so that when you are buying a receiver, you can choose the best model to suit your needs.

DAB is very similar to MP3 files that are used on PCs, the sound is encoded digitally together with any other information before it is transmitted and the digital radio receiver decodes the broadcasted signal. Because it is all done digitally, interference is minimised. Digital Audio Broadcasting can be compared to ordinary analogue broadcasts like CDs are compared to vinyl records.

Tuning a digitial radio couldn't be simpler, there's no need to know the frequencies of different digital stations, on DAB radios, the stations are selected by name on the receivers display.

Receiving digital radio stations is free; there's no subscriptions payable, all you need is the appropriate radio receiver. A possible downside is that not all of Britain is currently covered by Digital Audio Broadcasting, there no comparable equivalent to a weak analogue signal, your radio will either receive a signal or not.

Digital radio UK coverage

At the moment, DAB radio stations cover over 85% of Britain - www.ukdigitalradio.com provides a postcode identifier to show whether digital radio covers your area and, if so, it lists the individual stations. As well as the popular FM stations (which also broadcast in DAB), there are some stations which only broadcast in DAB.

Reception of Digital Audio Broadcasting can depend upon the aerial being used on the radio receiver; this can affect the number of digital stations received, especially where the receiver is on the edge of the coverage of a particular radio station. The number of digital stations available can be as high as 50 - but there's probably nowhere in Britain where 50 FM stations having good signals can be received.

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio receivers

DAB radios are available as direct alternatives to traditional portable radios, in-car radios and Hi-fi tuners, in addition DAB radio reception can also be received on PCs.

Some radios are advertised as 'digital' when in fact they are just analogue radios with 'digital' tuning display or have a 'digital' clock display. These will not receive DAB. Radio receivers which do receive DAB have one of two DAB logos (as right) - one of these are used on every DAB radio, so check for it.

Most DAB radio receivers can also tune into AM and FM analogue radio stations, so you'll still be able to listen to any radio station not on using DAB but you will have to put up the traditional lower sound quality.

Currently DAB radio receivers are seldom fitted as standard in new cars, you'll have to specify that you want a digital radio and (unless you can do a deal) pay a little bit more.

Currently, DAB radio receivers are more expensive than analogue radios but they do give better sound quality and a different choice of stations. In the future, digital radio prices are likely to fall as DAB radios become more popular and other manufacturers enter the marketplace.

DAB radio displays

As mentioned above, DAB radio receivers incorporate a display screen which, as well as being used to tune the digital radio, can give details of the music. With this ability to display information from the radio station, the display could be used to give other information which could be of use to the listener (such as news headlines, sports results or weather).

Buying a digital radio receiver

Check Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB coverage) for your area at www.ukdigitalradio.com

If your area is covered by digital broadcasting, check out the digital radio receiver models - once you've decided whether you want a DAB portable or car radio, or Hi-fi tuner, the main aspects to consider are:

• The style, size of the digital radio.
• The quality of the aerial.
• The controls on the digital radio.
• How clear is the display on the digital radio.
• What warranty is offered.
• The make - a well known manufacturer may offer better after sales servive.
• The price.