Abazoo UK: Consumer Advice
Digital DAB Radios: Denon, Dualit, Pure, Roberts, Sony
ABOUT DIGITAL DAB RADIOS
Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) broadcasts radio channels in digital rather than analogue form. This enables a larger number of channels to be broadcast, and provides clearer reception. DAB radio eliminates the crackle, pop and fading that can occur in analogue broadcasts. Many cities in the UK can pick up about 40 digital DAB radio stations; in London more than 50 are available. More than 85% of the UK population is covered by DAB signals.
All DAB digital radios are fitted with an electronic display which shows the station you are listening to, and also briefly describes the programme. Some DAB digital radios come with an Electronic Programme Guide which shows programmes up to a week ahead, and enables you to pre-select the programmes you wish to listen to. Some DAB digital radios have a pause feature, which allows you to pause the radio programme for up to half an hour and resume it at will from the point at which you paused.
Types of DAB digital radio range from miniature portable radios, the size of a pack of cards, through normal-sized portables, up to high fidelity component systems with separate loudspeakers.
CONSUMER ADVICE ON DIGITAL RADIOS
BBC. The BBC publishes a useful online guide to DAB radio. This covers the advantages of DAB digital radio, the technology explained, and digital radio text and data. There is also a guide to DAB digital radio channels broadcast by the BBC.
Pure. Pure, the leading manufacturer of digital DAB radios, publishes a useful list of frequently asked questions about DAB digital radio on its website. It covers reception and the type of aerial you need.
John Lewis publishes an 'essential guide' to digital radio, covering reception by DAB, cable, Sky and online. The guide introduces more than thirty digital radio stations.
Which? publishes an online report of its tests on more than 30 digital DAB radios. The report includes a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; frequently asked questions about digital radios; and product comparisons. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial.
LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF DIGITAL RADIOS
Denon. Denon of Japan is a specialist manufacturer of high quality audio equipment. It was the originator of digital audio technology. Denon makes a mini/micro DAB digital radio system, comprising a receiver unit and two small speaker units.
Dualit. Best known for its rugged kitchen equipment, Dualit makes an equally rugged digital DAB radio. Its styling, in chrome, cream or black, is similar to that of the famous Dualit toaster. It operates both on FM and DAB digital, and can be powered from the mains or from a rechargeable battery.
Pure. Pure Digital of the UK is a world leader in digital DAB radios. It was the first firm to supply digital DAB radios at an affordable price in the UK, and its Pure Evoke model is now the world's best selling digital DAB radio. Pure Digital uses technologies developed by its parent Imagination Technologies.
Roberts. Roberts Radio, a family firm founded in 1932, is a longstanding UK manufacturer of traditional portable radios. Roberts manufactures twenty different digital DAB radios. Several feature Pause Plus, which enables you to pause a radio programme for up to twenty minutes and resume it at will.
Sony is a manufacturer of high quality consumer electronics. Its UK website has a section dealing with radios. The Sony range includes miniature portable digital DAB radios, forming part of the Sony Walkman range, which are designed to be used with headphones.
LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF DIGITAL RADIOS
Empire Direct is a leading online supplier of electrical equipment, which seeks to offer goods at prices up to 30% lower than those charged by high street stores. Its website has a section on digital DAB radios. Orders for digital cameras are normally processed and delivered within three working days.
John Lewis is a trustworthy firm selling through its department stores and online. Its website has a section on digital DAB radios. Brands include Philips, Dualit, Denon, Pure and Roberts. There is a free second year service guarantee on digital cameras, and free standard delivery for orders over £100.
Tesco Direct offers a range of digital DAB radios from Pure, Sony, Panasonic, Intempo, Philips and Bush at keen prices. There is a single delivery charge of £4.85 regardless of the number of items delivered. Best selling DAB digital radios are identified on the Tesco Direct website.
PRICE COMPARISONS FOR DIGITAL RADIOS
The following websites supply UK price comparisons for digital radios: Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK. Ciao UK provides price comparisons for digital radios together with user reviews.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO DIGITAL RADIOS
UK-DAB.info. This website provides up-to-date news on recent developments in DAB digital radio in the UK, including coverage and new stations.
Digital Radio Now. A comprehensive website about digital DAB radio, with news, and information about stations, coverage, products and retailers.
Wikipedia article on Digital Audio Broadcasting.
How Stuff Works. Article at the How Stuff Works website on how radio works.
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