[LookUp]

When I recently ordered my new car (VW Passat) I thought I'd give in-car DAB a go. It wasn't a cheap option (company car though ) and almost everyone I spoke to said "Don't do it, there's no reception and in-car is rubbish", but I ignored them.

Well, I ordered it and surprise surprise, when playing with it all I could get on the (touch)screen was "no ensemble" and no stations.

So, I broke the habit of a lifetime and... read the manual! A few minutes later the system was scanning and finding a load of stations. Not bad for pretty rural East Anglia. This morning on the drive in I had Radio 5 clear and crisp for the first time ever. Excellent

So, just for those who search the forums for info about in-car DAB, the VW system works well and I'm dead chuffed.

[Composite]

I have the DAB option in my 3 series BMW and it works a treat. It's worth the money for 5 Live alone.

[Sonic67]

I've had it for about three years now and has been very good.

[Heed]

What is coverage like as a rule? Is it just the BBC stations that are available most places? I want to listen to XFM in the car but it's not available on FM where I live.

[Crocodile]

Originally Posted by Heed

What is coverage like as a rule? Is it just the BBC stations that are available most places? I want to listen to XFM in the car but it's not available on FM where I live.

AFAIK, the BBC don't have full UK coverage but they are intoducing more & more transmitters. I was surprised when I bought my mother a DAB radio back in 2002 that there was no BBC coverage where she lives (Norfolk/Suffolk border).

There is only one commercial national broadcaster (Digital One) with a very limited output (6 stations). Plans for a second to be launched by Channel 4 have died a death due to lack of advertising revenue. There's unlikely to be any change in that any time soon.

XFM are supposed to have a postcode checker for DAB here but it's broken. Guess you'll have to contact them directly.

I got DAB in the car in 2003. Ignoring Pioneer's poor implementation & the broadcasters low bit rates, it worked well around East Anglia. However the number of stations continues to decline. Even the Birdsong has gone offline as of the end of May!

Have a look here for more info.

[Heed]

Thanks for the info Crocodile. Looks like I'm sticking with FM for now then

[LookUp]

So far I've had good BBC and Digital One coverage all over East Anglia. Birdsong is still live as well

[Tfish]

how can digital recption be bad in a car? lol some people

[mightynimrod]

I'd want tit for Talksport......my damn focus can't pick it up at all

Hey-ho.....new car in Feb 10

[Crocodile]

Originally Posted by mightynimrod

I'd want tit for Talksport......my damn focus can't pick it up at all

Hey-ho.....new car in Feb 10

Have you considered the Pure Highway?

[mightynimrod]

Nah, not worth it with only having 6-7 months left with the car.

I'll deffo get it as an option though on my next one.

[Cable Monkey]

Originally Posted by Tfish

how can digital recption be bad in a car? lol some people

That is why digital car radio is so popular. Wait, no. It isn't! I wonder why that could be?