[petet66]

In Manchester the digital switch off happens in November / December. Currently the DAB digital radio signal is pretty poor in our house unless the radio is near a window on the side of the house facing Winter Hill. Will the DAB signal get better after switch off?

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by petet66

In Manchester the digital switch off happens in November / December. Currently the DAB digital radio signal is pretty poor in our house unless the radio is near a window on the side of the house facing Winter Hill. Will the DAB signal get better after switch off?

I doubt it DAB uses band II VHF, formerly used by 405 line TV. The only reason DTT uses low power is to avoid co-channel interference with existing analogue transmitters sharing the same uhf channels. There is no reason that DAB transmissions are not at the their final power outputs as dso does not affect the VHF band at all. A band 2 loft aerial should give you a decent signal.

[Tight Git]

Originally Posted by grahamlthompson

DAB uses band II VHF, formerly used by 405 line TV.

With respect, I think you mean Band III

[petet66]

But a large fixed aerial isn't the best option for a small portable radio Seems crazy that old school MW Radio Five Live is much more reliable than DAB Five Live...

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by Tight Git

With respect, I think you mean Band III

Quite right, apols for the error. Same comments apply though

To the OP possible alternatives, Freeview radio, Satellite based digital radio and internet radio which for most channels have a better bitrate than DAB anyway, not mention good old Analogue FM.

http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/

[ScottXe]

I have learnt that DAB's reception is poorer than analogue FM. Is the signal strength of DAB poorer than analogue FM? If so, it will make the audiance totally disappointed as they paid much higher price for poor quality of radio. How can it take over the analogue FM going forward? Totally opposite to digital TV!!

[Chris Muriel]

Whether or not the DAB signal strength is lower depends entirely on a user's location. For some folks DAB will be stronger, for others FM will win - remember that the VHF/FM service is mature system whilst DAB is relatively new.

[ScottXe]

This is not an excuse for poor DAB signal. Although it is relatively new, it transmits a couple of years already. The radio has been evolving from AM radio, FM radio, RDS and now DAB. The broadcasters have rich experience and the analogue radios are going to switch off. Otherwise, we should not talk about switching off analogue radios and resolve the poor reception with expensive receivers.