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Norway is killing FM radio and folks aren't happy
Norway has started switching off FM transmitters today, becoming the first nation in the world to dump the 80-year-old standard. The changeover to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) will give citizens more stations, better coverage, program time-shifting and more, the government says. However, the majority are against the changeover, according to a recent poll. "We are simply not ready for this yet," MP Ib Thompson told Reuters.
DAB radio gets 12 extra stations in the UK
If you have a shiny DAB radio sitting in your car or living room, now's the time to walk on over, turn it on and retune. Why? Well, a second "multiplex" has gone live in the UK today, opening up some much-needed airwaves so that a bunch of new stations can be broadcast. Once the process is complete, you should have access to the following: Share Radio, Premier Christian Radio, Fun Kids, Kisstory, Planet Rock, Absolute 80s, Sunrise Radio, Jazz FM, Awesome Radio, UCB2, Panjab Radio, and Heat.
Norway will lead the effort to switch off FM radio
Some countries are already stepping up their transition to digital radio, but Norway thinks it can one up them all. The nation's Ministry of Culture has revealed plans to switch off FM radio across the country in 2017, making it the first country to scrap conventional broadcasts. The staged shutoff (which begins January 11th that year) is focused on improving channel choice and quality, according to the government. While there are just five national stations on FM, there's room for roughly 42 using cleaner-sounding DAB technology. It's about eight times more expensive to use FM, too, and digital radio is more reliable for getting messages across in an emergency.
Plans are afoot to boost the number of local DAB radio stations in the UK
DAB radio was originally sold as the natural successor to AM and FM radio in the UK, providing better audio quality, easier tuning and extra station information. It's been a mixed bag though, with patchy coverage and many radio stations broadcasting in low bit-rates. The problem partly lies in the UK's infrastructure -- the existing transmitters and data streams lack the capacity to offer so many stations at a higher audio quality. The first commercial, national "multiplex" for DAB radio is already full and while a second is in the works, Ofcom wants to explore how service can be improved at the local level. It goes beyond the UK government's promise to part-fund new transmitters by 2016.
Ofcom shows DAB done on the cheap, lays groundwork for digital community radio
While DAB radio is common in the UK, its broadcasting equipment is usually too expensive for community broadcasters. However, Ofcom's Rashid Mustapha has shown that the technology is now within reach of amateurs. Taking advantage of DAB's newly patent-free status, Mustapha tested a low-power digital transmitter based on an open source software radio and a Linux PC; he only had to stream that radio to an aerial through long-range WiFi. His solution would cost just £1,400 ($2,153) per year to run, letting many community radio operators make the leap to digital. The study doesn't represent an automatic green light for low-power DAB -- more work is needed, Mustapha says -- but it's clear that small-scale stations won't be stuck in the analog world forever.
Tivoli Audio announces PAL+ and Model 10+ clock radios, we go ears-on
If those clock radios up there look familiar, it's because their maker, Tivoli Audio, has been spitting out pretty much the same thing for the past 11 years. Their innards, at least, have changed with the times, and here at IFA the company is showing two models -- the portable PAL+ and the more stationary Model 10+ -- both of which hinge on support for digital radio. They're each compatible with DAB, DAB+ and DMB, in addition to good 'ol FM, have dual alarms and support five station presets for each band. The main difference is that the PAL+ is weather-resistant and battery-powered, rated to last three and a half hours unplugged. At 1.85 pounds it's still heavy enough that we'd never throw it in a carry-on, but in a world where it cost less or money were no object we might take it to the beach. You could, if you were so inclined, use the included remote to navigate the UI, though there's also a scroll wheel up top -- a neat idea, we thought, until you realize pushing that button in the center to cycle through each and every menu gets annoying fast. As for the audio quality, the speakers are powerful enough that their sound could rise above the din of the show floor, but we could still hear some tinniness coming through. The pair are available now, fetching $299 (£299) and $399 (£399), respectively, which means HD radio or no, these are, still, glorified alarm clocks. %Gallery-132357% %Gallery-132360% %Gallery-132363%
Radiopaq Rp5 does DAB, FM and internet radio
Look out, Pure Digital -- you've got a new rival in town. Radiopaq, best known for bringing thousands of internet radio stations and podcasts to listeners via the web, has decided to hop into the hardware game. The Rp5 tabletop radio features a five-way speaker system, digital / analog processors, a headphone jack, remote control and a rather stylish design. There's also an integrated WiFi module for tuning into the outfit's website and even sucking down news, weather and traffic information. Of course, the more traditional FM / DAB tuners are there as well, making this one quite the multifaceted box. Word on the British streets has this one pegged for a September launch at £250 ($468).[Via Pocket-lint]
Roberts Radio Robi DABs up your iPod
Look, if you absolutely, positively must get some DAB into your iPod lifestyle, then you'll probably be somewhat interested in the Robi -- a new tuner from Roberts Radio which lets you pipe in smooth digital broadcasts via your regular old player. There really aren't a lot of plusses here; for £49.99 (or $100) you get a DAB tuner that also does double duty as a remote. Does this second function justify the cost? Probably not, considering all those extra cables and unsightly middleman, but if you've got a bad desire for digital radio, you could do a lot worse (you could also consider players with built in DAB functionality). Available now, it would appear.[Via Crave]
Digital download service coming to Pure's DAB radios
If you're feeling a little constricted by the relatively limited amount of digital download venues out there (especially across the pond), Imagination Technologies and UBC Media Group are on the rescue wagon. Recently, the duo has announced plans to create a service which will "allow listeners to purchase music directly from DAB digital radios." The system will reportedly combine Imagination's new DAB and internet digital radio platform with UBC's Cliq instant music purchase technology, which will satisfy the desire for instant gratification by providing a "buy now" option on select DAB radio stations. Exact terms remain undisclosed at the moment, but we do know that those oh-so-attractive Pure Digital systems will be among the first to sport said purchasing technology whenever it goes mainstream.[Via RegHardware]
UK regulator Ofcom considering phasing out analog radio
We keep hearing about this "new media" thing that's supposed to bring the imminent death of traditional print and broadcast media. Only problem is that those pesky old-school journalists still keep turning out printed pages and keep making radio and TV shows that are actually aired, over, you know, the analog airwaves. Well, the UK may be the first country to shut down traditional analog broadcasts in favor of digital radio (and probably those podcast things we've heard about). Red Herring is reporting that Ofcom, the UK's equivalent of the FCC, recently published a statement that automatic renewal of AM and FM licenses could "tie up very valuable slices of spectrum for 24 years" and that the spectrum should instead be used for mobile television and "more digital radio and data services." However, while traditional radio is unlikely to get shut down overnight, Ofcom apparently believes that it will get phased out pretty soon. We're guessing that by the time that happens, DAB radios will probably drop under the $100 mark, allowing us to finally enjoy the Beeb in full digital glory and on the cheap.
Pure's latest duo: the DX40 and Legato II DAB radios
Our favorite European radio maker is back at it again, not too long after unveiling its Marshall-fied EVOKE-1XT, with a new duo of DAB radios for the UK market. The Élan DX40 is barely distinguishable from its more feature-packed sibling, the RV40, aside from its noticeable lack of ReVu time-shifting abilities. It still sports the Intellitext / textSCAN features for pausing and controlling associated text, comes "ChargePAK" ready if you'll be needing 15 hours of on-the-go DAB capability, RDS support, alarm, and a USB connector for "future upgrades." The Legato II mini-system is a more home-friendly offering, boasting dual 30-watt speakers, black / cherry / maple color choices, built-in CD player, SD slot for recording "hours of DAB content," wireless remote, six-line LCD, ReVu / Intellitext controls, USB connectivity, eletronic program guide, RDS support, and even MP3 playback via CD / SD card. Pure's retro-styled DX40 (click through for a photo) will set you back just £69.99 ($134), while the classy Legato II system will run you £349.99 ($668) when they each hit later this month.Read - Pure Digital's Élan DX40 Read - Pure Digital's Legato II
Pure Technologies EVOKE-1XT DAB now comes in Marshall amp case
While Pure Technologies' EVOKE-1XT digital radio has already been out a couple years, the company decided its radio would look better encased in a Marshall amp. The radio's got everything that you'd expect from a Marshall amp, with the black wood durability, dark vinyl, but best of all -- this time it really does go up to 11. Further, there's apparently a "bass reflex port for enhanced bass performance" along with "active-filters to provide a natural 'direct-from-the-studio' sound," whatever all that means. Digital-Lifestyles tells us that this radio will sell in the UK for 100 quid ($190), hand delivered by Alice Cooper himself. We're not worthy.
DoCoMo shows off two new digital radio phones
Not a whole lot of info to go on here, but according to Akihabara News, NTT DoCoMo hit up the big CEATEC exhibition in Japan this week with a pair of prototype phones (among other gear, we're sure) that'll give you access to 5.1 (sound familiar?) digital radio on-the-go. How good that actually sounds coming out of a handset or pair of headphones, we're not so sure, but it looks like you'll have your choice of styles, with an excessively-colored model (peep after the break) to compliment the more traditional techie look above.
Pure Digital's creepy-looking Bug Too DAB radio
We're not sure how many adults are into insect-inspired audio gear, but if you live in the UK and you're looking to get your kids hooked on the wonders of DAB radio, then the Bug Too from Pure Digital (not to be confused with the identically-named manufacturer of those disposable digital cameras) may be just the ticket. Sporting the same telescoping display, SD card slot, and of course weird design as the original Bug, this new model adds both an electronic program guide and MP3 playback capability into the mix, and wraps it all up a "stylish" titanium silver finish. You can also pause and rewind live broadcasts, set up to twenty alarms to wake you with live or recorded content (up to 15 hours on a 1GB card), and output the audio via an S/PDIF jack if those bug-eye speakers aren't doing it for you. Developed in collaboration with supposedly renowned designed Wayne Hemingway, the Bug Too is available right now for around $185.[Via T3]
