Digital Radio Australia
Digital Radio has finally launched in Australia’s major Capital Cities. After many years of planning and technical trials, the dabplus or DAB+ system was chosen for it’s ability to jam a whole lot more stations into the infrastructure available – albeit at a reduced audio quality. Hopefully you won’t be able to notice this audio degradation however, and the federal government may prove a savior for the service in a few years when more RF spectrum is freed up (by the analogue TV switchoff which will free up the TV channels for Digital Radio and Mobile Broadband use), which will allow for the audio quality to be improved. In the meantime – enjoy the site and our many news articles and related video’s we have collected about Digital Radio in Australia.
Bought a “Pure” brand Sirocco 150 radio and DVD player. 1st one would stop playing DVds constantly and reset. 2nd one to replace 1st, will sometimes not play radio umless DVd is played 1st. Reception on most stations cuts in and out even though I am on top floor of block that is on top of a hill. Yesterday, the sound physically adjusted itself from a background 12 up to 25, freaky. How many of these do I have to test before I get one that actually works correctly.
To Janice:
The reason you are receiving am radio on your current radios fine is because it is a very low frequency being bounced around, lower frequencies can ‘bend’ and not be obstructed by objects (both environmental or man made)as much as digital radio of which has a higher frequency.
The reason why you can’t receive DAB (assuming you are in a DAB coverage zone – speaking of, where do you/the radio live?) is because your antenna isn’t up, that is the reason why your radio has an antenna so it needs to be used, it isn’t a fashion statement. It’s just like a car, when you turn on your car or radio the antenna pops up so you can receive the radio whilst driving at high speeds and past many objects. Allowing the antenna to be erect allows the signal to reach the radio a lot easier than it being down.
Now the reason why DAB radio has a higher frequency is due to the amount of data to be transferred to the radio compared to FM and especially AM radio. The higher the bit rate of the station the higher quality the sound will be which is great for listening to music, talk back radio, or sports events etc.
I personally have an Oxx Digital Radio – The Oxx Classic – and it works GREAT! I live in the Sutherland Shire and receive very good signal and provides me with the best sound quality for my favourite DAB stations (not to mention the other features; Internet radio, uPnP music player, aux input, and also FM radio)
Janice, I hope this helps a little bit and changes your mind about Digital Radio.
TO ALL WHO WANT TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN GET DAB+ IN YOUR AREA:
Go to the following site and type in your postcode up the top left of the page where it says ‘Can I get digital?’
Hope this also helps to everyone else wondering about digital radio in Australia!
Have a great Christmas and New Year!
Scott 🙂
Hi,
I was just wondering who operates this website?
Thanks
UNIMPRESSED by DIGITAL RADIO so far. I have tried 2 different brands and all I could receive was poor reception on the FM stations. I’m not into FM at all. The Digital AM bands appear to be unavailable in my area even with the antenna fully extended as I receive a message that the radio is unable to find any stations.
What is required is a list of areas THAT CANNOT TUNE INTO DIGITAL. I live in Elderslie, Camden, NSW. Obviously one area that is out of range.
I won’t be buying a digital radio until I can get reception and with out extending the antenna. My antenna is never extended on my current radios and I get brilliant AM reception.
DIGITAL STILL HAS A LONG LONG WAY TO GO AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED.
Is digital radio available at Copeland, NSW 2422?
Can I get digital radio at postcode 4802. I am looking at buying a digital radio.
I have the so-called “cheapest” ROBERTS RADIO. The reception in a difficult area like Richmond in Melbourne is exceptional; on both AM and FM alike. Irrespective of all theelectronic obstacles here, it still comes through loud and clear, with superb sound quality and ‘clear as a bell’. DIGITAL RADIO IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO, as when away from home and having to listen to a reasonable carradio, the difference is marked.
Any radiophile right down to the occasional listener, if they want to get both AM and FM reception at a high standard; MUST have their own DIGITAL unit. The difference is incredible.
When will digital radio be available on the central coast of N.S.W. 2263
My new digital radio cannot be tuned into AM stations except of ABC.I took it back to where it was purchased from and the assistant tuned it in, but when I returned home only the FM stations worked. What seems to be the problem.
Is digital radio available at Umina on the NSW central coast. Postcode 2257
I have a new Digital Radio and do not know how to get 2ky racing,. Can you help? I live in Pearce in Canberra postcode 2607.
Thanks Mary
my new digital radio fades in and out – very annoying $100 worth oif radio and very clear then nothing mid sentence – why is this so ? what can I do besides return radio ?
I live in Sth. Aust., with digital radio can I listen to interstate station eg:927?
I brought a new digital radio to listen to the races but was disappointed to find that it is seven seconds behind the live racing on TV and nine seconds(?) behind my analogue radio.
Why is this so and when there is no analogue signal, will the digital broadcast be adjusted?
Ray Nicholls
0416 191 526
can i get reception at broadford postcode 3658 ?