Today seems to be a day of negative digital radio news - and not necessarily entirely accurate news at that. Be warned, I'm going to ramble on for a bit. If you can't be bothered to read it all, I sum up my point at the end.
An Open Letter to Rt. Hon. Ed Vaizey MP
First I read an open letter from Rob Mannion, the editor of Practical Wireless Magazine, which was sent to the Telegraph newspaper aimed for the attention of Mr Ed Vaizey MP and reproduced here:
Dear Sirs: With the right Hon.Ed Vaisey about to make a statement regarding the imposition of DAB radio on Band II v.h.f. radio services, to replace the practical f.m. broadcasts, it is to be hoped that the new coalition government have listened clearly to all the criticisms regarding the impractical technology and the difficulties of receiving DAB radio services on portable equipment using simple antenna systems (a service the public has been used to for many years).
With the much mentioned huge spending cuts announced by the government, it will be unfortunate indeed if pensioners and those out of work should face the prospect of buying new equipment - all made in Far East - that would most likely provide inferior reception.
I implore Mr Vaisey to take the opportunity to repeal the legislation that will force listeners to buy equipment that's not necessary, and at the same time will also send money overseas to support another country's economy. Keep the money that would be spent in the UK, keep the service that works so well on simple portable receivers and enable as many people to carry on enjoying the essential broadcast radio services as before with simple to use receivers that don't require large amounts of power to operate them and work efficiently. With DAB radio on Band II that's certainly not possible.
Please Sir - Dump the DAB on Band II.
Rob Mannion
Editor Practical Wireless magazine
Broadstone
Dorset BH18 8PW
Whilst the theme of the letter may be sound, I find the arguments put forward here to be quite surprising particularly the mention of the source of DAB products - the Far East. I fail to see the issue with electronics being made in foreign countries. It is indeed the case that a significant majority of our products are manufactured outside of the UK and I daresay this is true for analogue radio products. Yes it would be nice for the UK to have a thriving manufacturing industry, but at the moment it simply is not the case. The sale of digital radio products will still occur on these shores however and that will generate revenue for the UK economy.
I also take issue with the inference to expensive digital radio sets. Prices are falling all the time, and a DAB radio receiver can now be had for £20.00. It wasn't so long ago that the lower price was £50.00 and when I first obtained a DAB receiver, it was £100.00. Switchover isn't happening this year or next - it's pencilled in for 2015. That's five years for prices to fall further and for people to gradually replace sets. I'm sure also that as technology improves, so will the power consumption.
It also may be the case that people may choose not to replace some sets. With many digital radio stations broadcasting via digital television some may find that all the radio they need is already available to them in a post TV switchover country. Let's also not discount online radio.
Lastly in respect of this letter, if you're going to emplore a minister to listen to your viewpoint and in an open letter at that, it's probably worth at least spelling his name correctly!
The Daily Mail Jumps On The Bandwagon
The second source of negative reporting comes from that bastion of quality news(!) The Daily Mail.
The news report itself is linked to via Related Links on this entry, but the key points are thus:
In typical sensationalist journalism, the body of the story contradicts the headline as can be seen in the points above. The headline that motorists will have to pay £300 to replace their radios simply is not true. Let's do some research:
I conducted a quick search through Google UK found a JVC DAB head unit for £148.99 - half the price quoted by the paper. Unfortunately, for a quick search, that was about the only result but one result at half the price is still not £300.00 in my book.
The Mail does mention conversion kits and acknowledges that these are cheaper than head units (there's the contradiction). More research again:
A search for the Pure Highway DAB receiver, which mounts on the windscreen and re-broadcasts a digital station on an FM frequency that any plain old car radio from the last 20 years can receiver, resulted in a number of hits. The cheapest source for this product (from a major known retailer) was Amazon UK at £68.00 - a whole 32% less than the cost of a conversion kit quoted by the Mail.
So we can clearly see that The Daily Mail is simply wrong with it's figures. It's also wrong stating that a switch-off of the analogue bands will happen in 2015 but this is more forgiveable. Major national and local stations are intended to be moved from FM to DAB by 2015. The resulting space on the FM band is earmarked for community stations. A similar prospect is on the cards for AM, but there is an intention to close this by moving community stations found here to FM.
As can be seen from the above paragraph, with FM being used for community stations it does not mean that all analogue radios will become redundant although it's true that the requirement for them will be reduced. There's no reason to fear that these will end up simply trashed though - old radios could be recycled and sent abroad to countries where digital radio has not become established.
So let's take a final look at costs. The article states that most homes have two or three radios (although a later quote mentions four or five, we'll go with the Mail for the purpose of this bit of maths). Let's say that all of these radios are replaced with digital sets. At the cheapest cost of £20.00, that's a replacement cost of £60.00. Adding on a new car head unit at £148.00 results in a total replacement cost of £208.00. Okay, it's still not cheap but that's every radio replaced for less than the cost stated for motorists only.
Going back to my earlier point about other sources of digital radio, we could perhaps assume that only two radios will be needed - one for the kitchen and one for the bedroom with the living room being served by digital television. Take £20.00 off the above total, that's £188.00.
There's five years remaining to replace these radios, so no immediate rush. The cheaper sets could be replaced over the next two years - easy enough by saving £1.70 per month. Then there's a further three years to save for that more expensive car head unit - £4.11 per month assuming prices don't fall.
What's My Point?
Digital radio is here and it's going to stay. I don't think there's any two ways about it, and at the moment 2015 is earmarked as the date when we should be using some form of digital radio as our primary method of receiving radio broadcasts.
DAB has its problems. At the moment, coverage is less than FM and there are issues around audio quality. Yes, receivers currently use more power than FM and yes, they do cost more.
All I ask for though is some perspective. There's five years for problems to be ironed out. Coverage can be improved, power consumption can be improved. Audio quality is subjective but there are solutions to that too (increased bitrates, codec changes), and a good quality DAB signal does provide generally better audio than a poor quality FM signal.
Whilst DAB is digital radio, digital radio is not just DAB. Satellite, cable and online services all provide digital radio and in many cases the audio quality is excellent.
It also occurs to me that perhaps there is some hate for DAB simply because it's not analogue.
I know I'm asking to much of our press, but let's look at the both the pro's and con's of digital radio compared with analogue radio and have a balanced report written in light of the situation we're in now - not as though switch-over is taking place next week and we're all being conned out of our hard earned cash.
An Open Letter to Rt. Hon. Ed Vaizey MP
First I read an open letter from Rob Mannion, the editor of Practical Wireless Magazine, which was sent to the Telegraph newspaper aimed for the attention of Mr Ed Vaizey MP and reproduced here:
Dear Sirs: With the right Hon.Ed Vaisey about to make a statement regarding the imposition of DAB radio on Band II v.h.f. radio services, to replace the practical f.m. broadcasts, it is to be hoped that the new coalition government have listened clearly to all the criticisms regarding the impractical technology and the difficulties of receiving DAB radio services on portable equipment using simple antenna systems (a service the public has been used to for many years).
With the much mentioned huge spending cuts announced by the government, it will be unfortunate indeed if pensioners and those out of work should face the prospect of buying new equipment - all made in Far East - that would most likely provide inferior reception.
I implore Mr Vaisey to take the opportunity to repeal the legislation that will force listeners to buy equipment that's not necessary, and at the same time will also send money overseas to support another country's economy. Keep the money that would be spent in the UK, keep the service that works so well on simple portable receivers and enable as many people to carry on enjoying the essential broadcast radio services as before with simple to use receivers that don't require large amounts of power to operate them and work efficiently. With DAB radio on Band II that's certainly not possible.
Please Sir - Dump the DAB on Band II.
Rob Mannion
Editor Practical Wireless magazine
Broadstone
Dorset BH18 8PW
Whilst the theme of the letter may be sound, I find the arguments put forward here to be quite surprising particularly the mention of the source of DAB products - the Far East. I fail to see the issue with electronics being made in foreign countries. It is indeed the case that a significant majority of our products are manufactured outside of the UK and I daresay this is true for analogue radio products. Yes it would be nice for the UK to have a thriving manufacturing industry, but at the moment it simply is not the case. The sale of digital radio products will still occur on these shores however and that will generate revenue for the UK economy.
I also take issue with the inference to expensive digital radio sets. Prices are falling all the time, and a DAB radio receiver can now be had for £20.00. It wasn't so long ago that the lower price was £50.00 and when I first obtained a DAB receiver, it was £100.00. Switchover isn't happening this year or next - it's pencilled in for 2015. That's five years for prices to fall further and for people to gradually replace sets. I'm sure also that as technology improves, so will the power consumption.
It also may be the case that people may choose not to replace some sets. With many digital radio stations broadcasting via digital television some may find that all the radio they need is already available to them in a post TV switchover country. Let's also not discount online radio.
Lastly in respect of this letter, if you're going to emplore a minister to listen to your viewpoint and in an open letter at that, it's probably worth at least spelling his name correctly!
The Daily Mail Jumps On The Bandwagon
The second source of negative reporting comes from that bastion of quality news(!) The Daily Mail.
The news report itself is linked to via Related Links on this entry, but the key points are thus:
- Motorists face a bill of £300 to install digital radios,
- the government is pushing ahead with plans to switch of AM and FM broadcasting,
- 100 million analogue radios will be redundant following switchoff in 2015
- New car head units cost £300; conversion kits cost £100
- Most ordinary homes have 2 or 3 radios
In typical sensationalist journalism, the body of the story contradicts the headline as can be seen in the points above. The headline that motorists will have to pay £300 to replace their radios simply is not true. Let's do some research:
I conducted a quick search through Google UK found a JVC DAB head unit for £148.99 - half the price quoted by the paper. Unfortunately, for a quick search, that was about the only result but one result at half the price is still not £300.00 in my book.
The Mail does mention conversion kits and acknowledges that these are cheaper than head units (there's the contradiction). More research again:
A search for the Pure Highway DAB receiver, which mounts on the windscreen and re-broadcasts a digital station on an FM frequency that any plain old car radio from the last 20 years can receiver, resulted in a number of hits. The cheapest source for this product (from a major known retailer) was Amazon UK at £68.00 - a whole 32% less than the cost of a conversion kit quoted by the Mail.
So we can clearly see that The Daily Mail is simply wrong with it's figures. It's also wrong stating that a switch-off of the analogue bands will happen in 2015 but this is more forgiveable. Major national and local stations are intended to be moved from FM to DAB by 2015. The resulting space on the FM band is earmarked for community stations. A similar prospect is on the cards for AM, but there is an intention to close this by moving community stations found here to FM.
As can be seen from the above paragraph, with FM being used for community stations it does not mean that all analogue radios will become redundant although it's true that the requirement for them will be reduced. There's no reason to fear that these will end up simply trashed though - old radios could be recycled and sent abroad to countries where digital radio has not become established.
So let's take a final look at costs. The article states that most homes have two or three radios (although a later quote mentions four or five, we'll go with the Mail for the purpose of this bit of maths). Let's say that all of these radios are replaced with digital sets. At the cheapest cost of £20.00, that's a replacement cost of £60.00. Adding on a new car head unit at £148.00 results in a total replacement cost of £208.00. Okay, it's still not cheap but that's every radio replaced for less than the cost stated for motorists only.
Going back to my earlier point about other sources of digital radio, we could perhaps assume that only two radios will be needed - one for the kitchen and one for the bedroom with the living room being served by digital television. Take £20.00 off the above total, that's £188.00.
There's five years remaining to replace these radios, so no immediate rush. The cheaper sets could be replaced over the next two years - easy enough by saving £1.70 per month. Then there's a further three years to save for that more expensive car head unit - £4.11 per month assuming prices don't fall.
What's My Point?
Digital radio is here and it's going to stay. I don't think there's any two ways about it, and at the moment 2015 is earmarked as the date when we should be using some form of digital radio as our primary method of receiving radio broadcasts.
DAB has its problems. At the moment, coverage is less than FM and there are issues around audio quality. Yes, receivers currently use more power than FM and yes, they do cost more.
All I ask for though is some perspective. There's five years for problems to be ironed out. Coverage can be improved, power consumption can be improved. Audio quality is subjective but there are solutions to that too (increased bitrates, codec changes), and a good quality DAB signal does provide generally better audio than a poor quality FM signal.
Whilst DAB is digital radio, digital radio is not just DAB. Satellite, cable and online services all provide digital radio and in many cases the audio quality is excellent.
It also occurs to me that perhaps there is some hate for DAB simply because it's not analogue.
I know I'm asking to much of our press, but let's look at the both the pro's and con's of digital radio compared with analogue radio and have a balanced report written in light of the situation we're in now - not as though switch-over is taking place next week and we're all being conned out of our hard earned cash.
Following last weeks reports that BBC 6 Music had been given a stay of execution whilst further reviews are carried out; the BBC Trust announced its findings following the strategic review today.
The news is good:
"The Trust does not think a convincing case has been made, as presented, for the closure of 6 Music. The Trust does not agree that there is a consistent strategic rationale for closure on grounds either of promoting digital development or market impact" -- (BBC Strategy Review email 2010-07-05, 17:13).
The announcement that the station would be saved from the axe came at just before mid-day and spread like wildfire, with me becoming alerted to it mid-afternoon following a post by 6 Music on Facebook. The #save6music and #6music hashtags on Twitter have been buzzing and internet message boards have been alive with discussion.
There can be little doubt that the show of support from station staff, listeners, musicians and industry officials had an impact and it's good to see the Trust listen to those which it serves. But whilst 6 Music will not be closing, it's worth noting the following paragraph:
"the proposal has been helpful in highlighting the need for a further review of the BBC's digital strategy. If, as part of that review, the Executive wants to put together a different proposal for the overall shape of its music radio stations that they think could further increase the distinctiveness of the output, we would consider it." -- (BBC Strategy Review email 2010-07-05, 17:13).
This appears to mean that whilst the BBC has failed to put forward a convincing argument for closing 6 Music on this occasion, it does not mean that a new plan cannot be put forward, providing the distinctive output of BBC Radio is maintained.
Bearing that in mind however, today is excellent news for everyone who appreciates what 6 Music does. It's important that we all continue to listen to the station and to show that we do need it. Likewise it's important that 6 Music doesn't stand still and continues to ensure that it fulfils the remit for which we've all argued.
To round-up, I thought that a few quotes from 6 Music presenters would be appropriate. I've also compiled a small number of interesting websites which I've linked to this post.
I have just one thing left to say: Hooray for 6 Music and it's staff, hooray for the BBC Trust and a very BIG HOORAY for the station's supporters!
"A big heartfelt thank-you to all who got behind #save6music. Great day & all down to listener support. In the words of the band Yes: "Yes!" " -- Jon Holmes (@jonholmes1) via Twitter
"Trust report is great initial news received with tentative cheers. A huge thanks to all of you who expressed your love, we send it back x" -- Shaun Keaveny (@Shaun6music) via Twitter
"Just want to say thanks again for all your loveliness. Sort of gone a bit wobbly and overwhelmed here in the studio. X" -- Lauren Laverne (@laverneshow) via Twitter
"I didnt believe it would happen but the BBC has listened to its financiers! The British Public! You 'lot' (1 mil +) have been immense! Ta!" -- Marc Riley (@marcrileydj) via Twitter
"Its Official 6Music is saved. Top work everyone!!! #love6music -- Steve Lamacq (@lamacqshow) via Twitter
"We should do a toast and raise a glass to 6 Music and all who worked so hard to save her! #love6music #save6music #6music - To 6 Music! x" -- @Inside6music (Twitter)
The news is good:
"The Trust does not think a convincing case has been made, as presented, for the closure of 6 Music. The Trust does not agree that there is a consistent strategic rationale for closure on grounds either of promoting digital development or market impact" -- (BBC Strategy Review email 2010-07-05, 17:13).
The announcement that the station would be saved from the axe came at just before mid-day and spread like wildfire, with me becoming alerted to it mid-afternoon following a post by 6 Music on Facebook. The #save6music and #6music hashtags on Twitter have been buzzing and internet message boards have been alive with discussion.
There can be little doubt that the show of support from station staff, listeners, musicians and industry officials had an impact and it's good to see the Trust listen to those which it serves. But whilst 6 Music will not be closing, it's worth noting the following paragraph:
"the proposal has been helpful in highlighting the need for a further review of the BBC's digital strategy. If, as part of that review, the Executive wants to put together a different proposal for the overall shape of its music radio stations that they think could further increase the distinctiveness of the output, we would consider it." -- (BBC Strategy Review email 2010-07-05, 17:13).
This appears to mean that whilst the BBC has failed to put forward a convincing argument for closing 6 Music on this occasion, it does not mean that a new plan cannot be put forward, providing the distinctive output of BBC Radio is maintained.
Bearing that in mind however, today is excellent news for everyone who appreciates what 6 Music does. It's important that we all continue to listen to the station and to show that we do need it. Likewise it's important that 6 Music doesn't stand still and continues to ensure that it fulfils the remit for which we've all argued.
To round-up, I thought that a few quotes from 6 Music presenters would be appropriate. I've also compiled a small number of interesting websites which I've linked to this post.
I have just one thing left to say: Hooray for 6 Music and it's staff, hooray for the BBC Trust and a very BIG HOORAY for the station's supporters!
"A big heartfelt thank-you to all who got behind #save6music. Great day & all down to listener support. In the words of the band Yes: "Yes!" " -- Jon Holmes (@jonholmes1) via Twitter
"Trust report is great initial news received with tentative cheers. A huge thanks to all of you who expressed your love, we send it back x" -- Shaun Keaveny (@Shaun6music) via Twitter
"Just want to say thanks again for all your loveliness. Sort of gone a bit wobbly and overwhelmed here in the studio. X" -- Lauren Laverne (@laverneshow) via Twitter
"I didnt believe it would happen but the BBC has listened to its financiers! The British Public! You 'lot' (1 mil +) have been immense! Ta!" -- Marc Riley (@marcrileydj) via Twitter
"Its Official 6Music is saved. Top work everyone!!! #love6music -- Steve Lamacq (@lamacqshow) via Twitter
"We should do a toast and raise a glass to 6 Music and all who worked so hard to save her! #love6music #save6music #6music - To 6 Music! x" -- @Inside6music (Twitter)
It looks as though the BBC Trust are granting 6 Music a 'stay of execution' whilst further reviews of the service are undertaken.
This is good news. It means that the Trust are not simply going to rubber-stamp Thompson's proposal to close the station which, since the closure was announced, has gained over 1 million listeners and has heard protests from all corners - presenters, musicians, industry officials and listeners.
It doesn't mean it's safe though. This just means that a firm closure announcement is not imminent, but the station could still be at risk. It's important therefore for those who appreciate what the station does, to remain vocal in support and to continue listening. If the figures continue to grow, then the argument for keeping the station is stronger.
Of course, billboards like that in the picture found here: http://twitpic.com/1zj870 are a great idea. Can anyone get any more shown?
This is good news. It means that the Trust are not simply going to rubber-stamp Thompson's proposal to close the station which, since the closure was announced, has gained over 1 million listeners and has heard protests from all corners - presenters, musicians, industry officials and listeners.
It doesn't mean it's safe though. This just means that a firm closure announcement is not imminent, but the station could still be at risk. It's important therefore for those who appreciate what the station does, to remain vocal in support and to continue listening. If the figures continue to grow, then the argument for keeping the station is stronger.
Of course, billboards like that in the picture found here: http://twitpic.com/1zj870 are a great idea. Can anyone get any more shown?
Media Guardian reports today that digital radio station NME Radio will close in it's existing form on all platforms; Sky, Virgin Media, Freesat and DAB. The brand will continue solely as an online music stream.
This is bad news for UK radio and DAB in particular. NME was probably the nearest commercial alternative to BBC 6 Music and distinctively different to its rivals. I had this station earmarked as my replacement should the BBC Trust decide to close the threatened network.
What this does show is that commercial radio cannot provide a station even remotely similar to the offerings given by 6 Music. It's a shame that the decision to close NME Radio didn't come a couple of weeks earlier when this could have been used as evidence in the Strategy Review.
Hopefully the BBC Trust will still look at this latest development and see 6 Music for what it is - a station that truly provides what commercial radio cannot; an eclectic mix of alternative, live and archive music from knowledgeable and respected presenters.
This is bad news for UK radio and DAB in particular. NME was probably the nearest commercial alternative to BBC 6 Music and distinctively different to its rivals. I had this station earmarked as my replacement should the BBC Trust decide to close the threatened network.
What this does show is that commercial radio cannot provide a station even remotely similar to the offerings given by 6 Music. It's a shame that the decision to close NME Radio didn't come a couple of weeks earlier when this could have been used as evidence in the Strategy Review.
Hopefully the BBC Trust will still look at this latest development and see 6 Music for what it is - a station that truly provides what commercial radio cannot; an eclectic mix of alternative, live and archive music from knowledgeable and respected presenters.
Following my comments about the closure of BBC Radio 6 Music and the availability of DAB receivers for use in the car, I decided to do a bit more research.
Whilst my point about the lack of availability still stands, there are options for listening to digital radio on the move. Rather than limiting myself to searching the Halfords website (who do not stock DAB receivers), I made a wider search and did come across receivers available from stores such as Argos, Amazon and John Lewis.
The choice is still limited. There are not many head units available and those that do exist cost significantly more than analogue radio receivers. There is a cheaper option available though - a receiver which re-broadcasts DAB on to the FM band. I picked up one of these units at the weekend ... a Pure Highway.
This is a unit which is about the size of an old Walkman (the cassette tape variety). It has a windscreen mount to hold it in place and takes power from the car 'cigarette lighter' socket. An internal adhesive aerial is provided which sticks to the windscreen or a fixed window. A few controls provide access to tuning, station presets and a settings menu. Feedback is provided by way of a small LCD screen.
Setting up the Highway is very straightforward; it can be tidily installed in 10-20 minutes. I positioned the windscreen mount to the right of the windscreen, ran the power cable through the fuse box cover and through the centre console to re-appear just before the power socket, and stuck the aerial on the rear right passenger window which doesn't open. The aerial cable is tucked in to the trimming above the door surrounds and is only visible when it appears near the mount.
Initial tuning picks up my local multiplexes: BBC National DAB, D1 National and NOW Essex. Unfortunately reception of the latter is not great and even D1 National has problems in certain parts of the county. BBC National DAB is more or less fine apart from one very small area in my daily commute. Whilst I'm happy with this for the time being; I will probably invest in an external aerial which should improve the reception of D1 National at least.
The Pure Highway incorporates an FM transmitter so that digital radio can be heard via an existing car radio. This works particularly well. On first use, the unit scans the FM band for a free frequency and then instructs the user to tune the car radio to that frequency. On my route I have not heard any hiss or breakthrough from neighbouring FM stations. The car radio RDS displays "PURE DAB" when correctly tuned, although it would be nice if it displayed the name of the tuned station.
If your car radio has a line-in socket, there is no need to use the FM transmitter. A line-out socket on the Highway allows direct connection to the car radio which should offer higher sound quality particularly if the FM band is crowded. My car radio doesn't have this though, so I can't test it.
Another handy feature which I haven't yet tested is the presence of a line-in socket. This allows for the connection of an MP3 player and uses the FM transmitter or line-out to send that audio to the car radio. I no longer need my original FM transmitter since the Pure Highway now fulfills that role!
A final feature that could prove very useful is that the Highway is not limited to use in the car. Of course, any FM radio within it's range can receive it's signals so you could convert an existing home radio to hear DAB signals. More than that though, is that it can be used as a portable receiver. By adding a couple of AA batteries and plugging headphones into the line-out socket, the Highway becomes a handheld receiver. I'm using it in this way as I type this, and sitting at my computer I get perfect reception of BBC National DAB and D1 National. NOW Essex is non-existent however. The lead of the headphones is used as an aerial, so how this will work walking about or on the train, I don't know but in theory at least, this saves the need to buy a separate unit for portable listening.
In summary, I'm very happy with my new purchase. It's brought me back in to the world of digital radio, which I vacated back in 2005 with the loss of my first car and it's DAB head unit (which broke). Whilst I maintain my opinion that there are shortcomings to the DAB system used by the UK, I'm happy to be able to receive the digital-only stations which appeal to me ... BBC 6 Music, NME Radio, Amazing Radio, Planet Rock and Absolute Radio (not digital only, but the only alternative here is AM).
The Pure Highway is available from stores such as Amazon, Argos, John Lewis and Play.com for approximately £80