DAB Radio

What is a DAB multiplex?

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 09:21:36 +0000

What is a DAB multiplex? Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 29 January 2019

Analogue radio services, for example Radio 1 or Radio 4, are broadcast from a transmitter using separate radio frequencies. Digital radio (DAB) allows us to be more efficient and to group a number of radio services together into what is known as a multiplex (also sometimes called an ensemble).

Each multiplex can then be broadcast using an individual frequency from a transmitter. Your DAB radio can then identify each individual radio service from the multiplex and allow you to listen to it.

Network radio services

The ��̳ runs a single UK-wide multiplex that carries all the ��̳’s network services on DAB e.g. Radio 1, Radio 4 etc. It also carries a number of radio services that are not available on analogue radio, for example 6 Music.

Nations and Local Radio Services

Nations services such as ��̳ Scotland and English Regions radio services are not carried on the ��̳ DAB multiplex. Instead, the ��̳ leases capacity on individually licensed commercial multiplexes. This means we have no control over the coverage of these multiplexes. This can lead to Local and Nations FM services having different coverage from that of their DAB variants.

We keep an updated list of ��̳ radio services and the multiplexes on which they are carried.

Why do we use multiplexes?

Using a multiplex enables us to broadcast a number of radio services using a single frequency. In fact, for the ��̳ DAB multiplex we use the same frequency at every transmitter site – Block 12B. Therefore, if you are able to receive more than one transmitter at your location, the signals from each will add together and improve your reception.

This allows broadcasters to use the spectrum allocated to DAB to the maximum, giving you more radio stations to choose from.

In addition, digital transmission requires less power than analogue, so it is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

How many multiplexes can I get where I live?

The ��̳’s UK-wide DAB multiplex covers 97% of the population. As this network is managed by the ��̳ we can dictate, within the bounds of our licences, which areas we cover. For Nations and Local radio services the coverage is dictated by the individual licences.

Use the ��̳’s transmitter checker tool to determine which transmitters you can receive and the multiplexes available on those transmitters.

Reception Problems

If you have reception problems with one radio service in a multiplex, you will also have problems with all the others in that multiplex. See the ��̳’s DAB radio reception guide for further information.

Pop-up/temporary Services

We add temporary radio services for special occasions. These are radio services that may only broadcast for a short period of time. An example is “Radio 2 Eurovision”. This may mean we need to modify the bit rate used for some services or possibly suspend the DAB EPG service during these times.

Part time/secondary radio services on DAB

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 15:59:33 +0000

Part time/secondary radio services on DAB Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 29 January 2019

DAB allows broadcasters to broadcast some radio services only at certain times of the day, which the ��̳ uses to broadcast Radio 5 Sports Extra.

Such services are sometimes classified as secondary services.

Where can I find them?

When Radio 5 Sports Extra is on air, you should find it right next to 5 Live on the list of stations on your digital radio.

When do they broadcast?

Radio 5 Sports Extra has a dynamic schedule. To see what is available when, the ��̳ keeps a schedule on the sport website.

A marketing audio loop plays before and after the scheduled programmes.

How to find these services

It is best to re-tune your radio when they are broadcasting, so it will store the station in its memory.

What is a good DAB installation?

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:09:15 +0000

What is a good DAB installation? Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 30 January 2019

DAB is broadcast from a UK wide network of transmitters and can be listened to via a DAB radio. To receive DAB you must be in a good coverage area and tuned correctly.

Portable radios need to be in the best possible position and, if using an external aerial, it is important to have a good installation.

Coverage and location

Your radio must be in a good DAB coverage area to receive ��̳ services. Have a look at our Transmitter Checker to see what ��̳ services you can receive where you are. If you live in a basement flat, or your building is steel-framed or reinforced concrete, coverage may be affected.

Tuning

Most DAB radios can be tuned easily at the touch of a button. Sometimes a full scan is required. Portable radios should be tuned in a location in your home where the best possible signal is received. Most DAB radios come with built in signal strength meters which can be helpful. From time to time radios should be re-tuned in order to discover new stations.

Telescopic aerials

Telescopic aerials on portable radios should be fully extended to receive a good signal. Tilting and swivelling the aerial will help to get the best signal. Broken aerials may affect reception.

Outdoor aerials

An externally mounted aerial can be attached to many types of DAB portable radio and hi-fi systems. DAB aerials are different from FM or TV aerials, so you need a good quality DAB-specific aerial.  An indoor aerial may be good enough, but for the best reception use an outdoor one. Ideally, this should be on the roof or high up on the outside of the building, though it may also give good results in the loft.

Cables and Connectors

If you have an external aerial, a radio signal will always lose some of its strength as it passes along the cable and through the connectors. It is important to minimise the loss by using good quality cable and connectors.

DAB radio in cars

DAB uses different frequencies from FM radio. We advise you check that your antenna is able to receive DAB, in the majority of cases you will need a new antenna. An exception is "helically wound" FM aerials. See our guide on DAB radio in cars

Qualified Installer

The ��̳ cannot recommend individual Installers. The CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) is a recognised trade body which will can put you in touch with one of their members in your area.

What is DAB radio?

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:15:51 +0000

What is DAB radio? Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 30 January 2019

DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. It is a digital radio service which is broadcast from a UK-wide network of transmitters.

It uses digital technology which enables broadcasters to package together several radio stations; this is called multiplexing. Multiplexed radio stations are then broadcast on single frequency networks. This is an efficient way to provide lots more radio stations using fewer radio frequencies.

The ��̳ operates its own multiplex which is used to distribute all of its national Network radio stations. It rents space on commercial multiplexes to distribute Nations and Local radio stations.

Additional radio services

DAB has allowed the ��̳ to broadcast digital only radio services. These include 6 Music and Radio 4 Extra. It has also allowed us to broadcast World Service in the UK and given the whole of the UK access to services such as Asian Network.

DAB multiplexes

We bundle a number of radio services together, before we broadcast them, into what is known as a multiplex. Your DAB radio can then pull out each individual radio service from the multiplex. To understand the differences between the ��̳’s own DAB multiplex and the commercial multiplexes used for Nations and English regions services, see our DAB multiplex guide.

We keep an updated list of the ��̳ radio services and the multiplexes they are carried on.

Single Frequency Network

We broadcast our DAB multiplex using the same frequency (12B) from a network of transmitters, which is why we describe it as a Single Frequency Network (SFN). This differs from FM broadcasting for example, where a radio station is broadcast using an individual frequency from each transmitter.

An SFN is beneficial to listeners if they are able to receive signals from more than one transmitter. The DAB radio will combine all the signals and make the reception more robust. It is also a more efficient use of spectrum and uses less electricity compared with analogue radio transmission.

Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)

In the DAB multiplexes we also add some additional service data. If your radio has the function, it allows you to see the schedule of services on each radio station, the same way you can on televisions.

Troubleshooting DAB reception

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:22:51 +0000

Troubleshooting DAB reception Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 30 January 2019

DAB reception problems can be caused by many things. It is often a process of elimination to find the cause.

If the sound begins to burble or cut out altogether or you have lost a radio station it is probably due to one of the following: the signal has weakened due to a network fault or there’s a problem with your equipment or installation.

Transmitter faults

By using our Transmitter Checker, you can check which DAB radio services are available at your location. It will also show you any transmitter faults. Currently it reports on network DAB stations only; Local and Nations radio faults are not included.

Works and Warnings

Check whether there are any known works or warnings that might be causing the problem.

Tuning

DAB uses multiplexes to group services together. The ��̳ network stations, e.g. ��̳ Radio 1, ��̳ Radio 4 are grouped together in a single multiplex. Nations and Local radio services are carried on a mix of commercial multiplexes.

Try switching your radio on and off. If you still have a problem use the ‘autotune' function to re-tune. If this does not work, a full re-scan might be needed. Check your radio manual for specific instructions on doing a full re-scan. Further information on tuning your DAB radio can be found by visiting the Get Digital site or see our DAB tuning guide.

Portable Radios

Ensure the telescopic/integrated aerial is fully extended. Try moving the radio around to see if you can find a better position where you get good reception of all the stations you want to listen to.

In most circumstances the supplied telescopic aerial should be perfectly adequate, and as a rule of thumb DAB aerials tend to work best when vertical and extended at least 35 cm. If your radio reception is poor then you could consider an external aerial for best reception quality. Even in good areas an external aerial will guarantee optimum performance and will also ensure consistent listening quality.

Many Digital radios have a signal strength display which enables you to position the Radio for the best reception (usually a number of blocks) as a guide of reception quality. Unfortunately, some radios are less sensitive than others and need careful positioning to work reliably. If your radio displays signal strength, use this as a guide to ensure the best position.

Our DAB installation guide provides further information.

External aerials

It is important to check the cables and the aerial for damage and that they are operating correctly. Make sure any cables between your radio equipment and aerial are connected securely. For further information see our DAB installation guide.

Damaged Cables

Water can get into external cables and can cause reception problems. To rule this out see our guide on water damage to cables.

Car Radios

Radio reception can drop out when on the move due to changes in topography. See our car radio guide for more information.

Weather

Radio signals can be affected by fine weather including high pressure. The only solution is to wait for the weather to change, you should not re-tune during this time. Our information on how clear skies and fine weather can affect your radio reception may be useful, please see our weather guide.

Lost reception of one or more station within a multiplex

If all other stations are working ok and you have just lost one station. The problem could be due to a number of reasons, the station may have stopped broadcasting or have moved multiplexes rather than a radio fault. All of the stations in one multiplex should be behaving the same way.

Interference

If you are still having problems, it is possible an unwanted signal is the cause. For information on the symptoms of interference see our sister website RTIS .

Qualified Installer

The ��̳ cannot recommend individual installers. The CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) is a recognised trade body which will be able to put you in touch with one of their members in your area.

DAB radio in the car

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 11:58:06 +0000

DAB radio in the car Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 11 February 2019

Most new cars are fitted with DAB radios. However, if you are replacing your old car radio with a DAB receiver, you will need to check whether the existing car aerial is suitable for DAB. If not, you will need to install a DAB one.

Like all radio services, DAB reception can be affected by the area in which you are travelling. Unlike FM and AM radio, whose audio quality tends to degrade when there is a low or poor signal, DAB can suddenly drop out and the station you are listening to suddenly disappear.

To listen to DAB in your car you will need to ensure your aerial is able to receive a DAB signal. You may need to contact your car manufacturer to check. However, helically wound FM aerials are able to receive DAB.

The best place to put a DAB aerial is on the roof of the car and as far from the engine as possible, to avoid any interference.

If your car radio is showing no signal or no service for a station you usually receive, this could be down to one of the following things:

DAB Transmitter Fault

If you know your location, you can use our transmitter checker to see whether there is a problem. If not, then check the radio and the aerial to confirm they are working correctly.

Interference

Poor DAB reception can also be caused by equipment used in the vehicle. For example, phone chargers or dash cams sometimes cause interference and affect your radio signal. Try unplugging the items to see if one of them is causing any interference.

Retuning & DAB Pre-set Stations

If you have bought a new car, the DAB radio may be tuned to DAB stations in a different location. Delete the presets and re-tune to the services in your area.

Topography

When travelling in the car, your signal can be affected by natural features of the land, for example, hills, valleys, rivers, etc. The signal should return once you move away from these features.

DAB tuning information

Jane.Frydenlund — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 11:39:55 +0000

DAB tuning information Jane.Frydenlund 25 April 2019

To listen to DAB radio, you need to tune to the correct frequency to receive the service you want, just as you do with AM or FM. However, as the frequencies allocated to DAB are not particularly easy to remember, they have been allocated a code, known as a frequency block.

Below is a list of the ��̳ radio services on DAB and the frequency block they are broadcast on. To see what DAB services you can receive at your location, use our Transmitter Checker tool.

��̳ National DAB

��̳ National DAB includes radio services such as ��̳ Radios 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Live, and digital-only services like ��̳ Radio 6 Music, ��̳ Radio 4 Extra, ��̳ Radio 1Xtra can be found on block 12B.

��̳ Local DAB

��̳ Local and Nations radio services on DAB digital radio are transmitted by commercial broadcasting operators. In some areas there is not yet a local DAB service on air, so not every ��̳ station is currently available on this platform. This is because the ��̳'s digital multiplex is already used to full capacity for ��̳ Network services.

Station	Block
��̳ Radio Berkshire	12D
��̳ Radio Bristol	11B
��̳ Radio Cambridgeshire
Peterborough	12D
Cambridge	11C
��̳ Radio Cornwall	11B
��̳ Coventry & Warwickshire	12D
��̳ Radio Derby	10B*
��̳ Radio Devon
Exeter and Torbay	11C
North Devon	10C*
Plymouth	12A
��̳ Essex	12D
��̳ Radio Gloucestershire	10C*
��̳ Hereford & Worcester	12A
��̳ Radio Humberside	11B
��̳ Radio Kent	11B
��̳ Radio Lancashire	12A
��̳ Radio Leeds
Leeds	12D
Bradford and Huddersfield	11B
��̳ Radio Leicester	11B
��̳ Radio Lincolnshire	12A
��̳ London	12A
��̳ Radio Manchester	11C
��̳ Radio Merseyside	11B
��̳ Radio Newcastle	11C
��̳ Radio Norfolk	10B*
Kings Lynn	9C
��̳ Radio Northampton	10C*
��̳ Radio Nottingham	12C
��̳ Radio Oxford	10B*
��̳ Radio Sheffield	11C
��̳ Radio Shropshire	11B
��̳ Radio Solent
Bournemouth	11B
South Hampshire	11C
��̳ Somerset	10B*
��̳ Radio Stoke	12D
��̳ Surrey	10C*
��̳ Sussex	11B
��̳ Tees	11B
��̳ Three Counties Radio	10D*
��̳ Wiltshire
Swindon	11C
Wiltshire	12D
Salisbury	8A**
��̳ WM
Birmingham	11C
Wolverhampton	11B
��̳ York	10C*

��̳ Nations

��̳ Nations radio services on DAB are transmitted by commercial multiplex operators. This is because the ��̳ own DAB multiplex is used to its full capacity for network radio services.

��̳ Radio Scotland
Covering	Block
Glasgow	11C
Edinburgh	12D
Dundee & Perth	11B
Aberdeen	11C
Ayr	11B
Inverness	11B

��̳ Radio nan Gàidheal
Covering	Block
Central Scotland	11D
Dundee & Perth	11B
Aberdeen	11C
Ayr	11B
Inverness	11B

��̳ Radio Wales
Covering	Block
SE Wales	12C
North East Wales	10C*
Swansea	12A

��̳ Radio Cymru
Covering	Block
SE Wales	12C
Swansea	12A
North East Wales	10C*

��̳ Radio Ulster
Covering	Block
Northern Ireland	12D

��̳ Radio Foyle
Covering	Block
Northern Ireland	12D

DAB+

DAB+ is an upgraded version of DAB digital radio that gives you access to even more stations.

DAB+

Jersey

Jersey Extra

Guernsey

Guernsey Extra

Cumbria

*Services in Blocks 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D

**Due to be launched shortly

Some older radios may require a “full scan” to pick up stations in blocks 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D. There are a few different ways to perform a full scan, this depends on the radio model.

Press "Menu" > Select "Scan Type" > Select "Full Scan" (not "Local Scan")

Press and hold the button labelled "Auto-Tune" or "Scan" to start a full scan (a short press starts a "Fast Scan").

It may be necessary on occasion to perform a factory reset if the channels are not found after a full scan.

Resetting your DAB Radio removes all presets, stored stations and favourite stations and alarm/timer settings and resets all options to defaults. To reset:

1. Press and hold the Menu button for three seconds. The screen shows ‘Do you want to reset?’.

2. Select OK to reset or cancel to exit without resetting.

The instructions above should apply to most radios but may not apply to yours. If this is the case please check your manufacturer instructions.

Burbling noises and breakup on DAB radio

Jane.Frydenlund — Tue, 12 May 2020 12:49:28 +0000

Burbling noises and breakup on DAB radio Jane.Frydenlund 12 May 2020

Burbling noises and breakup can indicate a weak DAB signal. It could be due to either a transmitter fault, poor coverage or related to the weather.

Transmitter problems and coverage

Each DAB multiplex is broadcast using a specific frequency and the transmitters used by that specific DAB multiplex all use the same frequency. This is known as a single frequency network (SFN). If you can receive a service from more than one transmitter, then you get the benefit that your radio combines the signals from all the transmitters it can receive. If there is a problem with one of the transmitters you can receive, you may start to hear burbling noises or break up as there may now not be enough signals for good reception.

Use our transmitter tool to see the status of your local transmitters and also to see if you are in a good DAB reception area. The transmitter tool can only show faults with ��̳ services.

Weather

Weather impacts are rare for DAB as but certain weather conditions allow the DAB signals to travel further than normal. This can have a negative impact on an SFN and result in burbling noises or break-up of the audio.

Interference to DAB

Once a reception problem has been ruled out you will need to start eliminating possible electrical interference. Our troubleshooting DAB interference help guide is a good starting place, or you can use our problem assistant tool.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rescanning Your DAB Radio

Jane.Frydenlund — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 12:50:37 +0000

Step-by-Step Guide to Rescanning Your DAB Radio Jane.Frydenlund 23 June 2020

From time to time, new stations launch, digital radio line-ups change, or essential engineering work is undertaken to the broadcast network. Re-tuning will ensure your radio is up-to-date and continues to receive your favourite stations.

Re-tune instructions can vary according to make and model of radio. In order to undertake a comprehensive re-tune across all frequencies, delete old station labels/names and reset your Presets. Please refer to the user manual of your particular product. However, the general guide below should be helpful for most radios.

Most digital radios can be re-tuned using the following simple instructions:

Press the Auto-Tune or Auto-Scan button on your digital radio
Or
If there is no Auto-Tune or Auto-Scan button, press the Menu button and go through the options until you find Auto-Tune or Auto-Scan. Select this option.

If these options do not work, or the new stations cannot be found, a further action known as a Full-Scan may be required. Either press and hold down the Auto-Tune or Auto-Scan button until a Full-Scan begins, or press the Menu button and go through the options until you find Full-Scan or similar. Select this option.
Or
If none of the above actions work, you may need to try a ‘System’ or ‘Factory’ Reset on some radios

System or Factory Reset

Performing a re-tune process as described above will usually solve most DAB tuning problems but you may need to use the Reset option if you move house or want to restore your radio’s default values from options you have changed.

Please note that resetting your digital radio removes all Presets, restoring the radio to factory default settings. So, if you have saved a favourite station you will lose this until you set it as a preset again. Some radios keep old or defunct station names in the station list followed by a "?", a Reset will clear these from the station list.

Reset instructions can vary according to make and model of radio. In order to undertake a full factory reset, please refer to the user manual of your particular product. However the general guide below should be helpful for most radios

Press and hold the Select or the Info button on your radio until the display shows System Reset or Factory Reset.
Or
Press and hold the Menu button for three seconds. Push the Tune button within 3 seconds to confirm the Reset.
Or
Press the Menu button and select System Reset or Factory Reset. Once you have completed the reset you should then follow the Full Scan procedure again, as described further up in this guide.

Restoring your Presets

Resetting (as above) may result in your radio losing its Presets. If you want to restore your presets, please follow the instructions below:
1. Select your favourite digital radio station on the station list.
2. Hold down the suitable Preset button for 5 seconds.
3. Release Preset button.

Still having tuning problems?

If you have problems re-tuning we recommend contacting your digital radio manufacturer for further advice and support. Contact details for manufacturers can either be found in your instruction booklet or on the manufacturer websites.

Positioning your DAB Radio to receive the best reception

Jane.Frydenlund — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:41:14 +0000

Positioning your DAB Radio to receive the best reception Jane.Frydenlund 13 September 2023

Many Digital radios have a signal strength display which enables you to position the Radio for the best reception (usually a number of blocks) as a guide of reception quality. Unfortunately, some radios are less sensitive than others and need careful positioning to work reliably. If your radio displays signal strength, use this as a guide to ensure the best position.

You may need to move your DAB radio around to find the 'sweet spot' - an area where signal strength seems at its highest and reception is clearest as a reasonable signal strength is still required in order to enjoy interference free reception. Every area differs dramatically and it is often difficult to predict signal strength even from a postcode prediction.

This is very important as reception can be affected by the location of the radio in your house, or by the materials your house is built out of e.g. thick stone or reinforced walls. Try moving the radio to other locations in the house to see if it improves reception. The following suggestions should also help:

- Put the radio higher up

- Rather than put your radio on a coffee table, place it on a shelf or bookcase at a greater height in the room. Any height increase will improve your chance of getting a good signal.

- Put the Radio on a window sill. The closer you get to a window, the easier it is for your radio to find a signal. Windows and window sills get you closest to the radio waves outside, giving you the best reception opportunity.

In most circumstances the supplied telescopic aerial should be perfectly adequate, and as a rule of thumb DAB aerials tend to work best when vertical and extended at least 35 cm. If your radio reception is poor then you should consider the fitting of an external aerial for best reception quality. Even in good areas an external aerial will guarantee optimum performance and will also ensure consistent listening quality.