| DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting (the name of the system). To listen, you need a DAB digital radio – you can't receive digital stations on a traditional FM/AM radio. |
Where DAB radio is available
Currently, around 86% of the UK can receive DAB digital radio. To find out if your area is covered, use this postcode checker.
Enter your postcode
(results from BBC Radio site)
If the postcode checker says you are "likely to receive" the stations listed, then a portable DAB radio should work well.
If it says you "may receive" the stations listed, it means the signal may not be very strong in your area. Getting good reception may depend on the model of radio and where you position it, and you may need an external aerial.
NB: the postcode checker gives a prediction of the DAB coverage in your area. It doesn't allow for other factors, such as whether you live in a very built-up area, where reception may be affected.
BBC local radio
BBC local radio services are broadcast on DAB by commercial operators, because the BBC only has the capacity to broadcast its national services. For advice about specific local radio reception problems, you should contact the local operator. See BBC local radio DAB transmitters for more information.
Reception problems
With DAB, you may sometimes get 'bubbly' or 'underwater' noises, or the sound may break up or cut out altogether, but you will not experience the hiss, crackling, fading or station overlap that you get with FM or AM radio.
The noises or break-up are usually caused by a weak signal. Try the following to strengthen the signal that your radio receives.
Aerial: make sure the radio's aerial is fully extended, whether it is the telescopic type or a thin wire. If you sometimes have trouble tuning to a particular station (getting a "Station not available" message), try touching the aerial as you select the station, thus using yourself as an aerial booster. With a personal (handheld) radio, the aerial is often in the headphone lead, so make sure it is not coiled up or twisted.
Location: signal strength can be reduced in very built-up areas, in basements, and inside buildings with walls of materials such as thick stone or reinforced concrete. Placing the radio near a window can help, and reception may be better upstairs than downstairs. Many DAB radios can display the signal strength on their screen, which can help you find the best position.
If you still can't get good reception, you may need an external aerial.
External aerials
Most DAB radios can take an external aerial – unscrew the fixed aerial and attach the cable from an external aerial in its place.
DAB aerials are different from FM/AM or TV aerials, so make sure you have the right type. An indoor aerial may be enough, but for the best reception you can install an outdoor aerial. This should ideally be on the roof or high up on the outside of the building, though it may also give good results in the loft. If you want an outdoor aerial, we suggest you have it installed by a professional aerial installer, either one registered with the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) or a Registered Digital Installer.
To listen to DAB radio in your car, you need a DAB aerial – an FM/AM aerial will not work.
Interference
DAB is less affected by interference than FM/AM radio. However, sudden interruptions, especially in regular bursts, may be caused by an electrical appliance or a faulty central heating or fridge thermostat.
If possible, check an FM radio to see if it is affected by crackling noises.
Try switching off or disconnecting your electrical appliances one at a time to find out what is causing the problem.
Transmitters
Transmitter faults are rare, but if you experience a sudden problem with reception, you can check Today's transmitter work to see if your local transmitter is affected.
The BBC's national digital radio stations use one set of transmitters, but its local radio services use different ones, so problems affecting some stations may not affect others.
Equipment for receiving DAB digital radio
When buying a DAB radio, look for the DAB logo. Some analogue radios are advertised as "digital", but this only means that they have a digital display rather than a tuning dial or bar.
DAB radio sets available include portables, clock radios, hi-fi tuners, DAB adapters, personal (handheld) radios and car radios. Some radios allow you to pause, rewind and even record live radio.
You can get a DAB receiver that plugs directly into your computer, or a PCI card that goes inside it, so you can listen to DAB radio on your PC or laptop. (This is not the same as listening via the internet.)
The first service allowing you to receive DAB radio on a mobile phone began in 2006.
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