UK- is radio going to switch over to digital only the same way as the TV is?

Question

In that case will I have to fork out for a new radio, and when is this likely to be?

Answer 1

Quote from the "ed doolan show" Radio WM

There are no plans to cease transmission of radio stations on the FM waveband at this time

Answer 2

In theory yes.  However this cannot be done until a viable platform has been developed.  DAB digital radio in the UK does not, in my view, seem sustainable in its current state.

Digital One (the current commercial national DAB network), seems to be having trouble keeping its required 8 stations on air.  The commercial chart hits station 'Core' was recently closed and replaced with MOD funded BFBS Radio. The spoken word station OneWord has been replaced by bird song.  Rumours are abound that Capital Life will also cease broadcasting this year.

The second national DAB network due to be lauched in July 2008 is also rumoured to be having problems.

It is probably best to wait a bit before switching to DAB digital radio

Answer 3

the digital age to switch over for tv and radio is 2012

Answer 4

your safe for now and not all will go digital

regards x kitti x

Answer 5

no, not at the minute.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_im...

Answer 6

i dont think that they have sold as many digital radios as they have expected

Answer 7

Ok

Answer 8

Only if consumers demand better quality radio. Unlike TV, radio uses a much narrower bandwidth (in this case, percentage of the airwaves), and therefore there is little reason to force a digital transition. You'll likely see this 10 or so years from now, where people will want customized digital radio (sort of like what you would find on Last.fm or Pandora) in their Ipod Picos (my idea, Apple).

Answer 9

No, FM and AM (MW) will be around forever. DAB and HD Radio (here in the US) just aren't a big enough improvement to warrant total conversion. I think DAB will always be around, but it will never be the only signal form out there.

Answer 10

Hi there.

Not right now, but maybe in the future - too dificult to replace all the radios and satnav's in cars and trucks right now.

If they need more bandwidth, they will come looking, though...

Cheers, Steve.

Answer 11

It is possible that DAB radio broadcast may not make it just like Betamax did not with video. There are recent reports of some radio stations abandoning the idea all together and giving up. I would hang onto your money for a while yet.