DAB radio Pure Evoke-3.
FM network could be closed down in 2022, according to a proposal in digital investigation. So what happens then? Do I need to replace all the radios? How do I do in the car? And what is digital radio? Digital Technique Mats Lewan has the answers.
What separates digital from analogue radio?
It’s like the difference between vinyl and CD. Instead of allowing the radio waves transporting an analog representation of sound waves as sound waves is translated to ones and zeros, and it is the digital information transmitted. The receiver is a converter from digital to analog information. The actual radio waves are the same – a carrier wave at a certain frequency that carries the information.
What is DAB?
This is the standard used for digital encoding of the broadcasts. Since 2011 used DAB +, which is an improvement on the encoding based on the compression standard MPEG4 and AAC + audio codec technology developed by the Swede Lars Liljeryd and company Coding Technologies. The so-called bit rate is 192kbit / s.
Is there already?
Yes, digital radio has been sent to the test in various forms in Sweden since 1995, mainly by Sveriges Radio. Today, the population coverage 35 percent. The network is “terrestrial”, ie that it transmits from ground-based transmitter stations with radio masts, just like the FM band.
What advantages does digital radio for me as a listener?
This provides better sound quality and less noise. The consignment contains general program information and example names of songs, which can be displayed on a screen. Different types of messages can be sent to the listeners, sorted by type and language. It is also possible to send 5.1 audio formats are MPEG Surround.
And for society?
More channels will fit on a certain frequency space.
To make room for more channels on the old FM band?
Well, DAB radio broadcast on a different band, 174-240 MHz. Where is there room for a lot of channels, both commercial and for Swedish Radio. It will also be easier for smaller channels to broadcast nationally.
And the FM band can be used for other things?
No, not really. The band 87.5 to 108 MHz is internationally aside just for FM radio, so there will be trouble with the neighbors if we use it for other things. There may possibly be used for technology with low power, but it is wasting the band’s good qualities of reach. In addition, says PTS that there is no demand.
Naha. Some other benefits then?
Yes, DAB transmitters consume less power. Swedish Radio broadcasts would require 77 percent less energy, an estimated reduction from the current 18,600 MWh to 4,300 MWh per year. Per channel figured require FM radio 16 times more energy than digital.
But the radios then, do not draw the more power ?
No, according to the investigation draws a DAB receiver on average 3.75 watts to 4.69 watts an FM receiver. A move to DAB radio in Sweden would provide a saving of around 1300 MWh per year.
Can I use my old radio?
No, you need to buy a new radio. There are a lot of models to choose from. And DAB radio receivers are usually able to use the FM radio as well. They work just like a regular radio – you choose the channel and listens.
Ooops, how many radios must be replaced in Sweden?
The report estimates between two and three radios per household, a total of around 10 million appliances.
And where will they go?
De discarded. If all thrown in a year, it would give an increase of three percent of the total amount of electronic waste.
But how is it with the car radio?
Ah – a requirement to extinguish the FM network is that there are “economically and practically reasonable opportunity to convert analog radio tuner for DAB +. “
Oh, and how do you do it?
There are three ways.
The easiest way is a loose DAB receiver in the vehicle receiving radio transmissions. DAB receiver can either send the signal out again with a weak FM transmitter that the old radio can receive, or be connected with a cord to the old radio input for MP3 players, if there is any. It costs between 800 and 3300 crowns.
Between the State is to install such an adapter receiver permanently, so that the example can be controlled by switches on dial. This will add the installation cost.
The most expensive is to switch to a new radio, which then must be adapted to the in-car information and entertainment. Cost between 3400 and 17 000, plus installation.
OK. How many cars is it about?
If one includes some fleet renewal for a transitional period would it touch about 3.5 million vehicles in 2022nd
Right. So when switched off FM network down?
Yet no decision, but the proposal is that it takes place no earlier than 2022 and later in 2024, depending on some conditions surrounding the expansion and how much it is used.
How is it in other countries where ?
Several countries engaged DAB broadcasts. Most widespread is the UK where there is DAB radio receivers for 45 per cent of households and 42 percent of new cars.
Is there any country that will extinguish the FM network?
No. Britain hoped to take decisions on switch-off in 2015, but now says culture minister Ed Vaizey that he will not decide on switch-off until more listeners are with the change. (Update: In March 2015, Norway take decisions on switch-off in 2017, if certain conditions are met 1 January 2015).
Here’s digital investigation
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