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The ‘FM death watch' thread... |
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#126 |
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,436
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Quote:
It's the other way around. About two thirds of cars have DAB as standard and a third don't.
Duly corrected.But it shows why a DSO will be impossible for many years: favourite stations going silent on millions of car radios would cause massive fallout. |
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#127 |
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Join Date: May 2004
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Quote:
Whoops !
Duly corrected.But it shows why a DSO will be impossible for many years: favourite stations going silent on millions of car radios would cause massive fallout. |
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#128 |
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Join Date: Sep 2005
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Quote:
Sorry to go back to Norway but think I read they might overcome the problem by installing adaptors during car services.
But at least they'll have a fair amount of DAB+. |
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#129 |
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Future EU Scottish Republic
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The IET has now weighed in on the subject, in the latest edition of E&T News, with some interesting numbers in the analysis:
http://eandt.theiet.org/magazine/201...o-shutdown.cfm Interesting comment from Steve Ahern of radioinfo.com.au about the futility of trying to shift listeners in Melbourne listening to just one radio station, onto mobile streaming. |
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#130 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancs
Posts: 7,928
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Quote:
I doubt whether many people will go for that: retrofitting DAB will be expensive, and performance with an inefficient aerial can be iffy. Having to pay to get back to where you were won't be popular either.
But at least they'll have a fair amount of DAB+. I do use a mobile phone and FM transmitter, I can hear the stations I really want and the sound quality is surprisingly good and stereo too. |
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#131 |
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 8,076
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Quote:
Sorry to go back to Norway but think I read they might overcome the problem by installing adaptors during car services.
a simple meal similar to one you'd get in the UK in Zizis or Pizza Express is about 40 quid. I shudder to think what typical car workshop hourly rates are there ! |
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#132 |
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Herts
Posts: 6,183
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Quote:
You ever been to Norway ? I have, a pint of Euro-Fizz style lager is 10 quid, and
a simple meal similar to one you'd get in the UK in Zizis or Pizza Express is about 40 quid. I shudder to think what typical car workshop hourly rates are there ! http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-top...tries-map.html |
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#133 |
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Join Date: May 2004
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Quote:
The IET has now weighed in on the subject, in the latest edition of E&T News, with some interesting numbers in the analysis:
http://eandt.theiet.org/magazine/201...o-shutdown.cfm Interesting comment from Steve Ahern of radioinfo.com.au about the futility of trying to shift listeners in Melbourne listening to just one radio station, onto mobile streaming. http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/04/uk-w...fm-switch-off/ Quote:
Pure is working with Digital Radio Norway to ensure there are accessible in-car adapters in the market in readiness for digital radio migration
However the Pure range no includes the cheaper single tuner Highway adapter, just the more expensive dual tuner, unless a new lower cost easy fit adapter is to be introduced?
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#134 |
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Essex
Posts: 3,858
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Have to say I am impressed with DAB here in Oslo / Southern Norway this week. 44 stations and a good range of choice. My hotel room even has a DAB+ Geneva mini hifi (although I did have to retune it for them as the programme list was out of date!). Also I've spotted a few references to DAB radio in captions during local news programmes.
In comparison the FM band on the west coast of Sweden was bereft of choice, limited to SR stations and one or two commercial networks. There was DAB in Gothenburg but very limited reception and basically just SR stations. I guess the Norwegians must love their radio more than the swedes to merit so many stations in a country with relatively small population. One final observation - our Swedish hire Volvo, almost identical to what I drive at home, had a DAB radio option in the radio menus as per the UK, but seemingly wasn't fitted with a receiver, presumably because they can save a few quid on a Swedish market car where no switch over is planned. |
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#135 |
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Future EU Scottish Republic
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Quote:
...One final observation - our Swedish hire Volvo, almost identical to what I drive at home, had a DAB radio option in the radio menus as per the UK, but seemingly wasn't fitted with a receiver, presumably because they can save a few quid on a Swedish market car where no switch over is planned.
Odd that you should have been able to select anything DAB related as that same page, for the S60 as an example, suggests that the DAB receiver is an optional extra as well, and not built-in (and disabled) in the standard factory fit entertainment system. |
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#136 |
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Essex
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Quote:
Volvos have to be ordered with the DAB option (Option 683 according to the Volvo Swedish Website) new from the production line, as the windows fitted will then have the DAB antennas built-in and the pre-amps fitted, in addition to the FM antenna. The DAB options can't be retrofitted if the package hasn't been ordered, you're left with the Pure Highway-type aftermarket bodges.
Odd that you should have been able to select anything DAB related as that same page, for the S60 as an example, suggests that the DAB receiver is an optional extra as well, and not built-in (and disabled) in the standard factory fit entertainment system. DAB is standard fit on UK purchased Volvos now, as I suspect it would also be in Norway. |
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#137 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
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German commercial classical music station Klassik Radio has decided to switch off many of its FM transmitters in the coming months. All FM transmitters in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have already been switched off. The only FM transmitters to escape the cull are the five biggest covering large cities. Klassik Radio has stated it wants to focus on digital distribution.
Klassik Radio setzt auf Digitalisierung und schaltet schwächere UKW-Frequenzen ab Klassik Radio stellt UKW-Verbreitung in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ein |
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#138 |
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Essex
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Quote:
German commercial classical music station Klassik Radio has decided to switch off many of its FM transmitters in the coming months. All FM transmitters in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have already been switched off. The only FM transmitters to escape the cull are the five biggest covering large cities. Klassik Radio has stated it wants to focus on digital distribution.
Klassik Radio setzt auf Digitalisierung und schaltet schwächere UKW-Frequenzen ab Klassik Radio stellt UKW-Verbreitung in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ein |
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#139 |
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Join Date: May 2004
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From the Google translate looks like cost is the driving factor Quote:
Background of the decision of Klassik Radio is a concentration of the transmitter to digital transmission standards, especially on DABplus. But the company wants to give up for reasons of cost gradually all analog transmission capacities (FM) in Germany.
Looks like the FM frequencies will be readvertised?
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#140 |
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Join Date: May 2004
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From Wohnort Quote:
September 20th no other German Radio companies are so far asking for the frequencies? In Germany, the commercial broadcaster Klassik Radio has switched off 22 of its lower power FM frequencies, leaving only the high power transmitters in the main conurbations, resulting in significant cost savings. The broadcaster plans to rely more heavily on its nationwide broadcast as KLASSIK RADIO on the national ensemble DR Deutschland and on audio streaming from its web portal. In a way the switch of XFM in Paisley to Radio X national DAB is something similar, but pushed by the Paisley FM licence needing local breakfast and other content which Global were reluctant to do?. But the sale of Juice in Liverpool and smaller UK radio groups want to keep and expand FM shows FM is still in demand. However the switch off of 5 FM Norwegian networks is still progressing. |
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#141 |
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Join Date: May 2004
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The Swedish government has confirmed no radio DSO or FM switchoff, but is watching to see what happens in Norway? http://digitalradioinsider.blogspot....eden.html#more Quote:
Analysis Presumably the national SR DAB network might close with no funding, but Bauer and MTG can keep the Stockholm DAB+ test mux going, and maybe rollout DAB+ nationally if they decide to keep the permits without SR support and promotion for DAB?
Still the commercial radio networks Bauer and MTG can broadcast DAB+ but there is doubt that they will go DAB alone without the public radio on the train. Also there are no proven market research that the radio audience will voluntarily give up FM radio - and online - for DAB+. Bauer and MTG have to decide before July 1 2016 according to their DAB broadcasting permits issued 2014. Present government is a minority government with Social Democrats and the Green Party with a mandate until 2018. In case of a political change to a center-right government there are now too much skepticism among other political parties in Riksdagen for a return on to the DAB track. Meanwhile on-line radio and music on smartphones is increasing as Sweden's broadband capacity and coverage is being fully implemented via fixed (fibre) and mobile (4G) transmissions. |
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#142 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
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Regarding the situation in the UK, interesting points from Matt Deegan and Adam Bowie. The latest RAJAR figures (Q3/2015) show a further decline in FM listening and a growth in digital listening in the UK. Matt Deegan: Quote:
Another good quarter for digital radio. 41.8% of all radio listening in the UK is on a digital platform (two-thirds of that is through DAB). 63% of the country listen to some form of digital radio each week – that’s 30m listeners. 20m listeners listen to DAB each week, 9m listen online and 7.7m tune in through their telly. Adam Bowie:I really feel for you if you’re radio station isn’t on some broadcast digital platforms. The real world effect of that 41.8% means that your available audience is now only 60% of the market, a huge handicap before you’ve even started. National digital stations are now huge parts of UK radio listening. Absolute 80s has 1.5m, Kisstory 1.3m, Kerrang’s on 820k, Heat’s on 912k, Planet Rock on 1.2m, 6Music on 2.1m, 1Xtra on 1.1m and Radio 4 Extra with a super strong 2.2m. With hybrid analogue/digital networks – Magic doubles its London FM audience – now reaching 3.4m and Smooth Extra (the Smooth that fills in the gaps of the FM Smooth’s) has a first book of 930k. If you’re a stand-alone local station wondering where your audience is going – this is the answer! More at: http://www.mattdeegan.com/2015/10/28/rajar-q32015/ Quote:
The big news here is that 41.9% of listening to radio is now via a digital platform. This figure had been threatening to creep over 40% for a while, and it’s now onward to 50% which is what gets people talking about digital switchover in radio.
At the same time, those who say they listen via AM/FM has fallen to below 50% for the first time (The difference is made up of people who don’t state their platform). Both DAB and internet listening are up to record levels with 27.7% of listening being via DAB, and 6.9% of listening via the internet, including mobile apps. More (and a nice chart!) at: http://www.adambowie.com/blog/2015/10/rajar-q3-2015/ |
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#143 |
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Join Date: Jan 2008
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Meh. Can't say I trust statistics particularly.
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#144 |
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,004
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In car DAB is growing. Even the cheap n cheerful Vauxhall Corsa I rented this week had DAB. If the car manufacurers are finally embracing DAB, expect the figure to rise further.
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#145 |
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: lichfield staffs
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Quote:
In car DAB is growing. Even the cheap n cheerful Vauxhall Corsa I rented this week had DAB. If the car manufacurers are finally embracing DAB, expect the figure to rise further.
Like it or not the future of radio is going to be Digital mostly DAB . |
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#146 |
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Join Date: May 2004
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Quote:
Yes & next year we will see digital2 & we can expect a big advertising campaign to promote it ? .
Like it or not the future of radio is going to be Digital mostly DAB . http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/07/baue...-of-sbs-radio/ Now SBS is under the control of Bauer Media UK, they will be able to ensure D2 is a success in the UK, and then will be able to progress (or not) with the Swedish DAB+ mux rollout with MTG as extra choice of new Swedish stations rather than FM replacements? It would not make sense for car makers not to have DAB in new cars in Sweden when DAB will be fitted as standard in Norway, Germany, Denmark, UK, Netherlands etc. |
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#147 |
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Herts
Posts: 6,183
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Quote:
Matt Deegan: I really feel for you if you’re radio station isn’t on some broadcast digital platforms. The real world effect of that 41.8% means that your available audience is now only 60% of the market, a huge handicap before you’ve even started: Quote:
Adam Bowie:
The big news here is that 41.9% of listening to radio is now via a digital platform. This figure had been threatening to creep over 40% for a while, and it’s now onward to 50% which is what gets people talking about digital switchover in radio. At the same time, those who say they listen via AM/FM has fallen to below 50% for the first time (The difference is made up of people who don’t state their platform). http://www.rajar.co.uk/docs/2015_09/...0-%20Clean.pdf The drop in AM/FM listening share, stated as 50.4% is quite large for one quarter so needs confirming by the next quarters figures. There's 7.7% unspecified which is also higher than usual, a fair proportion of which will be AM/FM. The reach figures are here http://www.rajar.co.uk/docs/2015_09/...0-%20Clean.pdf |
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#148 |
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Essex
Posts: 3,858
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Quote:
I wonder if this is linked to the situation in Sweden where there will no longer be a DSO date, but the date for the start of the commercial DAB+ mux full licence, which is on test in Stockholm has been delayed till next June.
http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/07/baue...-of-sbs-radio/ Now SBS is under the control of Bauer Media UK, they will be able to ensure D2 is a success in the UK, and then will be able to progress (or not) with the Swedish DAB+ mux rollout with MTG as extra choice of new Swedish stations rather than FM replacements? It would not make sense for car makers not to have DAB in new cars in Sweden when DAB will be fitted as standard in Norway, Germany, Denmark, UK, Netherlands etc. My v40 at home however has DAB as standard. |
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#149 |
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Join Date: May 2004
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Quote:
I don't understand what point is being made. The available audience, or market in a commercial sense, for an FM station is all those with an FM receiver in their coverage area. Most DAB receivers cover FM. Most FM stations who are not on DAB have internet streams.
Quote:
3.7 Integrated Station Guide (ISG) but so far no DAB/FM set has this.An ISG is a software-enabled feature that allows FM and DAB radio stations to be presented together in one station list. This has the potential advantage of taking away the need for the listener to manually move between FM and DAB and would ensure that, post switchover, all stations are presented on an equal footing. Another option could be to ensure all sets have internet connectivity, but perhaps adds to the cost of DAB/FM sets. Another option is being tested by DRM (Plymouth), DRM+ (Edinburgh) or the 10 DAB small scale muxes. |
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#150 |
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 25,458
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Quote:
I think Matt is referring to broadcast digital, ie DAB or DRM (rather than internet radio), a group of 80 small commercial stations complained about a forced DSO. And the Radiocentre has finally now acknowledged FM will still have a future, but where most listening will be on DAB (or internet) but for most DAB/FM sets they will be on DAB mode so will rarely be switched to FM mode so the stations remaining on FM might be at a disadvantage. The DRWG suggested a single station list where FM is included in the scan.
but so far no DAB/FM set has this. Another option could be to ensure all sets have internet connectivity, but perhaps adds to the cost of DAB/FM sets. Another option is being tested by DRM (Plymouth), DRM+ (Edinburgh) or the 10 DAB small scale muxes. |
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Duly corrected.