Pocket DAB 1500 - Frequently Asked Questions

This section contains a number of frequently asked questions about digital radio and also answers some specific points about the Pure Pocket DAB 1500.

Where can I find information about DAB digital radio frequencies?
Most DAB digital radios including the Pocket DAB 1500 automatically scan and store the stations that are available, so you shouldn't really need to use the manual tune. In most cases, the manufacturers include that facility for consumers living on the very edge of a coverage area, in case they wish to manually tune whilst trying to position an external aerial.

Entering your postcode in the ukdigitalradio coverage checker will give you a list of the stations that are available in your area.

Should you require further information about licensed areas for DAB digital radio, the regulator, Ofcom, should be able to help you on 020 7981 3040 or visit their website to find out how it affects your Pure PocketDAB 1500.

How can I get better reception on my Pocket DAB 1500 digital radio?
Generally, handheld DAB digital radios such as the PocketDAB 1500 require a more robust signal to perform as well as an in-home receiver. The Pocket DAB 1500 benefits by having an FM receiver to cope with reception of stations with poor signal coverage.

Getting good reception on small personal products is still a significant challenge as this type of product usually has to have the aerial concealed within the headphone cable. As such, the products often need a strong signal in order for them to work reliably.

Keeping the headphone untangled and fully extended and holding it slightly away from your body helps the aerial in the headphone cable and can help improve your reception.

Can I listen to UK stations abroad?
Unfortunately your Pure PocketDAB 1500 will not be able to receive UK stations abroad. DAB digital radio uses land-based transmission and so signals from the UK do not reach other countries. UK stations are also licensed to broadcast on DAB digital radio in the UK only and therefore not able to broadcast abroad.

Will I need a new aerial?
Most DAB digital radios come with an aerial, but it's wise to check before you buy.

Handheld digital radios usually feature either a standard telescopic aerial or the aerial will be built-in to the headphones.

In-home digital radios usually feature a telescopic or wire aerial - if you live within the coverage aera then this is usually sufficent to pick up a signal. If you are receiving a clear signal then there's no need to install an external aerial.

In-car receivers usually come with a whip aerial (which is in addition to any FM/AM aerial you may need).

The Pocket DAB 1500 has a built in aerial.

What should I do if I live in an area with marginal coverage?
Reception in-home can be improved by installing external or loft mounted aerials. Prices for these start from approx £20, but they do need to be installed by an expert.

Why is there a time delay between digital radio and analogue radio?
Digital broadcasts lag behind those on FM because the processes used in sending information are different. Some stations such as Classic FM have made a special effort to delay their analogue signal to make any time delay less noticeable.

There is also a difference between some digital radios - some take longer to process the signal, particularly those that can rewind.

My area soon switches to digital TV. Does radio switch at the same time?
No. The government programme switching everybody to digital TV will not stop analogue radio broadcasting as normal. At the moment a total switchover to digital radio is only being considered, as yet there are no firm plans for it to happen.

Why am I unable to receive a particular station?
If a certain station is not shown when you enter your postcode on our website, it may be that this station is not yet broadcasting on DAB digital radio, or that you are outside the coverage area for this station. You can also look at a list of local stations broadcasting on digital radio or you can visit your retailer who should be able to tell you about the local DAB digital radio stations in your area.

If you are unable to receive a station that our coverage checker says you should be able to receive, then your can try to improve your reception by taking your radio upstairs, extending the aerial, placing it by a window and pressing the retune/autotune button. You may find that reception is worse in the basement, that fire curtains or heavy industrial equipment may affect reception and that the steel framework of some office blocks or flats may cause problems.

What is DAB+ and does the PocketDAB 1500 support it?
DAB+ is a different version of DAB digital radio technology. Plans are being developed to introduce it in some other countries, including Australia. Although radio manufacturers are producing equipment capable of being upgraded to receive DAB+ transmissions, there are currently no plans for DAB+ to be used for radio stations in the UK.

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