China plans DAB, DMB and DAB-IP services

Commercial mobile television and radio services using DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) and DAB-IP technology are being planned in China. Both systems are based on DAB.

China is a key market for the DAB, DMB and DAB-IP family of standards. With the largest population in the world and a growing economy the adoption of DAB in China will have a significant effect on the worldwide development of DAB.

Trials are currently underway in several parts of the country, and three licences have been issued covering Guangdong Province, Beijing and Shanghai. Commercial DMB services from several companies will launch during the first half of 2006 in Guangdong and Beijing.

Jamie Theakston now on the Heart digital network

The one year old Jamie Theakston breakfast show will be broadcast nationally on DAB from 18th April 2006. The “re-packaged” show containing local news and travel bulletins will be broadcast to Central Scotland, North East, North West & Yorkshire, and South Wales & the West.

The national version of the show will be broadcast from 7am and 10am while the London 106.2 FM Jamie Theakston Breakfast Show will continue to be broadcast in London between 6am and 9am.

100th Digital One transmitter in Preseli

The world's largest commercial DAB digital radio network has expanded it's network further by turning on its 100th transmitter at Preseli, southwest Wales.

Preseli is part of several transmitters in Wales and also in East Anglia being turned on over the next 12 months.

New Zealand trials DAB Digital Radio

New Zealand’s leading broadcast network provider, Broadcast Communications Ltd, will be driving a 12 month DAB trial. The transmission will commence in September and cover a large part of the Auckland area.

The trial is to help New Zealand’s regulatory body to develop a spectrum plan and a policy for roll out of both commercial and public broadcasting services.

Public broadcaster Radio New Zealand, and commercial broadcasters RadioWorks and Local Media Group will take part in the trial.

New Digital One transmitter in Cumbria

Digital One, has switched on it's 99th transmitter in Penrith.

This will give a further 79,000 people access to the national commercial radio multiplex in Cumbria and follows the launched of the Kendal transmitter in December 2005.

Now over 85% of the UK population can receive the Digital One multiplex.

The Mini DAB One, a new hand held DAB/FM receiver

The Mini DAB One is a new hand held DAB/FM receiver and MP3 player from the new kid on the block Oono. The case is only 10cm tall and weighs in at less than 100g.

The device is powered by an internal battery and charged through a USB port. Battery life varies on what you use the device for only giving 8 hours of DAB listening but a whopping 28 hours of MP3 playback.

128MB is built for MP3 playback, but this can be expanded with an additional MMC or SD card. The device also has a built in microphone and voice recorder as well as a small internal speaker.

More information can be fount on the Oone web site.

The Pure One, a portable DAB/FM radio for £50

Pure digital have just released the Pure "One", a portable DAB and FM radio for only £49.99.

The unit looks like modern radio and comes in Black, White and Pink. It has an LCD display that shows the usual useful information. Sadly there is no EPG facility and to listen in stereo you will need headphones or plug it on to a hi-fi system.

Battery life is improving with this unit running for 20 hours using the optional rechargeable battery pack (£29.99), or 35 hours on standard C type batteries.

More information on the product can be found on the Pure Digital web site.