I am just having a sleep

I have just not had time to keep this blog up to date so will be taking a break for a while. Hopefully the experiment will continue in the need future.

Local digital radio multiplex licence for Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire advertised

Ofcom, UK communications regulator, advertises new local digital radio multiplex licence for Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, including the Unitary Authorities of Luton and Milton Keynes.

It is estimated that this multiplex could reach an adult population of 1,829,000. The closing date for the receipt of applications is Tuesday 13 March 2007.

Yet more Digital One transmitters turned on

Two new transmitters have been added to the Digital One, the UK's national commercial digital radio network. The Coventry transmitter improves coverage to the city and the surrounding area.

A transmitter at Sewards End brings coverage to Saffron Walden and the surrounding parts of East Anglia with a gross population of 258,000.

Ofcom updates DAB technical policy guidance

Ofcom has updated its Digital Technical Code and issued new technical policy guidance for DAB multiplex licensees. The documents can be found one the Ofcom web site.

Separately, Ofcom has also today published the Formats for all DAB stations in the UK that are also available online.

Ofcom advertises new national radio multiplex licence

OFCOM, the regulator responsible fro licensing UK broadcasts has advertises new DAB national radio multiplex licence. Applications for the 12 year licence must be submitted by 28th March 2007. More information is available on the Ofcom web site.

Virgin Radio transmitter map goes live

Virgin Radio, the UK national commercial rock station, has launched an interactive map showing it's analogue and DAB transmitters, along with up to date maintenance information. The map can be viewed on the Virgin Radio web site.

More Digital One transmitters turned on

Digital one have turned on new DAB transmitters in Colchester, Mansfield, Bradford and Loughborough, making a total of 110 across the UK.

Pure Oasis weatherproof digital radio product recall

Pure are recalling all Oasis weatherproof digital radios because of a failure in the rechargeable batteries contained within the sealed unit.

Owners are advised to immediately switch off the unit, unplug it from the mains and open all four of the rubber stoppers on the right side of the radio.

Free collection and repair of the radio can be obtained by calling Pure on 0800 019 5657 or emailing oasis@pure.com. More information is available on the Pure web site.

Australia trials DAB EPG service

Australian radio broadcasters in Sydney are trying an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) service for digital radio. The trial is being undertaken with the EPG services of Unique Interactive.

Australia will roll-out a digital radio services across Australia in January 2009.

New UK multiplex licences to be advertised

Ofcom, the UK communication regulator, has published its planned timetable for the advertisement of new DAB radio multiplex licences.

The first advertisement, scheduled for publication in November, is for a national DAB radio multiplex licence. Starting in December local multiplexes will be advertised on a monthly basis throughout 2007.

The fill timetable can be found on the Ofcom web site.

Highways Agency Radio to trial on DAB in Bristol, UK

The Highways Agency are running a trial DAB radio service for six weeks and asking for feedback from the public.

The service supplies up to date travel news on DAB in the Bristol area including on the M4, M5, M48 and M49, with coverage extending as far as Bath.

You can tune into the service between October 16 and November 26 by setting your DAB radio to "HA Trial".

DAB will be in half of all UK households by 2010

According to figures released by the Digital Radio Development Bureau (DRDB), we will see a DAB digital receiver in over 50% household penetration by 2010.

The DRDB says sales in 2006 will be around the two million mark, with a set in 13.9% households by the end of the year. This is expected to rise to more than 40% by 2009, and top 50% in 2010.

Digital One turn on three more transmitters

Digital One has turned on three transmitters at Houghton-on-the-Hill near Leicester, Basingstoke and Nottingham.

The transmitter at Mapperly Ridge (Nottingham) enhances coverage in the area northeast of Nottingham. Basingstoke brings new or improved coverage to the surrounding area. The Houghton-on-the-Hill transmitter brings new or improved coverage to the area southwest of Leicester.

New DAB transmitter for Bristol

Digital One has turned on its 103rd transmitter at Dundry East, near Bristol. This transmitter brings the national network to new listeners and improves reception for others.

A further 11 transmitters are planned to be switched on in the next year in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, West Yorkshire, Hertfordshire, Monmouthshire, Hampshire and Essex.

Ofcom approves variation to Digital One's multiplex licence

Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has approved the addition of a ‘Classic and Contemporary Jazz’ service to the national digital radio multiplex licence held by Digital One.

The new jazz service, provided by GCap, is a jazz-led service playing a selection of jazz, soul, blues and R ‘n’ B, from both heritage and contemporary artists.

The service replaces PrimeTime Radio.

The Pure Chronos DAB/CD

Pure have unveiled the new Chronos CD, a stereo DAB/CD clock radio.

The unit sports four independent alarms that can be set for weekdays, weekends, daily or as a one off. Each alarm can turn on the DAB receiver, the FM receiver, the CD sound a simple alarm. If you have trouble starting in the morning you will be pleased to know it also has a snooze button.

The device can play normal, MP3 and WMA CDs and is Compatible with rewritable disks. You can also connect an external music player such as an iPod to play directly through the stereo speakers.

The Chronos CD will be available from September 2006 for £99.99.

Dixons to discontinue stocking analogue radios

Dixons, now considered to be the online brand for Currys, is discontinuing the sale of analogue radios. The decision follows the growth in digital radios sales. Digital radios are now outselling analogue radios by 30:1 on the Dixons web site.

LBC is replacing DNN on regional multiplexes

The Digital News Network (DNN) has ceased broadcasting today on the North East, North West, South Wales & West, West Midlands and Yorkshire multiplexes.

From September the London speech station LBC will be carried in it's place with regional news bulletins on the hour.

New DAB transmitters for North Wales

DigitalOne, the UK's nation commercial DAB multiplex has switched on two new transmitters in North Wales.

The transmitter at Arfon provides new or improved coverage to more than 120,000 listeners along the Lleyn Peninsular, from Pwllheli to Caernarfon.

The Llanddona transmitter extends reception into Anglesey and covers most of the Southern half of the isle. This site is shared with the BBC and also carries the national BBC services.

Harrow Weald off air

The North West London transmitter in Harrow Weald has been off air since 9am due to a technical fault affecting national and local services in the locality.