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www.southgatearc.org
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Page last updated on:
Monday, November 15, 2010
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A Future for Digital Radio in the UK?Practical Wireless editor Rob Mannion recently received an invitation to a seminar where the future of digital radio in the UK is to be discussed. As you are probably aware, Rob is a well-known critic of DAB - constantly highlighting the impracticalities of the technology - and has founded a national campaign to 'Save Analogue Radio'. In reponse to the seminar invitation, Rob has sent the following letter to both the Daily Telegraph and Southgate News. December 7th Seminar in London – Dear Sirs: I have just been invited to a seminar in London on Tuesday December 7th, where the future of digital radio in the UK is to be discussed. The list of those involved is huge, with heavyweight names from the broadcasting industry and those who are seemingly so anxious to enforce the use of the entirely impractical DAB digital radio technology on an unwilling public. At first, the press announcement seems 'bullish', but on closer reading it seems that the promoters of the technology are trying American wild west wagon train tactics – surrounding themselves with a protective screen consisting of 'heavyweight speakers' in an attempt to bluster their way through to their goal. However, everyone involved in the pro-DAB radio debate have seemingly totally forgotten – or have not even considered – that the vast majority of radio listening is done with portable radio receivers using inadequate telescopic antennas that can – thanks to modern receiver designs – provide a reliable service in and around the home and in our cars using the traditional analogue f.m. service. The public have become used to – and expect – to be able to receive a reliable service without having to resort to fixed antennas. A serially transmitted DAB radio service on the Band II v.h.f. service (it's even worse on the present higher frequency Band III DAB channels) would be entirely unsuitable for use with portable receivers and – unless the Government intend to force millions of listeners to install efficient antennas in their homes, huge numbers of people will find themselves without the essential and reliable radio broadcasting services we've come to expect over the past 50 years or so on the Band II service – or 'f.m.' as it's often called. I implore the broadcasting industry to remember that without their audience, their activities are wasted. Our Islands just cannot afford the costs of the enforcement of this unnecessary digital technology. Rob Mannion Rob Mannion G3XFD/EI5IW Save Analogue Radio campaign A National Campaign to maintain essential traditional analogue broadcast radio for everyday listening and for use in times of national emergencies Click here for more on the campaign • Click here to support the Save Analogue Radio Campaign
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