There has been much debate this year about ‘Digital Britain’ and the need to update the communications networks within the UK. One aspect of this will be the transition from traditional technologies such as analogue TV and radio to the digital formats of broadcasting. The switch-over from analogue to digital TV has been much publicised and is well underway – the next challenge will be to do the same with broadcast radio. The Government have indicated that they would like the transformation to have taken place by 2015. While this may seem a long way off, it’s worth remembering that digital radio, or DAB, is already available to around 90% of the population so it provides an opportunity to get any outdated equipment well in time and in advance of any changes.
DAB radios are relatively inexpensive and are an ideal gift idea for almost anyone from children to parents and even grandparents. And, just like conventional analogue radios, you can buy digital radios in many forms from cheap and lightweight portable radios, energy efficient solar or mechanically powered radios to top quality hi-fi systems costing several hundred pounds.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular DAB radios available:
Cheap & Portable DAB Radio
PURE ONE Classic DAB/FM Radio
Developed from the original ONE DAB radio the PURE ONE Classic is a combined digital and FM radio available in a choice of colours and the convenience of a rechargeable battery. This radio has all the common features you’d expect, including inputs for CD and MP3 players, a backlit display, clock, sleep timer, a standard headphone socket and much more.
The PURE ONE is ideal as a main radio and the FM function particularly useful where some favourite stations are not yet available in digital format.
Available from:
- Amazon £55.95
- Dixons £55.99
- John Lewis £55.95
Roberts SOLARDAB-BK Solar Powered DAB Radio with Rechargeable Battery Pack
For the environmentally friendly option you could opt for the Roberts BK solar powered DAB radio. Available in white, black, green or red, the Roberts DAB radio has a built in solar panel and a rechargeable battery so you’ll never be without power. The radio has 10 station pre-sets for easy swapping between channels. Ideal as a main radio and can also be taken out and about, without the need for any external cables or spare batteries.
Available from:
- Amazon £70.12
- Comet £79.99
- John Lewis £ 78
PURE Highway In-Car DAB Digital Radio with FM Transmitter
Eventually all new cars will be fitted with DAB radios but until this time it’s not necessary to embark upon an expensive upgrade. There are several inexpensive devices available which will broadcast the digital signal through a conventional car stereo system and the PURE Highway in-car transmitter is one of the best value and simple to operate.
Powered through the car’s cigar lighter this device simply mounts to the car’s windscreen and will transmit all available digital radio signals through you existing system. Particularly useful for regular listeners to football commentaries and talk radio the PURE in-car radio also doubles as a lightweight and portable radio receiver which will work with conventional batteries so can be used in the home with conventional headphones.
Available from:
- Amazon £59.99
- Dixons £59.80
- John Lewis £78
DAB Bedside Clock Radios
PURE Siesta DAB/FM Clock Radio – Black
Clock radios have always been a popular gift and some people become rather dependant upon them after a while. What a better time then to upgrade to digital and give a great gift at the same time. The PURE Siesta DAB/FM Clock Radio has all the features of a regular bedside clock radio with the benefit of DAB digital and conventional FM reception for the best of both worlds.
With 3 independent alarms this innovative digital radio can be set to activate in 3 different ways so you are not constantly adjusting the settings for different days of the week and weekends.
Available in 2 colours from:
- Amazon £53.35
- Comet £59.99
- Dixons £39.13
- John Lewis £57
Dab Radios with a Traditional Look
Of course some traditionalists don’t like the modern look of some DAB radios which is why these radios with a wooden surround are so great. Available in a selection of finishes these DAB radios are ideal for parents or grandparents who like their radios to blend with their existing décor.
PURE EVOKE-2S DAB/ FM Radio – Maple
This digital and FM radio from Pure has a maple surround and features modern technology such as an organic LED display panel, 100 station presets, ReVu – which can pause live radio for up to 15 minutes, an easy to use alarm and sleep timer and superior sound quality.
Available from:
- Amazon £138.20
- John Lewis £166
PURE EVOKE-1S Luxury portable DAB digital & FM radio – Cherry
The 1S is an older version, hence the price difference, but represents great value for a high quality digital radio in a cherry veneer case. This radio features up to 30 preset station settings, a light sensitive display and an alarm and snooze feature.
Available from:
- Amazon £87.81
- John Lewis £99.95
