DAB Radios

Digital Audio Broadcast, (DAB) Radio uses digital technology to distribute your favourite radio stations. Due to the digital method of broadcasting, more stations including unique digital only stations are available in digital clear audio. DAB+ enables even more radio stations to be broadcast. 

DAB Radio uses digital technology which combines a number of stations into a group called a multiplex. There are several multiplexes across the radio band. These national multiplexes are on the same frequency throughout the UK and form what is called a single frequency network.   

DAB+ is an updated and more efficient version of DAB which allows more stations to be broadcast and sometimes in a higher quality. 

The sound quality on DAB Radios is generally more robust compared to FM, where you will find an increase in background hiss in weaker areas. Being a digital system, DAB will either work or not work. Please note the audio quality is the hands of the broadcaster. With some events, such as the ‘BBC Proms’ the broadcaster can increase the data rate, (audio quality) to match the occasion.   

Tuning and finding your favourite station is so simple. No longer do you have to remember the station frequency; you simply select your preferred station via a rotary control and select the station once you have found it. If you have moved to a new area, then a simple retune is all that is required from the button marked ‘Retune’ on some of our DAB radio products. If there is no physical “Auto Tune” button on the radio it will be accessible via the settings menu.  

The iStream 3, Stream 67 and Stream 94i’s Internet radio functionality will work abroad, as all they need is a working internet connection. FM/DAB/DAB+ radio stations can be received so long as the local broadcaster is using the same standards as the UK & Europe and you are in their transmission range. 

DAB reception depends on which digital radio player you have and the country you are in. Most of Europe and Asia implement the DAB transmission system however it is currently unavailable in the Americas. The UK typically uses DAB with an increasing use of DAB+ for new stations, whereas DAB+ is used across most of Europe and Asia. Roberts Radios manufactured after 2014 should all support DAB+ and are therefore able to access digital radio stations abroad. If you are unsure, please verify if your user manual mentions DAB+ or contact us for assistance. Before taking your radio abroad, we recommend performing a factory reset and switching the radio off prior to its scan for radio stations. It will automatically scan for available radio stations when using it in your new location.

In addition, unless you are using the radio off batteries, please ensure if the radio has a mains adapter is compatible with the country you are are travelling too.

Simply identify your preferred station by the station name using the rotary control and then press select. 

Most of the UK population should receive a good signal, if in doubt you can check the ‘postcode checker to confirm how strong and which stations you will receive. Most Roberts DAB radios come equipped with their own telescopic aerial. Check the strength of the DAB connection in your area via [link] 

Not yet. BBC services currently cover approximately 97% of the population and commercial services cover 90%. We recommend using the DAB postcode checker on the home page to identify which stations you can receive. Some stations are exclusive to DAB.

Look out for ‘FM’ in the product specifications under ‘Radio Wavebands’ on each product page 

Roberts radios come in a variety of colours from Sunburst Yellow to Duck Egg. Keep checking the Roberts website for all new colours. 

Not yet. BBC services currently cover approximately 97% of the population and commercial services cover 90%. We recommend using the DAB postcode checker on the home page to identify which stations you can receive.

You can buy aerials to try to improve an area with poor reception. 

If you were to listen to the same station on two radios, one analogue and one DAB, you would notice a slight delay on the digital radio. All station transmissions start as an analogue broadcast, these are then transformed into a digital transmission. In order for your radio to play its audio, it must buffer and then decode the digital signal. This process usually takes a few seconds – resulting in the delay.