10
AN
OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL AUDIO
BROADCASTING
(DAB)
This section gives a brief overview of digital radio, or DAB as it is also
known, along with some useful addresses if you require further information.
The Cambridge Audio DAB500 lets you receive and listen to the abundance
of digital radio broadcasts available. DAB uses digital signals rather than
traditional analogue transmissions, providing clear, high quality reception.
Digital radio is broadcast as groups of data called multiplexes. Each
multiplex contains a number of stations, transmitted at a set frequency,
which the DAB500 decodes. The DAB500 can receive multiplexes
broadcast on Band III DAB frequencies. The number of multiplexes and
radio stations you receive will vary depending on your location. With DAB,
radio stations have labels for identification. Instead of needing to know a
particular frequency to listen to your favourite broadcast you can simply
select the station name.
DAB also enables broadcasters to transmit additional data with the audio,
which takes in other audio channels, text and in the future, perhaps
computer data and images. Additional data, such as text containing
programme or multiplex information, is shown on the DAB500’s display.
Digital Radio Development Bureau
The Radio Centre
77 Shaftesbury Avenue
London W1D 5DU
Telephone: 020 7306 2630
E-mail: info@drdb.org
Website: www.drdb.org
BBC Digital Radio
Room 5661
Broadcasting House
Portland Place
London W1A 1AA
E-mail: bbcdigitalradio@bbc.co.uk
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/digitalradio
SPECIFICATIONS
Sample
Rate 48kHz
Frequency
Range VHF (174MHz to 240MHz) Band 3
Sensitivity -96dBm
Signal
to
Noise
105dB typical
Frequency
Response 20-20kHz+0.1,-0.3dB (NCT at FLAT)
Distortion <0.005%, 1kHz, 2vrms o/p
Stereo
Separation >60dB, 20Hz- 20kHz
Input
Voltage 220-240V AC~50Hz
Maximum
Power
Consumption 10W
Standby
Power
Consumption 7W
Dimensions(mm) 80(h)x430(w)x285(d)
Weight 3.5kg
USEFUL
ADDRESSES
DAB500