BBC powers up transmitter for Carmel, Carmarthenshire

The Beeb has switched on a new DAB digital radio transmitter at Carmel in Carmarthenshire.

Now BBC urban music station 1 Xtra, comedy and books channel BBC7 and live sports coverage station Five Live Sports Extra can be picked up on a DAB digital radio in and around Llandeilo, Ammanford, Pontyberen, Llandybie, Glanaman, Pontyates, Gorslas, Cross Hands and Penygroes.

The switch on of a new transmitter, sited at Carmel took place on 16th December. About 54,000 people are covered by the new transmitter.

The BBC's national services are comprised of:

BBC Asian Network
BBC Radio 1
BBC 1Xtra
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 3
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio Five Live
BBC Five Live Sports Extra
BBC 6 Music
BBC 7
BBC World Service

Genus DAB radio

Newcomer Genus has added the Genus DAB radio to the ever-expanding list of DAB radios on offer. the Genus DAB radio offers 20 memory presets on DAB radio, a record and rewind function to catch a few minutes of something you've missed on DAB digital radio and an alarm clock function to wake you in the morning.

The Genus DAB setup features an MP3-compatible CD player and remote control, and can also pick up stations on FM, too.


Genus DAB radio featuring CD player and FM reception

Related links:
locate and buy the Genus DAB system from Dixons online (GBP149.99)

Onkyo offers style with CS-220UK DAB micro hi-fi system,

Home electronics company Onkyo has brought its first DAB hi-fi system to market. The Onkyo CS-220 DAB micro hi-fi offers 59 DAB presets and 40 on FM/AM. The unit produces 2 x 25 Watts RMS of music power, whilst its CD-stage features MP3 CD playback. The Onkyo CS-220 also has a 5 mode timer.

The main unit, finished in brushed aluminium, measures 103 x 205 x 356mm and each (two-way) speaker 267 x 158 x 244mm. Sporting good looks and a remote control, the Onkyo has a high quality Wolfson digital-to-analogue converter to get the best from CD playback.

Related links:
locate and buy the Onkyo CS-220UK from John Lewis (GBP299.00)
list of other online retailers of DAB digital radios

Sanyo introduces first DAB hi-fi

Sanyo has rolled out its first DAB digital system. The powerful Sanyo DAB01 produces 100 Watts RMS, features a programmable CD player and separate audio input for connection of an external device (such as a MiniDisc player) and a handy remote control.

The Sanyo DAB01 offers FM reception as well as receiving stations on DAB Band III. The unit also includes a clock timer function and 4 preset sound filters for tweaking the sound from the hi-fi.

With a silver-blue finish, the Sanyo DAB01 is available to buy now at GBP139.99 (correct at time of press).

Related links:
locate and buy the Sanyo DAB01 from Empire (GBP139.99)
list of other online retailers of DAB digital radios

Hitachi AXM-32DAB DAB digital hi-fi system

Hitachi has responded to the growing demand for DAB-enabled mini systems with the introduction of its second system with DAB digital radio. Following on the heels of the AX68D, the Hitachi AXM-32DAB offers both DAB Band III and FM PLL reception in one unit.

With a CD player capable of playing CD-recordable and CD-rewriteable discs, and MP3 files on CD, the Hitachi AXM-32DAB offers a 20 track program feature in addition to search, memory, pause, skip and repeat functions.

There's also a bass and treble control to cut and boost frequencies, and a useful headphone socket for quiet listening times. A remote control completes the setup.

The Hitachi AXM-32DAB produces a maximum of 2 x 5 Watts RMS, with the main unit measuring 160 x 160 x 230mm and each speaker 160 x 150 x 130mm.

Hitachi's second DAB hi-fi system, the AXM-32DAB, is in the shops now, at GBP129.99.

Related links:
locate and buy/reserve this item from Argos Online (GBP129.99)
- enter the search term AXM-32DAB to find this product at the above site

Xfm DAB portable offers digital radio in style

Style-conscious listeners may be interested to know that the Xfm branded DAB digital portable stereo is still available. The Xfm C51 feature list includes playback of MP3 files on SD/MMC cards and the Xfm DAB radio offers a ten minute DAB record and replay button to allow you to listen again to your favourite track or news items.



The Xfm DAB radio also features clock and alarm, 5 DAB and 5 FM presets and is both mains and battery powered. A compact carry handle allow true portability and there's a telescopic aerial for picking up DAB and FM stations. A backlit display shows station information on DAB.


Xfm C51 DAB/FM radio

The Xfm C51 is available now for GBP129.99.

Related links:
locate and buy the Xfm C51 from Dixons online (GBP129.99)
locate and buy the Xfm C51 from Currys online (GBP129.99)
list of other online retailers of DAB digital radios

Matsui CD48D DAB/CD stereo combo offers transportable DAB

Matsui's first DAB/CD/cassette stereo, the Matsui CD48D, is now available to buy. The unit features a CD player capable of reading CD-recordable and CD-rewriteable discs and a tape deck.

With twin speakers, a carry handle and telescopic aerial, for pulling in DAB digital radio stations, the Matsui CD48D's compact design means the unit is ideal for use in the kitchen or bedroom. The CD48D offers an LCD display for station information on DAB digital radio as well as 20 memory presets. A remote control is also included and there's a headphone socket for night-time listening.


Matsui CD48D with tape, DAB and CD

The Matsui CD48D is currently on sale for GBP79.99 (correct at time of press).

Related links:
locate and buy the Matsui CD48D from Dixons online (GBP79.99)
locate and buy the Matsui CD48D from Currys online (GBP79.99)
list of other online retailers of DAB digital radios

Matsui R100 hits the shelves

Budget electronics manufacturer Matsui has introduced its first DAB digital radio for under GBP50.00. The Matsui R100 offers stereo sound from twin speakers, 20 presets and is mains powered.

The Matsui R100 is available to buy now for GBP49.99.

Related links:
locate and buy the Matsui R100 now from Dixons online (GBP49.99)
list of other online retailers of DAB digital radios

Relisys RDAB100 DAB radio now available

Electronics company Relisys has brought its first DAB radio to the marketplace. The Relisys RDAB100 DAB radio offers 10 memory presets on DAB and FM in addition to alarm and sleep functions. The radio also features an illuminated display for DAB station information and scrolling text.

The Relisys RDAB100 also has twin speakers, with the main radio unit measuring 137 x 170 x 130 mm and the speaker cabinets 94 x 140 x 130mm.
It is available to buy now at around GBP59.99 (correct at time of press)


Relisys RDAB100 DAB radio

Related links:
locate and buy the Relisys RDAB100 DAB radio (GBP59.99)
list of other online retailers of DAB digital radios

Crown CDR240 offers dual-band DAB/FM solution

Crown's recently-launched CDR240 DAB/FM radio offers twin band radio in a stylish unit. The Crown CDR240 has PLL (phase lock looped) FM tuning and Band III DAB digital radio reception. The Crown CDR240 features a two-line matrix display for DAB station and scrolling text information, a headphone socket and both mains and battery operation.


The Crown CDR240 DAB radio with FM reception

Producing 2 x 1.5 watts power output from its twin speakers, the silver-finished Crown CDR240 also has a DAB autotune feature and telescopic aerial for pulling in DAB radio stations. Priced at GBP54.99 (correct at time of press), the Crown CDR240 offers one of the cheaper solutions for listening to both DAB and FM radio stations.

Related links:
locate and buy the Crown CDR240 (GBP54.99)
locate and buy a similar model to the Crown CDR240 (GBP89.99)
- type the search code L61AY in the search box at the above website

DAB updates and recent launches

- Masti Radio has launched on the DAB digital radio multiplex serving Bradford and Huddersfield. The station, playing contemporary Asian, urban and pop music, is aimed at people up to the age of 34. The website can be found at www.mastiradio.com. The station launched way back on 9th December 2004.

- Travel Now, the DAB-based travel news service, has finished on London's second DAB digital radio multiplex, operated by Switch Digital. The service ceased in mid-December 2004.

BT launches Aviator 10M DAB radio

Telecommunications company BT has recently launched its first DAB digital radio, the Aviator 10M. The Aviator 10M features both DAB Band III and FM reception, which means the user can also pick up stations on the FM dial, too.

The Aviator 10M offers playback of mp3 files from a SD or MMC card. It also features a ten minute (maximum) radio recording facility, enabling the listener to record and replay the last track or segment of a programme.


Aviator 10M DAB/FM radio

The Aviator 10M's features a large backlit matrix display screen, an alarm and clock function, line-out and headphone sockets and twin 3-inch speakers.

The radio runs off the mains or using 4 "D"-size batteries, allowing true portability.

Measuring 230 x 100 x 220mm, the BT Aviator 10M is available to buy now for GBP99.99 (correct at time of press)

Related links:
locate and buy the BT Aviator 10M (GBP99.99)
list of other online retailers of DAB digital radios

Roberts RD11 now at a lower price

The RD11 from Roberts Radio is now available for a lower price. The Roberts RD11 can now be found for GBP112.99 (correct at time of press).

The Roberts RD11 offers both DAB Band III and FM station reception and features PausePlus and radio rewind features, allowing the listener to pause live radio and rewind the audio by up to a few minutes to catch again something missed.

With ten station presets, rotary volume, bass and treble controls and rotary menu/station selector, the Roberts RD11 DAB/FM radio also features an external aerial socket, twin speakers and LCD display.


Roberts RD11 DAB radio with FM RDS

Using 6 C-size batteries, the Roberts RD11 can be taken out and about, and used away from a mains socket.

Key features:
- DAB and FM with RDS
- PausePlus and rewind functions
- Stereo reproduction through twin speakers
- Easy to read multi-function LCD display
- 10 station presets
- Menu display/selection of all major functions
- Search /Manual tuning
- Rotary control for station/menu selection
- Rotary volume, treble and bass controls
- External DAB aerial socket
- AC mains socket
- Uses 6x LR14 (C size) batteries
- Size mm 298w x 225h x 111d mm
- Weight: Approx 1.34kg.

Related links:
locate and buy the Roberts RD11 for GBP112.99
locate and buy the Roberts RD11 for GBP134.99 (inc. P&P)

Correction for Acoustic Solutions SP111D DAB tuner

A correction for the Acoustic Solutions SP111D DAB tuner with FM: this tuner does not, as stated on this site and at www.radio-now.com, have a 5-minute rewind feature.

Potential purchasers of the Acoustic Solutions SP111D DAB/FM radio should be aware of this correction. This information was originally gained from a supplier's website and we apologise for any inconvenience.