|
Excellent audio quality.
PC Plus, August 2001
Bored with crackly radio transmission? Why not consider upgrading to a digital system?
Despite being surrounded by all manner of communication devices, radio is still an extremely popular medium. This is mainly because listening to the radio requires minimal physical effort for the audience. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) System requirements started in 1997. The advantage is that unlike previous AM or FM analogue broadcasts, DAB is not subject to interference from atmospheric conditions, electrical equipment or buildings. DAB also boasts CD-quality sound, and all of the bonuses of digital technology, including digital outputs to external devices. The problem is, up until now, digital radios have been very expensive pieces of equipment, but with the release of the DRX-601E, that could be set to change. Priced at just under £300, and designed to stylishly blend with your hi-fi separates set-up, the DRX-601E could seriously enhance any home entertainment system.
As it stands, not all of the UK can receive digital radio right now, but this situation will improve in the near future. To check if you are in the current coverage area, go to www.digitalone.co.uk. According to VideoLogic, around 80 per cent of the population can receive digital radio - but our test showed some of the problems with this. If you can connect your system to your television aerial, this will increase your chances of decent reception. ..Not only do you get audio, but the display on the front of the unit can also scroll text, which is broadcast from whatever station you.
Tuning is done automatically... The DRX-601E uses 24-bit, 96KHz delta sigma digital to analogue converters to reproduce the audio, and a remote control unit has been included for those who do not wish to leave the sofa. One of the most interesting components is the Receiver Data Interface (RDI), which is not in use at the moment, but could be used to download additional text and pictures, from the DAB onto your PC.
Excellent audio quality
Future increase of functionality
Overall 7/10
|
|
|
World's First Affordable Digital Radio