Q&A -DAB Radio


Q1: What is DAB?


A: DAB is means Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) is a robust form of broadcasting using digital compression technology to deliver audio, text, pictures and data in a binary bit stream.


As DAB system serves an area by using one single frequency network (SFN), more radio services are available alongside with data and picture transmissions. This significantly increases the number of channels and allows for improved spectrum efficiency as well as more interaction with audience.



Q2: How can I receive the DAB+ signals?


A: Digital audio broadcasting requires a purpose-built receiver that is incompatible with the existing analogue (AM/FM) receiver.




Q3: Is the whole Hong Kong being covered by the DAB+ transmission?


A: The whole Hong Kong is now being covered by the DAB+ transmission with about 70% geographic coverage. For some locations, the reception of DAB+ signal may be affected by various technical transmission factors. Enhancement project is in progress.




Q4: Why does my DAB+ receiver sometimes fail to receive any DAB signal?


A: There are several possible reasons:
(1) The receiver is outside the service area of DAB transmission.
(2) The receiver is placed far away from window.
(3) The antenna has not been fully extended or properly adjusted.
(4) There may be a problem with the DAB + receivers. Try resetting the receiver by referring to the receiver manual.




Q5: What DAB+ services are provided by Radio Television Hong Kong?


A: RTHK DAB+ services has been launched since 2012, with 2 channels in Putonghua, 2 channels in English and 1 in Cantonese, from DAB 31 to 35. DAB 31 Community Broadcast Channel/RTHK Putonghua Channel; DAB 32: China National Radio (Hong Kong Edition); DAB 33 RTHK Radio 3; DAB 34 BBC World Service; DAB 35 Live Relay Channel/RTHK Radio 5.




Q6: Why DAB?


A: On comparing with the existing analogue (AM/FM) system, DAB has the following advantages:


(1) Using a single frequency network that enhances reception and no fine-tuning of frequency is required.

(2) Reduces the problem of interference encountered in AM/FM broadcast

(3) Provides crystal clear sound that is comparable to near MP3 quality. 

(4) Data transmission alongside with audio broadcast providing text-based information such as instant report on news, weather and traffic information, etc

(5) More channels are available in the same frequency spectrum when compared with FM transmission.




Q7: What are the technical details of the current DAB transmission?


A: It adopts Europe’s Eureka 147 DAB+ system, with the centre frequency of 220.352 MHz.  This system is also widely adopted in Australia.




Q8: Is DAB widely adopted in other countries?


A: DAB has been developed for some time. Currently, as many as 300 million people in 25 countries are served by DAB. In Asia, DAB is being tested or available in Mainland China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Australia adopts the newer DAB+ technology as for digital audio broadcasting.



Q&A -Internet Radio


Q9: What is an Internet Radio?


A: Internet or Wifi radios look alike any other radio, but they can be connected to your home wireless network to give you access to thousands of internet radio stations worldwide.




Q10: What is the benefits of an Internet Radio?


A:  (1) More Choice


An internet Radio gives you access to more than FM or DAB digital radio, including some of the foreign language stations with no boundary.


     (2) Find a new station


The menus on an internet radio enable you search by different methods including by  genre. So you could search for all of the R&B stations available and find new stations that play the types of music you like.