Oxfordshire local radio DAB launched today
The Oxfordshire DAB multiplex will be the first of four new local multiplexes which Arqiva will launch
following the Memorandum of Understanding on Local DAB Funding for Radio Switchover signed in June, by commercial radio groups, BBC and government.
The new local digital radio multiplex will bring important local radio stations, including BBC Radio Oxford, Jack FM, Heart, Capital and Gold, to the local digital radio platform.
The MOU on the switch from analogue to digital radio follows the huge success of digital TV switchover which completed in October. The Oxfordshire launch is the first stage of a six million pound
investment from Arqiva which will result in further multiplexes being launched in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire+Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire early next year.
Paul Eaton, Director of Digital Radio at Arqiva said "Oxford is the first of four new local digital radio multiplexes which will deliver more choice and improved radio services to over 1.5 million people across the UK. Digital radio will open the door to smaller radio stations and local enterprises pushing local content and local talent to the forefront. By launching these multiplexes, we are demonstrating
our commitment to the platform, driving improvements in coverage and increasing listening."
The launch is being held at the Oxford Science Museum and will be attended by Ed Vaizey, Minister
for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, who says "This launch
marks a pivotal step in the journey towards digital radio switchover. This is great news for radio
listeners in the Oxford area who will now be able to choose from a range of local digital radio
stations at home and in their car."
Shame 8 miles away from the transmitter in South Oxfordshire and I can barely pick up the Local stations on DAB. Signal strength is almost nothing. I am not convinced the map is accurate. We are line of sight with the transmitter and get a perfect Freeview signal. I suspect the DAB transmitter is very low down on the Mast.
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John's: mapJ's Freeview map terrainJ's terrain plot wavesJ's frequency data J's Freeview Detailed Coverage
4:20 PM
John - Are you sure your Rdaio is tuning to channel 10B correctly ? I say this because although here in Banbury we have perfect line of site to Farthinghoe on 2/3 of my radios (2 tuner seperates & a Sony alarm clock /radio) I had to manually tune in 2 channel 10B.After doing this I get perfect reception. Check if your radio allows manual tuning try tuning channel 10B. Apparently some devices have problems tuning automatically below channel 11A
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11:59 AM
I live about 15 miles SW of the transmitter and get good reception of DAB from Oxford, Hannington and Swindon. I can even detect the London services. But I got no usable signal from the new Oxford local service - until I turned the antenna to horizontal. It then gave me up to 99% signal strength. This happens with no other DAB service I've ever used. I'd swear the service is horizontally polarised if I didn't know otherwise.
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Stephen Alden
Saturday 29 December 2012 2:28AM
RE: New Herts, Beds and Bucks DAB TX
Hi all!
I have been reading about the forthcoming Herts, Beds and Bucks DAB transmitters on channel 10D. However, I have been unable to find any projected coverage maps. Living in West Essex, I am currently able to receive in order of strength: BBC DAB, National 1 DAB, London 1, London 2, London 3, Kent and Essex services.
Note, Essex comes in at the weakest!
My question is, should I expect to receive a signal from 10D multiplex when it opens up at Easter time?
Thanks for your help.
Steve.
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7:38 PM
John - You may have to wait for the Boars Hill transmitter which is coming in 2013, to improve coverage south east of the Beckley transmitter.
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10:56 PM
The HBB & Northants multiplex on 10D is coming through nice & strong in Epsom. Reception is better than 12D Berks & North Hants & the DAB aerial is pointing at Hemdean! It's a funny ol' game!
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2:27 PM
masti radio which was on digital radio in bradford west yorkshire has closed down,so has sunrise radio london sky channel 0133 and sunrise tv on sky channel 830.
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11:33 PM
Surrey Multiplex 10C is up and running!
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