Loading ...Oct 09
The BBC have posted an interesting article on their blog regarding radio channels accessed via the Freesat platform. Not personally a fan of listening to the radio on satellite, but sure many of you are and would benefit from the text updates provided on screen…or the screensaver if you prefer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcilabs/2008/10/freesat_radio.html
October 9th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I listen to radio via satellite rarely but I suppose any move forward in technology is good news.
But, I do think the user interface for satellite radio is a BIG obstacle and usually requires turning on the TV, using the remote control and those using the TV for sound would need to leave it turned on!
If satellite receivers had a tuning knob, a display and had more radio type functionality, like a radio tuner, perhaps more people would tune in?
We’re used to RDS and DAB type front ends with display, information and preset memories with no need to remember that BBC7 is on 108, or whatever.
Poking in a number blind with the TV turned off doesn’t stimulate me . .
Anyway, that’s my view . .
October 9th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I listened to the Freesat Radio and thought the new display was great, But, Its just so easy to turn on DAB if you can get it.
The sound quality through my Hi Fi System was good Via digital output.
Some BBC7 programs may be in Stereo which it isnt on DAB and so I may listen or record them from Freesat or Freeview, if Stereo is important to the content. (Think Dirk Mags)
Recording Radio with a PVR is an underated conveniance I think.
Cheers, Chris
October 9th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I live in deepest darkest Wales where the only real opportunity to listen ( I listen all the time ) to the wealth of radio that is available is via Sat. Long may we be able to do so!!! If you are among the fortunate few who can receive DAB, don’t be too smug.
October 9th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Come to think of it, you should be ashamed of your ignorance to the lack of availability of radio to many people in the UK. I am rather surprised at the editorial ignorance of this unfortunate state of affairs and the fact that SAT Radio fills a very necessary gap in broadcasting. If you ever find yourself in Mid Wales and want to tune to Radio 5 on MW, you may reconsider your view.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I totally agree with Jamie. I live in Norfolk and we have the same problem. DAB is very patchy and FM radio has very little choice. Thanks goodness for radio on Freesat and Freeview
October 9th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Who’s ignorance James?
October 10th, 2008 at 1:10 am
I think Admin may be missing Jamie’s point. Steven states that the use of satellite radio is a big obstacle and Chris states that it is so easy to turn on DAB (I admit he does state if you can get it). What many people do not appreciate is that in places like Wales, Norfolk and many other rural areas, for many years our choice of radio has been, BBC Radios 1 to 4, one local BBC radio and one commercial radio. To have a choice that is on freeview and becoming available on freesat is an absolute blessing. When we visit place like London and turn on a radio, it is like being on another planet with the choice available. Anyone having this choice just cannot appreciate what it has been like just having a choice of 6 radio stations for many years. One also needs to bear in mind the negative attitude to radio via a tv that have been left on other threads. I trust Jamie will confirm what I have said.
October 10th, 2008 at 1:20 am
I’m enlightened and guilty, it’s easy to forget people with less than poor coverage when you’re spoilt for choice and take it for granted, like me.
I still take the view that the ’satellte radio interface’ could be improved and become more ‘radio like’.. I would certainly find that more involving particularly if there were no TV interaction required, like buying a satellite radio receiver if there is such a thing? And no licence required . .:-).
October 10th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Steve P. You put the point rather better than myself. I agree fully. Steven. Delighted you see the point. I agree with your comment re. a better interface. Also Sat radio has a golden opportunity to add detailed notes to programmes being broadcast and those to follow. Text as we know has a very small overhead and on this count could leave DAB gasping for breath.
October 10th, 2008 at 9:12 am
My Freesat box is hooked up to my amp for sound, anyway. This, combined with the fact that the channel number appears on the Freesat box itself, means that I don’t need to switch on the TV to listen to radio.
As I get lousy reception on FM, DAB and any other airwave you can name, satellite radio at least gets me a clear signal, even if higher bitrates would be nice…
October 10th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Radio via satellite is certainly worthwhile, if only because the sound quality is generally a lot better than DAB.
I’m not a frequent listener to satellite radio, but I do use it on occasion and am very glad of it, so much so that I took our none-too-good FM aerial down. It seemed a bit excessive having three aerials, one for TV, one for DAB - can’t get much DAB here without a roof-top aerial - and one for FM, not to mention the two sat dishes!
October 10th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Fortunately in the Bath area we do have a choice as even with a simple indoor ariel the reception from DAB is good, despite the hilly terrain.
My only concern about satellite radio through the tv speakers, is the environmental issue, especially as most of the modern flat panel sets use more energy.
I think the point about a FTA satellite radio set option is a good one . If I recall there was a German system on Astra many years ago which was very popular with classical music fans.
October 11th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
It would be interesting to hear what $ky would have to say if you requested a ‘Radio Only’ installation?
I believe there is a satellite radio system running Michael called Worldspace, I assume it’s still operational.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I use Sky ‘Freesat’ (the single £20 payment card) and a sky digibox (£20 from ebay) to listen to radio thro my Hi-Fi (I inherited the sat dish). I agree with the others - what is needed is a Freeview or Freesat ‘tuner’ with a small display for the Channel ID and ideally the text (similar to most DAB radios). This could be a STB without TV out (if it made it significantly cheaper).