I just wondered if anyone else knew that the 88-108MHz FM band is going to be switched off here in 2015?

I only just found out and I think it's ridiculous because nearly everyone I know uses analogue FM still, mainly because it's more reliable - especially in cars!

It looks like it's only happening in Britain too. Our scavenging Government obviously want to sell of yet more bandwidth. :xxx:

White Van men everywhere shudder at the thought

And did you know dab is already an out of date technology!

 

Satellite radio in the US is what's catching on now.

And did you know dab is already an out of date technology!

 

Satellite radio in the US is what's catching on now.

 

I've used satellite (SiriusXM) radios over there and they have lots of crystal-clear stations, unless you go under a bridge lol! You have to pay a subscription of $12.95 or $16.99 a month.

 

There are no similar satellites planned for the UK although there are some European ones already transmitting.

 

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/telecoms/article3949571.ece

So does this mean our tv license will be cheaper because im sure FM radio contributes to the cost of it?

So does this mean our tv license will be cheaper because im sure FM radio contributes to the cost of it?

Hmmm - I think there's more chance of VAT coming down!

I just wondered if anyone else knew that the 88-108MHz FM band is going to be switched off here in 2015?

I only just found out and I think it's ridiculous because nearly everyone I know uses analogue FM still, mainly because it's more reliable - especially in cars!

It looks like it's only happening in Britain too. Our scavenging Government obviously want to sell of yet more bandwidth. :xxx:

 

Yes I did - it was decided and announced by the previous government a couple of years back......

 

.....although the present government does still have the opportunity to overturn that (and isn't it currently under discussion?)

 

Digital radio is getting more reliable now though; I have DAB in my SLK and to be honest it works superbly. I can maintain quality stereo reception of regional stations like Absolute all over the country; plus I have the benefit of additional stations like Planet Rock; Absolute Classic Rock, Absolute 80s etc....

 

...I have gotten so used to it that I have just installed a Kenwood DAB unit in my Z. And so far I am extremely impressed with its performance....

 

But as long as car manufacturers are still installing FM radios in new vehicles, then the government must re-think this daft policy. FM still has plenty of life and use!!

 

Richard:cool3:

 

But as long as car manufacturers are still installing FM radios in new vehicles, then the government must re-think this daft policy. FM still has plenty of life and use!!

 

Richard:cool3:

 

It has but they want the bandwidth ...

So they'll be having everyones cars retrofitted with a new stereo thats of OEM style? It's a bit unfair, I know analogue TV has all but gone (has in the northwest anyway!) and yes its rendered some tvs useless but for £20 you can buy a freeview box, great, how much is a box to convert your normal stereo in a car? Can it actually be done on all cars? Thing is, second hand market for cars is big business, cars up to 20 years old are sold regularly and for reasonable value (I dont just mean zeds!) They have a much longer life than TV's and pretty much all cars still have fm radios fitted as standard! Means no one is going to be able to listen to the radio!

all this change is killing me..i dont like losing stuff ive used all my life:mad2:

34 Years ago I bought my first combined radio,tape record player when I started my first job after leaving school, I payed for it on hp and its sitting in my garage in full working order.:thumbup:

all this change is killing me..i dont like losing stuff ive used all my life:mad2:

 

Grumpy old git ;) hahaha But i know what u mean lol.

never listen to the radio in the car anymore! ipod integrated head units are where its at!!

 

Richard - have you got media interface with your SLK?

..................Richard - have you got media interface with your SLK?

 

Hi Paul,

 

All I know is that I have the full Command system with 6.5 in colour display; navigation, traffic message channel, linguatronic voice control, 6-disc CD/DVD changer & SD card slot; Harman Kardon Logic-7 with 11 speakers and extra amp, DAB tuner, Bluetooth, plus the little slot in the glove-box with the cables for USB or MP3 connecivity.....

 

I guess that last bit is the interface, mate....:wink:

 

Richard:cool2:

So they'll be having everyones cars retrofitted with a new stereo thats of OEM style? It's a bit unfair, I know analogue TV has all but gone (has in the northwest anyway!) and yes its rendered some tvs useless but for £20 you can buy a freeview box, great, how much is a box to convert your normal stereo in a car? Can it actually be done on all cars? Thing is, second hand market for cars is big business, cars up to 20 years old are sold regularly and for reasonable value (I dont just mean zeds!) They have a much longer life than TV's and pretty much all cars still have fm radios fitted as standard! Means no one is going to be able to listen to the radio!

 

I've just repaired the 42 year old stereo FM radio in my project Vette. I doubt there's going to be an easy retrofit for that.

I guess AM will go on forever, because even the whole band can't carry much data and is therefore of no value to our greedy, "democratic" governments.

Hi Paul,

 

All I know is that I have the full Command system with 6.5 in colour display; navigation, traffic message channel, linguatronic voice control, 6-disc CD/DVD changer & SD card slot; Harman Kardon Logic-7 with 11 speakers and extra amp, DAB tuner, Bluetooth, plus the little slot in the glove-box with the cables for USB or MP3 connecivity.....

 

I guess that last bit is the interface, mate....:wink:

 

Richard:cool2:

 

Thats the one mate! :D Great little add on that, plug in your ipod or just stick loads of tunes onto a cheap USB stick & off you go :sorcerer: