[newbeemini]

Hi im having a DAB radio fitted to my cooper just wondering is it integrated into the standard head unit or the one with the screen?

[CC07ERS]

its intergrated in to the head unit

[lewisdg]

I was thinking about this the other day............Don't the analogue signals get completely turned off in 4 years time ???? If this is the case then all these new cars with built in radios like the R56 mini will have no way of listening to the 'radio'.......Surely by now DAB radios should be standard fit in all cars to take this into account

[newbeemini]

Thats why i really wanted this option, plus the fact i have a DAB radio at home and the difference is amazing.

Plus the fact that yes they are planning to switch off the analogue signals because they are interfering with the digital signals.

Thats the main reason also why tv is switching to digital not only better quality and choice but you cannot have an analogue system and a digital system running together because of the interference and cost.

[lewisdg]

your nearly right...........in some areas digital TV/Radio is really bad due to bandwidth and wavelength allocation. analogue signals don't interfere with DTV/DAB as they are on different bands but it does take up wavelengths that it needs to cover everybody

[Harpo]

To answer the original question, the answer is neither.

The DAB tuner unit is separate from the head unit, and is located in the right hand compartment in the boot.

It is an expensive option, but I can confirm that after living with it for five months, I was given a courtesy car without it recently, and now realise just what a good decision I had made at the time I placed my order.

Go for it, you will not be disappointed.

[JohnWB]

I think that it is only the TV signals that are being turned off. I belive that FM radio will still be broadcast. But having said all that, i have DAB & think it's great.
The audio output is no better but it is much more convineient. FM radio will always be better that DAB if, and it is a big if, you have a decent aerial. Most people only use a bit of wet string or rabbits ears at home or something similar, instead of a proper outdoor FM aerial.

[yorkslad]

Quote: Originally Posted by Harpo (original)

To answer the original question, the answer is neither.

The DAB tuner unit is separate from the head unit, and is located in the right hand compartment in the boot.

It is an expensive option, but I can confirm that after living with it for five months, I was given a courtesy car without it recently, and now realise just what a good decision I had made at the time I placed my order.

Go for it, you will not be disappointed.

Can the DAB unit be retro fitted? Is all the gubbins there just needs connecting? Was told my dealer that it cant be done after the fact???

[newbeemini]

Thanks for clearing that up harpo. I did promise myself that whatever car i get next i would have a DAB radio fitted as fm signals are not great in my area. Just heard today should be getting my car by the end of the month woo hoo!

[Jon Robson]

It will be a long time before analogue FM and AM radio services are turned off, don't worry! DAB has the potential to sound very good, but they keep turning the bitrates down to squeeze more channels in, so as John WB says, a good FM setup has the potential to sound far better.

I would have had the DAB option if it were not so overpriced - you can by a DAB portable now for thirty quid!

[Harpo]

Quote: Originally Posted by yorkslad (original)

Can the DAB unit be retro fitted? Is all the gubbins there just needs connecting? Was told my dealer that it cant be done after the fact???

Almost certainly - but it won't be cheap - lots of work with the loom I would guess.

[Hat]

Quote: Originally Posted by Harpo (original)

Almost certainly - but it won't be cheap - lots of work with the loom I would guess.

the DAB units are woven?