DBA+ (1 Viewer)

[Jugular]

Hi Mods,

Now with the creation of DAB+ in Australia, will these cards work with MP. I have talked today with our computer supplier in Brisbane (MRCDR.COM.AU) that he is looking at getting some cards in the next 3-4 weeks. I think he said they would be compro I will know more in the next week as he gets more info on model and pricing but they will be available shortly. So the next thing is do you guys think they will work with MP or not. Just like to know if it would be worth buying one, because if it wont be supported in MP its not worth me getting one as I only use MP for my HTPC.

Thanks

 

[CHli]

It's going to depend on the type of driver I guess. If it's being seen as a normal analog radio card or something else.

 

[funkstar]

Keep us updated.

I would assume that a DAB+ card would also handle regular DAB so they could be of use over here as well.

 

[Jugular]

Not to sure, I have read that the DAB+ is a lot different to the DAB system used in europe and in the UK it has been in used for 10 years. DAB+ is going to begin over your side in late 2010 - 2011. Australia is basicaly the first and a trial for the system. Here is some info from our digital radio site:

DAB+ is based on the original DAB standard but uses a more efficient audio code called HE-AAC v2 (better known as MP4 or AAC+). This is an international standard which is already used in phones and ipods and is now able to be transmitted on DAB+ digital radio. This allows equivalent or better subjective audio quality to be broadcast at lower bit rates. The increased efficiency offers benefits for Stations (lower costs per station) and listeners (a wider choice of stations).

DAB+ provides the same functionality as the original DAB radio services but leaves more space for new multimedia data applications such as traffic announcements and PAD multimedia data (e.g. dynamic labels such as title artist information or news headlines; complementary graphics and images etc).
Main Benefits of DAB+ -

• Latest MPEG4 audio codec delivers exceptional performance efficiency
• More stations can be broadcast on a multiplex
• Greater station choice for consumer
• More efficient use of radio spectrum
• Lower transmission costs for digital stations
• Compatible with existing scrolling text and multimedia services
• Robust audio delivery
• Optimised for live broadcast radio
• Fast re-tuning response time (low zapping delay)
• MPEG surround sound is possible

Australia has selected the new internationally approved Eureka 147 DAB+ standard using advanced audio codec (AAC+) as its primary technology platform for digital radio. DAB+ is a powerful audio technology with powerful data capabilities. AAC+ is two to three times more efficient than the original DAB standard which uses MPEG Audio Layer II coding. DAB+ gives broadcasters the ability to deliver more services using the same amount of spectrum.

 

[CHli]

Even if DAB+ is quite different the DAB+ receivers normally offer the possibility to decode DAB also.

Here in switzerland we have both running in parallel at the moment (it depends on the area where you live), but we will go for a complete switch to DAB+ in the future.

This device is available for around 100 USD but is only DAB as far as I can see. I may buy one for fun

http://www.internet.ch/product_info.php?products_id=768575&ad=Toppreise&language=en

 

[Jugular]

Yes I hope that will be the same for the cards for the PC. True Switzerland has 35 DAB and 13 DAB+ Stations. A population of over 7 million and only 120,000 DAB units sold. 4% of the population only has enbraced it (dated 14/10/2008) are these figures even going to be enough to get manufacturers serious about a PC card. Only 3 countries are running DAB+ Australia, Switzerland and Singapore (Singapore has only sold 25,000 DAB units). As yet in Australia we only took up the system this month so there are no stats on the sale of units. The recievers on the market do both I hope the computer capture cards will be able to do both also if they come to us at all!

 

[funkstar]

I don't know what take up of DAB is in teh UK, but it's not nearly as high as it should be considering how long it's been in the market. Especially when you realise how few cars hav it as an option, yet alone as standard. Even after market head units are limited in their availability.

 

[darro]

Hi,
I don't think compro make DAB cards at this stage, I can only find the TV (DVB) cards on their web site. I have done a lot of searching and I have only found one USB card (Albrecht Homepage) that appears to be shipping at this stage, and a 2nd phantom unit that no one appear to stock (DAB+ T-DMB USB Receiver)
Additionally I cannot seem to find if there is any standard API or drivers to access these devices, like the BDA stuff for DVB cards.
I hope someone does bring them out here soon.
Cheers
Darro