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The Bug.....???
It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'??
http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) but, short of an aerial that will seriously bugger up all the Feng Shooey hereabouts, I'm at a loss how to remedy matters. I like my 'radio' and even I have to admit that DAB which is thin, brittle sounding and not at all engaging (I had a Technics DAB tuner and got rid) but which you *can* listen to is gonna beat FM you can't! (The portables here are fine - but we all know about that, don't we?) This Bug thing, whilst obviously aimed at zitboy 'Geeko Freekos', seems to offer some seriously useful functionality (SD card recording) and is a welcome departure from the usual, boring 440mm 'hifi slice' that has no particular relevance to my valve amps and turntable setups. I'm kinda reasoning that if I can listen to MP3s that have been 'valved up a bit', I can surely listen to DAB - as 'sonic wallpaper' in the same way, if nothing else.....?? TIA |
The Bug.....???
Keith G wrote:
It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'?? http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Buggy and ****e ergonomics, so I'm told. Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) You *like* mono?? but, short of an aerial that will seriously bugger up all the Feng Shooey hereabouts, I'm at a loss how to remedy matters. I like my 'radio' and even I have to admit that DAB which is thin, brittle sounding and not at all engaging (I had a Technics DAB tuner and got rid) but which you *can* listen to is gonna beat FM you can't! (The portables here are fine - but we all know about that, don't we?) I'd advise you to get Freeview if possible, and if you cannot get Freeview get digital satellite. The audio quality is better on Freeview and digital satellite than on DAB due to the higher bit rates used. To see which stations are available and to compare bit rates see: http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/in...bit_rate_table 192kbps for stereo usually sounds pretty good (not as good as, say, Radio 3 FM, but good nonetheless), 128kbps as used on DAB sounds ****e. This Bug thing, whilst obviously aimed at zitboy 'Geeko Freekos', seems to offer some seriously useful functionality (SD card recording) and is a welcome departure from the usual, boring 440mm 'hifi slice' that has no particular relevance to my valve amps and turntable setups. I'm kinda reasoning that if I can listen to MP3s that have been 'valved up a bit', I can surely listen to DAB - as 'sonic wallpaper' in the same way, if nothing else.....?? Hmmm. -- Steve - www.digitalradiotech.co.uk - Digital Radio News & Info Freeview receivers price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/fr..._receivers.htm DAB radios price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/da...tal_radios.htm |
The Bug.....???
In article , Keith G
writes It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'?? http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) but, short of an aerial that will seriously bugger up all the Feng Shooey hereabouts, I'm at a loss how to remedy matters. I like my 'radio' and even I have to admit that DAB which is thin, brittle sounding and not at all engaging (I had a Technics DAB tuner and got rid) but which you *can* listen to is gonna beat FM you can't! (The portables here are fine - but we all know about that, don't we?) What with Peterbourgh down you won't be getting anything much of a usable signal till they have this little lot "sorted" http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/peterborough.asp -- Tony Sayer |
The Bug.....???
On Mon, 1 Nov 2004 18:16:55 +0000, tony sayer
wrote: In article , Keith G writes It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'?? http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) but, short of an aerial that will seriously bugger up all the Feng Shooey hereabouts, I'm at a loss how to remedy matters. I like my 'radio' and even I have to admit that DAB which is thin, brittle sounding and not at all engaging (I had a Technics DAB tuner and got rid) but which you *can* listen to is gonna beat FM you can't! (The portables here are fine - but we all know about that, don't we?) What with Peterbourgh down you won't be getting anything much of a usable signal till they have this little lot "sorted" http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/peterborough.asp Do they have any idea what caused the collapse yet? I occasionally have to climb those things. d Pearce Consulting http://www.pearce.uk.com |
The Bug.....???
In article , Don Pearce
writes On Mon, 1 Nov 2004 18:16:55 +0000, tony sayer wrote: In article , Keith G writes It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'?? http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) but, short of an aerial that will seriously bugger up all the Feng Shooey hereabouts, I'm at a loss how to remedy matters. I like my 'radio' and even I have to admit that DAB which is thin, brittle sounding and not at all engaging (I had a Technics DAB tuner and got rid) but which you *can* listen to is gonna beat FM you can't! (The portables here are fine - but we all know about that, don't we?) What with Peterbourgh down you won't be getting anything much of a usable signal till they have this little lot "sorted" http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/peterborough.asp Do they have any idea what caused the collapse yet? I occasionally have to climb those things. What in the UK?... Well they say it was a "fire" but they can't agree quite where the fire was. Some reports say it was 80 metres up the mast, others say it was at the base. I don't buy the 80 metres up the mast, but the bottom of the mast maybe. It seems a feeder cable caught light, or so they say..... -- Tony Sayer |
The Bug.....???
"DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote in message ... Keith G wrote: It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'?? http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Buggy and ****e ergonomics, so I'm told. and it looks horrible! Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) You *like* mono?? but, short of an aerial that will seriously bugger up all the Feng Shooey hereabouts, I'm at a loss how to remedy matters. I like my 'radio' and even I have to admit that DAB which is thin, brittle sounding and not at all engaging (I had a Technics DAB tuner and got rid) but which you *can* listen to is gonna beat FM you can't! (The portables here are fine - but we all know about that, don't we?) I'd advise you to get Freeview if possible, and if you cannot get Freeview get digital satellite. The audio quality is better on Freeview and digital satellite than on DAB due to the higher bit rates used. To see which stations are available and to compare bit rates see: http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/in...bit_rate_table 192kbps for stereo usually sounds pretty good (not as good as, say, Radio 3 FM, but good nonetheless), 128kbps as used on DAB sounds ****e. I'd go with that to a point - but aerial is a problem if you move it around the home and IME they work best (ergonomically) when hooked up to a TV. This Bug thing, whilst obviously aimed at zitboy 'Geeko Freekos', seems to offer some seriously useful functionality (SD card recording) and is a welcome departure from the usual, boring 440mm 'hifi slice' that has no particular relevance to my valve amps and turntable setups. I'm kinda reasoning that if I can listen to MP3s that have been 'valved up a bit', I can surely listen to DAB - as 'sonic wallpaper' in the same way, if nothing else.....?? Hmmm. I've used an Evoke for a while now. Compared to a decent FM portable it sounds rather shut in but not unpleasant - rather like an old Roberts. Compared to FM through the stereo it sounds fine, but I don't 'listen' to the radio in the way I listen to records/CDs (it's playing R4 ATM and it just sounds fine, no problem). In the final analysis I bought the DAB radio so that I could listen to R6 and the world service with half-decent sound and use the radio in the same way as I use a normal portable. It works well and the Evoke seems well screwed together (rather tacky switches though). I also bought it because I've got more money than sense - in that reception isn't a big problem for me The implementation of DAB is a different matter and I was annoyed enough to complain and contribute to consultation (ha) - the bitrate thing is deplorable and would, I imagine, rule DAB out as a serious source of 'high fidelity' music. Rob -- Steve - www.digitalradiotech.co.uk - Digital Radio News & Info Freeview receivers price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/fr..._receivers.htm DAB radios price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/da...tal_radios.htm |
The Bug.....???
On Mon, 1 Nov 2004 18:46:48 +0000, tony sayer
wrote: What in the UK?... Well they say it was a "fire" but they can't agree quite where the fire was. Some reports say it was 80 metres up the mast, others say it was at the base. I don't buy the 80 metres up the mast, but the bottom of the mast maybe. It seems a feeder cable caught light, or so they say..... -- Tony Sayer Not the UK - much worse. I was up a 70 metre guyed mast in Kuwait - the guy ropes were all loose and it was blowing a gale. Every time the wind blew from another direction the mast would topple that way and jerk to a stop as the guy rope came taut. I don't have a climbing ticket any more, so that is my excuse over here. d Pearce Consulting http://www.pearce.uk.com |
The Bug.....???
Rob wrote:
"DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote in message ... Keith G wrote: It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'?? http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Buggy and ****e ergonomics, so I'm told. and it looks horrible! Indeed. I'd advise you to get Freeview if possible, and if you cannot get Freeview get digital satellite. The audio quality is better on Freeview and digital satellite than on DAB due to the higher bit rates used. To see which stations are available and to compare bit rates see: http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/in...bit_rate_table 192kbps for stereo usually sounds pretty good (not as good as, say, Radio 3 FM, but good nonetheless), 128kbps as used on DAB sounds ****e. I'd go with that to a point - but aerial is a problem if you move it around the home and IME they work best (ergonomically) when hooked up to a TV. Sure, and I use mine with a TV, but you can get the Humax F2FoxT which has an LED channel number display if you don't want to use a TV. This Bug thing, whilst obviously aimed at zitboy 'Geeko Freekos', seems to offer some seriously useful functionality (SD card recording) and is a welcome departure from the usual, boring 440mm 'hifi slice' that has no particular relevance to my valve amps and turntable setups. I'm kinda reasoning that if I can listen to MP3s that have been 'valved up a bit', I can surely listen to DAB - as 'sonic wallpaper' in the same way, if nothing else.....?? Hmmm. I've used an Evoke for a while now. Compared to a decent FM portable it sounds rather shut in but not unpleasant - rather like an old Roberts. I bought an Evoke-1 recently when they were £45 at Argos. It's okay, but I have no idea what everybody was raving about. Compared to FM through the stereo it sounds fine, but I don't 'listen' to the radio in the way I listen to records/CDs (it's playing R4 ATM and it just sounds fine, no problem). It's a mono portable, so it hides defects nicely that hi-fi systems bring out. In the final analysis I bought the DAB radio so that I could listen to R6 and the world service with half-decent sound and use the radio in the same way as I use a normal portable. It works well and the Evoke seems well screwed together (rather tacky switches though). I also bought it because I've got more money than sense - in that reception isn't a big problem for me In time we'll be able to stream digital TV around the house. There's already plenty of MP3 wireless devices, although at the moment I'm not aware that anybody's bothered to add MP2, but I'd guess it's only a matter of time. The implementation of DAB is a different matter and I was annoyed enough to complain and contribute to consultation (ha) - the bitrate thing is deplorable and would, I imagine, rule DAB out as a serious source of 'high fidelity' music. Indeed. -- Steve - www.digitalradiotech.co.uk - Digital Radio News & Info Freeview receivers price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/fr..._receivers.htm DAB radios price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/da...tal_radios.htm |
The Bug.....???
On Mon, 01 Nov 2004 14:02:11 +0000, Keith G wrote:
It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'?? http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) but, short of an aerial that will seriously bugger up all the Feng Shooey hereabouts, I'm at a loss how to remedy matters. I like my 'radio' and even I have to How about using a Freeview box for your radio? The bitrate is better than DAB (or so I'm told) and you don't *have* to have the TV stations tuned in - just a TV aerial feed to it. Probably a lot cheaper than DAB tuners too. -- Mick (no M$ software on here... :-) ) Web: http://www.nascom.info |
The Bug.....???
DAB sounds worse than FM wrote:
Keith G wrote: It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'?? http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Buggy and ****e ergonomics, so I'm told. Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) You *like* mono?? Valves guys like that Steve :-) |
The Bug.....???
Hi,
In message , Dave xxxxx writes DAB sounds worse than FM wrote: Keith G wrote: Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) You *like* mono?? Valves guys like that Steve :-) I'll take good mono over bad stereo every time! -- Regards, Glenn Booth |
The Bug.....???
"Glenn Booth" wrote in message ... Hi, In message , Dave xxxxx writes DAB sounds worse than FM wrote: Keith G wrote: Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) You *like* mono?? Valves guys like that Steve :-) I'll take good mono over bad stereo every time! Absolutely agreed! I've got a good number of 50s Jazz records in mono and *nobody* ever notices it's mono!! (Gave one such to Nick G - Lionel Hampton at the Apollo, IIRC) :-) |
The Bug.....???
Keith G wrote:
Absolutely agreed! I've got a good number of 50s Jazz records in mono and *nobody* ever notices it's mono!! (Gave one such to Nick G - Lionel Hampton at the Apollo, IIRC) Yep, and I still listen to it, thanks :-) -- Nick |
The Bug.....???
"DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote in message ... Keith G wrote: It's a long shot I know, but does anyone have any experience of 'The Bug'?? http://www.thebug.com/ 'Sound quality', build quality etc.??? Buggy and ****e ergonomics, so I'm told. OK. (Not encouraging....) Me much-loved stereo tuners are emitting a terrible, continual interference these days (both of them) which I can't tune out. I've been mono for a while now (don't bother me - I like mono) You *like* mono?? Yep -especially a nice big 'phantom mono' hanging between the speakers!! If stereo is done well it can be blinding but it's very often buggered up - presumably by bored mixing engineers? (See recent posts about 'wafting pianos'....) Mono radio is just an 'ingrained' thing with me I suppose....? snip excellent links - all bookmarked now Thanks for the info and to *all* who responded. OK, I'm taking it as a bit of a 'thumbs down' all round and I've decided to make a bit more effort with internal aerials on the FM tuners and have already got a clean mono but not a hiss-free stereo yet. If I can get the aerials tacked up tidily I'll stick with FM - I've tried DAB and didn't like it much and can get hold of a Freeview box although I don't much fancy buggering about with one of them and no picture to see what I'm doing.... I guess I was tempted by the SD card recording and them little blue LED eyes........ ;-) |
The Bug.....???
Hi,
In message , Keith G writes "Glenn Booth" wrote in message ... I'll take good mono over bad stereo every time! Absolutely agreed! I've got a good number of 50s Jazz records in mono and *nobody* ever notices it's mono!! (Gave one such to Nick G - Lionel Hampton at the Apollo, IIRC) I've got one of your Lionel Hampton LPs on at the moment, as it happens. Perdido (I think - can't be bothered moving to find the cover) in glorious mono, and it's great (I must be enjoying it - wifey keeps asking me to turn it down). To be honest, I probably only spend 10% of the time I have music on really 'listening'. The other 90% is musical wallpaper (it's better than the telly, after all) and stereo doesn't really count for much when I'm five feet from one speaker and nine feet from the other. -- Regards, Glenn Booth |
The Bug.....???
"Don Pearce" wrote in message ... On Mon, 1 Nov 2004 18:46:48 +0000, tony sayer wrote: What in the UK?... Well they say it was a "fire" but they can't agree quite where the fire was. Some reports say it was 80 metres up the mast, others say it was at the base. I don't buy the 80 metres up the mast, but the bottom of the mast maybe. It seems a feeder cable caught light, or so they say..... -- Tony Sayer Not the UK - much worse. I was up a 70 metre guyed mast in Kuwait - the guy ropes were all loose and it was blowing a gale. Every time the wind blew from another direction the mast would topple that way and jerk to a stop as the guy rope came taut. I don't have a climbing ticket any more, so that is my excuse over here. (Sneaky bugger's got under my radar...... :-) Hmmm.... |
The Bug.....???
"tony sayer" wrote in message ... [snip] Well they say it was a "fire" but they can't agree quite where the fire was. Some reports say it was 80 metres up the mast, others say it was at the base. I don't buy the 80 metres up the mast, but the bottom of the mast maybe. It seems a feeder cable caught light, or so they say..... -- Tony Sayer An interesting thought. The pics on Mike Brown's site seem to indicate that the mast came down in something like a straight line? If the faire had caused a guy to fail at the bottom mount (say 150ft) then the bottom section would have been pulled out in the opposite direction. The rest of the tower would have come straight down probably up or close to the second guy point before toppling over, but surely the would still have been some flexure, not the near straight that it looks to be. If the fire was right at the base and the feeders had got hot and caused twisting which made the bottom section drop from its (ball?) mount, then again surely there would have been so bending. Agreed the guys are not designed to take the weight of the tower, only hold it up and stop it moving about, but unless some of the guys snapped (which implies poor maintenance) then there must have been some other cause. That Mr Bin-Liner has got a lot to answer for! -- Woody PS Ironically, I understand the collapsing mast missed the ntl: building and fell straight on the Crown Castle accommodation! |
The Bug.....???
In article , harrogate2
writes "tony sayer" wrote in message ... [snip] Well they say it was a "fire" but they can't agree quite where the fire was. Some reports say it was 80 metres up the mast, others say it was at the base. I don't buy the 80 metres up the mast, but the bottom of the mast maybe. It seems a feeder cable caught light, or so they say..... -- Tony Sayer An interesting thought. The pics on Mike Brown's site seem to indicate that the mast came down in something like a straight line? If the faire had caused a guy to fail at the bottom mount (say 150ft) then the bottom section would have been pulled out in the opposite direction. The rest of the tower would have come straight down probably up or close to the second guy point before toppling over, but surely the would still have been some flexure, not the near straight that it looks to be. If the fire was right at the base and the feeders had got hot and caused twisting which made the bottom section drop from its (ball?) mount, then again surely there would have been so bending. Agreed the guys are not designed to take the weight of the tower, only hold it up and stop it moving about, but unless some of the guys snapped (which implies poor maintenance) then there must have been some other cause. It stands on the ball mount. Looking at some other piccys that aren't in circulation as yet I can see why the police are appealing for further info, as some things don't seem to stack up as they ought;( That Mr Bin-Liner has got a lot to answer for! Who knows?... -- Woody PS Ironically, I understand the collapsing mast missed the ntl: building and fell straight on the Crown Castle accommodation! Yes they built them to last in those days. As you can see for the latest offerings on MB21 there isn't that much building damage.... http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/peterbo...rborough04.asp -- Tony Sayer |
The Bug.....???
Keith G wrote:
OK, I'm taking it as a bit of a 'thumbs down' all round and I've decided to make a bit more effort with internal aerials on the FM tuners and have already got a clean mono but not a hiss-free stereo yet. Try a directional aerial, if the signals you want to receive come from the same approximate direction, and the higher the aerial the better (there's an equation that relates received signal strength to aerial height) and on the roof is better than indoors (to save the attenuation incurred by the signal travelling through walls/windows. If you put an aerial on the roof and amplify it as close to the aerial as possible, you could then distribute the signal around the house. If I can get the aerials tacked up tidily I'll stick with FM - If you're using a wire aerial stuck to the wall near your hi-fi, then it's very likely that you could significantly improve your FM reception just by getting a single-element aerial and moving it to where reception is better with the same room. I bought a single-element dipole from Maplins to replace the wire aerial and put the new aerial on my windowsill, and reception improved significantly. The reason is that inside a room there's a lot of multipath (the signals are all reflecting off walls and interfering with each other), so just the fact that you've got more flexibility as to where you position the aerial allows you to improve reception compared to being constrained by the wire aerial making you put the aerial within a few feet of your hi-fi. I've tried DAB and didn't like it much Indeed. and can get hold of a Freeview box although I don't much fancy buggering about with one of them and no picture to see what I'm doing.... If you can borrow a portable TV just to set it up, then you could get one of these: http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/fr...m#humax_f2foxt which has an LED channel number display, and it's really quick to remember which radio station is on which channel number. You'd very likely be able to store a favourites list, so that you could press up channel or down channel to flick quickly between the stations you do listen to and not have to land on Smash Hits.... I guess I was tempted by the SD card recording and them little blue LED eyes........ Why don't you use your PC for recording? Miles better than using SD cards IMO. -- Steve - www.digitalradiotech.co.uk - Digital Radio News & Info Freeview receivers price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/fr..._receivers.htm DAB radios price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/da...tal_radios.htm |
The Bug.....???
"DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote snip good stuff - note taken Not so good again today - summat's not right with FM hereaboots. It's been like it for a month or so, so it's nowt to do with the P'bro mast. I'm not ruling out DAB at this stage but I don't think I want a Freeview box if it's going to be a pain to use. Is there any chance that DAB transmissions will ever improve in the future?? (OK, thought not.....) Why don't you use your PC for recording? Miles better than using SD cards IMO. Those SD card are not expensive any more (my camera uses them) - I could see myself using them like tapes and the radio has a timer all built in. Depending on the bitrate you get about a minute per Meg - ie I hour prog on a 64 card. The trouble with using the PC (perfectly doable - all ready to go) is that you have to, er, use the PC....!!! Ie not too convenient - once you've recorded a programme you can play it like a CD (jab a button to go, pause, stop....) We'll see.... :-) |
The Bug.....???
In article , Keith G
writes "DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote snip good stuff - note taken Not so good again today - summat's not right with FM hereaboots. It's been like it for a month or so, so it's nowt to do with the P'bro mast. Keith!, now let old tone tell U, its all to do with the lack of a proper AERIAL!, that is what you need!. Its *that* simple. Now if for whatever reason you do not want one outside, then clear some clobber away in the loft and stick one up there. When you do, use a good one, a Triax available from CPC and use a decent bit of aerial feeder and you will wonder where all the hiss etc went, and further wonder why the hell you didn't do this before!. Peterbourgh is back in operation, well sort of, after being bought down by a rouge "firework" http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/c...re/3975575.stm And in all its deceased glory;( http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/peterbo...rborough04.asp I'm not ruling out DAB at this stage but I don't think I want a Freeview box if it's going to be a pain to use. Is there any chance that DAB transmissions will ever improve in the future?? (OK, thought not.....) No NOT... -- Tony Sayer |
The Bug.....???
"tony sayer" wrote in message ... In article , Keith G writes "DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote snip good stuff - note taken Not so good again today - summat's not right with FM hereaboots. It's been like it for a month or so, so it's nowt to do with the P'bro mast. Keith!, now let old tone tell U, its all to do with the lack of a proper AERIAL!, that is what you need!. Its *that* simple. I know, I know.... Now if for whatever reason you do not want one outside, then clear some clobber away in the loft That's where it falls on its arse - I can barely get into the loft and it would a week to clear it out! and stick one up there. When you do, use a good one, a Triax available from CPC and use a decent bit of aerial feeder and you will wonder where all the hiss etc went, and further wonder why the hell you didn't do this before!. Peterbourgh is back in operation, well sort of, after being bought down by a rouge "firework" Rouge? Owah Saaaayy..... :-) How do you know it wasn't 'puce' or 'cerise' (or 'magenta' or 'vermilion').....??? :-) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/c...re/3975575.stm And in all its deceased glory;( http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/peterbo...rborough04.asp Hmmm, that's bad luck - talk about 'jam side down'....!!! :-) |
The Bug.....???
Keith G wrote:
"DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote snip good stuff - note taken Not so good again today - summat's not right with FM hereaboots. It's been like it for a month or so, so it's nowt to do with the P'bro mast. I'm not ruling out DAB at this stage but I don't think I want a Freeview box if it's going to be a pain to use. Try the Humax F2FoxT because it has an LED channel number display: http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/fr...m#humax_f2foxt Is there any chance that DAB transmissions will ever improve in the future?? (OK, thought not.....) To improve they'll have to increase the bit rates used and, although the BBC have said they want additional capacity so that they can increase their bit rates on DAB, all the commercial radio groups are against the BBC getting *any* more national capacity, and the commercial radio groups are adamant that they won't increase their own bit rates. So, it's up to Ofcom whether or not the BBC get any more capacity, but I can't say I'm optimistic that they will give them any. Why don't you use your PC for recording? Miles better than using SD cards IMO. Those SD card are not expensive any more (my camera uses them) - I could see myself using them like tapes and the radio has a timer all built in. They're still very expensive per MB compared to DVD-Rs: http://www.dabs.com/uk/Search2/resul...hrase=SD+cards http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acata...LICK_HERE.html Depending on the bitrate you get about a minute per Meg - ie I hour prog on a 64 card. A DVD-R disc can hold about 4700 MB, and the first 25-pack on the above page costs £6.49, or 26p per disc, or 180 MB per penny! The trouble with using the PC (perfectly doable - all ready to go) is that you have to, er, use the PC....!!! PC power consumption is about 120W, and a CRT monitor consumes 80W of that, so the remaining is about 40W to have a PC on with a CRT monitor off. IIRC, electricity was about 6p/kWh, so it would cost about 6p per 24 hours to have your PC on with the monitor off. Ie not too convenient - once you've recorded a programme you can play it like a CD (jab a button to go, pause, stop....) You could use one of these to plug into your hi-fi: http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Product...20&GroupID=378 and it has a remote control: http://www.netgear.co.uk/entertainment_digital_home.php -- Steve - www.digitalradiotech.co.uk - Digital Radio News & Info Freeview receivers price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/fr..._receivers.htm DAB radios price comparison - http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/da...tal_radios.htm |
The Bug.....???
"DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote in message ... Keith G wrote: "DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote snip good stuff - note taken Not so good again today - summat's not right with FM hereaboots. It's been like it for a month or so, so it's nowt to do with the P'bro mast. I'm not ruling out DAB at this stage but I don't think I want a Freeview box if it's going to be a pain to use. Try the Humax F2FoxT because it has an LED channel number display: http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/fr...m#humax_f2foxt Is there any chance that DAB transmissions will ever improve in the future?? (OK, thought not.....) To improve they'll have to increase the bit rates used and, although the BBC have said they want additional capacity so that they can increase their bit rates on DAB, all the commercial radio groups are against the BBC getting *any* more national capacity, and the commercial radio groups are adamant that they won't increase their own bit rates. So, it's up to Ofcom whether or not the BBC get any more capacity, but I can't say I'm optimistic that they will give them any. OK, thanks for the extensive information and the links - much appreciated. I have put off responding until I've had the chance to borrow back (was mine) a Technics DAB/AM/FM tuner and make some comparisons. I've been flicking between DAB and FM Radio 3 for a while to see if I can 'learn to love DAB' and I ain't sure that I can. My memory of it as bland and lifeless (recessed and dull) has been confirmed. It's so like the comparison between CD and vinyl I'm not surprised that I'm not surprised!! So it's either an aerialling exercise that I seriously don't fancy or go with the 'perfect digital sound forever' and try to get used to it. If it weren't for the fact that there's nothing to touch a *decent* FM concert I would probably just cop for a DAB (I'm ruling out ****ing about with Freeview receivers), especially as it's getting rarer and rarer that a radio prog 'hits the spot' when I'm in a position to listen to it..... |
The Bug.....???
In article , Keith G
writes "DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote in message ... Keith G wrote: "DAB sounds worse than FM" wrote snip good stuff - note taken Not so good again today - summat's not right with FM hereaboots. It's been like it for a month or so, so it's nowt to do with the P'bro mast. I'm not ruling out DAB at this stage but I don't think I want a Freeview box if it's going to be a pain to use. Try the Humax F2FoxT because it has an LED channel number display: http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/fr...m#humax_f2foxt Is there any chance that DAB transmissions will ever improve in the future?? (OK, thought not.....) To improve they'll have to increase the bit rates used and, although the BBC have said they want additional capacity so that they can increase their bit rates on DAB, all the commercial radio groups are against the BBC getting *any* more national capacity, and the commercial radio groups are adamant that they won't increase their own bit rates. So, it's up to Ofcom whether or not the BBC get any more capacity, but I can't say I'm optimistic that they will give them any. OK, thanks for the extensive information and the links - much appreciated. I have put off responding until I've had the chance to borrow back (was mine) a Technics DAB/AM/FM tuner and make some comparisons. I've been flicking between DAB and FM Radio 3 for a while to see if I can 'learn to love DAB' and I ain't sure that I can. My memory of it as bland and lifeless (recessed and dull) has been confirmed. It's so like the comparison between CD and vinyl I'm not surprised that I'm not surprised!! So it's either an aerialling exercise that I seriously don't fancy or go with the 'perfect digital sound forever' and try to get used to it. If it weren't for the fact that there's nothing to touch a *decent* FM concert I would probably just cop for a DAB (I'm ruling out ****ing about with Freeview receivers), especially as it's getting rarer and rarer that a radio prog 'hits the spot' when I'm in a position to listen to it..... Consider Mr K. How often are you out in the garden admiring your wall versus admiring the FM coming from your hi-fi?. If your having problems in getting an e******n then I know a man who can;)).. -- Tony Sayer |
The Bug.....???
"tony sayer" wrote So it's either an aerialling exercise that I seriously don't fancy or go with the 'perfect digital sound forever' and try to get used to it. If it weren't for the fact that there's nothing to touch a *decent* FM concert I would probably just cop for a DAB (I'm ruling out ****ing about with Freeview receivers), especially as it's getting rarer and rarer that a radio prog 'hits the spot' when I'm in a position to listen to it..... Consider Mr K. How often are you out in the garden admiring your wall versus admiring the FM coming from your hi-fi?. If your having problems in getting an e******n then I know a man who can;)).. (Jeez, I had to work at that one - if you're offering to 'help me get it up' I have to say you ain't my type!! ;-) OK, Toe Knee, the problem is that I don't really want an external aerial (or, more importantly, I don't think Swim wants one) the gable end you saw is too visible from the path outside and it's just been done (new bargeboards, tiles re-bedded etc.). Although one at the other end of the house might not be too much of a problem... A loft aerial (if truly effective) would be a much more appealing prospect, but what I'm trying to offset that with is that when I had the DAB before I wasn't using valves, what I'm trying to prove to myself is that on valves it would sound OK. Well, not so far - one of the things I like about FM is that it gets out into the room (announcers and presenters especially) and has 'atmosphere' and 'presence'. With DAB it's sounding like the telly - all the 'facts' are there but with none of the emotion or involvement and it sounds 'recessed'. Add to that I really only need R2, R3 and occasionally R4 and you can see I'm hardly a 'DAB candidate'!! (Also add to that I'll probably be switched off before FM is....!!!) Anyway, I haven't even had chance to use it on the right speakers yet and will try to give it a serious go this evening. If I can't get used to it (almost a certainty) I'll perhaps trouble you for some help with the technicalities (parts list). Thank's for a lovely offer, nevertheless! ;-) |
The Bug.....???
In article , Keith G
writes "tony sayer" wrote So it's either an aerialling exercise that I seriously don't fancy or go with the 'perfect digital sound forever' and try to get used to it. If it weren't for the fact that there's nothing to touch a *decent* FM concert I would probably just cop for a DAB (I'm ruling out ****ing about with Freeview receivers), especially as it's getting rarer and rarer that a radio prog 'hits the spot' when I'm in a position to listen to it..... Consider Mr K. How often are you out in the garden admiring your wall versus admiring the FM coming from your hi-fi?. If your having problems in getting an e******n then I know a man who can;)).. (Jeez, I had to work at that one - if you're offering to 'help me get it up' I have to say you ain't my type!! ;-) OK, Toe Knee, the problem is that I don't really want an external aerial (or, more importantly, I don't think Swim wants one) the gable end you saw is too visible from the path outside and it's just been done (new bargeboards, tiles re-bedded etc.). Although one at the other end of the house might not be too much of a problem... A loft aerial (if truly effective) would be a much more appealing prospect, but what I'm trying to offset that with is that when I had the DAB before I wasn't using valves, what I'm trying to prove to myself is that on valves it would sound OK. Well, not so far - one of the things I like about FM is that it gets out into the room (announcers and presenters especially) and has 'atmosphere' and 'presence'. With DAB it's sounding like the telly - all the 'facts' are there but with none of the emotion or involvement and it sounds 'recessed'. Add to that I really only need R2, R3 and occasionally R4 and you can see I'm hardly a 'DAB candidate'!! (Also add to that I'll probably be switched off before FM is....!!!) Anyway, I haven't even had chance to use it on the right speakers yet and will try to give it a serious go this evening. If I can't get used to it (almost a certainty) I'll perhaps trouble you for some help with the technicalities (parts list). Thank's for a lovely offer, nevertheless! ;-) Yes you really want FM then.... Oh well.. I did offer;)) -- Tony Sayer |
The Bug.....???
"tony sayer" wrote Yes you really want FM then.... Oh well.. I did offer;)) Right this moment the DAB's losing out to a Roberts R757 portable with a telescopic aerial and the headphone socket wired into the audio gear..... (But still a little bit spitchy, dammit!!) |
The Bug.....???
On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 13:31:55 +0000, Keith G wrote:
"tony sayer" wrote Yes you really want FM then.... Oh well.. I did offer;)) Right this moment the DAB's losing out to a Roberts R757 portable with a telescopic aerial and the headphone socket wired into the audio gear..... (But still a little bit spitchy, dammit!!) My best Radio 4 FM reception at the moment is via a mono "Wallace & Grommit living room" radio! -- Mick (no M$ software on here... :-) ) Web: http://www.nascom.info |
The Bug.....???
"mick" wrote in message .. . On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 13:31:55 +0000, Keith G wrote: "tony sayer" wrote Yes you really want FM then.... Oh well.. I did offer;)) Right this moment the DAB's losing out to a Roberts R757 portable with a telescopic aerial and the headphone socket wired into the audio gear..... (But still a little bit spitchy, dammit!!) My best Radio 4 FM reception at the moment is via a mono "Wallace & Grommit living room" radio! -- Mick (no M$ software on here... :-) ) Web: http://www.nascom.info Obviously the penguin is not around :-) Mike |
The Bug.....???
On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 15:01:31 +0000, Mike Gilmour wrote:
Obviously the penguin is not around :-) Nope... but there is a photo of Shawn on the wall! :-) -- Mick (no M$ software on here... :-) ) Web: http://www.nascom.info |
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