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Freeview: Reappraisal

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Wed, Feb 20 2013, 1:59PM
plastic penguin
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It takes a boy to criticise anything in life but a man to admit that things have changed. Around 18 months ago I was fed-up with freeview 'commercial' stations: They sounded insipid and packed with sibilance.

Since TV switchover to digital these stations have insidiously improved. Now they are as good as standard FM from a tuner IMO. Unless you listen to secondary stations that have yet to latch onto digital - as I do - can't see any reason for the old traditional tuner. (Blimey, can't believe I'm saying this).

Don't know whether it has anything to do with the switchover or if these stations have wised up. But whatever the reason, I'm immensely grateful.  Smile

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Wed, Feb 20 2013, 2:09PM
#1
BronC
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RE: Freeview: Reappraisal

But is not internet radio the way ahead?

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Wed, Feb 20 2013, 2:11PM
#2
daveh75
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RE: Freeview: Reappraisal

BronC wrote:

But is not internet radio the way ahead?

Yes.

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Wed, Feb 20 2013, 2:13PM
#3
plastic penguin
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RE: Freeview: Reappraisal

BronC wrote:

But is not internet radio the way ahead?

Yes. But everytime I think of internet radio I come out in a nasty rash. One step at a time, in my case. Smile

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Wed, Feb 20 2013, 2:38PM
#4
chebby
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RE: Freeview: Reappraisal

plastic penguin wrote:
Since TV switchover to digital these stations have insidiously improved. Now they are as good as standard FM from a tuner IMO. Unless you listen to secondary stations that have yet to latch onto digital - as I do - can't see any reason for the old traditional tuner. (Blimey, can't believe I'm saying this).

Bear in mind you are comparing Freeview radio to a lousy FM signal as you stated in another radio thread this week...

plastic penguin wrote:
Even commercial stations vary in quality, such as 'Magic' which is fairly warm sounding, while the likes of 'Absolute Radio' is more trebly or less dense. Add to that is my area is cr** for signal strength. On a perfect day it's fine, but if get a single cloud overhead, it knackers the whole reception.

Hardly a level 'playing field' on which to make comparisons.

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Wed, Feb 20 2013, 2:37PM
#5
chebby
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RE: Freeview: Reappraisal

plastic penguin wrote:
Unless you listen to secondary stations that have yet to latch onto digital - as I do - can't see any reason for the old traditional tuner. (Blimey, can't believe I'm saying this).

Which 'secondary stations'. I'll try looking for them and let you know.

plastic penguin wrote:
Yes. But everytime I think of internet radio I come out in a nasty rash.

Why?

plastic penguin wrote:
One step at a time, in my case. Smile

Each 'step' takes you five years. WHF? will be a monthly brain implant by the time you get it sorted.

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Wed, Feb 20 2013, 2:45PM
#6
plastic penguin
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RE: Freeview: Reappraisal

chebby wrote:

plastic penguin wrote:
Since TV switchover to digital these stations have insidiously improved. Now they are as good as standard FM from a tuner IMO. Unless you listen to secondary stations that have yet to latch onto digital - as I do - can't see any reason for the old traditional tuner. (Blimey, can't believe I'm saying this).

Bear in mind you are comparing Freeview radio to a lousy FM signal as you stated in another radio thread this week...

plastic penguin wrote:
Even commercial stations vary in quality, such as 'Magic' which is fairly warm sounding, while the likes of 'Absolute Radio' is more trebly or less dense. Add to that is my area is cr** for signal strength. On a perfect day it's fine, but if get a single cloud overhead, it knackers the whole reception.

Hardly a level 'playing field' on which to make comparisons.

Yes, but that's not all stations all the time. Generally the commercial ones are best on "dodgy" FM, while BBC stations tends to be hissy and most effected by extreme weather conditions.

Sure it isn't a level 'playing field' but what it has done to my (strange ears) is given Freeview some parity.

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Wed, Feb 20 2013, 2:49PM
#7
plastic penguin
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RE: Freeview: Reappraisal

chebby wrote:

plastic penguin wrote:
Unless you listen to secondary stations that have yet to latch onto digital - as I do - can't see any reason for the old traditional tuner. (Blimey, can't believe I'm saying this).

Which 'secondary stations'. I'll try looking for them and let you know.

plastic penguin wrote:
Yes. But everytime I think of internet radio I come out in a nasty rash.

Why?

plastic penguin wrote:
One step at a time, in my case. Smile

Each 'step' takes you five years. WHF? will be a monthly brain implant by the time you get it sorted.

Radio Jackie (Tolworth), XFM, Eagle radio and Classic FM spring to mind.

C'mon, you know how diffident I am towards anything internet related.

Perhaps it takes five years, but not being 'up to speed' on the modern stuff makes me feel I should posting on Gramophone. Or it could be I'm generally contented.

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