Digital radios: Features explained
Tabletop radios
Not all digital radios can tune in to FM
FM
Most digital radios can also tune in to FM radio. But not all do: something to consider if you take your radio to a remote holiday spot where there's no digital signal.
If you already have an FM radio, and you're buying another radio for a different room, be aware there's a small time difference between analogue and digital broadcasts.
It's not a huge problem, just a minor irritation if you have both radios on at the same time in different rooms.
Electronic Programme Guide
An Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) allows you to select a radio station and scroll through to see future programmes.
You can get it to set reminders – for example, to set your radio to switch to Woman's Hour at 10am, or even record an upcoming show. It works in a similar way to the EPG you get on your Freeview or Sky digibox.
The technology is still in its earliest stages and only the BBC provides the data needed to update the EPG – so you can only look up BBC programmes. We expect EPGs to improve as manufacturers get to grips with this new technology.
Pausing and rewinding live broadcasts
Many of the latest tabletops let you 'pause and rewind' live broadcasts. This is a great feature if you want to restart a song, say, or the doorbell rings during a crucial scene in The Archers.
Be aware that radios with this ability tend to run the batteries down faster as radio data is continually stored in the internal buffer.
Recording
Some tabletop radios can record to the radio's internal memory or a memory card. It's worth checking how many programmes can be saved. Some radios can preserve more than one, but others wipe over any previously recorded material.
Radios with 2 speakers give stereo sound
When recording DAB programmes to a memory card or to internal memory a good rule of thumb is that 1MB can store 1 minute of DAB radio for stations broadcasting at 128kbps, which most do.
Stereo sound
If you want stereo sound, choose a tabletop with two speakers. Obviously, the stereo effect on portable radios is limited because the speakers are close together.
Some mono models will allow you to connect your digital radio to your hi-fi to listen in full stereo glory.
Presets
DAB radios tune in automatically to all the available stations when you first turn them on. You can then scroll through the names of the stations and store favourite stations as presets.
Clock radio functions
Lots of digital radios have the same functions a clock radio does: a clock and alarm, as well as 'snooze' and 'sleep' functions. But they're not a perfect substitute for a proper clock radio because the clock digits are small, and not necessarily illuminated.
Pocket radios
Good headphones definitely improve sound quality
Headphones
All pocket players are supplied with a set of headphones, but even the best offer only average sound quality. To find a good pair of headphones which can improve the sound quality check our headphones report.
FM
Most pocket digital radios can receive FM signals as well as DAB. None of our currently tested models can receive AM though.
MP3
Several pocket DAB radios can also double as an MP3 player. Some record to their internal memory, others to a memory card. Our Best Buy is supplied with software to help you convert your recorded radio programmes into MP3 format.
Maximum volume
Some radios have a maximum volume exceeding 100 dB which is above the level which can damage hearing, please take care when listening on a loud setting. For more information on hearing damages check the British Tinnitus Association links page which will give you a range of options.