All posts by JamesE
Below are all of JamesE's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
Further DAB comment -
Most if not all current DAB (MP2 version)
radio decoders will only decode to a maximum
bit rate of 192Kbp/s. Some SONY, PURE DAB
tuners (and others?) go further to the maximum
by the standard of 256Kbp/s.
I doubt very much if any one is going to Tx at 256Kbp/s
as this will squeeze out other channels on the multiplex.
Not to mention cost to the Txer.
For choral, simple piano, simple orchestral,
folk music etc which has a simple uncluttered
harmonic content, 192Kbp/s would be fine ... just.
Most music is however far more complex than
this, and even more complicated by stereo
imagery, not forgetting reverberations, which
can confuse even AAC codecs at low bit rates.
The whole thing seems to be driven by the BBC and (other?)
face-saving careerists, who have NO scientific and
engineering understanding.
Progress? NO.
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Sunday 17 November 2013 1:33PM
If one compares the best DAB quality at 192Kbp/s which can be found on Radio 3, it still does NOT compare well to FM. When the sound source/music becomes complex, the MP2 codec/decoder crumbles under the strain of stereo high-frequency content.
Transmission in stereo at 128Kbp/s are frankly nauseating especially when played through a HiFi system or headphones where greater scrutiny is offered.
MP2 codec technology is just about 'acceptable' at 80Kbp/s for mono broadcasts.
DAB - is a great concept, no doubt, but due to the low transmission bitrates the MP2 codec, not to mention the stuffing-in as many stations on one multiplex as possible has gravitated this technology as almost worthless.