Help / DAB / Coverage and Signal
Why is there a time difference between my analogue and DAB radios?
There are two separate causes of delay. The first are the digital transmitting and receiving processes which introduce delays as an integral part of the way they work. These delays can vary between receivers.
The second is the time taken to send signals to a satellite and receive them again on the ground. Many of the BBC's digital programme distribution networks use satellite to get the signals from their point of origin to the transmission point. There is, of course, a similar delay if you receive our broadcasts on a digital satellite receiver in your home.
Analogue signals are not delayed in the same way, so if you are setting your clock from the 'pips', you should use an analogue broadcast if you are concerned about accuracy to the second.
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