Help / DAB / Benefits and Features
What is the DAB EPG - and how does it work?
At a very simple level, the EPG provides information about radio programmes. It is similar to the information you might expect to get from a listings guide such as the Radio Times: the names of programmes; time and date of transmission; and a description of what the programme is about. All of this information can be browsed and read on a suitable DAB radio. Seven days worth of information is available for all BBC national radio networks on a rolling basis.
All you need to know about the BBC's DAB EPG
What does the DAB EPG enable me to do?
By providing information on programmes, the EPG helps you to select the programmes that interest you most. On some radios you can set a reminder to alert you when a programme you are interested in is about to start. On others you can automatically record future programmes and listen to them at a later date by selecting them from the programme list provided by the EPG.
Is the EPG available on all DAB radios?
The EPG is currently only available on a limited number of DAB radios. If you want to buy a radio with the EPG check that it clearly states on the box that it has the EPG function. If you are in any doubt, ask the retailer.
Is the EPG the same thing as the text I see scrolling across my DAB radio?
Virtually all DAB radios carry text information which we call LiveText. LiveText carries information about programmes whereas the EPG provides a complete guide to the next seven days across all networks.
What other types of EPG are there?
EPGs are also available via Digital Television and this includes Freeview, Digital Satelite, Digital Cable and IPTV. The BBC also presents an online EPG for all Television and Radio channels that can be found here http://www.bbc.co.uk/whatson/
Why has the BBC EPG information disappeared on my radio?
We broadcast our EPG in accordance with internationally agreed standards. If you are not receiving any BBC information you might want to check with the manufacturer that the device is EPG capable and that there are no known defects with the device. If the device can be upgraded, according to the instructions on the manufacturers website, we would recommend upgrading the device to the lastest software version.
Because of the way the DAB EPG works on most devices, you have to be tuned to a BBC radio service in order to receive the BBC EPG. Devices generally store seven days of received information. This means that if you have not listened to a BBC radio station for more than seven days, no information will be stored on your radio. If you tune to a BBC Radio station, the EPG information should download to your device. Some devices give the option to store the EPG information to a memory card, this will keep the EPG information on the device for your next use.
How long does it take to download the BBC EPG?
The EPG should download automatically in the background without you noticing or having to do anything. You will normally only have to wait for the BBC EPG to download before you can access it the first time you turn on your radio, when you reset it or when you have not listened to BBC Radio for over a week.
Many factors affect the amount of time it takes to download the EPG. To maximise performance you should make sure your radio is receiving the strongest possible DAB signal. If reception is weak, bits of EPG information are constantly lost before they get to your radio. This means it takes longer to receive the full compliment of EPG information. Your radio's manual will tell you how to check the received signal strength. To maximise this, extend the aerial to its full length and try moving the radio to find the location with the best received signal strength.
What is SlideShow?
We are providing a basic SlideShow service for Radio 1. This service is a series of images that relate to the radio station, programme on air and track/artist information. The images are broadcast synchronously with the audio and update between 60-120 seconds.
We broadcast our SlideShow in accordance with internationally agreed standards. If you are not receiving SlideShow on a device capable of showing SlideShow, please contact the device manufacturer or check the website for a software upgrade.
Related Links
If this does not answer your question sufficiently you may find more help on the pages linked to from the right hand side.
If you still cannot find an answer to your question please click here to contact us
Fill out the form to contact us
All personal information supplied is held securely by the BBC and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Your details will not be used for any other service.
The BBC and any service provider we engage will use the information you supply to respond to your queries/comments, to develop and enhance our services and for statistical analysis of audiences and users. You can see the BBC's policy over privacy here.
The BBC promises that you will NOT receive unsolicited mail by supplying personal details via this form.
© MMIX