Hi

I saw in one of this weeks car magazines that Skoda are doing some ltd edition Octavias with a dab radio fitted - so it looks like they are gearing up to be fitted to all new cars - maybe at the April launch of the new Superb next year?

Dave

There's no new Superb planned for next year, as far as I was aware. It's supposed to be currently scheduled for 2015 intro.

Steve

Kenwood have also been advertising their 512 that can directly replace the Skoda, VW, SEAT range that has DAB.

A mere £1050.

Edited 13 September, 201213 yr by Danny 57

Still cheaper than a Columbus even though I think Kenwood make the Columbus. These Kenwood DAB units are new...some time ago ago I came across a press release from Kenwood, from 2-3 yeaqrs ago, saying that they were dropping DAB units and were not likely to return. Looks like they've changed their minds following govt commitment to the technology. Given time and some web competition prices will drop so could be a good alternative for DAB etc if it'll just drop straight in my car. Might have a read of the spec and manual etc.

Kenwood have also been advertising their 512 that can directly replace the Skoda, VW, SEAT range that has DAB.

A mere £1050.

Sure you have the right model? The 512s on youtube look like single DIN devices which obviously wouldn't be a direct swap for a Columbus?

Sure you have the right model? The 512s on youtube look like single DIN devices which obviously wouldn't be a direct swap for a Columbus?

Didn't notice but the numbers were transposed...it's a 521...see http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/products/car/vw/DNX521DAB/details/

Here's a review of one in an Octavia vRS...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/59894/kenwood-dnx521dab

I'm not very good at understanding some of these things, but if I press the media button on my Colombus and select a radio station rather than a TV station, the display reads D B Radio, so I assume this is DAB?

I'm not very good at understanding some of these things, but if I press the media button on my Colombus and select a radio station rather than a TV station, the display reads D B Radio, so I assume this is DAB?

It's digital radio, but not DAB - rather DVB Radio - i.e. the radio stations being carried over Freeview. Down in Devon, though, the reception is pretty ropey and keeps dropping out. Perfectly usable in less out-of-the-way places, however.

It's been mentioned in other threads but it's worth repeating that the Pure Move 2500 DAB radio is worth considering as a cheap option.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pure-Rechargeable-Personal-Digital-Radio/dp/B005J3PLXE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1347883419&sr=8-6

I have one & it's great - the aux cable acts as an aerial & reception is generally good in most places. You can charge it off the rear lighter socket but the charge lasts for 8 hrs so easy enough to do at night.

What about this unit - seems a straight swap - just over £200 plus possibly some customs to pay ad has Freeview as well - plus free shipping to uk - has anybody tried one ?

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-Special-Car-DVD-Player-with-GPS-TV-Fits-Volkswagen-VW-Magotan-VW-Sagitar-VW/447972075.html

or this one

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/8-HD-Car-DVD-for-Skoda-Fabia-Superb-Octavia-Seat-In-Dash-DVD-Navigation-System-Car/463262142.html

Dave

The Columbus is and always has been manufactured by Continental Automotive.

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/automotive/themes/passenger_cars/interior/multimedia/rns_510/rns510_en.html