PURE Digital TEMPUS-1 DAB RADIO
The PURE Digital TEMPUS-1 digital DAB radio was first shown by us
in Scotland at the recent exhibition at the SECC. The prototype we
had on display attracted a lot of attention from the public.
It's hard to know whether to describe it as a clock radio, a radio
for music enthusiasts or simply a great office/kitchen radio with extras.
It is a mains and DAB only radio and looks at first glance the same
as the iconic EVOKE-1. First
looks can be deceiving.
Layout
The radio is stereo although to get full stereo sound you need to plug in an optional extra speaker. The 3" speaker offers excellent mono. All the outputs at the rear are stereo. As well as the optional speaker output there is a headphone socket, a retractable and detachable aerial, a digital output socket and USB socket for connection to a computer (for sotware upgrades).
The speaker is on the front of the unit to the left and on the right is a large display which is wonderfully designed in Scottish colours (blue background white letters).
There is a sensible volume control and a tuning knob. The front panel has five preset buttons but by pressing button button six you can use the same buttons for another five presets. It took me a few seconds to work this out, but essentially it has ten radio presets.
Other buttons are autotune, information,menu,standby and sleep.
Ease of use
When you plug in and switch on the radio autotunes. It is simplicity itself. The tuning is very intuitive, using the tuning knob you turn it until the name of the station you are looking for comes underneath the one are listening to, and slightly depress the dial. As the stations are alphanumeric you don't have to worry about frequencies.
Using it as an alarm- I used the instruction book to help me initially, but its very easy. There are two alarms. You can have a 'his' or 'hers' settings (or any other combination which takes your fancy). One alarm can be used for week days and one for weekends. You can be woken to a radio station or to a regular alarm sound. The time is taken from the radio broadcast and and the alarm retains its memory even after a power cut, so providing the power comes back on before morning it will still operate.
Using it as a recorder- The Tempus-1 doesn't have 'on board' recording facilities but if you have, for example, a mini disc recorder with synchro record you can use its inbuilt timers to record nine different radio programmes. Again I used the instruction book to point me in the right direction but it was easy to set up. It gives options such as 'every Monday' etc. which is very convenient.
Extras
One of the cute things about this is the SnoozeHandle. Basically the handle is the SnoozeHandle! The default time is eight minutes but it can be configured to allow you to snooze from five to thirty minutes. No more trying to sleepily find the button on the radio, one quick touch and you can be late for work as normal. The SnoozeHandle also works when the radio is in standby mode, touch the handle and the time will appear. It's possible to alter the brightness to high and low, but it appears that on standby (unless you want the back light on all the time) the only option was a low light. The manufacturers have assumed in the middle of the night that you wouldn't want it glaring.
Similarly to the Evoke 1, on the Tempus1 pressing 'info' button gives alternative options of time, station day and date, station music type, signal quality and less interesting stuff.
There are a number of other facilities which are best left to the clear instruction book to explain such as upgrading the software by computer, arranging the station order etc.
How did it perform?
In our office we received a signal strength of 100%. This doesn't happen
with all DAB radios. Sound and build quality very good, in short,
excellent. Volume more than adequate for reasonable size room/bedroom/kitchen.
The SnoozeHandle made everyone smile in the office, comments were
'what a great idea'. Another hot cakes product providing consumers
are aware of the advantages of it over the EVOKE-1. It is certainly
well worth the price differential over the EVOKE-1 if you (or the
kids) want to make recordings, or you want a great bedside clock
radio.
Bad points
- Mains Only- buy an Evoke 2 if you need batteries/mains
- Style may not suit everyone
- No more excuses for being late to work
- There will be a shortage of these for Christmas 2003!
- Doesn't make breakfast.
Good points
- SnoozeHandle will make you smile
- Two alarms
- Intuitive to use and clear instruction book lots of outputs (you can connect it to your hifi and hear it through your own speakers)
- Software can be upgraded easy to add external aerial if required
- Great sound for size
- Go to sleep listening to one station and wake up to another
- Alarm stays in memory even after power cut
- Easy to read display in Scottish colours
Conclusion
A great wee radio and a worthwhile upgrade form the EVOKE
If you want a small radio with great features then this is the one to buy. If you are only interested in sound and nothing else then you should be considering the EVOKE-2, however the TEMPUS-1 deserves it's own place. The ability to go to sleep with a presenter from Clyde 2 and wake up with up with one from Radio 4 will appeal to many. I predict it will end up in more bedrooms than Casanova.