
Why do live events transmit faster to my digital radio than my TV?
Try 3 issues of BBC Science Focus Magazine for £5!
Are you trying in vain to get the radio commentary in sync with the TV video?
Asked by: Mary Brooks, Totnes
Advertisement
Digital audio or video is transmitted as a series of binary bits. Like a dam holding back water in a stream, broadcast equipment stores up a backlog, or cache, of data. Then, if there are dropouts in transmission, there’s a sufficient supply to maintain the signal without interruption. Some services buffer more than others, explaining the discrepancy between digital radio and digital TV.
Advertisement
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sponsored Deals

January sale subscription offer!
- Try 3 issues of BBC Science Focus Magazine for just £5
- Risk - free offer! Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit.
- FREE UK delivery.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Advertisement