The Bug tuned into both FM (with RDS) and DAB transmissions. Station and programming information is displayed on the Bug's face. The Bug can show RadioText, RDS and standard DAB station information (extra details about the current broadcast. This includes things like the name of the current artist and a short biography).
The Bug is a stereo DAB with full Band III reception capable of decoding stations broadcast at a maximum of 384Kbps (not that need that since most UK broadcasts barely scrape 128Kbps).
Audio outputs on the Bug include a 3.5 mm headphone socket and optical (S/PDIF) Toslink connector. This means you could connect the Bug to a digital amplifier or MiniDisc recorder.
If PURE releases firmware updates for the Bug, these can be uploaded via the USB port. Very occasionally DAB companies do release updates, which can be used to tweak the interface, correct bugs or add new features. Most users can ignore this feature, but if a problem is discovered with the software on the Bug, this could provide a quick repair.
Performance
As with all the digital radios we've tested, the Bug occasionally suffers from reception problems in some places. Londoners are unlikely to have problems tuning into a strong signal, but as you move outside areas of good reception, you may find that you have to be more careful about how you orientate the aerial.
As reception quality decreases, old analogue broadcasts suffer interference which gradually gets more severe, but digital broadcasts simply stop altogether. This gives DAB an all-or-nothing reaction to bad reception. We didn't have any big reception problems with the Bug even with the aerial retracted, but you should bear in mind that some environments may be less forgiving.
Though DAB music broadcasts always leave a little to be desired on account of the low bitrates, the Bug coped well. We were happy to listen to some broadcasts as background music while doing other things.
The EPG system is particularly appealing and gives you an advanced recording system similar to the Sky+ system. We loved this, using it to record a selection of Radio 4 shows.
The Bug Too may not be a huge cosmetic or sonic enhancement to the previous iteration of this DAB, but it backs up the Bug's well-established, all-round good reputation with an extremely useful EPG.
Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Kate Macefield
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User reviews3
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Rich Bradshaw 10 December 2006
Good: Easy to use
Bad: Nothing!
Comment: Brilliant, does everything I want, can pause radio, rewind, record, sounds great and even has eyes!
Adrian Byron-Parker 17 November 2006
Good: Great choice of radio stations
Bad: Very difficult to use
Comment: I was looking forward to using my Bug Too as a clock radio. I got myself a 1GB SD card to do my recording bit and was all set.
First problem I had to upgrade the Bugs software to work with BBC EPG, OK... no problem.
Then when I started to use it the 'scroll/Select' button was very unfriendly, you have to press it just in the middle to select a function and then you are not so sure you have selected what you want because it is so slow to react to the button press... try this in bed... awkward!!
The display is so bright even on 'Dim' setting that I had to face the 'Head display' away from me or I would never get to sleep!
When you finally set your alarm setting and it is difficult to get a good volume for the alarm radio as the volume adjustment is not continual but in small jumps from quiet to loud. These jumps are not fine enough and I found myself having to set it too quiet to really hear, as the next step in volume would wake the whole house!
If you do use the alarm and the volume is too low or loud and you adjust it the act of adjusting the volume will cancel the alarm snooze function... so you can't touch any other button when the alarm is on other than the snooze button else the alarm is cancelled... Very frustrating. PURE say "this is because the BUG assumes that you want to use the radios full functions"
I got this radio because of all the great reviews but as a clock radio it has too many problems. The Bug Too should be sold as a radio and not a bedside clock radio then other than the slow and awkward buttons it would be OK if just by the fact you can record programs with it.
I am very disappointed and am off back to the shop to get my money back!
Anonymous 4 November 2006
Good: The simplicity of the controls and the sound quality
Bad: The absence of a remote control
Comment: A brilliant radio for anyone, with easy to use functions and brilliant sound. This is a cool, easy to use radio. Its ability to pause and even rewind live radio is awesome. 9 out of 10 is a honest mark, but the Bug Too is totally deserving of this.
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