Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #125 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Roberts Radios
• Model: CRD42
• Released on: 2009-03-23

Manufacturer's Description
Brand Leaders ROBERTS introduce the iDream, a DAB/FM RDS digital stereo clock radio with a dock for an iPod.

The iDream is perfect in any room View larger

The iDream is the perfect bedside partner for any home!

This stylish DAB/FM RDS digital stereo clock radio comes with a dock for an iPod. The iDream enables you to listen to your iPod through its stereo speakers and charges your iPod at the same time. The iDream offers 20 station presets as well as a clever auto timeset, whilst its large screen offers enhanced visibility, displaying the time and radio station against a blue backlight which can be dimmed for preference. You can also select the clock to stay on screen whilst tuned into your favourite radio station unlike other DAB clock radios on the market that default to the details of the station you are listening to.

All major functions can be controlled by the easy-to-navigate menu or by remote control, enabling you to choose whether you wake up to your iPod, the radio or a buzzer. There are also adjustable snooze and sleep timers.

iDream is compatible with the iPods above

iPod Docking Facility
The iDream is more than just a clock radio.  Functions include the iPod docking facility enabling you to play your personal music collection via the stereo speakers (2 x 2.4 watts).  The Alarm function allows you to choose to wake up to FM, DAB, iPod or buzzer.  The iDream will also enable you to listen to your iPod whilst it charges.

 iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S and other countries.

“Made for iPod” means that an electrical accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

Apple is not responsible for the operation of the device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What is DAB Radio?
DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting, this is a way of broadcasting radio digitally via a network of transmitters. It provides listeners with more choice, better sound quality and more information.

Birds-eye view of the Roberts iDream View larger

More Choice
Because of the way DAB technology works, broadcasters can transmit many more stations than ever before. Listeners in most major towns and cities in the UK can receive between 30 and 50 radio stations with a digital radio, in many cases that's more than double what's available on analogue. Because digital radio uses the spectrum more efficiently than analogue, it is possible to broadcast more channels using the same frequency, making room for broadcasters to expand their station portfolios.

Less Noise
DAB digital radio delivers improved sound quality. The technology allows the receiver to lock on to the strongest signal it can find and ignore everything else. This eliminates the hiss, crackle and fade so familiar on analogue radio.

Ease of Use
A DAB digital radio will tune to a station at the touch of a button. No more fine tuning a station to get the best reception. A DAB set allows the listener to scroll through a list of available stations by name - then tune in by pressing the 'select' button.

Access your favourite radio channels with the iDream View larger

More Information
Have you ever heard a song on the radio and wanted to know who it is by or what it's called? Or tuned into speech radio and wanted to know what the programme is about or who is speaking? Digital Radios have a screen which can show text information transmitted by the radio station. Some stations send information about latest news, sports scores, what's on now and next, website address and phone numbers. Some radios offer an option to view the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) which shows listings information for some stations. It is also possible to pause, rewind and record live radio.

Features include:

• Made for iPod
Dock for iPod - listen to your iPod whilst it charges

• Radio

• DAB / FM wavebands

• Dock for iPod
The iPod docking facility enabling you to play your personal music collection via the stereo speakers

• Independent Alarms
 Two independent alarm settings, with wake to tone, DAB, FM or iPod options

• Multi stage dimmer
You can manually adjust the display brightness to suit you

• Remote Control
Infrared remote control (included) enables you to browse and play tracks stored on your iPod as well as control the iDream

• Line-in
3.5mm input enables you to connect another iPod, MP3 player or portable CD player and use the Chronos iDock as stereo speakers

• RDS
Support for station name display on FM and RDS scrolling text

• Station Presets
20 DAB or FM presets in a combined list to help you organise your favourite stations

• AC Adaptor
AC adaptor included

Box Contains

Customer Reviews

Great Product!
I disagree with the above review.

I received this for Christmas and have had great pleasure in using all its functions, from the sleep timer, the two different alarms, and the choice of using either Ipod, buzzer, or radio to wake up to. The design and sound are perfect for bedside usage and I personally have not had any problems with either the rubber buttons or the remote. In fact, I use the remote for all my requirements.

It does not have the buzzing associated with the pure Chronos iDock and my DAB and FM reception is perfectly fine. Both my husband and I have different iPods and both work perfectly fine with the iDream.

I am very happy with my product and would recommend it.

It's not that bad - but it could be better!!!!
I was getting so fed up with the interference on my Logic3 iStation Alarm Clock Radio whilst listening to the radio in the morning that I started looking for a DAB replacement.

After looking at the sensibly priced options I was left with the two main contenders - the PURE Chronos iDock and the Roberts Idream CRD42.

My main criteria was simple -2 alarms, DAB radio and an IPOD dock.
The Pure option with 4 alarms, and better display was appealing, as was the Roberts with the better buttons, price, and seemingly less noise problems.

I finally made my decision and plumped for the Roberts. Figuring that the `Roberts' name would mean something, and more importantly as I was on a budget, that it was a little bit cheaper.

Good choice? Well..

The positives of the unit are -

* I found the unit a doddle to set up - switch on - wait a moment and it's done
* The DAB reception is great with no interference or noise even with the IPod docked
* The alarms are easy to set up and I have had no problems with them being missed or coming on twice or anything else reported.
* The buttons work just fine and the unit doesn't slide about too much - and I have big hands.
* The unit is neat and compact
* It does exactly as it should and works just fine as a bedside unit.

The down sides (hence 3 starts)

* The sound has zero depth - I was expecting better from a `Roberts'. It's OK for conversation but music is soulless and it has zero bass (the Logic3 unit was 10 times better)
* The display brightness is either off and un-viewable by day or too bright and lights up the room
* The remote functions are limited.
* The display is blocky, basic and shows limited information.

Should I have chosen the Pure unit? I really cannot say.

I am happy with my Roberts purchase but should I need to buy another item I will definitely find the time to go and have a good look at the options in the flesh first & listen to them too. The internet is good for buying goods, but not that good.
I hope this review was of some help to you.

Roberts IDream DAB Digital/Stereo Clock Radio with IPOD Dock
I was specifically searching for a DAB Digital Clock Radio with good sound quality and IPOD Dock, but preferably priced under £100. This was a present for my 25 year old son and he knows exactly what he wants, so it had to be spot on. I'm pleased to say that it does exactly what it says on the tin and he is totally satisfied with the quality. He's delighted that he can fall asleep to his own choice of music; the IPOD can be set to switch itself off after a set time. The only slight complaint that he has is, whilst all other functions can be controlled from the remote control,the display light cannot. As someone who needs his alarm to be out of reach of the bed in order to encourage him to leave his pit in the morning, he has to get out of bed to manually alter the daytime display light, as it is too bright for through the night. All in all though, a great buy.