DAB delivers lower sound quality than FM. Digital radio switchover should not lead to listeners receiving their favourite stations at lower audio quality, therefore stations must switch to using DAB+ prior to any FM station being switched off.
What is DAB FM?
Digital audio broadcasting (DAB), also known as digital radio and high-definition radio, is audio broadcasting in which Analog audio is converted into a digital signal and transmitted on an assigned channel in the AM or (more usually) FM frequency range.
Does DAB radio use more power than FM?
FM uses 40% more energy per hour than DAB
When looking at energy consumption levels per device per hour, the research indicated that DAB radio services have the lowest energy consumption compared to other platforms, at 9-Watt hours (Wh).
Is DAB radio obsolete?
However, many new stations are launching in the newer DAB+ format and a very small number of existing stations have switched to the new format in recent years. It is unlikely that your radio will be made obsolete any time soon – but it is definitely worth making sure any new radio can receive both DAB and DAB+.
Does FM sound better than DAB? – Related Questions
What is the difference DAB and FM radio?
Because DAB+ stations fewer bits of spectrum than a traditional AM/FM radio station, there can be more stations. And the DAB+ broadcast can transmit much more information. Updates such as the current, next and previous track and artist, traffic and news can all be supplied from the broadcaster.
Can you get DAB on FM radio?
You can make CD receivers, Hi-Fi systems, FM radios, car radios or smartphones fit for DAB+. The only requirement is that the previous receiver has a compatible interface.
How does DAB radio work in a car?
DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) and simply put is a broadcasting system that offers superior sound quality than traditional FM / AM band radio. The digital transmissions of DAB digital radio contain more information than traditional FM/AM transmissions.
Will a DAB radio work anywhere?
No. DAB digital radio is a terrestrial technology using land-based transmitters.
Is a DAB radio worth buying?
The benefits? You don’t need to tune, so DAB isn’t as fiddly and you’ll pick up clearer sound quality. Some of the best DAB radios also have extra features, whether that’s Bluetooth connectivity, connectors to charge your phone, or the ability to add more of your favourite stations as presets.
Is an aerial needed for DAB radio?
You need to have a suitable DAB aerial to receive DAB services. Portable DAB radios will usually have a telescopic one, but if you are retro-fitting a DAB radio into a car, you may need to add a DAB aerial. External aerials are also available for DAB and will significantly improve reception.
Can you use a DAB radio without internet?
Do you need WiFi for DAB radio? Nope. Although some newer DAB radios, including some of the radios on this list can be connected to the internet to allow you to stream music from Spotify or online radio services like BBC iPlayer.
How does DAB radio get its signal?
It uses digital technology which enables broadcasters to package together several radio stations; this is called multiplexing. Multiplexed radio stations are then broadcast on single frequency networks. This is an efficient way to provide lots more radio stations using fewer radio frequencies.
Can you get a DAB radio with Bluetooth?
Many DAB devices are equipped with Bluetooth. So you can also use the Bluetooth radio as a speaker by connecting it to your phone or tablet. This means that you can not only listen to radio stations, but also your playlists on Spotify or Apple Music.
Can you connect your phone to a DAB radio?
POPyourPHONE is a DAB+ tuner for all Android smartphones with OTG, the app is free and can be downloaded from the Google Play store. POPyourPHONE allows users to listen to digital radio wherever they are.
Is DAB+ replacing DAB?
Although most stations still use standard DAB transmission, they will all be moving to DAB+ over the next few years. Not to worry, though- all the digital radios we sell are compatible with the new tech, so you can enjoy many years of listening even after the switchover. You can find out more about DAB+ here.
How much does DAB listening account for with radio?
According to RAJAR Q1 2020, FM/AM accounts for 56% of all listening in cars, DAB for 42%, and IP for 2%.
