What is DAB Radio?

The abbreviation DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting, the official designation for digital radio. In the same way that analog TV was replaced by digital signals, radio broadcasting is gradually giving way to this sweeping change. 

Of course, this inspires many questions: will there be a mass migration to newer technology, and will old radios become obsolete? Will users of existing technology have to buy additional equipment to transform the signal for analog AM and FM receivers? And is the new broadcast standard really any better than analog?

First of all, the switch to digital was fairly fast in TV, but will proceed more slowly in DAB. Many countries have not yet scheduled a switch to the new standard, and the earliest in Europe, Norway, does not plan to switch over until 2017. 

If you travel abroad regularly, upgrading your car stereo is definitely a worthy task.

Better upgrade sooner than later!

As you may have guessed, your old radio will unfortunately not be able to process digital signals, and there are few practical options for transforming DAB signals. The only remaining option is to buy a new DAB-compatible radio.

The biggest advantage that DAB offers the customer is improved broadcast quality and more services. DAB signals are of significantly higher quality than AM or FM broadcasts, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy clearer audio and even stronger signals in many places.

Digital broadcasts can also transmit additional data such as pictures, maps, playlists, and more. Some of the more innovative stations that use DAB even allow listeners to vote in radio polls or request songs.

And of course, while old radios do not support DAB, DAB radios do support traditional AM & FM…so while your upgrade will bring you into the future, it doesn’t mean you have to leave the past behind.