DAB - Digital Radio

What is DAB?

DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and is a method for the terrestrial digital transmission of radio signals. DAB allows for a much more efficient use of frequency spectrum than traditional analogue radio. Instead of just one service per frequency as is the case on FM, DAB permits up to nine (or more) services on a single frequency. 

The interference that commonly disturbs analogue reception, which is caused by radio signals bouncing off buildings and hills, is eliminated with DAB signals.  Since DAB automatically selects the strongest regional transmitter, reception is much clearer.

DAB is broadcast on terrestrial networks and consumers are able to receive services, with a selection of over 930 different devices.  Since DAB was originally designed for mobility consumers have the added advantage of listening to services in the car and while on the move.  

Benefits of DAB

• Easy programme selection
  Rather than searching wavebands as present, users can select all available stations or preferred formats from a simple text menu.
• Improved reception
  DAB eliminates interference and the problems of multipath while in a car. It "blankets" wide geographical areas with an even, uninterrupted signal. Once full services are up and running, a driver will be able to cross an entire country staying tuned to the same station with no signal fade, without altering frequency.
• One receiver does it all!
  DAB is quite unique in that both music and data services can be received using the same receivers. Furthermore DMB receivers also can receive these music and data services as well as video and graphics.
• Programme-associated data
  DAB/DAB+/DMB broadcasts can display text information in far greater details than the RDS system, such as programme background facts, a menu of future broadcasts and complementary advertising information. Broadcasters can also display picture radio and other interactive services. Receivers have are attached to a small screen, which can display visual information as diverse as weather maps, CD information, traffic and safety information, stock updates and mobile TV.
• Information services
  Services from sources other than the broadcasting station are included within the same channel for the user to access at will. These include news headlines, detailed weather information or even the latest stock prices.
• Targeted music or data services
  Because digital technology allows a massive amount of different information, specific information user groups can be targeted with great accuracy because each receiver can be addressable.
• Wide choice of receivers
  It is possible to access DAB/DMB services on a wide range of receiving equipment including fixed, mobile and portable radio receivers with displays or screens including personal computers and some mobile phones. Other types of receivers also include: USB, digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, pocket TVs, in car radios and TV screens and many more.
• DAB Technology: A system designed for terrestrial mobile reception
  DAB services are available on terrestrial networks, and the same receiver can be used to provide radio programmes and/or data services for national, regional, local and international coverage. The DAB system requirers a low field strength, which allows the technology to much more mobile than other standards.
• Lower transmission costs for broadcasters
  DAB/DAB+/DMB allows broadcasters to provide a wide range of material simultaneously on the same frequency. This not only makes room for a vastly increased number of programmes to increase user choice, but also has important broadcast cost-cutting implications

Consumers are able to listen to their favourite music programme and sing along with idols, since the lyrics can be shown on the radio display.  Others can contemplate the handsome face of the latest movie star, while a report is given on his current box-office hit. In spite of the variety of additional services, DAB receivers are simple and easy-to-use.

Success of DAB

There are now over 990 different DAB receivers commercially available. 30 countries have regular DAB services on air, and more than 12 million DAB receivers have been sold worldwide.

Outline of the DAB System

Read more about how the DAB system works.