DAB is the abbreviation for "Digital Audio Broadcasting", which has existed in Germany with the associated broadcasters since 1999. In 2001 it was renamed digital radio. But DAB in its early form did not enjoy any success on the German market. That's why DAB + has been around since 2011. In this article you can find out what it means to receive radio via DAB +, how it works and what it is different from FM broadcasting.
What does DAB + mean?
DAB +, the successor to DAB, is a process for the digital transmission of radio signals. This mode of transmission enables interference-free reception even with a weak signal . Digital does not automatically mean that the signal is transmitted via the Internet. DAB + is a digital terretric radio that sends the signal from the transmission mast via antenna (terrestrial) to the receiving device. During the development of the digital transmission method for radio signals, care was taken to ensure that existing transmission systems could continue to be used and accordingly few new transmission towers had to be built. Thanks to this efficient use of frequencies, DAB + is more environmentally friendly and more economical than conventional VHF.
How can I receive radio digitally?
The digital radio programs can be received free of charge , but a DAB + -capable radio device is required for the transmission . If you would like to hear DAB + in the car, you can have your car radio retrofitted or have a DAB + device installed directly by the car manufacturer. With the DAB + program card , you can check which programs are available at which locations - mobile or at home..
DAB + vs. FM
The analog transmission of radio (via VHF) has now reached its limits. All available FM frequencies are fully occupied. Accordingly, there is no way to broadcast new programs via FM. Thanks to DAB + there is space for new special-interest channels and functions. Depending on the device type, not only audio signals, but also additional services such as text information accompanying the program, station logos, album covers, storage of audio files accompanying the program or additional websites can be displayed directly on your radio display. DAB + can be received from any number of end devices at the same time and without data loss. Since the digital radio has no internet connection needed, their contingent does not suffer from mobile data. DAB + signals are transmitted across Germany on one channel, ie there is no known readjustment here, as is known from VHF signals.