Digital radio is a new technology available to the public that carries microwave radio communications as a digital signal instead of an analog signal. It has the ability to transmit any type of digital information, including Internet radio, television, digital audio, and digital short-range wireless broadcasts.
Digital broadcasting must follow a set of global agreements and standards started in Europe in the 1980s, known as the Eureka 147 standard for Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB). It is coordinated by the DMB World Forum.
Most stations broadcast using a bit rate of 128k or less. This results in a quality that is not quite analog FM, however it offers better signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range. CD quality is achievable with a 256k bitrate.
Approximately 1,000 radio stations worldwide broadcast via DAB or pure DAB radio and the technology is very popular in Europe. The first digital radio broadcast took place in 1995, and digital radios have been available for sale since the late 1990s.
2007 brought a big improvement with DAB+, which is twice as efficient as DAB but not backwards compatible. The highest efficiency is possible thanks to the adoption of the AAX+ audio codec. Hear the difference and you’ll agree it’s far superior.
Ways to listen to digital radio
Internet: Select from more than 1,00 radio stations through your Internet browser. There are apps like iTunes that will create lists of stations by type. The Dell Inspiron laptop is capable of staying online continuously and features a 7-hour battery option.
Digital TV in the UK: Satellite TV (Sky TV, Freesat) offers all the national BBC radio stations.
Digital DTT television offers digital radio through Radio 4 FM. Virgin Cable TV broadcasts Radio4 FM on channel 904 and Radio 4 LW on channel 911.
Digital TV Recorders: The digital TV recorder has the ability to access the Internet and access digital content of all kinds, including video libraries, music services, and digital radio stations.
Pure DAB Radio – There are many DAB+ digital radio receivers available with numerous options.
psp sony PlayStation: The PlayStation has a built-in browser and can connect to the Internet via wireless Wi-Fi. Click the “About Internet Radio” button and the PlayStation will connect to the access point and get an IP address. If it is a short period of time, the PSP will display the Internet Radio home page where an Internet Radio player is added. You need to download the tuner app. The memory card must be able to accommodate this download. Download the player and an internet radio icon should appear on your desktop.
MP3 Files: Some radio programs are available through an MP3 download. Podcasting software is available and will download programming automatically.
There are many ways to listen to digital radio broadcasts from around the world in a quality never before available. Look for the prices of Pure DAB radios to drop over time.