DAB/DAB+ radio
DAB/DAB+ radios are the perfect solution for radio reception of the highest quality. “Digital Audio Broadcasting”, DAB/DAB+ in short, is usually referred to as digital radio. The main benefits are obvious: A stable reception and less potential for bad signals than with FM (Frequency Modulation) radios, resulting in better sound quality.
And if that was not enough, the signal can transmit additional information such as artist, song title, album cover and even videos. 80% less energy consumption for improved signal reception is another advantage.
The “+” signifies the latest DAB technology. DAB+ provides even better quality in terms of reception as well as an extended choice of stations.
What exactly is a DAB or DAB+ radio?
Compared to FM (Frequency Modulation) radios, DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radios offer several advantages. DAB+ digital radios have been developed and launched in Europe from the late 1980s. They transmit radio signals digitally, resulting in better sound quality. In addition, DAB radios offer an extended choice of content, as more radio stations (radio programmes) can be transmitted on a single frequency. DAB radios are less prone to failure and come with less static noise than FM radios. At the same time they offer more options for interaction, as they can receive text, images or even videos in addition to sound.
Another important benefit of DAB+ is the increasingly efficient use of available frequencies. Thanks to data compression technologies, different radio stations can be transmitted on a single frequency, thus reducing the number of necessary frequencies and optimising their use.
Digital radio - how does it work?
Digital radios, also known as DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus), work by transmitting digital radio signals instead of analog signals, as is the case with traditional FM radios. In other words, radio stations transmit their programmes digitally.
Receivers such as DAB/DAB+ digital radios or digital radio alarms decode the signals and convert them into audio signals that can be played via loudspeakers. Compared to FM, DAB+ offers better sound quality, more programme diversity, less disturbances, and at the same time more options for interaction, as they can receive text, images or even videos in addition to sound.
Internet radio - the future of sound
Internet radios are a type of radio that transmits radio signals via the internet instead of air, as is the case with FM and DAB+. This allows users to receive radio stations and programmes from all over the world via their computers, smartphones and internet-enabled radios.
In order to receive internet radio, you need an internet connection and a device that is able to receive radio signals via the internet. This can be a computer, smartphone, tablet, a smart speaker or an internet radio. There are many different applications and websites that make listening to internet radio possible, such as a radio station’s official website, streaming services like Spotify or TuneIn, but also specific internet radio apps.
Compared to traditional radio stations, internet radio offers a wider variety of programmes since it is not restricted by geographical boundaries. It also allows stations to reach a larger audience that is not bound to a specific geographical area. Furthermore, programmes can be saved to be listened to at a later stage.
FM - when will it be turned off?
There is no date yet for when FM will be turned off permanently. However, with DAB+ progressing quickly and most broadcasters moving to digital transmission, we can expect FM to stick around for a while longer without being further developed.
Difference between DAB, DAB+
Both DAB and DAB+ are digital radio transmission standards, with the difference being the technology used. DAB uses older technology and has less power than DAB+. With increased power, DAB+ provides better sound quality and an extended choice of radio stations, which is why DAB+ is viewed as more future-proof and is replacing DAB in an increasing number of countries.
How to receive digital radio like DAB, DAB+ radio
In order to receive digital radio like DAB/DAB+ you require a digital radio that is able to receive those signals. This type of radio is available in different sizes as well as various price and performance ranges, from radio alarm, table radio and kitchen radio to fully-fledged sound stations that provide perfect party sound.
Once you own such a radio, all you need to do is turn it on and let it search the available radio stations so you can choose and listen to your preferred programme.
There are internet radios with the ability to receive both DAB+ and FM radio. All you need to do in such a case is establish an internet connection. Internet radios with Bluetooth functionality can also be connected to a smartphone to play music from different apps like Apple Music or Spotify.
DAB and DAB+ radios with Bluetooth by Pure
DAB and DAB+ radios with Bluetooth by Pure are modern gadgets that provide better sound than a classic FM radio while offering an extended range of radio programmes. Thanks to additional Bluetooth functionality, those radios can be connected to other devices like smartphones or tablets quickly and easily to access their music and play it via the radio. In other words: It can also be used as a Bluetooth loudspeaker.
Pure offers a wide range of DAB/DAB+ radios with Bluetooth and portable radios with integrated or external battery operation and colour display.
The Siesta Rise and the Elan Connect are Pure’s top DAB+ radio alarms.
DAB+ radio with CD player by Pure
Pure’s DAB+ radio with CD player is a device that can receive the digital DAB+ format and is also able to play CDs. It looks like a normal CD player but has the added functionality of a DAB+ radio.
This gadget allows you to listen to CDs and also receive DAB+ radio stations to give you a better choice of music and radio stations.
CD meets internet radio: DAB+ or DAB plus Pure radio with CD player equals a 2-in-1 solution that allows you to listen to CDs as well as DAB+ radio stations with a single device.
Radio alarm DAB+ by Pure
Pure DAB+ radio alarms are radio alarms that support the digital radio transmission format DAB+. A DAB+ radio alarm looks like a normal radio alarm but it offers the option to receive DAB+ radio stations instead of FM stations, bringing you a wider choice of programmes in addition to better sound quality.
DAB+ radio alarms with integrated tuners have additional features that allow you to set the alarm, to snooze and to show the time. If you do not need to be woken up, you can also use them as normal radios, table or kitchen radios. Pure DAB radio alarms are also available with integrated/external batteries and, depending on model, colour display. All of Pure’s radio alarms have an integrated alarm clock feature and brilliant sound quality.
DAB/DAB+ radio advantages in a nutshell:
DAB/DAB+ radio is the broadcasting and reception technology of the future. The quality of the signal and, as a consequence, of the music received, is significantly better than that of FM radios. Even though DAB/DAB+ radios work without long antennae, their signal is much more stable and easier to receive.
And as if that was not enough, DAB/DAB+ devices are substantially more energy efficient while also offering much more variety in terms of stations (radio programmes) than classic FM receivers. Plus, DAB/DAB+ can receive data such as song title, album, artist, album cover images or even videos in addition to sound and music.
It’s quite simple: DAB+ radios allow you to receive all your preferred stations at the best possible quality and without any static noise.
The advantages of DAB and DAB+ at a glance:
- Sound quality: You can expect a clearer and fuller sonic image than with FM. The quality increases along with the transmission frequency (k/Bit).
- Stable reception: Bluetooth radios with DAB+ technology offer stable quality, even if reception is weak, while FM radios often come with static noise.
- Additional features: In addition to sound, Bluetooth radios with DAB+ technology can transmit images, information regarding the station, title or artist, and even videos, if the station allows for it.
- Unlimited number of stations: Reception of up to 30,000 stations and streaming providers from all over the world via DAB+ technology.
- Ease of use: Internet radios excel in terms of ease of use.
More about DAB/DAB+ radio
Check out our blog post - Everything you need to know about DAB or DAB+ radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)