The future of radio is digital: just as televisions have made the switch from analogue to digital, analogue FM transmissions will also gradually be discontinued so you will inevitably only have the option of digital radio at some point. The authoritative transmission standard is DAB+. But old receivers that do not support the digital standard don’t have to be thrown away – you can upgrade them to support the format.
Upgrading to DAB+ the smart way
It is very easy to retrofit DAB+ with external receiver units. The modules are usually compact (approximately the length of a card deck) and can be simply connected to the receiver, for example via the AUX connectorOpens in new tab. Other solutions support USB or the Bluetooth wireless standard.
This way, you can make CD receivers, hi‑fi systems, FM radios, car radios, or even smartphones ready for DAB+. The only requirement is that your existing device has a compatible interface.
Stereo sound from Teufel for enthusiasts
When will DAB+ replace the good old FM radio?
If you’re currently listening to radio in analog, you don’t need to worry that stations will disappear any time soon because of DAB+. Contracts for FM transmission slots of ARD (including Deutschlandfunk and the regional public broadcasters) run until 2025. Until then, it’s not expected that stations broadcasting via FM will fall silent. The many regional private radio stations will also continue broadcasting in analog over the coming years.
However, within the industry it’s assumed that the last FM stations will go silent by the early 2030s. It’s also possible that individual FM stations could go off air earlier – that’s already happened with some radio stations. Even though a nationwide FM switch-off isn’t imminent, the end of analog FM broadcasting is clearly foreseeable.
Is digital actually better? Advantages of DAB+
- ✔ Stable service: Depending on the location, FM is often affected by noise or blank spots, whereas digital radio remains stable even with weaker signals. The transmission only cuts out if you are physically outwith the transmission area.
- ✔ Sound quality: Depending on the transmission frequency (kbit/s) at which a station broadcasts its programme, digital radio can achieve a more differentiated and fuller sound image than what we are used to from FM.
- ✔ Additional features: Depending on the receiver, you can view additional content such as text and images for weather charts, track listings, sports tables and album covers. This, of course, depends both on the transmitter and receiver but can provide useful additional information for listeners.
The UK currently has the world’s largest network of digital radio broadcasters, with 103 transmitters and 48 local and regional digital providers, broadcasting over 250 commercial stations across the country. Many of these broadcasters are now also testing out DAB+ format.
Want to learn more about the new standard of digital radio? Read our previous blogpost to find out more about DAB+.
Complete your audio ensemble with Teufel and DAB+
Opens in new tab▶ RADIO 3SIXTYOpens in new tab: This radioOpens in new tab is your window to a new world of music – besides DAB+ and analogue FM radio, it also supports Bluetooth aptX and streaming via Spotify Connect. Of, course, the sound is also pretty impressive – two full-range speakers are supported by a massive down-firing subwoofer.
▶ BOOMSTER 4Opens in new tab: With the BOOMSTER 4 you get the full audio package – to go. What looks at first like a simple speaker is packed with the latest audio technology: a 3-way system consisting of tweeter, mid-range driver and subwoofer, Bluetooth 5.0, DAB+ and FM radio. A durable lithium-ion battery is also integrated for mobile operation. What more could you need?
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Conclusion: you don’t need to get rid of your analogue device just yet
- You can retrofit DAB+ to car radios, home audio systems or smartphones via an external receiver module.
- Depending on the solution, AUX, USB or Bluetooth are used as interfaces.
- The Hungarian manufacturer DENSION offers DAB+ receivers with app control.
- Due to current broadcasting contracts, public-sector institutions are expected to remain on the FM network for the next decade.’
Frequently asked questions about DAB+
DAB+ is a digital radio standard that’s meant to replace FM in the long run. It gives you noticeably better sound quality, more stations, and extra information like song titles or traffic updates. FM has reached its technical limits, while DAB+ offers more capacity and modern features.
The key advantages of DAB+ at a glance:
– Interference-free reception without static
– A wider choice of stations, including new niche programs
– Extra info like song titles, news, or weather
– No internet required, since transmission works via antenna
You need a device that supports DAB+ – for example a digital radio, a car radio with DAB+, or an adapter. An internet connection isn’t required, just an antenna for reception.
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The podcast has been automatically generated by AI, but the content comes directly from an article written by our own editorial team. This ensures the quality remains high and allows you to hear our story in a new format.
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