Digital radio reception has arrived in the car: around 94 percent of new cars have DAB + on board, according to a message from the Digital Radio Office Germany, a joint facility of ARD, Deutschlandradio, private radio broadcasters, device manufacturers and network operators.
When Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) was first introduced in the 1990s, few were interested in the new digital radio. The competitor too Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), which broadcast digitally on the medium wave frequencies, made a false start. Both technologies lacked attractive programs, broadcast power and inexpensive end devices.
More channels, more power
With DAB +, the second attempt to establish a replacement for the aging VHF radio began in August 2011. The DAB + transmitter network now has, among other things, a standardized range of programs throughout Germany, is broadcast with significantly higher transmission powers and the receivers are also cheaper.
All public broadcasters have joined DAB + and there are numerous regional broadcasting networks. In the meantime, almost 99 percent of the area of Germany is supplied with DAB + signals. A second national package was added to the range of channels last year, and many more channels were added regionally.
Since DAB + can display its advantages on the move and does not require any data volume compared to Internet radio, it is particularly interesting for drivers. Since December 21, 2020, the EU directive has even required the integration of a digital terrestrial radio reception channel in all new vehicles. According to the latest figures from the digital radio office in Germany, 94 percent of new vehicles registered in 2021 will have DAB +.
Retrofit solutions for the car
If you do not have a car radio with DAB + yet, you can upgrade it using an adapter. This is connected to the car radio via Bluetooth or a jack connection. Bluetooth receivers that fit directly into the cigarette lighter and have additional connection options via USB are particularly practical. The adapters can be attached to the windscreen using a suction cup holder, similar to a mobile navigation system. The prices for these retrofit solutions start at around 50 euros.
You can exchange car radios with 1 and 2 DIN slots for models with DAB +. In addition to digital radio, you can also use it to upgrade functions such as Bluetooth or navigation.
(Image: JVC)
Some car models also allow the existing equipment to be exchanged. However, you should bear in mind that control options such as volume control or changing channels on the steering wheel may no longer work. Manufacturers such as Kenwood and JVC offer DAB + radios in 1 and 2 DIN depths. In addition to FM and DAB + tuners, these usually also have Bluetooth, and sometimes even a navigation system is included.
Since DAB + uses higher frequencies (from 174 to 230 MHz) compared to FM, you have to lay a separate antenna for retrofit solutions. The windscreen antenna required for this is simply glued to the top of the windscreen on the passenger side.
To receive the DAB + transmitters, the car radios and adapters usually come with a glass antenna.
(Image: Albrecht Audio)
If your car radio has neither Bluetooth nor an AUX or jack input, DAB + transmitters can also be brought into the vehicle via an FM transmitter. Here the DAB + adapter transmits the signals on an FM frequency. If the frequency is set on the FM transmitter, you search for it on the FM radio. However, this is not a real listening pleasure.
Conclusion
Ten years after the start of DAB +, digital radio has hit the market. The EU-wide mandatory digital radio has given digital radio another powerful boost. In addition to significantly better network coverage, the significantly larger range of programs is a particular incentive to buy.
However, the network of transmitters is still patchy in some regions. The supply of motorway tunnels also needs to be expanded. Compared to VHF, DAB + can still win with a significantly larger range, noise-free reception and attractive additional services such as the display of slideshows, CD covers and a large selection of devices.
(dwe)