Although DAB radio has been around for a while, it is relatively one of the newer radio technologies available. Unfortunately, radio enthusiasts have yet to decide whether it will work over the Internet or not.
This post tells you how DAB radio works and if you can listen to it over the internet. Read on to learn more about this amazing wireless technology!
Does DAB radio work over the internet or Wi-Fi?
Technically, DAB radio doesn’t work over the internet or WiFi. Instead, it relies on digital signals broadcast over the airwaves over the VHF band. Therefore, in order to listen to radio over the Internet or Wi-Fi, a user needs a device that supports Internet radio streaming.
What is DAB radio?
DAB radio is a digital radio technology that transmits audio and data over digital rather than analog signals.
The technology was developed as a replacement for traditional analogue broadcasting, offering a wider choice of radio stations and improved sound quality.
DAB radio offers additional data services such as title and artist information, traffic information, etc.
It operates in the VHF band and uses Coded Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (COFDM) modulation to ensure high-quality sound transmission even in areas with poor signal strength.
Do I need WiFi to listen to DAB radio?
No, you do not need WiFi to listen to DAB radio.
DAB radio is digital radio technology that uses terrestrial radio waves to transmit audio instead of the Internet.
As long as you have a DAB radio receiver and are within range of a DAB radio station, you can listen to DAB radio without an internet connection or WiFi.
DAB radio receivers work by tuning in to the digital signals transmitted by DAB radio stations broadcast over the airwaves.
When the receiver is within range of the transmitter, it can pick up and decode the digital signals and provide the listener with high quality audio.
Does DAB go over the Internet?
DAB can be broadcast over the internet, but it doesn’t have to be.
True DAB radio transmits via terrestrial radio waves, which allows listeners to receive the signals without an internet connection.
However, some DAB radio stations also offer a DAB+ over the Internet or DAB+ online service that allows listeners to tune into their stations using an Internet connection.
DAB+ was invented in the early 2000s. DAB+ offered improved sound quality and more radio stations.
To listen to DAB radio over the internet, you need a stable internet connection and a device that can access the internet, e.g. B. a computer, a smartphone or a smart speaker.
Because DAB broadcasts a digital signal, it can be converted into a format compatible with internet streaming.
How does DAB radio work?
DAB radio broadcasts digital signals that carry audio and data from a radio station to a DAB radio receiver.
The radio station first encodes the audio and data into a digital signal and then broadcasts it over the airwaves using the VHF band.
When a DAB radio receiver receives digital signals, it decodes them into audio and data.
DAB radio receivers typically have a built-in tuner that scans the airwaves for available DAB radio stations. The user can then select a station from a list of available stations displayed on the radio screen.
Do I need a special device to receive DAB radio?
Yes, you need a special device to receive DAB radio. This device is a DAB radio receiver that receives DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) signals.
DAB radio receivers come in a variety of forms including standalone radios, car radios, portable radios and even clock radios.
Pros and cons of DAB radio
As with anything, there are pros and cons to using DAB radio over analog radio. Below we have listed some advantages and disadvantages of DAB.
The advantages of DAB radio
● A larger selection of radio stations: DAB radio gives access to a much wider range of radio stations than analogue radio. This allows users to find and listen to niche and specialty stations that may not be available on traditional radio.
● Improved sound quality: DAB radio uses digital signals to transmit audio and offers better sound quality than analogue radio. The audio is free of the hiss, crackle and other interference often heard with analogue radio.
● Additional Data Services: DAB radio signals contain packets of data that provide listeners with additional information about the music they are listening to and help them stay informed of local traffic and weather conditions.
● Extended coverage area: DAB radio provides better coverage than analogue radio, allowing listeners to receive signals in areas where analogue radio signals are weak or absent.
● user friendliness: DAB radio receivers usually have a built-in tuner that scans the airwaves for available DAB radio stations, allowing users to easily find and select the station they want to listen to.
The disadvantages of DAB radio
● Costs: DAB radio receivers can be more expensive than equivalent analogue radio receivers. In addition, some older DAB radio receivers may not be compatible with newer DAB standards.
● interference: DAB radio signals can be subject to interference from other signals such as Wi-Fi or cell phone signals, which can result in loss of sound quality or temporary loss of signal.
Final Thoughts
While DAB radio is primarily broadcast over FM radio waves, some websites stream DAB stations over the internet, making them available over both cellular and Wi-Fi data. Try these fun ways to listen to DAB radio today!