You’re probably familiar with DAB radio if you grew up in the 90’s. These radios were widespread at the time, partly due to the fact that people lacked alternative channels to consume content. However, the situation is different today. These radios seem to be slowly fading away as people turn to streaming. So this begs the question, is DAB radio dead?
DAB radio is not dead and is the future of radio in the 21st century. DAB radio came at the right time when media technologies like television were changing from analogue to digital. Therefore, DAB technology will convert radio from analogue FM/AM broadcasts to digital.
In the rest of this article I will discuss why DAB radio is not dead. I will also talk about the reasons why a DAB radio might stop working. Let’s begin!
Is DAB radio gone?
Contrary to popular belief, DAB radio has not disappeared.
According to research, DAB radio accounts for 65 percent of all digital listening hours. This compares to listening to digital television (14 percent) and listening to the internet (17 percent).
In addition, when countries launch DAB radios, people are more interested in DAB radios than analog radios.
Numbers never lie. Let me demonstrate with numbers why DAB radio is neither dead nor gone.
For six years (from 2009 to 2014) the digital share of all radio listening hours in the UK has been increasing year on year.
In 2009, the share was still 20.1 percent and rose enormously to 36.6 percent in 2014. This development is mainly due to nationwide access to DAB receivers.
Compared to the share of DAB radio, only 18 per cent of the UK adult population reported listening to the radio on mobile phones and tablets.
What does that mean? Many people in this country are more interested in DAB radios than analog FM/AM radios.
The chart below illustrates the share of listening to digital radio in 2014.
Old: Digital listening portion 2014. Source: Rajar
Why isn’t DAB radio common in the US?
If you’re based in the US, you might be wondering why I’m saying that DAB radio hasn’t gone away, even though its reach isn’t that wide in the US.
You may also have heard people claim that the US does not have DAB radio services.
The answer lies with US radio stations.
According to the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), broadcasters in the United States use In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) technology.
IBOC technology enables the simultaneous transmission of analogue and digital signals.
The simultaneous propagation of analog and digital signals means that wavebands have similar frequencies. For example, a radio station using 105.7 FM will have 105.7 on digital radio.
In short, your radio must be compatible with IBOC technology in order to access US DAB radio services.
This requirement means that most radio users in the US will not have access to DAB radio services and will be able to listen to analog FM and AM radios instead.
Why doesn’t DAB radio work?
Poor signal coverage is the number one reason why your DAB radio may not work.
DAB radios use the principle of multiplexing and compression to combine the signals of several radio stations into a single-frequency waveband.
The radio can only pick up these wavebands when signal coverage is strong.
Poor signal coverage is one of many reasons why your DAB radio will not work. Other causes are the following:
● A bad antenna installation makes it difficult for the radio to receive and decode the signals
● A problem with the transmitter
● Mechanical problems such as a broken or disconnected cable
● You need to tune or update the radio
● Poor positioning of the telescopic antenna
Troubleshooting tips for a DAB radio that is not working
If your DAB radio isn’t working, try the tips below.
● Check the telescopic antenna and make sure it is fully extended for the best reception.
● Check the antenna installation and make sure it is installed correctly.
● Check that the radio is tuned to the correct frequency.
● Retune or update your DAB radio.
If you have tried the above tips with no success, this is what you need to do increase the reception of your radio with an outside antenna.
An external antenna can make a difference as it is a radio frequency amplifier. Remember, the stronger the frequency, the better the reception, sound quality, and coverage.
However, it’s worth noting that not all outdoor antennas will work perfectly with your DAB radio. You need a compatible antenna like this one.
● Oehlbach Digital Wire: This excellent wire antenna improves DAB radio reception. The antenna features a fast 75 ohm connector that allows for a perfect connection.
● SLx TV indoor antenna: This broadband antenna receives frequencies from 470 to 790 MHz. The built-in amplifier is adjustable for optimal reception.
● SLx 27895K4 outdoor antenna: This antenna provides 360 degree coverage for omnidirectional signal strength.
Is digital radio still a thing?
Digital radio is still in vogue because it’s the new face of radio. While media channels such as television are embracing digital change, radio is following suit via DAB.
With technology, the way people listen to the radio is also changing. Recent radio listening trends show that radio is not going anywhere but is evolving to meet the needs of its audience.
That’s what a recent study found Radio reaches 92 percent of US citizens weekly. As technology advances, these people will need digital radio to continue enjoying their favorite stations and music.
Final Thoughts
DAB radio is not dead and may never die. The only thing that happens is that radio evolves with technology to meet the needs of its audience.
With the increasing availability of receivers in countries like the UK, DAB radios will continue to have a significant share of listeners, despite stiff competition from streaming services.
That’s why you can still listen to DAB radio today.
Now that you know about DAB radio check out this review for the Roberts Elise DAB radio.
