Digital Audio Broadcasting: Looking into the future
Digital Audio Broadcasting: Looking to the Future
A World Perspective – And Status in the USA
By D. Prabakaran
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has the potential to transform the traditional audio-based radio medium into a full-fledged multimedia system, particularly suited to bringing digital information to the general public, anywhere and anytime. Digital radio has already become a reality in many European countries. It’s now possible to enjoy digital radio via various platforms, including DAB.
It’s vital for the success of DAB to work in harmony and synergy with other systems, particularly those in the communication and Internet sectors. DAB also has to share the market and compete with other digital radio delivery systems like Wi-Fi, telematics devices, and the Internet.
DAB technology was developed by the Eureka-147 DAB Project, which was set up in 1987. The project ended in 1999 as a standalone organization and merged with the WorldDAB Forum. Since 2000, the WorldDAB Forum has been responsible for the technical maintenance of the EU-147 standard. Comprising 90 countries and several manufacturers, the Forum now serves as a central body for promoting and marketing the DAB system worldwide, and for lobbying international bodies like the European Commission, European Parliament, and CEPT for spectrum management.
Better Sound Quality — And More
Although international cooperation is ensured by the WorldDAB Forum, the actual rollout of DAB services is left to national broadcasters and governments. With adoption by major broadcasters and electronics manufacturers, DAB has started maturing. Its value lies in:
- Better sound quality
- Efficient use of frequency spectrum
- Additional data (non-audio) services
However, the real-world implementation of DAB has been slowed by financial constraints, economic downturns, and competing technologies. Broadcasters often lack funds for infrastructure, production facilities, and multimedia content.
Consumers have been more intrigued by newer technologies like DVD, ADSL, Wi-Fi, digital cameras, mobile phones, and portable music players. Despite these distractions, traditional FM/AM radio still enjoys wide popularity. To compete, DAB developers have introduced new features to enhance the system.
Why DAB?
Originally intended to improve mobile radio reception, DAB has evolved into a mobile multimedia system capable of delivering real-time data, including emergency alerts and traffic updates. Receivers are easy to use and allow tuning by station name rather than frequency. Improved sound quality and minimal interference are major advantages, especially for car users. DAB receivers can also integrate with vehicle navigation systems, offering a full infotainment experience.
A notable example is the “Mr. Taxi-Smart” Project in Singapore — a DAB-powered infotainment and ad system for taxis, providing real-time traffic, finance, news, and tourism data via LCD screens.
Data and Text Capability
Stations that have switched to HD Radio can transmit:
- Text messages (e.g., artist and song title)
- Station branding and promos
- Breaking news, weather, and traffic updates
- Future content like album art and file transfers
HD Radio also supports data tunneling, allowing non-broadcast data like navigation updates to be transmitted to car systems.
Digital Radio in the USA
Since the last Popular Communications report, HD Radio (developed by iBiquity) has seen major progress. The FCC selected it as the U.S. standard for digital local-area radio. HD Radio:
- Works on existing AM/FM frequencies
- Offers CD-quality sound
- Enables multiple streams on one frequency (HD2 multicast)
Over 750 stations were broadcasting in HD by 2006, with 2,000+ preparing to switch. Although initial rollout was slow, adoption is picking up.
Multicasting and NPR’s Tomorrow Radio
HD Radio allows multicasting, enabling one station to broadcast several programs on the same frequency. This is especially useful for:
- Niche content (e.g., Beatles-only channel)
- Bilingual programming (e.g., Spanish news)
- Public services (e.g., reading services for the blind)
NPR’s Tomorrow Radio Project is pioneering this technology with four new HD program feeds available to member stations.
Competition with Satellite Radio
Broadcasters promote HD Radio as a free alternative to satellite services like XM and Sirius. While satellite offers 100+ channels for $10–$13/month, HD Radio delivers similar features at no cost over the airwaves.
Still, satellite radio continues to evolve, with offerings like XM HD Surround for home-theater-style audio.
Criticisms and Challenges
Some criticisms of HD Radio include:
- Overstated audio quality, especially during multicasting
- Battery drain in portable receivers
- Digital dropout at signal fringes
- Slow consumer adoption, due to lack of compelling content and cost of upgrading radios
However, HD receivers also support analog FM/AM, ensuring backup reception if the digital signal is weak.
Receiver Availability
As of 2006:
- Car stereos were the main focus (BMW offered HD in 7-, 6-, and 5-series)
- Home models began around $100–150
- Brands included Kenwood, Alpine, Panasonic, Boston Acoustics, Polk, JVC, and more
- Available at Crutchfield, Best Buy, and major audio retailers
Change Is Here
“Radio is at a crucial period in its development, and needs to reposition itself to become a modern communications medium, attracting existing and new radio users, particularly young people.”
DAB and HD Radio face strong competition from satellite, broadband, and digital TV. But with robust modulation schemes and integration into modern multimedia ecosystems, digital radio has a bright and evolving future.
Stay tuned — the radio revolution is happening now!
POP’COMM Magazine – USA, November 2006 Edition
Popular-Communications-2006-11-26-29
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