Digital audio broadcasting

Digital audio broadcasting or DAB is a developing technology for broadcasting audio programming in digital form. Broadcast radio has been in widespread use since the 1920s, and to this time has remained largely based on the analog "amplitude modulation" (AM) technologies used at the beginning and the "frequency modulation" (FM) technologies introduced in the mid-20th Century. The objective of converting to digital systems is to enable higher fidelity, greater noise immunity, and new services. However, because FM with good reception provides hi-fi sound, digital radio systems around the world rarely match FM's level of audio quality.

Related Topics:
Radio - 1920s - Analog - Amplitude modulation - Frequency modulation - 20th Century

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The acronym DAB is used both to identify the generic technology of digital audio broadcasting, and specific technical standards, particularly the Eureka 147 standard described below. Standardization of DAB technology is promoted by the World DAB Forum, which represents more than 30 countries, not including the United States.

Related Topics:
Eureka 147 - United States

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Some marketing confusion has been engendered by the use of the term "digital"—consumers may associate this with a digital method of tuning, which is commonly found on analogue radios with LCDs, rather than a digital signal.

Related Topics:
Analogue - LCD

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In addition to regular-style receivers, one can use a radio card to hear DAB through a personal computer and various models are on the market. The Psion Wavefinder was the original DAB radio for the personal computer, with a unique design and colourful screen; however this device is no longer available.

Related Topics:
Personal computer - Psion Wavefinder

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