Dab or Dab +: these are the differences

DAB stands for "Digital Audio Broadcasting", the new digital radio transmission path. There is also DAB +. We explain the differences between the two types of transmission in this practical tip.

The differences between DAB and DAB + at a glance

You can now find the newer DAB + on most digital radios. The new standard differs from the old DAB in many ways:

• DAB + uses an MPEG-4 audio codec. This is considered one of the best codes that are currently used. The older DAB, on the other hand, only supports the MPEG-1 codec with which it compresses the media.
• However, the data rate is lower with DAB +: While you are receiving the old DAB at 128 kbps, the newer standard is only 80 kb per second.
• This may sound bad at first, but this allows providers to accommodate more transmitters on the frequency band. However, the compressions are more complex and your end devices have to be more powerful.
• Nevertheless, DAB + is becoming increasingly popular: some radio stations can only be received via DAB +. However, this is a free decision by the broadcasters and not a technical requirement.

If you want to receive your radio with DAB or DAB +, you do not necessarily need a separate device. Your computer can also work as a digital radio: You will learn how to do this in the next practical tip "Receive DAB with the computer".