Digital radio revolution rolls out in Australia
Revolution ... the humble wireless will get a facelift this month as digital radio rolls out in capital cities
THE humble wireless will get a facelift this month as digital radio is rolled out across the country.
Pitched as a revolution in radio, digital services have already been switched on in Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide, with Brisbane and Sydney following suit soon.
Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), says that digital broadcasts are a compelling new way of listening to the radio.
“The switch on of digital radio is a culmination of seven years work,” she said.
Ms Warner says the switchover in the “sport-loving state” of Victoria will give fans more ways to follow their favourite game.
“AFL final calls on radio with scrolling text scores and stats or the Melbourne Cup with photos of winners or pause and then rewind if you missed the end of the race – these are all possible with the new capabilities of digital radio,” she said.
There are no plans to turn off traditional AM and FM frequencies yet.
Digital radio uses Digital Audio Broadcasting plus (DAB+) and features upgraded compression technology that offers wider coverage and improved reception.
According to the Digital Radio Plus website, DAB+ has the potential for enhanced sound quality, extra channels, downloadable music, slideshows, scrolling text, Electronic Program Guides and updated news.
While there is no subscription fee for digital radio, listeners will need to buy DAB+ compatible receivers to tune in as older analog radios will not be able pick up the frequencies.
Receivers start from around $150, with more advanced units equipped with all digital features selling for double that.
