News

WorldDAB has released fresh figures showing the sales of DAB devices and digital radio coverage in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Norway will soon make the historic step of disabling FM-broadcasting, Switzerland will do the same in 2020. Denmark and the UK are preparing for the same step, and Germany are developing their own plans to transfer to digital broadcasting.

The official roll-out of digital radio started in Slovenia, as public broadcaster RTV Slovenija launches the first digital radio network featuring 13 radio stations. RTV Slovenija will operate the first digital multiplex, called R1, and will broadcast from seven transmitters around the country. The network initially reaches 73 percent of Slovenian households and covers 89 percent of motorways and expressways.

The WFR-27C is a radio that combines classic design elements with the all the latest technology including DAB+ radio, Spotify connect and Wi-Fi.

A consortium of broadcasters and organizations united their efforts to develop an open and universal interface, which should facilitate the integration of digital radio reception systems in smartphones. The launch of the open interface for the reception of radio on mobile devices (OMRI) was announced at IBC 2016.

Nearly 50 million receivers were sold through the major countries, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, the UK, Switzerland and Australia (48232000). In France, 292,000 DAB+ receivers have been sold into the distribution network.

A pop-up digital radio station, set up to air in the run-up to BBC Radio Cymru's 40th birthday, will launch on Monday. Radio Cymru Mwy will be available for 15 weeks on weekday mornings.

Standard 'GT86' equipment includes cruise control, aluminium pedals, DAB digital radio and keyless go. The 'GT86 Pro' adds heated seats and the spoiler.

The R2 follows the same design cues as the R4, but it sheds the latter's CD drive and adds Spotify connect support which, in addition to its AM, FM, DAB, Internet Radio, Bluetooth aptX and USB playback, means that it's a very well connected speaker indeed.

World DAB has released an infographic with the latest sales of DAB/DAB + radios and data coverage of DAB/DAB+ in Europe and Australia. Until the 2nd quarter of this year nearly 50 million DAB/ DAB+ receivers were sold in the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway, France, Italy, UK, Switzerland and Australia.

Standard kit includes climate control, a 7.0in colour touchscreen, sat-nav, Bluetooth, a digital radio, two USB inputs, LED headlights and a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel.