DAB+ is a modern digital radio broadcasting standard that replaces traditional FM by transmitting all stations on a single frequency via a multiplex.
RTL Today Radio's DAB+ rollout will launch on 1 December, alongside its new schedule and hosts which soft launched on 18 November.
The basic principle remains the same: a transmitter sends out a radio station's signal, which can then be received on mobile radios in cars or stationary radios, such as at home or in the office. The key difference is that this transmission path is digital.
With DAB+, radio stations no longer each require their own individual frequency that listeners must manually tune into. Instead, all stations – 12 in total in Luxembourg – are broadcast together on a single frequency using what's called a multiplex. As a listener, you no longer need to know the frequency. A simple scan on your radio will detect all stations in the multiplex and display them in a list by name.
Much like streaming services or MP3 players, the audio is compressed for efficient transmission. Because all stations are transmitted via the same multiplex, they all have the same reception quality.
Digital radio reception has nothing in common with traditional analogue reception, known as UKW/FM, which means you need a radio compatible with DAB+. Within the EU, all new cars sold since 2021 must come equipped with DAB+ functionality in their car radios. Some models released before 2021 may also have DAB+ built-in. If not, there are small adapters available that can be connected to your car radio to receive DAB+.
For stationary use at home, you also need a device capable of receiving DAB+. Old UKW/FM radios typically do not support this, but over the past 10 years many new radios and sound systems on the market already include DAB+ capability. Here too, adapters are available that can be connected to older systems to enable DAB+ reception.
For the best long-term solution, it's recommended to choose a device that supports UKW/FM, DAB+, and internet radio. This gives you full flexibility for the future. That said, you're not required to switch to DAB+ to continue listening to your favourite radio stations. These are still being broadcast over UKW/FM. However, if you want to benefit from the advantages of DAB+, you should consider investing in a new device. There are options available across all price ranges.
