Digital Audio Broadcasting | Broadcasting Now

Why Buy A Dedicated Device For Digital Radio?

Author: Me, Kris Beldin. This image is free to...

Why is it advisable to buy a separate radio device instead of using the one that comes free fitted to your cell phone or tablet personal computer? Using the radio installed in some other device may slow it down. You cannot listen to your MP3 player when you have the radio feature selected.

On the other hand, having a separate radio in your hand will help you use both devices at the same time. Of course, you may not listen to different music tracks at the same time but you can always share the device with some other person.

Why you are going for personal computer when you can buy a watch that comes in wireless receiver attached? Trying to surf the net on your watch is not going to be the same as trying to surf the web on your computer screen. In the same way, the best way to enjoy digital audio broadcasting is to have a special digital device designed for this purpose. Trying to mix it with other devices is not going to give you the same quality.

If you really love listening to the radio, a slight malfunction in your tablet personal computer may leave you without access to the radio as well. On the other hand, buying a good quality device from a reputed manufacturer is going to help you enjoy the facility without any hassles.

All these advantages combined with the fact that the cost of the radio is not very high means you can easily go in for this special option. The best way to enjoy the radio, especially digital radio, is to have a dedicated device.

The Future of Radio

The idea of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) was once a dream that started over 30 years ago. A process which involved the combing or compressing of a multitude of transmittable streams of audio into one frequency instead of one stream using one frequency. Today digital audio broadcasting has become the wave of the future. Whether using terrestrial forms of digital audio communication or Satellite communication, DAB signals can be beamed across the world into homes, and cars with the click of a button or twist.

Like Televisions in 2009, the Radio is growing ever closer to the next step in audio broadcasting. The analog systems, which require a large amount of airspace in order to transmit a small amount of information, are being upgraded for evolving digital systems that are rapidly approaching the sound quality provided by the FM systems.

Criticism’s surrounding the original DAB system had to do with costs and quality. The cost of transmitting digitally is more expensive due to the fact that more transmitters are required, however, because more streams can be compressed into one frequency it would only be a matter of time before there were enough users to occupy the streams and offset the costs of hardware. The DAB+ system addressed the issues surrounding performance and quality.

DAB+ SYSTEM UPGRADES:

1. DAB+ system is two times more efficient than the original DAB system

2. DAB+ offers an upgraded AAC+ audio codec that provides better sound quality at lower transmitting rates

3. DAB+ comes with Reed-Solomon error coding fail-safes.

Digital Audio Broadcasting has yet to surpass FM broadcasting in popularity due to the fact that the quality of FM radio is simply better. However, with innovations such as the DAB+ program and the implementation of better terrestrial digital communication devices, digital radio is quickly becoming the most economic way to transmit radio and entertainment across the world.

Filed Under: Broadcasting Networks, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Digital Audio Broadcasting, Radio Broadcasting

Pro’s and Con’s Of Digital Internet Radio

One of the world’s greatest sources of money, fame, and information transmitting is the Internet. The other is the Radio. When the two are combined it becomes an explosion of technological advancement and creativity. The radio on the internet has opened the possiblity for people of all walks of life to put their intellectual property on the world wide net and be heard by the world. The internet radio is also becoming another stepping stone in the global community where people in London can be broadcasting a show to a group of friends in Austin, Texas.

With so much power at the click of a button that are bound to be glitches and underdeveloped ideas, here are a few:

Pro’s and Con’s Of Radio On The Internet

Pro’s:

1. Broadcast wherever, whenever- The beauty of the internet is the ability to be streaming and sending information 24 hours a day seven days a week. With the radio on the internet as long as there’s a signal, there’s music.

2. Information Availablity- With the emergence of podcasts and talk radio on the internet, individuals are passing information and keeping up on minute to minute aspects of events happening around the world, simultaneously.

3. It’s Free- For the most part whatever the user wants to listen on the internet can be listened to for little to no costs. Whether that’s listening to a talk show host or a favorite band. Entertainment can usually be found for free.

Cons:

1. Sound Quality- Unlike FM analog signals which fade slowly as the receiver gets farther away from the signal, Digital Audio Broadcasting requires a signal within the maximum threshold for the signal to work.

2. Connections- Sometimes finding a good connection can be the life or death of radio internet. Without a good connection or access to the internet the radio cannot be played.

3. Finding Content- With all the users downloading content it can be hard to find specific artists or stations.

Filed Under: Broadcasting Networks, Gadgets, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Digital Audio Broadcasting, Internet radio, Radio Broadcasting

DAB And The Auditory Learner

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As the future of broadcast communication evolves with technology so does the future of education. In a world where education is taking on new definition’s and forcing itself to adapt to an ever changing global market Digital Audio Broadcasting may provide an avenue for children and adults who do not learn visually to close the gap and catch up to their visual counterparts.

Education, kindergarten to 12 grade is highly visual. Be that science class to physical education the understanding is that each person “sees” and adapts to their environment. However, like many misconceptions which dominate the landscape of human life, visual learning is not how every one learns best.

Scientist’s have identified to types of learners:

1. Visual Learner- These learners require to “see” things in order to learn them. They benefit most from written instructions, charts, and diagrams.

2. Auditory Learner- These learners require the use of vocal inflections, stressed syllables, and spoken directions in order to absorb information the best.

The second type of learner is where Digital Audio Broadcasts become so important. In order to create an educational show that children could tune into and listen to every week would be quite impossible due to time constraints, and the cost of negating one frequency specifically for one class of not very many children.

With Digital Audio Broadcasting technology a teacher would be able to very easily and very inexpensively broadcast a lecture or a class every day at anytime for virtually no cost to the auditory learner. Instead of being required to show up at a certain time the lecture or lesson could be streamed immediately or streamed at anytime after 24 hours a day.

With the progression of education as it is and the need to accommodate multitudes of people on varying levels it is easy to see how providing an educational outlet via DAB is the next step in information and education broadcasting.

Filed Under: Audio, Broadcasting Networks Tagged With: Digital Audio Broadcasting, Education, Learning

Accessibility of Online Radio

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With the emergence internet radio and satellite radio there has become a new market for improvement. Companies across the globe are jumping on the opportunity to make money while making radio on the internet more accessible and error free. Since the inception of companies like Pandora and XM radio there has been a rush to perfect the online capabilities of the radio.

With the ability to stream entertainment at the touch of a finger, the internet is poised to take over the radio airwaves. The only concern is that it will not be user friendly or as accessible to the user and their needs. Companies like AOL and google are now jumping on the opportunity to expand and optimize a rough system. Here are some of the improvements they are working towards.

Improvements To Online Radio Careers

1. Radio Locator- A major complaint about the online Digital Audio Broadcasting platform is that like radio you cannot always find radio stations that you are looking for. Often you will have to bounce around in “hit and miss” manner until something is found. However, with the creation of radio locator, user’s have a comprehensive list of online radio stations right at their disposal.

2. Sports/News Radio- Another major complaint about the online radio was that it was simply a list of radio stations that played music, whereas satellite providers offered a multitude of options from music to talk radio. Several companies such as AOL, and Google have now come out with radio stations offering sports and news radio around the clock.

3. Accessibility- People who use internet radio know how frustrating it can be to spend countless valuable minutes everyday building playlists on internet radio providers that never actually play the song that the listener is looking for. With new innovations internet providers are allowing for music skipping and rewinding to allow users to find specific songs.

The future of internet radio is one of accessibility and affordability.

Filed Under: Gadgets, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Digital Audio Broadcasting, Google, Internet radio, Radio Broadcasting

Setting The Standard For DAB

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Today, over 1,000 Digital Audio Broadcasting stations around the world are broadcasting streaming entertainment 24 hours a day seven days a week to billions of citizens. This can be seen as just another step in making information free and accessible to everyone, however, for a select group of people it represents the possibility of chaos.

Much like the FCC and the FDA which help to regulate and promote the overall the goals of their specific markets; Digital Audio Broadcasting requires such an oversight organization to help realize the overall potential of DAB capabilities. Together with the help of several country DMB or Digital Multimedia Broadcasting non-profits, the WorldDMB is striving to create a flawless program that can rival the affordability and accessibility of the radio.

Here are a few things that the World DMB and country DMB organizations are doing to promote the overall success of a multitude of Digital Audio Broadcasting platforms:

Three Ways That The World DMB Is Promoting The Success Of DAB

1. Monitor Electronic Communications policies- to ensure that all users and providers within the DAB community are receiving the highest and most legal quality of service the WorldDMB works with sister organizations to ensure all EC policies are met and that all providers work within the required framework of DMB policies.

2. Marketing DAB systems- promoting the software and idea of streaming digital multimedia through projects which exemplify the overall goal of the DAB, DAB+ systems.

3. Liaison between Markets- working as middle man between providers and systems to ensure that all standards are met and providers are complying with goals of WorldDMB.

Through the WorldDMB and country organizations alike individuals are working to promote the overall continuity and goals of the Digital Audio Broadcasting groups through communication, and strict adherence to the frame works that comprise the different DAB systems.

Filed Under: Audio, Broadcasting Networks Tagged With: Digital Audio Broadcasting, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting, Radio Broadcasting

Remembering The Radio

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As technology progresses with time, it’s important to remember the history of that technology so as to always be progressing towards the greatest goal. With the invention of DAB or Digital Audio Broadcasting many are seeing the new wave of instant streaming data surpassing the uses of single frequency FM/AM receivers. However, FM/AM receivers cannot be counted out due to the fact that they are still the most largely used form of transmitting mass multimedia because the quality of the signal is still superior to digital audio.

Looking back to where radio began, it can be said that radio is a multi-faceted and highly adaptable system of transmitting data. Just a few of the uses of radio include:

Uses Of The Radio

1. Navigation: Original navigation devices on ships and planes alike used two radio transmitters that would send a signal that bounced between two objects. Satellite navigation uses a series of satellites to pinpoint a location with the use of calculating computers. Even radar is reliant on radio-waves to locate everything from fish, other vessels, to storms and land masses.

2. Television: The first TV’s used FM/AM transmitters and receivers with different bandwidths in order to adjust to a certain frequency. Digital televisions used Digital Audio Broadcasting hardware that transmits from either terrestrial or satellite sites.

3. Cooking: Since the introduction of the Microwave into the home, people across the world have joined the microwaving frenzy. It’s hard to find a home these days with out a microwave, but the microwave actually uses high intensity radio-waves to create heat and cook food a rapid rates, much like an induction oven for cooking.

Since the invention of the telegraph in 1878 to the invention of DAB in 1985, the radio has proved to be one of the most important and useful inventions in the history of mankind. Making it possible to connect with people all over the world.

Filed Under: Broadcasting Networks, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Digital Audio Broadcasting, Microwave, Radio Broadcasting, Television

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Portable Digital Audio Speakers

With all the updates and upgrades in data broadcasting technology it’s important to keep up to date with what works and what doesn’t. It started with the introduction of DAB, digital audio broadcasting and now everything that sends a radio signal is being fitted for digital capabilities.

Everything from the TV to the cell phone is evolving into the future of data transmitting and that means that systems and hardware are becoming obsolete just as fast as they are being produced. One of the most recent developments in digital transmitting is the invention of digital speaker equipment and more specifically, portable speaker equipment. Considering the young state of digital transmitting hardware it’s important to know the advantages and disadvantages of using portable digital audio equipment.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Portable Digital Audio Speakers

Advantages:

1. Sound Quality- Because digital audio equipment does not require such large frequencies the sound quality is greater and the interference that is heard in many FM/AM receivers is not heard in digital audio equipment.

2. Adaptability- Portable digital audio equipment can be plugged in using a USB chord making it lightweight and cutting out the need for bulky power adapters because the equipment can charge off the computer capabilities. This also makes digital audio equipment sleeker and more appealing to the eye.

Disadvantages:

1. Price- Because the technology is young and expensive the costs of digital equipment is higher. Like any new technology until it is adopted into the “norm” equipment will remain expensive.

2. Compatibility- Digital Equipment runs on different systems that traditional equipment. While certain digital equipment may work in some instances, in others it will be incompatible with other technology. For example even DAB and DAB+ equipment is not compatible.

The choices and options when deciding on audio equipment are so vast today that being informed as to what your buying and what your getting becomes very important.

Filed Under: Audio, Gadgets Tagged With: Digital audio, Digital Audio Broadcasting, Radio Broadcasting

Radio – Poor Man’s Sole Entertainment Option

There are many persons who are surprised at the fact that there are organizations dedicated to the task of promoting digital audio broadcasting. These persons are of the opinion that it is just a question of time before the radio dies. They are not the first one to cast doubts on the survival of the radio.

The radio was the first means of transmitting human sound from one place to another without any wire or physical connection. Needless to say, it was a very revolutionary development. It enabled individuals to listen to stuff that were going on elsewhere without actually being there.

News, entertainment, current affairs-it would not be wrong to say that the radio helped the world come closer. It also laid the foundation for the telephone and all other audio and video transmission devices. Well, the television was considered to be the first enemy of the radio. It quickly stood if as a competitor in each and every aspect of radioâ€™s performance.

The radio depended on sound while the television offered visuals. The radio was abstract while the television was real. Color television made matters even worse for the radio. There was a time when the popularity of radio fell and it was indeed believed that no one would use radios anymore. Yet, surprisingly, the radio has survived.

There is no single specific reason that has helped the survival of the radio. However, the general consensus is that it remains the cheapest and the most economical option for widespread mass communication and information. Those who are well off may find it easy to own a TV but it is definitely a luxury for those who are not very rich.

This is particularly true in developing and third world countries where majority of the population struggles to achieve its basic needs. In such a scenario, not only has radio survived but it has flourished as well.

Filed Under: Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Digital Audio Broadcasting, Radio Broadcasting, Television

Why Are People Hesitant To Switch To The Digital Radio? Here Are Some Reasons

One reason why digital audio broadcasting is struggling to rapidly expand its market base is that people are still stuck with the old traditional radio. Traditional radio makes use of analog waves while digital audio transmits the radio waves after it has been converted and digitized. Although it offers better quality, it requires higher investment and purchase of separate radio device.

It is not a question of cost alone. It is also a question of convenience. As on date, we carry a laptop, cell phone and a music player. All three devices are capable of playing audio and music. In such a scenario, going in for another device just to listen to the radio seems like overkill. If we were to include the radio fitted in our automobiles, we will have five different devices just to listen to music.

Of course, the fact that a person who opts for digital radio will never again bother to listen to any other device is never given importance. The initial hesitation combined with the feeling that there is no merit in making such a huge switch is causing trouble. This is reason why market anticipates that high volume growth will take place by 2020 and not by 2015 as earlier anticipated.

Should you invest in a digital radio? You can make use of the internet to check out affordable versions. There is no harm in staying ahead of the curve as long as you do not have to spend a lot of money. Of course, you can even sell your existing radio online and use the money to buy the replacement device. What you lose in cash, you will gain in fantastic quality service. You will get the ability to be prepared for the digital radio revolution when it is accepted by the masses.

Filed Under: Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Digital Audio Broadcasting, Digital radio, Radio Broadcasting