DAB: What is it and how can you retrofit it?
Enjoy the music and the news in the car without crackling and noise. For new cars, the digital car radio should already be on board. Soon it will even have to: From December 21, 2020, it will be part of the equipment obligation according to the Telecommunications Act. But even in older cars with an analogue antenna, you can improve and convert the reception of the car radio. We explain how you can retrofit a car radio step by step here.
What is DAB anyway?
DAB is the abbreviation of the English words Digital Audio Broadcasting. Translated, this means: digital distribution of audio signals via antenna (terrestrial). Simply put, it means: digital radio or digital radio.
However, the signal of digital radio is not transmitted exclusively via the Internet. At least with DAB+, the signal is sent from the transmitter mast to the receiver device via antenna. While DAB offers the digital distribution of audio signals via antenna, DAB+ refers to the further development with optimized audio compression. Thus, it offers a clear and completely noise-free digital sound.
Further information such as weather maps, headlines or program overviews can be sent along with this. Thanks to the new radio technology, larger amounts of data can be displayed on the radios' displays. In Germany, about 450 radio stations broadcast their programs, 74 of which are public programs. In contrast, there are about 2,400 web radio offers.
What advantages does it offer?
In contrast to terrestrial broadcasting via ultra-short wave (FM), short wave (KW), medium wave (MW) or long wave (LW), a digital radio offers better reception in the car. But that's not all: With digital radio, you receive signals from more radio stations than with analogue radio.
The digital radio program includes many stations, from Bayerischer Rundfunk to rock antenna channels and classical music stations to the techno wave. Once tuned in, the station can continue to be listened to, even if you drive across the country. You can receive more than 260 local and national stations with the digital radio in the car. The previously set list of favorites remains up-to-date nationwide because each station broadcasts on its reserved wave.
Can it be retrofitted in any car?
You may not have to buy a new car radio to receive most radio programs nationwide. For some devices, an adapter is sufficient to enjoy the new reception. You also need a special antenna. In some devices it is integrated in the additional housing, in some vehicles it may be necessary to mount a separate antenna. This happens when the windshield allows hardly or only poorly audio signals to pass through due to small heating wires. Whether you need to retrofit a digital radio antenna in the car, you will only notice after the reception test - or you can call in a car hi-fi expert.
How does the retrofit work?
When retrofitting to a digital radio, it is not the vehicle manufacturer that matters, but the producer of the car radio. There are several ways to retrofit:
1. Smartphone
Depending on the radio, you can connect your smartphone to the radio via Bluetooth or AUX output and stream digital music. A simple solution with a sometimes moderately good sound.
2. Adapter
If the car radio is not yet too old and offers appropriate slots, an adapter is sufficient to retrofit it to digital radio. The adapter is an additional device for the car radio with a separate power and antenna line, which is connected via the AUX connection of the car radio. Good adapters cost at least around 40 euros, very good adapters at least 90 euros.
3. DAB or DAB Plus radio
A clean solution with a clearer sound is to change the car radio. If a DAB or DAB+ car radio can be connected directly to the vehicle electronics, the menu navigation and appearance of the cockpit remain the same as before. No additional device disturbs the interior. This works quite well, especially for cars with DIN or double DIN shafts. Simple new radios cost around 100 euros.
What to consider when using DAB
For brand new vehicles with a lot of electronics, it can be quite difficult to integrate DAB or DAB Plus into the existing vehicle architecture. Then you can only solve the desire for a digital radio via an adapter. Or you can ask at the specialist workshop. Manufacturers often offer exchange programs.
Helpful tips and tricks
You can find special adapters for mobile use for good transmission in car dealers or car hi-fi shops. They can also help you if you need more information or have questions about devices or installation. A good recommendation for converting to an Internet radio is the Albrecht DR56+ adapter.