What is digital radio?

Digital is a way of transmitting sound and pictures as computerised bits of information. This takes up much less space in the airwaves (bandwidth) than the traditional (analogue) system, so there is room for more radio stations and other features.

It is often called DAB digital radio. DAB stands for digital audio broadcasting, the name of the transmission system.

What does digital radio give me?

The main benefits are:

• More radio stations: national, local and regional radio, and stations catering for all kinds of interests and groups of people; many are digital-only
• Better reception: none of the hiss, crackle, fading or station overlap that you get with AM or even FM radio
• Easy tuning by pressing a button: no need to remember frequencies, fiddle with a dial to get a good signal, or retune your car radio when on the move
• Display screen on the radio: gives you information about what you're listening to (such as song details, news headlines, email addresses); some radios now have an electronic programme guide (EPG)
• Radio on TV and online: digital radio stations also broadcast via digital TV and on the internet

How do I get digital radio?

You can't receive digital radio on a traditional (analogue) set. There are three ways to listen:

• DAB digital radio set: as with traditional sets, there are many kinds to choose from – portable, hand-held, hi-fi tuners, car radios, etc. Look for a DAB logo on the set. (Note: first check that you can receive DAB in your area – around 85% of the population is covered.)
• Digital TV: all digital TV platforms (digital terrestrial, satellite, cable, broadband) include at least 20 radio stations.
• Internet: with speakers or headphones plugged into your computer, you can listen to a huge variety of stations from the UK and all over the world.