What is the Difference Between DAB and DAB+?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) are digital radio standards that transmit audio signals digitally rather than using traditional radio waves. The main differences between DAB and DAB+ are:
- Codec: DAB+ uses an MPEG-4 audio-codec, which is considered superior to the MPEG-1 codec used by DAB radios for compressing files.
- Data Transmission Rate: DAB has a data transmission rate of 128 kbps, while DAB+ works with 80 kbps, which is markedly lower. However, the lower data rate allows a single channel to accommodate multiple stations.
- Audio Quality and Compression: DAB+ can provide higher audio quality and more reliable reception compared to standard DAB.
- Efficiency: DAB+ makes more efficient use of available bandwidth, allowing up to three times the data to be sent out by DAB+ stations.
- Compatibility: DAB+ is the successor of DAB, and most DAB radios cannot decode DAB+ signals. However, DAB+ radios can decode both DAB and DAB+ signals.
In summary, DAB+ is an upgraded version of DAB, offering improved audio quality, more efficient use of bandwidth, and better compatibility with modern digital radio standards. DAB+ has become the standard format in several European countries and is expected to replace traditional DAB in the future.
Comparative Table: DAB vs DAB+
Here is a table comparing the differences between DAB and DAB+:
Feature | DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) | DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting+) |
---|---|---|
Audio Encoding | MP2 (MPEG audio format) | AAC+ (a more efficient codec) |
Audio Quality | Lower audio quality at higher bit-rates | Better audio quality at lower bit-rates |
Data Transmission Rate | 128 kbps | 80 kbps |
Surround Sound | No | Yes |
Compatibility | Requires compatible radios for surround sound | MPEG surround receivers present in DAB+ radios decode surround sound |
Channel Switching | Slower channel and station switching | Faster channel and station switching (zapping) |
DAB+ is an upgraded version of DAB, using a more efficient audio codec (AAC+) that allows for better sound quality at lower bit-rates. DAB+ also supports surround sound, which is not available in DAB. The data transmission rate is higher in DAB (128 kbps) compared to DAB+ (80 kbps), but DAB+ can accommodate a multitude of stations due to its lower data rate and more powerful MPEG-4 audio codec. Channel and station switching is faster in DAB+, providing a better user experience.
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