Digital radio turns on

19th June 2009

Plans to switch off AM/FM analogue transmission from 2015, and replace it with the crackle-free alternative, were outlined in the Digital Britain report. New radios already have to be DAB capable by the end of 2013 in France. But some UK firms are worried the digital technology won’t
be compatible within the EU.
“The problem is getting a pan-European standard,” said a spokesman for Kia. “Currently, there are different standards – similar to VHS and Betamax. We want to have one fitment across Europe. We need an agreed path.” However, some new vehicles, such as Ford’s Focus Titanium, already come with a DAB system as standard.
The Government says DAB coverage must be comparable to the current FM network and cover all major roads.

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