Cars going digital

By the end of 2015, all of the UK¹s national radio stations and many of the local services are scheduled to stop broadcasting in analogue mode as part of ambitious Government plans to upgrade Britain¹s communications infrastructure.

So, what does this mean for the average motorist? Well, on the positive side there are some significant advantages to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB). The first and most well known is the excellent, if slightly clinical, sound quality. In addition, there is no need to remember frequencies in order to find a new programme, national stations never require retuning and advanced digital displays can provide extra information such as the artists currently being played or the latest news headlines.

On the other hand whilst 90 per cent of the population may be able to receive a digital signal, this is not the same as saying that 90 per cent of the country is currently covered. After all, few of us live on the motorway or a quiet hill through the Pennines

What¹s more, most drivers today use a car fitted with a traditional FM radio combined with a CD player or if you are lucky, an iPod dock.

In reality, if you are buying a new car anytime soon, it makes sense to ensure that DAB is fitted from day one.

Tony Cameron
Director of Cameron Clarke Leasing