DAB vs DAB+ | Difference between DAB and DAB+

This page compares DAB vs DAB+ and mentions difference between DAB and DAB+ with respect to various parameters.

Introduction: DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. It uses digital signal instead of analog signal used in FM radio broadcasting. The DAB transmission equipments are used across the world for broadcasting audio signal for digital radio receivers to listen various channels. DAB uses MP2 audio codec which is predecessor to MP3. DAB+ is upgrade version of DAB which uses HE-AAC v2 (i.e. AAC+) audio codec. Both uses VHF Band III from 174 to 240 MHz. DAB standards are defined in ETSI EN 300 401, TR 101 496-1/2/3 and TS 102 563.

Parameters DAB DAB+
Audio signal encoder type MP2, MPEG audio format AAC+
Audio quality Good Better
Number of stations Less, 38 channels at different frequencies in band 3 More, 9-24 (Typically), 64 (Maximum)
Radio/Data Up to 10 Up to 24

Conclusion: DAB+ is backward compatible to DAB and hence DAB+ can be used to receive DAB channel broadcasts. DAB is not forward compatible to DAB+ and hence DAB can not be used to receive DAB+ channel broadcasts.

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