Where is digital radio available?
Digital radio was launched by all commercial and public service broadcasters in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in August 2009. Low power DAB+ trial signals switched on in Canberra (July 2010) and Darwin (August 2010).

What are Event or Pop Up digital radio stations?
Event or Pop Up stations are digital stations that exist for a short period of time or that change into another concept. Like ‘The Main Stage’ which celebrates artists like Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue during their Australian tours, ‘Elf Radio’ playing Christmas songs throughout the festive season or ‘4TAB Help’ which provided useful information during the 2011 Queensland Floods. Digital radio allows for flexible niche programming that can highlight an event, festival or artist - the possibilities are endless.

Where can I buy a new DAB+ radio?
More than 800 stores throughout Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra* and Darwin* are stocking digital radios including; Harvey Norman, Dick Smith, Bing Lee, The Good Guys, Myer, David Jones, Big W, JB Hi Fi, Target, Retravision, Radio Rentals and specialist audio retailers as well as online retailers. Go to the website for a full list: digitalradioplus.com.au.

*Low power test transmissions only

What digital radio models are available?
There are a large selection of models including DAB+ clock radios with iPod docks, WiFi and DAB+ combinations, HiFi components, micro and mini systems, portable players, hand held MP3 & MP4 players with DAB+, USB's, set top boxes and digital radio for your car. Plus there are digital radios with small screens showcasing radio with pictures – fully illustrating the DAB+ capabilities with album covers, presenter photos and sports results.

How much will a DAB+ radio cost?
Like any product range, digital radio prices vary depending on the features and capabilities. Entry-level models (with scrolling text) start from around $39. There are now over 120 DAB+ radio models available, check the website for more information.

Who makes DAB+ digital radios?
Bush, Revo, Grundig, Directed, JVC, Kenwood, Pure, Roberts, Sangean, Teac, Yamaha, Oxx Digital, Cowan, Kaiser Baas, Lenoxx, Philips, Onkyo, Tivoli, sTone Tech, iRiver, Sony, LG, Panasonic, Kogan and Shintaro are just some of the manufacturers making DAB+ digital radios. Other electronics manufacturers are currently developing further DAB+ digital radio products. Check the website regularly for a list of digital radios available.

Can I receive AM and FM on digital radio?
Digital radios come in a range of different models. To ensure your radio receives digital radio services in Australia it must be DAB+ enabled. Most DAB+ radios can also receive analogue FM, and some even AM. However, where coverage is available, you’ll always be able to hear your favourite AM and FM stations simulcast on DAB+ in digital radio quality sound. Just look for the blue digital radio logo on the product pack or in-store.

Will AM and FM radio be switched off soon?
There are no plans at this stage to switch off AM and FM radio services. As there are an estimated five radio devices per home, listeners must be given time to change their radios before any discussion of the switch off of analogue services. In addition, planning needs to continue for the switch on of digital services to the rest of Australia outside of the five metropolitan capital cities.

Is digital radio the same as internet radio?
No, digital radio is broadcast free to air over the airwaves via DAB+ technology. Internet-only radio services are streamed over the telecommunications networks and incur a download cost which varies depending on the internet service provider package. Free to air broadcast radio stations also stream their current radio stations plus any new digital services on the internet as well as broadcasting, so the content can be accessed on both platforms.

When I first turned on my digital radio I couldn’t hear all my favourite stations.
When you first switch on your digital radio simply press the “full scan” or “auto tune” button so that all the stations in your area can be stored in the memory of the radio. For further information refer to your radio user guide or check the digitalradioplus.com.au website. If your radio doesn’t automatically update with new stations, keep checking the website or regularly autotune to pick up new content such as the pop up stations.

Will I experience a delay with digital radio?
Latency is a part of digital systems generally and applies equally to digital TV. Approximately 3-4 seconds of latency for DAB+ digital radio is unavoidable resulting from system implementation delays. There is a trade-off between reducing these delays and the likelihood of errors being transmitted. CRA has worked closely with broadcasters to minimise the delays as far as it is possible to do so. Buffering delays may also be experienced in digital receivers; these are not related to the actual DAB+ broadcasts.

Is digital radio available in all suburbs within the five metropolitan capitals?
Radio is planned by the Government into specific licence areas. Generally digital reception is good, however some postcodes covering large regions may contain areas that do not receive optimal reception because of terrain shielding.  The digital radio team have commenced planning the installation of equipment to boost coverage in some areas. Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) requests that listeners advise them of any coverage issues by emailing their street name, suburb, state and postcode to info@digitalradioplus.com.au. This feedback will help to determine areas which require coverage improvements and will be used to improve future coverage.

When will I be able to receive digital radio in other areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth?
Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) has already started planning the digital radio rollout in other areas throughout Australia, low power DAB+ digital radio trials have switched on in Canberra and Darwin. CRA is working with the Federal Government to allocate VHF Band III spectrum in regional areas for the rollout of digital radio services across Australia.

How do I receive digital radio in my car?
Digital radio is available as standard in the Toyota Camry Atara SL, Lexus GS and Hino 300, 500 and 700 series trucks. BMW, Audi and Landrover also offer DAB+ as an option in some new car models. A range of aftermarket radios that can be self installed or professionally fitted are also available for vehicles. Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) continues to work with the car industry to have DAB+ digital radios factory fitted in all cars.

Digital Radio Stations

Sydney - 2GB, 2CH, 2UE, 2DAY, TRIPLE M, Sky Sports Radio, WSFM, MIX 106.5, 2SM, NOVA, Smooth 95.3, Radar, Stardust Radio, Buddha, Novanation, Koffee, Edge Digital, Mix 80s, Loveland, Chemist Warehouse Remix, Gorilla, Zoo Super Digi, Sky Sports Radio Digital, Sky Racing World, ABC, SBS and some community stations.

Melbourne - MIX, GOLD, SEN, 3AW, FOX, MAGIC, TRIPLE M, NOVA, Smooth 91.5, RSN Racing & Sport, Radar, Stardust Radio, Koffee, Novanation, Edge Digital, Buddha, MyMp, Aussie, The Buckle, Mix 80s, Loveland, KOOL, Chemist Warehouse Remix, ABC, SBS and some community stations.

Brisbane - 4BC, 4BH, 4KQ, B105, TRIPLE M, NOVA, RADIO TAB, 97.3FM, Radar, Stardust Radio, Buddha, Smooth, 4TAB Digital Two, Novanation, Koffee, Edge Digital, 97.3 The 80s Mix, Chemist Warehouse Remix, Loveland, The Buckle, ABC, SBS and some community stations.

Adelaide - 5AA, MIX, SAFM, TRIPLE M, NOVA, CRUISE, Radar, Loveland, Stardust Radio, Buddha, Koffee, Mix 80s, Mix 90s, Smooth, Chemist Warehouse Remix, Edge Digital, ABC, SBS and some community stations.

Perth - 6IX, 6PR, 96FM, MIX, 92.9FM, NOVA, Radar Radio, Stardust Radio, Buddha, My Perth Digital, Hot Country Perth Digital, Loveland, Smooth, The Buckle, ABC, SBS, X Digital and some community stations.

Canberra trial - 2CA, 2CC, Mix 106.3, 104.7 Hit Music, Radar Radio, my Canberra Digital, Hot Country Canberra Digital and SBS Radio stations.

Darwin trial - Hot 100, Mix 104.9, Top Country Digital, Classic Rock Digital and Radio TAB.