Digital radio at your fingertips

A 'plug in and play' DAB interface is claimed to be a neat and effective way of upgrading your existing car radio.

 

With the UK scheduled to switch fully to digital radio by 2015, more and more drivers are wondering about DAB radio reception without having to add an unsightly box and extra wires to their cars.

UK-based Connects2 has developed a range of DAB interfaces covering 95 per cent of all vehicles. Called AutoDAB, the interface fits behind the existing head-unit and requires an installation process taking no more than 30 minutes. The consumer drives away with hundreds of new radio stations (including Planet Rock, Smooth and Talk Sport) as well as a voice prompt menu system for added safety.

AutoDAB is claimed to be compatible with any original equipment or aftermarket RDS FM radio. Customers simply visit www.autodab.com to find out which model is compatible with their car. Once the unit is purchased, they take it to a specialist to be installed.

After installation, the radio text, artist information and song is transmitted via RDS text using the existing display and the DAB functions are controllable from the steering wheel buttons. Favourite stations can be stored, while FM stations are maintained.

The kit includes DAB interface, antenna and aerial adapters and a vehicle-specific wiring harness.

(Source : The Telegraph)