Sony XDR-S60DBP DAB+ digital radio, red

General

The Sony XDR-S60DBP is a striking red digital radio that is capable of receiving DAB, DAB+ and - via its telescopic antenna - analogue FM broadcasts. DAB+ is the next logical step after FM and stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting+. This new technology offers a crystal-clear sound with next to no interference whatsoever. An additional benefit is the fact that digital stations take up less space than their analogue counterparts in the ether, freeing up room for more stations so you're able to use your radio more efficiently. You can easily take this compact, lightweight radio with you - the highly mobile device is powered via the mains power or by means of three (rechargeable) C batteries.

The two parts of the digital radio

This digital Sony radio can basically be divided into two parts. The left side consists of a 4-inch, 1-watt speaker, which supplies you with mono audio. Connect a pair of headphones to the 3.5mm jack output and you're able to enjoy stereo sound as well. The right side of the radio is fitted with several controls that allow you to operate the XDR-S60DBP. A volume knob is located on the side, and a similar one the front panel allows you to scroll through radio stations and various setting on the white-lit LCD display of the radio. The front panel also features four buttons, which operate the auto tuning function, allow you to choose between DAB+ and FM, and open the menu on the display. The top panel of the XDR-S60DBP is equipped with six buttons: five preset buttons that can be assigned to your favourite radio stations, and a sixth that turns the Sony digital radio on and off.

The advantages of DAB+ over FM

DAB+ is an upgraded version of the older DAB. The analogue FM will probably be around for a while to come, but the focus of radio technology will shift increasingly towards DAB+ in the coming years. DAB+ is already available in several countries world-wide, particularly in Europe. Like FM RDS, DAB+ is capable of transmitting additional information to your radio. Just think of the possibilities when DAB+ is further developed! As digital radio stations don't take up too much space, there is plenty of room in the ether for stations that were previously only available via cable or Internet radio.

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