General
Sony's XDR-S60DBP has a black, classic design, but is equipped with the latest in radio technology: DAB+. This digital way of radio reception is the logical sequel to FM radio. DAB+, like its predecessor DAB, stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting, but is now available with an added +. 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. Several digital stations need just as must space as a single analogue one and, as such, allow you to use your radio more efficiently. Of course, listening to FM radio is also still possible with the XDR-S60DBP, thanks to its telescopic antenna. You can easily take this compact, lightweight radio with you - the highly mobile device is powered via the mains of power or by means of three (rechargeable) C batteries.
Operating the WiFly NE1 Battery
A large part of the housing of the XDR-S60DBP is taken up by a 4-inch speaker with a power of 1 watt, providing you with mono audio. Would you like to listen to the radio in stereo? Simply use the 3.5mm headphone jack to plug in a pair of headphones. The volume can be adjusted by means of a large knob on the side of the radio, while a large dial on the front panel enables you to navigate your preset stations and to browse through other information on the white-lit LCD display. Next to this dial, you'll find four buttons that allow you to operate the auto tune function and the menu, and to select either DAB+ or FM radio. The top panel of the XDR-S60DBP is also fitted with a number of buttons, including the five preset buttons for your favourite radio stations. The on/off button is located on the far left.
DAB+: ready to take over
Even though analogue FM radio will probably be with us for some time to come, its successor DAB+ is ready to take over. Already upgraded from 'regular' DAB, DAB+ is used in several countries world-wide, particularly in Europe. 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. The Sony XDR-S60DBP is capable of receiving various extra information, both via FM and DAB+. FM offers the familiar RDS feed with traffic information, for instance. For DAB+, much more is on offer, as the digital signal can contain more information than RDS, such as station and track information, to name just a few examples.