Soon there will be silent in 2.2 million Norwegian cars – ABC News

Many people have heard about it. But may not have quite been able to take it over him yet – and far less prepared for what happens when the process of turning off FM network starting from the end of.

– Only here in Norway will radio in as many as 2.2 million cars simply be silent. Not so much as a sound will come from your speakers if you try to tune into a radio frequency. It says Benny Christensen bilekspert in Broom.no.

More stable and less jarring with DAB +

– The radio has collected Norwegians for many decades and is still important for very many. Whether it is in the living room, the kitchen or in the car, says Benny, who is keen radio listener when he drives a car.

But radio is challenged daily by other digital media, and younger listeners goes increasingly over to online streaming services. To develop radio in line with listeners requires a technology that gives more listening choice.

– New DAB networks make listening easier, the sound is more stable, without harshness and provides more opportunities. One must also not longer build hundreds of new radio transmitters to create a new channel, explains Benny on.

Four out of five car radios are useless

Not only in Norway

– but Norway is the only country in the world that introduces this?

– Many say so, but it is not entirely correct. Norway is one of many countries that the transition to digital radio. More than 40 countries worldwide have DAB broadcasts already. While several countries in Europe also considering whether to implement a phase-out of the FM network, explains automotive experts.

– But not all cars have DAB radio as standard?

– The votes. In Norway there are more than 2 million cars with DAB radio. It becomes a challenge for the radios are going to be quiet.

– So I would urge anyone who does not know to what extent they are affected by this, to put a little into it now, says Benny .

How can you “renew” used car

Do upgraded

– How do you do that?

– All cars with a FM or DAB radio (not DAB +) upgradeable to DAB + using an adapter.

– Here, there are many types, in several price ranges to choose from. Some are visible with power from the cigarette lighter and a separate panel. Some, usually the more expensive, is completely invisible. Where is the connection behind the car’s original radio.

– Or you can simply replace the entire radio. The latter is perhaps most relevant in older cars without radio factory, but with standard “radio hole” in the dashboard or center console.

– And if you’re not sure whether you have FM, DAB or DAB + radio, what do you do then?

– It’s easy to investigate. Taking radio channels that NRK Sport and NRK P13, yes then you already have DAB + in the car, explains Benny.

See also: Test of DAB adapters