Digital radio market to experience global market growth
November 7, 2007
The worldwide digital radio market is on a roll, with unit sales expected to increase more than three-fold from 2006 to 2011, reports In-Stat, the high-tech market research firm. Recent developments include the availability of the enhanced Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)+ standard in the UK, an increase in the number of DAB trials throughout Europe and Asia, and the introduction of mobile devices with integrated DAB support.
“From a regional standpoint, DAB technology is close to mass-market appeal in the UK, and is the pervasive digital radio technology throughout Europe,” says Stephanie Ethier, In-Stat analyst. “Satellite radio remains the leading platform for digital radio in the US, despite notable progress in HD Radio awareness.”
Research by In-Stat found that the global market for digital radio will grow from 9 million units in 2006 to almost 32 million units in 2011. Increased choice of programming continues to be the primary driver of digital radio ownership.