For radio, choose DAB+ via cable
Whether at home, in the car or at work – many of us listen to the radio every day. We listen to music or obtain information about world events, the current traffic situation or the weather. And so it’s no wonder that average radio usage in Switzerland is around 2 hours a day.
How can you receive radio?
Today, there are various common radio standards which allow you to receive radio.
These have different properties and advantages
FM cable radio
FM Radio
FM radio
Besides analogue FM cable radio, there is also analogue FM radio. The FM signals (very high frequency) are transmitted via air in this case. With standard FM radios, a broad range of channels can be received, but these are limited by region.
Note: In Switzerland, DAB+ and DAB+ Cable will replace analogue radio (FM radio via air and cable) in the medium term. Based on the strategy formulated by the Federal Council in 2006 for the future of radio distribution in Switzerland, all FM radio stations will be switched off by 2024. So when purchasing a new radio it is worth looking out for integrated DAB+ and DAB+ Cable.
DAB+ Cable
DAB+ Cable radio
The DAB+ Cable digital radio standard is available to UPC customers via the cable connection. DAB+ stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and offers a wide and national range of stations and the display of text and album covers. DAB+ Cable also offers interference-free reception in basement level rooms or Minergie buildings, for example, which is not always the case with radio standards broadcast via air.
Installing DAB+ Cable is very simple: the radio simply needs to be connected to the cable socket – and the radio is already operational. To receive this digital radio standard, a radio with the DAB+ Cable standard is necessary; traditional DAB+ is not sufficient.
Note: In Switzerland, DAB+ and DAB+ Cable will replace analogue radio (FM radio via air and cable) in the medium term. Based on the strategy formulated by the Federal Council in 2006 for the future of radio distribution in Switzerland, all FM radio stations will be switched off by 2024. So when purchasing a new radio it is worth looking out for integrated DAB+ and DAB+ Cable.
DAB+
DAB+ radio
The DAB+ digital radio standard can be received via air. DAB+ stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and offers interference-free sound and a wide, national range of stations. In addition, text and album covers can be received. To receive this digital radio standard, a radio with the DAB+ standard is necessary.
Note: In Switzerland, DAB+ and DAB+ Cable will replace analogue radio (FM radio via air and cable) in the medium term. Based on the strategy formulated by the Federal Council in 2006 for the future of radio distribution in Switzerland, all FM radio stations will be switched off by 2024. So when purchasing a new radio it is worth looking out for integrated DAB+ and DAB+ Cable.
DVB-C Radio
DVB-C radio
DVB-C stands for Digital Video Broadcasting–Cable and is the transmission of digital radio via the cable connection. UPC customers can receive DVB-C radio via the UPC TV platform and enjoy up to 200 radio stations.
Overview of the advantages of the radio
standards
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Characteristics
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DAB+ Cable | DAB+ | FM cable radio |
FM radio | DVB-C radio |
| Wide and national range of stations |
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| Identical range of stations throughout Switzerland |
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| Interference-free reception throughout the whole of Switzerland |
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| Simple installation: automatic frequency searching |
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| Additional information: text and picture |
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| Future-oriented* |
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* Note: In Switzerland, DAB+ and DAB+ Cable will replace analogue radio (FM radio via air and cable) in the medium term. Based on the strategy formulated by the Federal Council in 2006 for the future of radio distribution in Switzerland, all FM radio stations will be switched off by 2024. So when purchasing a new radio it is worth looking out for integrated DAB+ and DAB+ Cable.
We recommend DAB+ Cable
Via our fibre optic cable network, today you can receive up to 40 analogue radio stations and 90 stations with the DAB+ cable standard. In Switzerland, DAB+ will replace analogue radio in the medium term, however. Therefore, we recommend that you look for the DAB + Cable Ready logo when buying a new radio and advise you not to connect existing DAB+ equipment with a cable or retractable antenna to the UPC socket using a clip adapter. Conventional DAB+ devices can be made DAB+ cable ready with the approved DAB+ Cable Adapter (below). With devices that have a DAB + Cable Ready logo, you can receive both analogue and digital stations.
DAB+ Cable offers you the following advantages
- Wide range of stations
- National range of channels, regardless of location
- Interference-free reception throughout the whole of Switzerland
- Best sound quality
- Simple installation
- Additional information such as text and album covers
- Future-proof radio standard
Receiving DAB+ Cable
To receive DAB+ Cable you need a radio that supports this radio standard. Traditional DAB+ is not sufficient. Radios with DAB+ Cable can be recognised easily from the “DAB+ Cable ready” logo or from the “DAB+ Cable” label.
Here you will find a selection of the latest models:
Palotec P Tec Gotthard
With 5 memory keys for favourites and outputs for Line In/Out, headphones and USB.
Available from retailers.
DAB+ Radiotuner YOUTUNE1 VISTRON
Radio adapter with DAB+, DAB+ cable and FM tuner (RDS) to extend an existing hi-fi system. Large 12-digit VFD display. 8 remote control memory buttons. Line-out and headphone jack.
Available from specialist retailers.
DAB970BR1 SOUNDMASTER UPC-Edition
Premium-quality wooden case with a high-gloss finish. Stereo radio with DAB+ and FM tuner (RDS). Extended frequency range for receiving DAB+ via a cable network (UPC DAB+ cable). CD player (CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3). 2.4" TFT color display, with multi-level dimming. Power output: 2x15W RMS. IEC connector for an antenna (telescopic antenna included in delivery). Remote control.
Available from specialist retailers, also comes in black.
Palotec P Tec Rigi
With a DAB+ Cable adapter to expand the existing hi-fi system, 10 memory buttons for favourites and a Cinch stereo output.
Available from retailers.
Palotec P Tec Rigi BT
With a DAB+ Cable adapter to expand the existing hi-fi system, 10 memory buttons for favourites, a Cinch stereo output and Bluetooth.
Available from retailers.
Sumatronic DAB+ Cable Adapter
With a DAB+ Cable adapter, you can also receive DAB+ Cable radio with a normal DAB+ radio (with aerial input).
Available from retailers.
TechniSat DigitRadio 4 C
DAB+, DAB+ cable digital radio. FM radio (with RDS and PLL). Save your favorites (20 for DAB+ and 20 for FM). TFT color display (2.8"). Bluetooth audio streaming (reception).
TechniSat DigitRadio 10 C
Radio adapter with DAB+, DAB+ cable and FM tuner (RDS) to extend an existing hi-fi system. Save your favorites (20 for DAB+ and 20 for FM). Date and time display. TFT color display (2.8"). Bluetooth audio streaming (reception). IEC connector for an antenna. Remote control.
Overview of the advantages of the radio
standards
What is DAB+ Cable?
The DAB+ Cable radio standard is available via the cable connection. DAB+ stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and offers a wide and national range of stations and the display of text and album covers. DAB+ Cable also offers interference-free reception in basement level rooms or Minergie buildings, for example, which is not always the case with radio standards broadcast via air. To receive it, a radio with the DAB+ Cable standard is necessary; traditional DAB+ is not sufficient. .
How can I receive DAB+ Cable?
To receive DAB+ Cable you need a radio that supports this radio standard. Radios with DAB+ Cable can be recognised easily from the “DAB+ Cable ready” logo or from the “DAB+ Cable” label. To receive DAB+ Cable with a traditional DAB+ radio, you will need an additional DAB+ Cable adapter.
How can I recognise a radio with DAB+ Cable?
Radios with DAB+ Cable can be recognised easily from the “DAB+ Cable ready” logo or from the “DAB+ Cable” label.
How many stations can I receive with DAB+ Cable?
We currently offer around 90 stations with the DAB+ Cable radio standard via our fibre optic cable network.
When will analogue radio be switched off in Switzerland?
Based on the strategy formulated by the Federal Council in 2006 for the future of radio distribution in Switzerland, all FM radio stations will be switched off by 2024.
Why is analogue radio being switched off in Switzerland?
The migration from analogue to digital radio is based on the strategy formulated by the Federal Council in 2006 for the future of radio distribution in Switzerland. Because digital distribution, either via DAB+ Cable, DAB+ or the Internet, offers numerous advantages. The distribution costs are reduced for the channel operators, while their transmission areas and their potential audience are increased. The problem of the lack of frequency spectrum is also solved. In addition, listeners can enjoy better sound quality and a larger choice of channels.
For these reasons, DAB+ and DAB+ Cable will replace analogue radio (FM radio via air and cable) in Switzerland in the medium term, since there are plans to switch off all FM channels by 2024.
Will UPC switch off analogue radio?
There are no plans to reduce or switch off the existing FM offer via UPC’s own fibre optic cable network in the near future. The developments in the Swiss market and the plans of the Swiss Confederation will be considered before any changes are made to the offer. UPC already offers around 90 radio stations which can be received by DAB+ Cable compatible radios throughout its entire reception area in Switzerland.
Can I receive DAB+ Cable via an FM radio?
No, to receive DAB+ Cable a radio with DAB+ Cable is required.
Which stations can I receive with DAB+ Cable?
Here is a list of all channels that can be received throughout the whole of Switzerland in DAB+ Cable quality.