DAB radios to be obsolete in a few years ?

All current DAB radios could be unable to receive anything in a few year's time due to use of the new AAC+ audio codec instead of the old MP2 format.

The new DAB+ standard is incompatable with all existing DAB receivers, which could upset consumers. The reason for it's adoption is that it would be possible to as much as double the number of stations on a multiplex.

Pure Digital recently announced their intention to switch over to DAB+ receivers by the end of 2008 and other manufacturers are expected to follow suit.

Pure Digital were recently quoted as saying the following with regard to the change of format:

"Since the status is varied from country to country, this process will take place rather quietly, especially in those markets already well advanced in DAB, thus holding at bay the risk of disconcerting consumers and destabilising the
market by the innovations."

Pure Digital reveals DAB+ plans
http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/articles/
Pure-Digital-reveals-DAB+-plans.php

Overview of DAB and DAB+ in Europe
http://www.bayerndigitalradio.de/download/
bdr_pressemeldungen/pm_070503_worlddmb.pdf

All DAB radios will be obsolete in a few years' time
http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/articles/
All-DAB-receivers-will-be-obsolete-in-a-few-years-time.php