More than 150,000 Australians – more than three times the expected number – have now bought digital radios, according to Commercial Radio Australia
CRA claims that since the August 2009 start of digital transmissions, 18 new digital-only stations have launched including DMG’s Nova-Nation and Koffee, ARN’s Classic Hits Plus and Austero’s Radar and comedy station Barry.
Broadcasters are said to have invested more than $50 million on the DAB+ infrastructure and more than $24 million on on-air promotion of the platform.
More than 20 manufacturers are currently supplying digital radio sets to more than 650 retailers. Prices remain high but are gradually reducing: Melbourne based online retailer Kogan on Friday offered a 24-hour special of $119 for a model with Wi-Fi streaming that normally goes for $149.
Last month Sony released its first DAB+ digital radio receiver in an effort to take on market leader Pure which is distributed by Pioneer Electronics. The $279 Sony model is a micro hi-fi system with both DAB+ and FM tuners, an integrated iPod dock, 10-watt RMS stereo sound, top-loading CD player and MP3/portable audio input.
