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. Recent developments include the availability of the new, 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, the high-tech market research firm says.
“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.”
Recent research by In-Stat found the following:
The global market for digital radio will grow from 9 million units in 2006 to almost 32 million units in 2011.
In 2005, 57% of respondents to an In-Stat consumer survey in the US were aware of HD Radio. This percentage had grown significantly to 77% by 2007.
Increased choice of programming continues to be the primary driver of digital radio ownership.
(Source: In-Stat/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)