Reception of Terrestrial DAB+ and FM Radio with a Mobile Device: A Subjective Quality Evaluation

Przemysław Falkowski-Gilski

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-34776-4_22

Reception of Terrestrial DAB+ and FM Radio with a Mobile Device: A Subjective Quality Evaluation

Abstract

Nowadays, terrestrial broadcasting enables to receive content anytime and everywhere. People can obtain information both with a portable or desktop receiver, which include pocket-sized devices as well as high-end Hi-Fi equipment, not to mention car audio systems. Numerous manufacturers include FM-compatible chipsets in a variety of user equipment (UE), including mobile phones. However, digital radio signal processing modules, such as, i.e., Digital Audio Broadcasting plus (DAB+), are not that popular. Currently, only one smartphone available on the market offers such possibilities This paper examines the reception quality of terrestrial digital DAB+ and analog FM radio with the use of a mobile device. The study was carried out on a number of broadcasts simulcasted in both standards, and involved a group of 30 listeners aged between 20–25 years old. Next, results were compared with subjective scores obtained using a high-end desktop radio receiver. The aim of this work is to determine whether small size mobile UE can offer high-quality reception, and whether a smartphone can compete with a traditional indoor receiver. Results of carried out studies may aid and inspire devices manufacturers as well as content and service providers, speeding up the whole digitization process.