DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is a standardised technology which provides a high sound quality and a perfect reception without interference and cut off even in case of moving, specially in cars. Programmes are not degraded when the car passes through a tunnel or under power lines. Aside from this distortion-free reception and CD-like quality sound, DAB offers further information: DAB can carry not only audio, but also text, pictures, data and even videos. For all these reasons, mobile and perfect reception and sound and data programmes, DAB is particularly suited to ITS applications. DAB can offer pre-trip information, route guidance, real time travel information and so on. Moreover, those Travel and Traffic Information (TTI) can be combined with tourist information. As this information is available at home, in cars, at public kiosks, travellers are able to plan trips or avoid traffic jams. Over 230 million people around the world can now receive more than 400 different DAB services. European project such as DIAMOND aims at developing and improving DAB-based ITS services. It will prove the technical and commercial feasibility of traffic, travel and tourist services using DAB. In France, DAB services have been broadcast on the Tours-Poitiers A10 highway corridor, since October 1999, thanks to an agreement between Cofiroute and TDF. The services such as travel and traffic information, tourist information and video images are displayed in addition to the motorway radio programme, "Autoroute FM", also broadcast on 107,7 MHz.
Samenvatting