The modern digital radio scanner is called “digital” because it is designed to be compatible with radio signals transmitted in digital mode rather than conventional analog mode. Most digital radio scanners still process the analog signals too. There has been no mandated changeover to digital radio like TV broadcasters recently experienced so both types of signals are in use.

Digital signals are less subject to interference and noise and deliver usable information better at the extremes of their range where analog signals become unpredictable. Digital signals can be encrypted easily while still being transmitted over the same frequency. Analog signal security usually involves changing frequencies rapidly within an agreed-upon range.

The non-encrypted “APCO P-25″ type Digital signal is the formal specification for the transmissions digital radio scanners can process. Digital radio scanners cannot process any encrypted data or cell phone messages and cannot be modified to do so. The variety of radio transmissions that digital radio scanners can receive includes: local police and fire departments, ham radio, news media vans and helicopters, aircraft and many more. Sporting events officials and race teams also communicate over two-way radio accessible by scanner. Listening in on race team communications is a common use of digital radio scanners.

FCC regulations do not prohibit the sale, ownership or use of digital radio scanners. Scanners must be FCC approved, of course. Some state and local governments have laws in effect limiting scanner use in vehicles or while committing a crime. Scanner regulations include a clause against scanned use to “break existing laws.” Checking local rules is advised and the information presented is not legal advice.

There are many publicly available transmissions. Police and fire departments, some ham radio signals, news media vans and helicopters, sports officials, and racing team communications are just a few. Auto racing fans often use digital radio scanners to listen in on team communications.

The federal regulations and the laws of physics are applicable to all radio transmissions. Paying more for digital radio scanners cannot change the characteristics of the signals it can receive and process. The basic functions of a high-priced scanner are no better or no worse than lower priced models. Price differences are often indicative of special functions or additional band coverage. The reception range and information quality of digital signals are relatively uniform.

A couple other terms you will encounter are PL and DPL. Some digital radio frequencies are shared by two or more departments. Each department’s transmissions begin with a PL tone that specifies the department. Digital radio scanners with the feature can be set to ignore or accept transmissions from specified departments.

The close call feature will detect a transmission within a close distance (two hundred yards… Etc) and jump to that frequency even if it is not programmed for it.

To get free tips and reviews on Uniden radio scanners , visit Scanner Radios.