The DRM digital receivers have also the ability to receive analogue signals as this is necessary for the transition period when digital and analogue signals might coexist. The reverse is not true though: an analogue receiver cannot be turned into a digital DRM receiver as the hardware does not support the reception of digital programmes.

This is true for standalone receivers though for analogue car receivers there exist already after-market solutions so that passengers in an older type of car can also benefit from the audio and multimedia advantages of DRM.