One very democratic characteristic of this evolving technology is that it can be deployed across a wide variety of existing radio platforms including analog FM (via RDS), HD Radio, DAB/DAB+, and DRM. Since the project involves open-source development, costs are kept low, and receiver manufacturers are free to implement RadioDNS without expensive licensing hassles.

The driving force behind RadioDNS is an internationally diverse group of broadcasters, equipment designers and manufacturers collaborating to create a set of standards and specifications for the technology. Notable contributors include the BBC, Fraunhofer, Channel 4, Global Radio and Navteq. Technical documentation is freely available on the organization's website.

And RadioDNS isn't vaporware. One intriguing receiver employing the technology has already found its way to market. Manufactured by UK-based PURE, the Sensia features an egg-shaped case with a 640x480 color touch screen for text, graphics and navigation, coupled with Wi-fi and DAB functionality. For those of a certain age, Sensia is likely to evoke images from Jetson's animated TV series -- reflecting what a digital radio platform can become, as opposed to simply emulating what radios used to look like.

Admittedly, RadioDNS takes a bit of thinking about before its true potential becomes apparent. But once it does, its proponent's enthusiasm becomes highly contagious.