Digital Two-Way Radios
Crisp audio. Long battery life. Reliable every time.
DMR Radios
What is Digital two-way radios?
A digital two-way radio works much like a traditional radio but uses digital signal processing to transmit and receive voice—and often data. If you’re already familiar with analog radios, digital models take communication a step further with better clarity, advanced features, and more flexibility. They’re commonly used in industries like security, education, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, transportation, and public safety—anywhere that dependable and efficient communication is critical.
Common Digital Two-way protocols
- DMR
- NXDN
- p25
- IDAS
Digital Vs Analog
When choosing a two-way radio system, it’s important to understand the difference between analog and digital technology. While both offer reliable communication, digital radios unlock more features, better performance, and long-term value. Below is a side-by-side look at how analog and digital radios compare—so you can make the best decision for your team.
Analog Radios
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Basic Communication
Analog radios are built for straightforward voice communication without extra features. They’ve served industries well for decades but haven’t evolved much over time. -
Audio Quality Drops with Distance
Analog signals degrade gradually. The farther your team is from the signal source, the more static and dropouts they’ll hear. -
One Channel, One Conversation
Each frequency supports just one conversation at a time, limiting efficiency in busy environments or large teams. -
Voice Only, No Data
Analog systems can’t support GPS, text messaging, remote monitoring, or other data-based features that many teams now rely on. -
Battery Life Drains Faster
Analog radios use more power during transmission, which can shorten battery life—especially during long shifts. - Limited Expansion Potential
Analog systems are more difficult to scale. Expanding coverage typically means costly infrastructure upgrades with fewer efficiency gains.
Digital Radios
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Superior Audio Quality
DMR filters out background noise and transmits clearer, more consistent voice communication—even in loud or remote environments. -
Longer Range with Better Clarity
Digital radios maintain high-quality audio over a broader coverage area. You get clearer sound with fewer dead zones. -
Double the Capacity
With Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), you can run two calls simultaneously on a single frequency—without needing extra licenses or equipment. -
Advanced Features
Digital systems support text messaging, GPS tracking, emergency alerts, encryption, and remote management to improve safety and coordination. -
More Efficient Battery Use
Digital technology draws less power when sending and receiving, allowing for longer operation between charges. - Future-Ready Scalability
Digital radios grow with your team. Whether you’re expanding users or coverage, digital infrastructure is designed to adapt.
Digital Brands We Support
Choose from the industry’s most reliable and widely adopted manufacturers. Each brand below links to a dedicated page featuring available radios, accessories, and system solutions.
Hytera
Industry-leading innovation with rugged devices and advanced features for both commercial and mission-critical environments.
Kenwood
Proven DMR technology with multi-protocol support and a legacy of audio quality and build durability.
Telex
Integrated dispatch and communication control systems designed to manage DMR networks with precision and flexibility.
Icom
Dependable, high-performance radios built for diverse industries—offering both simple and advanced DMR solutions.
Ritron
Compact, specialty DMR products like callboxes and wireless intercoms—ideal for security, entry access, and custom applications.
Precision. Coverage. Performance. The Services We Provide
Whether you need a single-site system or a wide-area network, PWC can help you select, deploy, and support the right DMR solution for your operation. Ready to upgrade your team communication? Explore our trusted brands to get started.
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