Using the Tuner

An Introduction to RDS & EON

Radio Data System, or RDS as it’s usually known, is a system used by FM radio stations to provide listeners with various kinds of information—the name of the station and the kind of show they’re broadcasting, for example. This information shows up as text on the display, and you can switch between the kind of information shown. Although you don’t get RDS information from all FM radio stations, you do with most.

Probably the best feature of RDS is that you can search automatically by type of programme. So, if you felt like listening to jazz, you could search for a station that’s broadcasting a show with the programme type, "JAZZ." There are around 30 such programme types, including various genres of music, news, sport, talk shows, financial information, and so on.

The receiver lets you display three different kinds of RDS information: Radio Text, Programme Service Name, and Programme Type.

Radio Text (RT) is messages sent by the radio station. These can be anything the broadcaster chooses—a talk radio station might give out it telephone number as RT, for example.

Programme Service Name (PS) is the name of the radio station.

Programme Type (PTY) indicates the kind of programme currently being broadcast. The receiver can search for and display the following programme types:

News

Accounts of facts, events and reportage

Affairs

Current affairs

Info

General information

Sport

Any aspect of sports

Educate

Educational material

Drama

Radio plays or serials

Culture

National or regional culture, theatre, etc.

Science

Science and technology

Varied

Usually talk-based material, such as quiz shows or interviews.

Pop M

Pop music

Rock M

Rock music

M.O.R. M

“Middle of the road” music

Light M

‘Light’ classical music

Classics

‘Serious’ classical music

Other M

Other music not fitting any of the above categories

Weather

Weather reports, forecasts and Meteological information

Finance

Stock market reports, commerce, trading, etc.

Children

Children’s entertainment

Social A

Social affairs

Religion

Beliefs and faiths, involving Gods, the nature of existence, and ethics

Phone in

Public expressing their views by phone

Travel

Holiday-type travel rather than traffic announcements

Leisure

Leisure interests and hobbies

Jazz

Polyphonic, syncopated music characterised by improvisation

Country

Country music

Nation M

Popular music in a language other than English

Oldies

Popular music from the ’50s

Folk M

Folk music

Document

Documentaries

 

 

In addition, there is a programme type, ALARM!, used for exceptional emergency announcements. You can’t search for this, but the tuner will switch automatically to this RDS broadcast signal.

Operation

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Pioneer VSX-609RDS, VSX-709RDS manual An Introduction to RDS & EON, Document

VSX-609RDS, VSX-709RDS specifications

The Pioneer VSX-709RDS and VSX-609RDS are prominent models in Pioneer’s line of AV receivers, celebrated for their robust features, impressive sound quality, and user-friendly designs. Both devices cater to home theater enthusiasts looking for a blend of innovation and reliability.

The VSX-709RDS stands out with its advanced processing capabilities and versatile connectivity options, making it suitable for modern audio-visual setups. Equipped with Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, it delivers immersive sound experiences, whether watching movies or listening to music. Its 5.1 channel configuration allows users to set up a surround sound system easily, providing an enveloping audio experience.

The receiver features a powerful amplifier that can output up to 100 watts per channel, ensuring robust sound reproduction even at high volumes. Additionally, it includes a variety of audio enhancement technologies, such as Dolby Pro Logic II, which enhances stereo soundtracks for a more engaging listening experience. The inclusion of an FM/AM tuner with RDS functionality allows users to access a wide range of radio stations and display useful information like station names and song titles.

On the other hand, the VSX-609RDS shares many of the same core functionalities but positions itself as a slightly more budget-friendly option. It also supports Dolby Digital and DTS, ensuring rich sound quality. With a 5.1 channel setup, the VSX-609RDS brings home theater sound to life, though its amplifier output is typically lower than the VSX-709RDS.

Connectivity is equally impressive in both models. They feature multiple audio and video inputs, including composite and S-video inputs, enabling users to connect various devices like DVD players, gaming consoles, and even VHS players. Additionally, the presence of optical and coaxial digital inputs enhances flexibly routing digital sound from compatible devices.

Both receivers come with user-friendly remote controls that simplify operation, allowing users to manage inputs and sound settings without needing to get up from their seats. The layout of controls and navigation menus is intuitive, catering to both novice users and audiophiles alike.

In conclusion, both the Pioneer VSX-709RDS and VSX-609RDS offer commendable sound performance and impressive feature sets tailored for home entertainment enthusiasts. With their solid build quality and advanced audio technologies, they provide a reliable choice for enhancing any media experience.