RECEIVING RDS STATIONS

RDS (Radio Data System) is a data transmission system gradually being introduced by FM stations in many countries. Stations using this system transmit an inaudible stream of data in addition to the normal radio signal.

RDS data contains various information, such as AF (Alternative Frequencies for the same program station), PI (Program Identification), PS (Program Service station name), PTY (Program Type name), etc.

RDS function is carried out among the network stations.

* This unit utilizes PI, PS and PTY to receive RDS broadcast stations.

Displaying RDS data

This unit can be turned into the following two modes to display RDS data.

PS (Program Service station name) mode:BBC R3

Displays the name of the RDS station now being received instead of the frequency.

 

PTY (Program Type name) mode:

Displays the program type of the RDS station now being received. There are 15 program types to classify RDS stations as follows.

English

NEWS News:

Short accounts of facts, events and publicly expressed views, reportage and actuality.

AFFAIRS Current affairs:

Topical program expanding or enlarging upon the news, generally in different presentation style or concept, including documentary debate, or analysis

INFO Information:

Program whose purpose is to impart advice in the widest sense, including meteorological reports and forecasts, consumer affairs, medical help, etc.

SPORT Sport:

Program concerned with any aspect of sport.

EDUCATE Education:

Program intended primarily to educate, of which the formal element is fundamental.

DRAMA Drama:

All radio plays and serials.

CULTURE Culture:Programs concerned with any aspect of national or regional culture, including religious affairs, philosophy, social science, language, theatre, etc.

SCIENCE

Science:

 

Programs about the natural sciences and

 

technology.

VARIED Varied:

Used for mainly speech-based programs usually of light-entertainment nature, not covered by above categories. Examples are: quizzes, panel games, personality interviews, comedy and satire.

POP M Pop:

Commercial music, which would generally be considered to be of current popular appeal, often featuring in current or recent record sales charts.

ROCK M Rock:

Contemporary modern music, usually written and performed by young musicians.

MOR M M.O.R.:

(Middle of the Road Music). Common term to describe music considered to be “easy- listening”, as opposed to Pop, Rock or Classical. Music in this category is often but not always, vocal, and usually of short duration (<5 min.)

LIGHT M Light classics:

Classical Musical for general, rather than specialist appreciation. Examples of music in this category are instrumental music, and vocal or choral works.

CLASSICS Serious classics:

Performances of major orchestral works, symphonies, chamber music etc., and including Grand Opera.

OTHER M Other music:

Musical styles not fitting into any of the above categories. Particularly used for specialist music, of which Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Folk, Country, and Reggae are examples.

23