Radio Data System (RDS)

This audio system is equipped with technology known as the Radio Data System (RDS). RDS is a system that sends data along with the audio of the FM station you are currently tuned to. RDS is a standard that defines how a FM broadcast station may send digital data along with the audio program. Think of it as a one way wireless modem, allowing the broadcaster to send information about his program to your receiver.

RDS data is carried in what is known as a "subcarrier". A subcarrier is a frequency that the FM broadcaster is authorized to use to send data or other audio programs that are not audible in the main audio program. RDS information can be used to display program information and to control the radio.

To receive the RDS signal, all that is needed is an FM receiver with an RDS circuit. A special integrated circuit capable of dealing with the RDS signal is in the RDS circuit and passes it along to the receiver's microprocessor where it is decoded and acted upon.

RDS Basic Information
RDS basic information:
^ RDS functions are provided in the FM broadcast band only.
^ RDS functions will only work with FM broadcast stations that are broadcasting RDS data.
^ Not all FM Broadcast stations broadcast RDS data or offer all of the RDS services.
^ RDS functions may not work properly when reception is weak, reception is of poor quality, or RDS is not implemented properly by the FM Broadcaster.

In some cases, a radio station broadcasting incorrect information may cause the RDS features of the radio to appear to work improperly.

Broadcast RDS information can be used in a variety of ways by the receiver and listener, but basically falls into two categories: Display and Control.

Displaying Program Information
RDS displays textual information such as:
^ The name of the station.
^ The type of program.
^ General information such as artist and song title, call in phone numbers, etc.

Controlling the Radio
RDS can control the radio when data the receiver can use responds to timely information and performs the following:
^ Interrupt the playback of your CD for traffic or emergency bulletins.
^ Search for stations by type of program.
^ Automatically follow networked programming from transmitter to transmitter as you travel from one listening area to another.

Turning RDS ON or OFF
From the Radio screen, press the Menu soft key. Use the up/down arrow keys to scroll down to RDS. Use the left/right arrow keys to change RDS from Off to On. The radio stations information will be shown on the radio screen if the station is broadcasting RDS.

Using the RDS Seek Feature
The RDS Seek feature is used to find an RDS station. It can be used to find a station that is broadcasting a specific program type or any RDS station. From the Radio screen, press the Menu soft key. With Seek on Program Type highlighted press the center button to apply. Use the up/down arrow keys to scroll through the different program types. If Off is selected, the RDS seek feature will search for any RDS station. Once a program type has been selected, from the Radio screen press the RDS Seek soft key. The radio will seek to the next RDS station of the selected program type.

Using the RDS Messages Display Feature
From the Radio screen, press the Menu soft key. Use the up/down arrow keys to scroll down to RDS Messages Display. Use the left/right arrow keys to change from Never, 1 min timeout, and No timeout. If Never is selected then the Radio screen will not display an RDS message. If 1 Min timeout is selected the Radio screen will display an RDS message if available, after 1 minute if the message has not changed it will no longer be displayed. If No timeout is selected the Radio screen will display an RDS message if available.

Using the RDS Traffic Feature
Some RDS broadcasters may carry traffic information programming to inform you of current traffic conditions in your listening area and is indicated by the icon in the radio display. RDS enables the broadcaster to get this information to you even when you are listening to a compact disc. This feature can be enabled or disabled by the listener. From the Radio screen, press the Menu soft key. Use the up/down arrow keys to scroll down to Traffic Announce. Use the left/right arrow keys to change from Off to On. TA will appear on the radio screen when the Traffic Announce feature is on.

"For the description of RPO code(s) shown in this article or any of the images therein, refer to the RPO code list found at the Vehicle/Application And ID." RPO Codes