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Listening to RDS broadcasts (European models only)
Listening to RDS broadcasts
RDS reception is available only on the European model and only in
areas where RDS broadcasts are available.
What is RDS?
RDS stands for Radio Data System and is a type of FM broadcasting.
RDS was developed within the European Broadcasting Union
(EBU) and is available in most European countries. Many FM
broadcasting stations now transmit the RDS signals, which provide
the additional information required. RDS provides you with various
services so that you can choose a station that broadcasts your
favorite categories of music, news, or other information.
There are three main classifications of RDS broadcasts. Though they
can be tuned into by using the Tuning buttons as normal stations,
RDS broadcasts allow you to scan for stations of the type and
classification for which you are looking. This makes it much easier
for you to find the station you want (see “Performing a PTY scan”
and “Performing a TP scan” on page 28). The three main
classifications are explained below.
RT: Radio Text
When an RDS station broadcasting RT information is selected, the
text information received from the station is displayed.
PTY: Program Type
When an RDS station broadcasting PTY information is selected, the
station type (classification) is displayed.
TP: Traffic Program
When an RDS station broadcasting TP information is selected,
traffic information will be broadcasted periodically.
Notes:
• In some cases, the characters displayed on the display of the TX-
DS696 may not be exactly the same as the ones broadcast by the
radio station. Also, unusual characters may appear on the display
if the TX-DS696 receives characters that cannot be displayed
correctly. This is not a malfunction.
• When an RDS station broadcasting PS information is selected,
the name of the station is displayed instead of the frequency.
PTY program types in Europe
The text given in parenthesis is what is actually displayed on the TX-
DS696.
None (NONE):
No program type.
News reports (NEWS):
Reports on current events and happenings.
Current affairs (AFFAIRS):
Topical reporting of current affairs, often with a wider range of
topics than news reports.
Information (INFO):
General information such as weather forecasts, consumer affairs,
medical help, etc.
Sport (SPORT):
Live sports action, sports news, and interviews.
Education (EDUCATE):
Formal educational programs.
Drama (DRAMA):
Radio plays and serials.
Culture (CULTURE):
Cultural programs (including religious affairs).
Science and technology (SCIENCE):
Programs about the natural sciences and technology.
Varied (VARIED):
Speech-based programs not covered by the above categories (e.g.,
quizzes, panel games, and comedy).
Pop music (POP M):
Popular commercial music, usually from past or present sales charts
(e.g., Top 40).
Rock music (ROCK M):
Popular music with an alternative appeal, often not appearing on
sales charts.
Middle of the road music (M.O.R. M):
Easy listening music (as opposed to Pop, Rock, or Classical).
Light classics (LIGHT M):
Classical music for general rather than specialist appreciation.
Serious classics (CLASSICS):
Performances of major orchestral works, symphonies, chamber
music, etc. (including the Grand Opera).
Other music (OTHER M):
Music styles not covered by the above categories (e.g., Jazz, Rhythm
& Blues, Folk, Country, and Reggae).
• Alarm (ALARM):
When an RDS station is making an emergency broadcast, this
ALARM will flash on the display.