Radio Data System RDS
Public broadcasters have been transmitting supplementary data via the Radio Data System (RDS) since 1988. Examples of such data include traffic-radio identifiers, radio texts, and TMC traffic data. IRT provides broadcasters expert advice and direct assistance with specialised operational questions about the processing, feeding, and provision of RDS as well as the allocation and administration of RDS PI-codes for ARD’s radio programmes. In addition, IRT represents broadcasters in the RDS Forum.
RadioText Plus (RT+)
RadioText Plus aims to optimise the utilisation of radio text and its supplementary services for listeners. RadioText has already been broadcast for several years by means of RDS and has become a standard component of a number of radio programmes. More specifically, not only information about the current programme and piece are broadcast, but also the latest news and weather/traffic reports.
RadioText Plus supplements radio text with control information, which in turn marks individual elements of radio text, e.g. a piece of music’s title or a telephone number. With the help of this marking, a receiver can filter a text element or store it for future retrieval by the listener. And wireless devices even make it possible for users to dial a marked telephone number or access online content – merely by pressing a button.
Development projects are currently in progress to make RadioText Plus compatible for different receivers. Examples include wireless devices with integrated RDS Radio, DVB-S satellite radios, and DAB radios.
RDS-Data Logger
IRT has the solution for analysing and archiving RDS data: the RDS Data Logger. This makes it possible to simultaneously monitor and record RDS data for as many as eight radio programmes.
RDS PI Codes
IRT manages identification codes for ARD broadcasting entities and maintains lists of data content of service information in FM/RDS. Please see the right-hand column of our website for information on downloading these lists.
