Traffic Message Channel TMC
Broadcasters typically transmit traffic reports as spoken text. The introduction of RDS in 1988, however, was the first step in the digitalisation of radio. Via the Traffic Message Channel (TMC), it is possible to broadcast traffic reports which are digitally coded, as well.
Blanket TMC coverage was instituted in Germany in 1997 and offers users a wealth of advantages. Instead of having to wait for the latest information, for example, receivers obtain a continually updated data stream. This allows listeners to filter information for a specific region or route, and choose individual reports. Information can either be displayed on a navigational system’s map or spoken aloud by a synthetic voice. Listeners can even select a language of their preference.
DAB-TMC
Though TMC was originally designed for the narrowband data channel of RDS, it can also be broadcast by means of DAB. Thanks to higher data rates, DAB users can receive more TMC reports in less time. And data transfer is considerably more robust in DAB compared with VHF in the event of multipath reception interference.
TMC-Decoder
One of IRT’s areas of expertise consists of consulting and directly assisting customers on TMC issues. And specialised software solutions for RDS and DAB facilitate the assessment of TMC data as well as quality analyses.
Maintaining TMC Identification Codes
The management of identification codes for ARD is but one way IRT aids broadcasting operators.
