About RDS/RBDS
Radio Data System (RDS), it itself, is a data stream that is a subcarrier service that can be embedded in the FM radio signal that consistently broadcasts the following information:
- Station call sign.
- Program type.
- Clock time.
- Indications for traffic, music and speech programming.
- Alternate frequency information.
- Short dynamic messages originated by the station.
In North America, RDS is actually called "RBDS" (Radio Broadcast Data System) and its standards are governed by the National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC).
RDBS (RDS) does not, on its own, transmit graphical data to generate station logos, album covers and promotional images. While there was originally a proposal to put this into the international RDS standard, it was removed prior to the release of RDS2.
The display of graphics related to FM radio broadcasting is also referred to as "Visual Radio".
Ways to make your station "visual"
There are several ways that station data, station logos and other graphical data (metadata) can appear on a listener display:
DTS AutoStage
In connected cars, DTS (Xperi) AutoStage can be used for the sending of advanced metadata. In addition, DTS AutoStage also collects information on listener behavior. DTS AutoStage uses the Program Information (PI) Code that represents your station's call sign that was received over RBDS in order to access a database to get all of the necessary metadata and graphics related to the experience of listening to the particular station. Broadcast stations (even LPFMs) can join DTS AutoStage for free.
DTS AutoStage supports various playout systems such as WideOrbit, RCS, AudioVault and ENCO. Other playout systems may also be able to use DTS AutoStage. This may require the use of middleware, such as DTS's commercial RAPID solution.
DTS AutoStage uses the station's PI Code delivered by RDBS, where the connected car will call to a DTS server to get the information needed for the display as well as to provide information to the DTS server such as the station being listened to and the listener's location.
DTS AutoStage is free for stations. They make their revenue through the licensing of the technology to the manufacturers of radio receivers (automakers).
RadioDNS
RadioDNS is an open system where multiple providers (including REC) can provide station metadata and logo graphics to connected vehicles and devices that are compatible with RadioDNS. As RadioDNS is an open system (unlike DTS AutoStage, HD Radio and others), there are no royalties or other charges paid by equipment manufacturers and developers to enable RadioDNS capability. RadioDNS is currently included in many German car brands, but again, anyone can use the data, so you never know who may develop equipment next.
REC Networks has incorporated RadioDNS in our popular FCCdata.org broadcast query website in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Constructed and licensed LPFM stations, regardless of past client relationship with REC, may receive free basic metadata listings from REC Networks through our interface in the myLPFM Station Management Platform. REC clients with a minimum lifetime spend of $350 at the facility level will have access to set more metadata.
Stations that have their station website through Aiir's Content Management System (CMS) solution can have Aiir serve their RadioDNS metadata.
For those who are daring, can set up the data and graphics on their own server. This is a very open architecture.
HD Radio
Stations that use HD Radio can incorporate station logo and basic data information through integration in their station's importer/exporter. Advanced metadata, such as current song playing and underwriter graphics through their Artist Experience® functionality.
Stations operating HD Radio should contact their equipment manfuacturer (Nautel or GatesAir) for more details. HD stations should also sign up for DTS AutoStage and RadioDNS to further enhance the listener experience.
Mobile Apps
Certain mobile app solutions, such as the one offered by Aiir can display album art as well as other graphics, including logos. Album art is usually done through querying a database such as Apple Music. Check with your mobile app provider. If you need a comprehensive solution, contact our friends at Aiir. They are a supporter of REC's efforts.
Certain mobile apps, including the one from Aiir can support Apple CarPlay, which can offer a vibrant visual radio experience to cars infotainment systems with the CarPlay integration and the user with an iPhone.
Noncommercial nature of educational broadcasting
For LPFM and NCE stations, the FCC's Policy on the Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcasting also applies to meta data that is sent over the air (RDS/RBDS). This means that program messages that come over RDS/RBDS must remain noncommercial in nature where it only identifies and does not promote. In addition, this type of information can only be transmitted during station breaks. For example, it may violate the policy if information about an underwriter is sent during the middle of a song.
While this is not legal advice, it is the interpretation of REC that graphical data that is delivered over a third party server, such as through DTS AutoStage, RAPID, RadioDNS and mobile apps can include promotional information that would otherwise be prohibited using the RDS/RBDS messaging functionality. This is because the only thing RDS/RBDS is used for in this exchange is to receive the PI code so the device knows exactly what station is being listened to. All further data would come over the internet. If you need legal advice, please contact a qualified attorney.
How to find your station's PI Code
PI Codes for stations, including those that are still under construction are available at FCCdata.org. In most cases, your PI Code is directly derived from your call sign, however there may be some variants. FCCdata does receive a data feed once a week from the NRSC.
More information
- "Beyond RDS: RadioDNS and DTS AutoStage" (RadioWorld, 08/06/2024).
- RadioDNS at REC Networks.
- HD Radio for LPFM at REC Networks.
