Rds Applications Supported; Pty - DEVA Broadcast SmartGen Micro Maintenance And Operation Instruction Manual

RDS Applications Supported

The following is an alphabetical listing of RDS applications that are fully supported by the
SmartGen Micro. The standardized RDS application abbreviation is followed by an expansion of
the application name and a short explanation of the function.
PI
Program Identification: This block of data identifies the broadcast station with a hexadecimal
numerical code, which becomes the "digital signature" of the station. The code is assigned by the
broadcasting authority in most countries, but in the US it is calculated from a numerical encoding
of station call letters. The receiver processes the PI code to assist automatic tuning features (station
memories), and to prevent false switching to alternative frequencies that might be shared by
broadcasters in nearby regions.
PS
Program Service Name: This is the station's "street name" that will appear on the receiver
faceplate display. The PS can be up to eight characters in length (including spaces) and can be as
simple as the station's call letters: KWOW or KWOW FM, or a slogan: NEWSTALK or LIVE 95.
The Program Service Name is automatically displayed, even on automobile receivers, and because
of driving safety considerations broadcasters are generally discouraged from scrolling messages
in this field. As a matter of fact, it is a violation of both the CENELEC and the NRSC standards to
scroll the PS display, although the practice has become universally common.

PTY

Program Type: The PTY data flag identifies the station format from a collection of pre-defined
categories. Many RDS receivers are able to seek the listener's preferred format automatically.
This means that a car radio can switch from a fading station to a stronger one that carries the
same variety of music, though not the very same program, as provided by AF switching. The
PTY function of RDS helps a broadcaster catch 'transient audience' share. A listing of the PTY
categories is given in "APPENDIX A" on page 50 and "APPENDIX B" on page 51.
Under some programming circumstances, the PTY identifier may be made 'dynamic,' changing
between categories for a station that "dayparts" (changes its format for specific time periods).
The PTY code is not meant to change from song to song or to accommodate a top-of-the-hour
newscast, however.
TA
Traffic Announcement: This is a temporary flag added to the RDS data stream only as a traffic
bulletin is being aired. Some RDS car radios can be set to search for traffic bulletins among various
TP stations (see TP below) while tuned to a listener's preferred program, or even while playing
a tape or CD. As soon as any TP station broadcasts a traffic bulletin, the receiver temporarily
switches-over to receive it. When the bulletin is finished, the receiver switches back to the original
program, tape or CD.
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