ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the interaction between consumer receivers and the Radio Data System (RDS) data. Equipment includes RDS encoding equipment, automation software, and data analyzers. A study was performed in Germany that examined the effect of various injection levels on the receiver's ability to properly decode critical RDS data. The program identification and program service features are essential to the operation of consumer receivers when tuning to an RDS station. Since the broadcast industry is market-driven, it may take some time before a full range of automation interfaces are developed. The RDS subcarrier should be locked to the third harmonic of the 19 kHz pilot signal during stereo broadcasts. A simple method of assessing the quality of an RDS broadcast is to utilize a consumer RDS receiver. The Universal Encoder Protocol calls for a common command structure for all RDS features, but allows support of manufacturer-specific commands.
