Radio Data System

RDS stands for Radio Data System and is a service provided by radio stations. As well as the normal audible station broadcast, extra information is transmitted via encoded digital signals which can be processed by RDS-compatible radios. Because the name of the station is transmitted (Programme Service), your radio will display this rather than its frequency. The specification of alternative frequencies (AF) makes it possible to select the strongest available one for your chosen station. If a signal becomes weaker, your radio will automatically switch to a new frequency. Traffic Announcement (TA) broadcasts traffic reports at a preset volume, even if you are playing a CD or cassette, or if the radio is switched to mute. In addition, your radio switches automatically within a network of stations from one that does not broadcast traffic reports to one that does (EON, Enhanced Other Network).