Overview

IEC 62106-4:2018 - Radio Data System (RDS) Part 4: Registered code tables - defines the tables and the registration procedure used by the RDS ecosystem for VHF/FM broadcasting (64.0 MHz to 108.0 MHz). Part 4 is one element of the updated IEC 62106 series (Parts 1–6) that replaces IEC 62106:2015 and incorporates the RDS2 extensions to increase data capacity and modernize RDS implementation.

Key technical changes in this edition:

Provision for carrying RDS on multiple data-streams (RDS2).
Updated country identification tables (additional countries added).
Translated PTY (Programme Type) terms added for 20 languages.

Key topics and requirements

Registered code tables: Standardizes values used across RDS and RDS2 implementations, including:
- Country identification (Tables for ITU Regions 1–3)
- Basic and extended RDS character sets
- Programme Type (PTY) codes and definitions
- Translated PTY terms (Annex A) for multilingual displays
Registration procedure:
- The RDS Forum Office is the registration authority (email: rdsforum@bluewin.ch).
- Applications must specify the target table, the required value, the proposed numeric code and supporting justification.
- RDS Forum Office checks numbering conflicts and circulates proposals for a 30‑day comment period.
- If no adverse comments, accepted entries are published (typically within 30 days); disputed entries are considered at the next plenary.
Normative references: IEC 62106 (all parts) and ISO/IEC 10646 (UCS) for character encoding are required for correct application.

Practical applications

IEC 62106-4:2018 provides authoritative code tables and procedures used to:

Ensure interoperability between broadcasters, receiver manufacturers, and car infotainment systems.
Support multilingual PTY displays and consistent content labelling for listeners.
Enable higher-capacity RDS services using RDS2, including richer ODA (Open Data Application) payloads.
Standardize country and character codes for regulatory compliance and international deployments.

Who should use this standard

Broadcast engineers and station operators implementing RDS/RDS2 services
Car audio and consumer radio manufacturers integrating RDS features
Firmware and software developers working on RDS decoders, ODAs and metadata displays
Standards bodies, test labs, and regulatory authorities verifying RDS interoperability

Related standards

IEC 62106-1 - Modulation & baseband coding
IEC 62106-2 - Message format and feature definitions
IEC 62106-3, -5, -6 - ODAs, marking, and ODA specifications
ISO/IEC 10646 - Universal Coded Character Set (UCS)

Keywords: IEC 62106-4:2018, RDS, RDS2, registered code tables, radio data system, VHF/FM, programme type (PTY), character set, country identification, registration procedure.

Overview

Key technical changes in this edition:

Provision for carrying RDS on multiple data-streams (RDS2).
Updated country identification tables (additional countries added).
Translated PTY (Programme Type) terms added for 20 languages.

Key topics and requirements

Registered code tables: Standardizes values used across RDS and RDS2 implementations, including:
- Country identification (Tables for ITU Regions 1–3)
- Basic and extended RDS character sets
- Programme Type (PTY) codes and definitions
- Translated PTY terms (Annex A) for multilingual displays
Registration procedure:
- The RDS Forum Office is the registration authority (email: rdsforum@bluewin.ch).
- Applications must specify the target table, the required value, the proposed numeric code and supporting justification.
- RDS Forum Office checks numbering conflicts and circulates proposals for a 30‑day comment period.
- If no adverse comments, accepted entries are published (typically within 30 days); disputed entries are considered at the next plenary.
Normative references: IEC 62106 (all parts) and ISO/IEC 10646 (UCS) for character encoding are required for correct application.

Practical applications

IEC 62106-4:2018 provides authoritative code tables and procedures used to:

Ensure interoperability between broadcasters, receiver manufacturers, and car infotainment systems.
Support multilingual PTY displays and consistent content labelling for listeners.
Enable higher-capacity RDS services using RDS2, including richer ODA (Open Data Application) payloads.
Standardize country and character codes for regulatory compliance and international deployments.

Who should use this standard

Broadcast engineers and station operators implementing RDS/RDS2 services
Car audio and consumer radio manufacturers integrating RDS features
Firmware and software developers working on RDS decoders, ODAs and metadata displays
Standards bodies, test labs, and regulatory authorities verifying RDS interoperability

Related standards

IEC 62106-1 - Modulation & baseband coding
IEC 62106-2 - Message format and feature definitions
IEC 62106-3, -5, -6 - ODAs, marking, and ODA specifications
ISO/IEC 10646 - Universal Coded Character Set (UCS)

Keywords: IEC 62106-4:2018, RDS, RDS2, registered code tables, radio data system, VHF/FM, programme type (PTY), character set, country identification, registration procedure.

IEC 62106-4:2018 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and requirements

Practical applications

Who should use this standard

Related standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and requirements

Practical applications

Who should use this standard

Related standards

Related standards

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