Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)

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The radio may be equipped with the Radio Data System (RDS). The RDS feature is available only on FM stations that broadcast RDS information. This system relies upon receiving specific information from these stations and only works when the information is available. While the radio is tuned to an FM-RDS station, the station name or call letters display.

RDS data is carried in what is known as a "subcarrier". A subcarrier is a frequency that the FM broadcaster is authorized to use to send data that is not audible in the main audio program.

RDS functions will only work with FM broadcast stations that are broadcasting RDS data.
Not all FM Broadcast stations broadcast RDS data or offer all of the RDS services.
The information displayed is dependent upon the information broadcast by the particular station. The information may vary greatly between stations.
RDS functions may not work properly when reception is weak, reception is of poor quality, or RDS is not implemented properly by the FM Broadcaster.
In some cases, a radio station broadcasting incorrect information may cause the RDS features of the radio to appear to work improperly.

With RDS, the radio can do the following:

Seek to stations broadcasting the selected type of programming
Receive announcements concerning local and national emergencies
Display messages from radio stations

RDS may display text information such as:

The name of the station.
The type of program.
General information such as artist and song title, call in phone numbers, etc.