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RDS

RDS, Radio Data System, sends station names and text on FM. It is the analogue-era counterpart of DLS on DAB+.

RDS stands for Radio Data System. On FM it sends a small data stream next to the sound: the station name that appears on a car or home radio, and sometimes text about the programme.

It also helps a radio retune. With RDS information a car radio can find another frequency that carries the same station when the signal fades, which is a similar idea to what service following does on DAB+.

With RDS the station name appears without anyone typing it in. On DAB+ the radio gets station names from the multiplex itself, so RDS plays no role there.

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