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