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ssamjh
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  #3076472 15-May-2023 19:47
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Just putting my two cents in.

 

The station I work at used to properly use RDS, we displayed the current song, station name and alternate frequencies (though we only have two because we use GPS synchronous tech to broadcast from multiple sites on the same frequency). Sadly, the unit died, so now we just have a static text that provides alternate frequencies, but fingers crossed it will be fixed at some point.

 

Some other things RDS has is traffic announcements and time data (I guess for updating the car clock?).

 

 

 

Some exciting tech I've been told about is the ability to have dynamic RDS depending on the transmitter location, so in theory we could broadcast traffic announcements just for that area. Something to play with at very least.





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alasta
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  #3076474 15-May-2023 20:15
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joshhill96: I know DAB trials were implemented many years ago but there is still a market out there for these stations to go digital; now that more vehicles and aftermarket radios have DAB functionality, it would be great to see another trial or some of the spectrum being used.

 

I think CarPlay has probably already rendered it obsolete. 


richms
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  #3076475 15-May-2023 20:32
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Handsomedan:

 

I think this station is an attempt at a new format - no DJ's, no lengthy interruptions - just a long playlist. 

 

 

Which I have anyway on my phone with no ads and 8 daily mixes to choose from.





Richard rich.ms



WyleECoyoteNZ
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  #3076484 15-May-2023 21:32
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alasta:

 

Mediaworks is dead to me after the way they handled the Today FM situation.

 

I really wonder about the long term viability of their radio business if they are solely dependent on music stations. Most older people seem to listen to NZME stations, and most younger people presumably have a streaming music subscription. 

 

 

Duncan Garner has his own Podcast now.

 

https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief.html

 

First one, he speaks a little about Today FM, nothing really too damning, as he still works for MediaWorks


quickymart
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  #3076560 16-May-2023 08:22
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ssamjh:

 

The station I work at used to properly use RDS

 

Coromandel FM?


openmedia
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  #3076783 16-May-2023 13:49
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Geektastic: I’ve never found RDS very well implemented in NZ - especially the part that is supposed to retune it to stronger frequencies as you drive.

When we lived in Martinborough, getting a clean signal on National was nigh on impossible.

In the U.K. they’ve apparently more or less done away with FM since I moved here, according to my brother. It’s all DAB now.

 

Lots of DAB in the UK, but there are some major coverage issues. My Dad's car was always loosing reception, yet had little/no issue on FM.

 

I was over there in Feb and major stations are still on FM, but the range on DAB was better. One thing I do like is how well RDS is used compared with over here. Some stations were using it a bit better several years ago, but most appear to just post station IDs and perhaps show names. I like it when they include track information as well.





Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.


 
 
 
 

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cshwone
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  #3076806 16-May-2023 14:54
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Geektastic: I’ve never found RDS very well implemented in NZ - especially the part that is supposed to retune it to stronger frequencies as you drive.

w.

 

 

 

RDS-AF (Alternative Frequencies) was great in the UK. Seamless transition as you moved through the country. I am not sure it was ever implemented in New Zealand


alasta
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  #3076808 16-May-2023 15:03
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When I used to listen to FM radio in the car it would automatically re-tune RNZ National. I can't remember whether it worked for Mediaworks stations. 


cshwone
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  #3076864 16-May-2023 15:20
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alasta:

 

When I used to listen to FM radio in the car it would automatically re-tune RNZ National. I can't remember whether it worked for Mediaworks stations. 

 

 

Thanks, I listen to The Sound and have to have it on three presets for Wairarapa, Manawatu and Wellington


neb

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  #3076874 16-May-2023 15:40
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PolicyGuy:

The older folks that listen to NZME radio stations are also generally not the "big spending" demographic that advertisers want.

 

 

If by "NZME stations" you mean "talkback radio", which seems to attract the 70+ audience like a magnet, then they'll typically buy whatever junk the current mindless gasbag has been paid to peddle, cleaning products, magnetic underlays, etc.

 

 

If talkback radio went off air I think the national average IQ would increase by 10-20 points.

alasta
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  #3076878 16-May-2023 16:00
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NZME's talk station and golden oldies music station rate well in the 65+ demographic. Their other music stations attract mediocre ratings, but I don't personally know anyone who listens to them.

 

My parents listen to the talk station and some of the bizarre editorial content really messes with their minds. As for the advertising, my parents are well off but extremely tight with spending money so I doubt they're attractive to advertisers. 


 
 
 

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Bluntj
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  #3076938 16-May-2023 21:44
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No RDS in Southland, so I assume it depends on the tech in the transmitter. I remember 10 years ago getting RDS on my new car  in Wellington. I was so excited, but it didnt last that long.


quickymart
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  #3076947 16-May-2023 22:35
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Bluntj:

 

No RDS in Southland

 

 

Surely National Radio and Concert FM would have it, at least?


Bluntj
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  #3076959 17-May-2023 00:04
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quickymart:

 

Bluntj:

 

No RDS in Southland

 

 

Surely National Radio and Concert FM would have it, at least?

 

 

They have station names but not song names etc


Groucho
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  #3077216 17-May-2023 14:20
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I remember my first RDS experience on a road trip in a from memory around a 2003 Ford Focus.  It had station IDs, some track names depending on station.  Very exciting.

 

Fast forward to December last year when I bought a 2012 Corolla.  It's factory radio with a TXT button that will display track info from USB, Bluetooth and CD (if available) but for some reason no data via FM which is a bit disappointing.

 

I know there is lots of RDS being transmitted locally as other cars I've been in have it and my receiver at home also has a basic display.


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