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PI, PTY...
PI code
This information consists of a code enabling the receiver to distinguish between countries, areas in which the same
programme is transmitted, and the identification of the programme itself. The code is not intended for direct display
and is assigned to each individual radio programme, to enable it to be distinguished from all other programmes. One
important application of this information would be to enable the receiver to search automatically for an alternative
frequency in case of bad reception of the programme to which the receiver is tuned; the criteria for the change-over
to the new frequency would be the presence of a better signal having the same Programme Identification code.
TP/TA flag
TP is a flag to indicate that the tuned program carries traffic announcements. The TP flag must only be set on
programs which dynamically switch on the TA identification during traffic announcements. The signal shall be taken
into account during automatic search tuning, so I recommend to turn this flag on even though you don't transmit
any traffic announcements.
Program type PTY
This is an identification number to be transmitted with each program item and which is intended to specify the
current Program type within 31 possibilities. This code could be used for search tuning. The code will, moreover,
enable suitable receivers and recorders to be pre-set to respond only to program items of the desired type. The last
number, i.e. 31, is reserved for an alarm identification which is intended to switch on the audio signal when a receiver
is operated in a waiting reception mode.
Music/Speech
This is a two-state signal to provide information on whether music or speech is being broadcast. The signal would
permit receivers to be equipped with two separate volume controls, one for music and one for speech, so that the
listener could adjust the balance between them to suit his individual listening habits.
AF - Alternative Frequncies
The list of alternative frequencies gives information on the various transmitters broadcasting the same program in
the same or adjacent reception areas. This facility is particularly useful in the case of car and portable radios. When
the PI code indicates local coverage-area, i.e. only one frequency is used, AF list may contain this frequency.
