RDS in Brazil

RDS in Brazil

The Brazilian RDS study group was initially created in order to organise the transmission of the few Brazilian stations that already carry the RDS signal, specially as regards the attribution of PI codes which can confuse the reception by the existing car receivers. In the actual situation in Brazil any FM station is able to transmit RDS signal as it own preferences, since there isn't any regulation published by the government under this subject. In fact, for the Brazilian Telecommunications Authorities RDS is considered as a Value Added Service which is not subject to government regulation. This group is still an extra-official organisation and within its members there are people from the automotive industry thru the broadcasters, the Brazilian Broadcast Association (ABERT), broadcast equipment suppliers, sub carrier service provider companies and from the Brazilian Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL).

My intention is to, in the future, create a Brazilian RDS association and to have this organisation affiliated to RDS Forum. Presently the group is working on the study and translation of the EBU RDS standards, in order to proceed with the necessary modifications recommendations (if any) in the country and have this standard regulated by the telecommunications authorities. My particular concern in this matter is to have the minimum modifications as possible from the original standard, avoiding this way, the creation of an unique standard for the country as it was done, for instance, when adopting a Brazilian standard for colour TV transmission (PAL-M).

ABERT's annual Technical Seminar will be held in Sao Paulo, from Monday August 21st to 23rd , and I was invited to take part on a session about "New Business Opportunities Brought by RDS" on the 21st . Also, during this same Seminar, a meeting of the special commission for RDS in Brazil is scheduled to take place on Wednesday August 23rd.

Mario Causer Ferreira