Pira.cz Technical Forum
Magic RDS 4 => Release News and Tutorials => Topic started by: Jan on July 13, 2024, 05:57:25 pm
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Until 2020, we've registered more than 20.000 unique downloads of the Magic RDS version 3. This application was probably the most used RDS control software ever. For this reason we provide some hints related to potential migration from Magic RDS 3 to Magic RDS 4.
Do I need the update to version 4?
You should consider the use of the version 4 in following situations:
- New installation on a new PC
- New installation for a new radio station
- When you're installing a new RDS encoder
- Need control of more RDS encoders at different sites
- The version 3 does not provide all functionality you need today (the version 3 is no longer developed nor supported)
- Whenever you have a choice between version 3 and version 4
In which situations I can keep the version 3?
You can keep the version 3 if the software already works well and you don't need any new features. There is no known security risk. The version 3 is however considered as obsolete by us, its core and design is more than 20 years old.
How it is difficult to update to version 4?
Direct update from version 3 to version 4 is not possible due to the fact that the new software is completely different. You need to create a completely new installation, make all setup necessary, and as the last step, if everything works as expected, "switch" to this new version.
What are the main differences of version 4, compared to version 3?
Note: The list is only partial. Follow the Magic RDS 4 site for complete list of features.
- The version 4 supports up to 128 independent connections to RDS encoders. The version 3 supports only single connection. Due to this crucial difference, the user must keep on mind that additional step was necessary to be inserted: a selection of connection(s) you need to manage.
- The version 4 supports a mixture of various RDS encoder models and various protocols and brands.
- The version 4 provides entirely different Task scheduler whose commands are not compatible with the version 3.
- The version 4 supports independent setup for each External text source. In the version 3, many settings were common for all the sources.
- The version 4 supports more External text outputs. In the version 3, there was only single output available for the RT, dynamic PS and text conditions.
- The version 4 includes demo RDS encoder and RDS Spy decoder so the application configuration and external text sources can be adjusted before going on-air.
Is using of the version 4 still free of charge?
Yes, when using the same or similar set of functions like in version 3, no fee is required for the RDS encoder control.
I've used the version 3 in past. How to familiarize myself with the Magic RDS 4?
Almost all favourite features known from the version 3 are still available and easily accessible in the version 4.
- Download latest version and install it to a new folder
- Click on Add new connection and proceed with the Demo Encoder selection
- In the Overview, click on Run the RDS encoder
- Click on the RDS Spy icon
- Now you can see in real time how the setup will affect the RDS data
- Basic RDS configuration is available in section RDS Content of each Connection. The External text sources can be used by similar way like in version 3, a new Output must be created first.
- Follow the Help for the list of features and options available