P164 Logo

[radioroccella]

Recommended logo file size is about 3 kB. 3 KB??     Isn't it too small?

[Jan]

The size of 3 kB is mentioned in the latest release of the IEC 62106 standard. I think it is appropriate. For the best user experience, it is important how fast the logo loads, rather than how many graphic details are there. The LCD area which is dedicated on receivers for the logo display, is usually small, so sending larger files only result in longer transfer time.

The P164, however, does not have such technical limitation. It is able to send over 8 kB file from its internal memory or up to 163 kB when driven by external application. The Magic RDS 4 is now restricted to 6 kB, as some space is reserved for other RDS2 features. In my opinion, best results can be obtained with a file size of 3 to 5 kB.

If there is an interest, I can clarify the technical background of why the RDS2 system is not able to meet the original expectations or why 4 carriers may be slower than 2 carriers, etc. The original idea of sending different graphics and large files was very naive. After some experiments made on various stations around the world, the standard has been updated to the present form.

Some logo examples are attached below. They have all about 3 kB. Click for full size.
Typical transfer time of 3 kB file is under 1 minute if FM reception is excellent.

[radioroccella]

Grazie acnora.

[rogertee1966@gmail.com]

Clearly I am missing something.  I have added a station logo and I thought I had all of the settings correct so that it should display, however, I am not seeing the logo on the radio.  The radio is in a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado.  Lots of conflicting info out there where one source says it will display another implies it might not.
I didn't find any information, again I may have overlooked it, in the manuals about setting up the logo but the error messages are very helpful.  I did have one of the logos that I resized etc. to meet the criteria of a 1:1 aspect ration and a file size of less that 6kB.  I believe I found where to turn on the additional subcarrier (again some conflicting info on the subject, is the additional carrier necessary?) but it would appear the receiver must be capable of receiving the addtional carrier...if it is indeed necessary.
Can you offer some clarity on proper setup and do you know what receivers will actually display the logo?

Thank you.

[Jan]

Your questions are relevant and completely correct. Unfortunately, we are unable to give you a complete answer here. These questions need to be directed to car infotainment manufacturers, and also to the "RDS Forum" organization. In this regard, it is necessary to exert pressure so that the implementation of RDS in car radios is in accordance with the currently valid standard and the user is sufficiently informed about all features and standards supported by the equipment. I am not at all satisfied with how the implementation of the RDS2 standard in receivers is going, but we have done a lot of work on this matter and the ball is not in our court now.

To verify that all encoder settings have been made correctly, you don't need any equipment to receive and show the logo. Just click on the RDS Spy button and in the RDS Spy select View - RDS2 RFT File Receiver.

If you are looking for an RDS2 receiver, look for compliance with IEC 62106:2023 or later.