iTunes Tagging is an exciting service application that enables listeners to tag songs on their FM radios for later purchase from the iTunes Music Store. It�s the latest in the long list of options available through Broadcast Electronics� TRE Message Manager to help you build listener loyalty, enhance your station�s brand and generate revenue.
Several broadcast groups have already committed to iTunes Tagging in addition to their regular HD Radio broadcasts.
This Q&A responds to the most frequently asked questions about iTunes Tagging. To learn more, contact your regional BE sales manager.
Who developed iTunes Tagging?
Contributions to the overall implementation were made by Apple, iBiquity, Jump2Go and BE. Integration with your operations is seamless; you benefit from the technology without complex installation or maintenance.
What is the user experience?
When a listener hears a tagged song playing on an enabled HD Radio receiver with an iPod docking station, tagging is a simple, two-step process.
- Pressing the tag button sends the song�s iTunes ID to the docked iPod.
- When the iPod is later connected to the iTunes Music Store, a list of tagged songs can be viewed and purchased.
The JBL iHD and the Polk I-Sonic ES2 are tabletop HD Radios with iPod docks and iTunes tagging compatibility. Alpine's TUA-T500HD is an auto HD Radio Tuner Module with iTunes tagging. They should be in the stores now and other manufacturers are developing more models.
How does it work at my radio station?
You run The Radio Experience (TRE) software from Broadcast Electronics that interfaces to all popular automation systems (most likely yours). TRE gets the other info it needs via Internet connection to the TRE Data Center.
TRE receives the cut information from your automation system. It then passes the title and artist to Jump2Go�s data center where it is matched with album information and a unique iTunes code, called a UFID. That information is then returned to TRE where it is encoded and injected into your HD data stream. All of this happens in less then a second.
Once the data is received by an HD Radio receiver capable of iTunes Tagging, the listener can tag the song.
Stations also have the option to display graphic rich Now Playing and Last Played data on their station website, complete with album art and a link to purchase the music from iTunes.
What is UFID?
UFID is an acronym for Unique File Identifier. This is essentially a database key that references a specific song in the iTunes Music Store.
Do I need to manage the UFID for all the songs I play on my automation system?
Nope, we�ve got you covered. BE and Apple have partnered with Jump2Go as the key provider for UFIDs. The Radio Experience (TRE) software will communicate seamlessly with your station's unique database at the Jump2Go datacenter to retrieve each song�s UFID.
I already have TRE. Do I need to get an add-on?
Offering iTunes Tagging to your listeners is as easy as adding the iTagging module. TRE continues to function just as you�ve had it previously configured, maintaining all of your existing Messagecasting.
TRE is more than just iTunes Tagging, right?
TRE Message Manager, the core application of The Radio Experience, is a suite of software and services designed to easily feed station branding, program information, traffic and weather... even content-associated text ads and promotions. TRE Message Manager�s integrated feature set is straightforward and easy to implement.
We would be happy to tell you more. Or, take the online demo.
What else do I need?
Obviously you need to be broadcasting in HD Radio. iBiquity requires the following firmware/software versions be installed:
- HD Radio Exciter/Exporter running IRSS software version 2.3.3 or later.
- HD Radio Importer containing iBiquity version 2.1.5P1 software or later. (Included in BE�s IDi 20 Dashboard 9.50.XXX)
- Ensure the Importer contains iBiquity version 3.0 SPS capture client or later.
In addition, you�ll need an automation system that is compatible with TRE. If you have questions about whether yours is supported, please contact BE.
How do I make money with this?
Any revenue share is a business relationship between you, the broadcaster, and Apple. For more information, including licensing details, please contact the iTunes team via email at itunestagging@apple.com.
What about licensing?
Your current Broadcast Station License Agreement with iBiquity includes the use of UFID and covers the iTunes Tagging feature. Apple licensing is arranged with Apple as noted above.
BE manages your licensing and fees for both the TRE and Jump2Go components. There is a one-time fee, plus a monthly service fee for access to the Jump2Go data center.
Apple, iPod and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
