# nrsc5

> NRSC-5 HD Radio receiver and decoder for RTL-SDR devices

nrsc5 is an open-source command-line decoder that receives digital NRSC-5 (HD Radio) signals via an RTL-SDR USB dongle or pre-recorded I/Q files. It decodes digital audio channels and extracts Advanced Application Services (AAS) broadcast data, such as station logos and weather images, completely offline.

Website: https://github.com/theori-io/nrsc5

## How it works

To capture images transmitted over HD Radio:

1. Connect an RTL-SDR dongle to your computer with an antenna (even a paperclip bent into the connector).

2. Create an output folder (e.g., \`mkdir paperclip\_images\`).

3. Run the CLI tool with the target FM frequency, stream index, and the file dumping flag:

\`nrsc5 \<frequency\> \<program\_number\> --dump-aas-files \<destination\_folder\>\`

Example: \`nrsc5 104.9 0 --dump-aas-files paperclip\_images\`

## What it is for

- Decode and listen to live digital HD Radio FM and AM broadcasts
- Extract transmitted broadcast files like album art and weather images using the AAS dump flag
- Record and replay raw radio I/Q sample files for analysis
- Build custom software-defined radio applications using its C or Python API

## Features

- Receives live broadcast streams via RTL-SDR USB dongles or rtl\_tcp network streams
- Supports both FM and AM digital NRSC-5 signals
- Extracts AAS broadcast data files (PNG, JPEG, etc.) directly to disk
- Streams decoded audio to speakers or outputs to WAV/raw files
- Reads and writes complex I/Q sample files for offline playback
- Includes C and Python APIs for custom tool development

## Pricing

Open source

## Details

- Type: GitHub repo
- Category: [Development](https://xiry.app/topics/development.md)
- Open source: yes
- Platforms: Command line, Linux, macOS, Windows, Code library
- For: SDR hobbyists, radio enthusiasts, and developers working with digital radio signals
- Alternative to: GQRX, SDR\#
- Tags: sdr, rtl sdr, hd radio, radio, cli, c

## Why it was saved

- [@wnyovertheair, 31 January 2026](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUKpqd6gDnM/): Enables receiving digital broadcast streams offline, allowing you to capture live audio and broadcasted media files like station logos, album covers, and weather radar images.

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Updated 3 October 2026. Page: https://xiry.app/resources/nrsc5

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