HD Radio seems to be drifting along, picking up supports in a leisurely fashion with Audi being the latest manufacturer to pick up the format. The alleged next-gen radio technology should be standard on most Audi vehicles by the 2011 model year as the luxury carmaker strives to deliver the best of the best. Sirius Satellite has been standard for a while now on most Audi models but HD Radio does deliver similar audio fidelity without a monthly subscription - no Howard Stern though, got to pay for him.
Audi to Expand Audio Offerings with HD Radio™ Technology
- HD Radio units will be standard on many Audi vehicles for the 2011 model year
- The technology will add the potential to supply a range of data in Audi cars and SUVs
- Audio quality will be improved for more than 1,800 AM/FM stations and 900 multicast channels on the FM dial
HERNDON, Va., October 22, 2008 – Providing drivers with a heightened entertainment experience, Audi of America today announced plans to offer HD Radio technology as a standard feature in many of its vehicles beginning with 2011 models, which will start arriving in dealerships in 2010. These luxury vehicles will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, top-of-the-line AM/FM HD Radio audio systems featuring added content and format choices and crystal-clear sound.
“As one of the world’s most progressive car companies, Audi strives to deliver on the pillars of its brand promise – performance and technology. Incorporating HD Radio technology in upcoming models reflects that commitment,” said Johan de Nysschen, Audi of America’s executive vice president. “We believe consumers will want to experience HD Radio broadcasting firsthand because, as with anything we put in our cars, the truth is in the engineering.”
“With a deep appreciation for cutting-edge technology and engineered perfection, Audi and HD Radio technology make natural partners,” said Jeff Jury, COO, iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting. “We are very pleased to be associated with Audi’s upscale brand. This further solidifies HD Radio technology as a key feature for the luxury market.”
With more than 1,800 AM and FM stations and over 900 new multicast channels (HD2/HD3) on the FM dial currently broadcasting, HD Radio technology is the latest advancement in broadcast radio – a medium accessed by more than 90 percent of the U.S. population in any given week. These exclusive subscription-free channels feature digitally delivered, fresh new music, news and entertainment formats.
HD Radio technology is also a platform for broadcast data delivery, supplying text information with not just song titles and artist names, but real-time traffic/weather updates, movie listings, sports scores, stock quotes, school closings and emergency alerts too.
Audi is a leader in offering luxury features to premium car buyers, and has been offering Sirius satellite radio as standard equipment in its models. That will continue as HD Radio technology becomes available in Audi cars and SUVs, as well.
More information on HD Radio stations currently broadcasting nationwide can be found at http://www.hdradio.com.
“JAGUAR SHELVES HD RADIO INDEFINITELY”
“He showed a factory bulletin advising all dealers that Jaguar has pulled HD from its audio packages indefinitely, citing owner objections and bring-backs of new vehicles with complaints about radio performance.”
http://tinyurl.com/3ktd97
“HD Radio’s Last Stand”
“For example, Volvo sent out a press release earlier this year about making HD Radio standard across their 2009 models. Well I just bought a 2009 Volvo, and guess what? No HD Radio. Furthermore, nobody I’ve spoken to at Volvo Cars North America even knows what HD Radio is, much less why their cars don’t come with it, even though they were supposed to.”
http://tinyurl.com/5j3mez
“DEAD AIR: Radio’s Great Leap Forward stalling in the Valley” December 5, 2007
“Nearly two years after the Valley’s four Clear Channel stations went HD, several high-end car manufacturers have promised to offer HD radios as an option on new models. But while Ford announced in September that it offers the radios as dealer-installed upgrades — as have Mini, Volvo, Jaguar and BMW — local Ford and Lincoln dealers had not heard of HD and said they don’t offer the option.”
http://tinyurl.com/6gwdj4
Let’s see – Jaguar is shelving HD Radio and HD Radio never materialzed in Fords and Volvos.
“BMW HD Radio™ Troubleshooting Guide”
“The HD-Radio™ sound keeps switching between Digital and Analog audio quality. HD-Radio™ Indicator keeps turning on and off… The current BMW HD-Radio™ system does not support multicasting.”
http://tinyurl.com/3j8oc7
And, BMW is having nothing but complaints.
“Are Ford and HD Radio in Sync?”
“The radio industry will, of course, promote Ford for free in exchange for this development as part of the presumably soon-to-expire pledge of airtime to the HD radio effort.”
http://www.hear2.com/2007/09/are-ford-and-hd.html
But, auto manufacturers get free publicity!
I’ve got HD Radio in my VW, but I actually have it turned off since the signal for the stations I listen to is kind of spotty in my area. The HD Radio is great, but it’s really annoying when it cuts between regular radio and HD. I decided to just turn it off to avoid the switching.
Good to know about Audi. I am looking to buy a Jensen JIM-525. Do you think HD Radio is really worth the higher price? I read conflicting things. This site http://www.hdradioreview.com seems to say yes, but looking for more advice. Thanks
Just Bought a Ford F-150 and found that it came standard with HD Radio however, found that It also came with Microsoft Sync. The problem is that we cannot receive multicating channels HD2 or HD3. We can only receive the first of HD channels. Called dealer and no one seems to know why and that Sync may hinder the multicasting capability. If anyone knows of a solution I would greatly appreciate it.