BMW First Auto Maker to Offer HD Radio Receivers Throughout its Entire Product Range
Announcement Extends BMW’s Leadership Position Among Auto Manufacturers in the Rollout of Digital AM and FM Radio
BMW expands its pioneering position in providing high-quality audio systems by becoming the first automotive firm to offer a factory-installed digital HD Radio(TM) receiver as an option across its entire 2007 product line. This option, which now includes HD Radio multicast reception capability, will be available in the spring on all 2007 3, 5, 6, and 7 Series models, as well as X3, X5, and Z4.
HD Radio technology is one of the most significant advances in radio broadcasting history, providing listeners with enhanced digital audio quality and clear, noise-free reception, as well as multicasting and on-screen text information.
The HD Radio multicasting feature allows FM stations to broadcast multiple channels of digital programming simultaneously on a single frequency.
Of the more than 1,100 stations across the country broadcasting with HD Radio technology, more than 500 FM stations are offering a second (HD2) and, in many cases, a third (HD3) multicast channel. For example, WAMU in Washington, DC, offers three channels: 88.5-1, a simulcast of its news/talk analog channel; 88.5-2, a simulcast of an innovative Baltimore music station not available in DC; and 88.5-3, bluegrass music. These channels are free but can only be found on HD Radio receivers. As with all HD Radio programming, there are no fees or additional costs associated with multicast channels.
The number of HD Radio stations is growing daily and expected to exceed 3,000 within the next few years. A current list of HD Radio stations and multicast stations can be found at: www.hdradio.com.
Today’s announcement continues BMW’s history of groundbreaking premium audio offerings. In the fall of 2005, the company announced the first OEM availability of HD Radio technology in its 2006 7 and 6 Series models. In June 2006, the company announced that HD Radio receivers would be offered in its 2007 5 Series models and last month it announced the first factory-installed multicast capable HD Radio in the new 2007 3 Series Convertible.
The HD Radio option will have a Suggested Retail Price of $500.
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700WLW
HD Radio/IBOC causes adjacent-channel interference and has only 60% the coverage of analog. The HD channels are only low-bitrate streams of the same repetitive material. HD radios require dipole and loop antennas, and reception is still problematic. Consumers are not interested in this joke:
http://tinyurl.com/24b5zx
Len14043
I recently purchased a JVC HD radio. I was astonded at the audio quality and lack of distortion normally heard when listening to FM stations. The difference is more striking on AM. The sound quality of FM stations is like listening to a CD. It’s amazing on how all of the musical instrument can be heard and the vocals come alive. The HD radio was one of the best investments I have ever made.