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.