[JSpira]

Note: as far as I know, the RTTI conflict has not yet been resolved-jbs.


BMW FIRST AUTO MAKER TO OFFER HD RADIO RECEIVERS THROUGHOUT ITS ENTIRE PRODUCT RANGE
01/05/2007

Announcement Extends BMW's Leadership Position Among Auto Manufacturers in the Rollout of Digital AM and FM Radio
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 5, 2007... 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.

[E90Boy]

you can get HD Radios for less and have more features.

[Norsk]

I saw that article this morning on MWerks but it does not say anything about retrofitting to existing BMW radio.

So my question:
Is it or will it simply a module that can be added and we get it on our OEM radio?

I have the premium radio with the Logic7, 6 CD changer - No iDrive

As I love the look of my OEM radio and no longer into the style of sticking a Pioneer or Alpine radio in my dash ... no matter how much cheaper or how many features they cram into it.

[Jean330xi]

Originally Posted by E90Boy

you can get HD Radios for less and have more features.

Ridiculous comment.
Amazing how you just don't understand how this is INTEGRATED -

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by Norsk

I saw that article this morning on MWerks but it does not say anything about retrofitting to existing BMW radio.

So my question:
Is it or will it simply a module that can be added and we get it on our OEM radio?

It is a module but if you are asking if it can be retrofitted, right now the answer is no.

[rmorin49]

No way I'm paying $500 for HD radio. My ears are hardly capable of discerning differences in quality with the standard vs. optional sound system. I guess this is one advantage of spending 20+ years in the military. Hearing is one of the first things to go.

[E90Boy]

Originally Posted by Jean330xi

Ridiculous comment.
Amazing how you just don't understand how this is INTEGRATED -

Thanks for the quick judgment regarding my comprehension of INTEGRATION by just reading that solitary sentence. Maybe I should have written a detailed treatise as to why I stated the broad comment.

[Norsk]

Originally Posted by JSpira

It is a module but if you are asking if it can be retrofitted, right now the answer is no.

Thanks JSpira,

I guess I figured that much form the article; so I'll await for news or an update on this. As for my taste, there is no way I'm paying a monthly fee for satellite radio.

For now, Long live my MP3 CDs in High quality ripping + the new BMW radio! I have to say the ability to create folders and playlists that you can manage on the radio is awesome.

iPod integration is cool, but for now... I'm really enjoy my rattle-free E90, so nobody is playing in my dash.

[purplewidow]

Originally Posted by E90Boy

Thanks for the quick judgment regarding my comprehension of INTEGRATION by just reading that solitary sentence. Maybe I should have written a detailed treatise as to why I stated the broad comment.

ummm yeah actually cause i would love to know how to integrate a module into the car for vheaper cause to my knowledge you are eating your words and it is not possible!!!!
________
Homemade Vaporizer

[jjb83]

hello jspira:

i have hd radio in my march 2007 e90 (with Logic7) and really enjoy the multicast capability!

there is one issue however - the radio does not appear to allow the user to save the second or third multicast channel as a preset.

for example, if a station multicasts channel "HD1" and "HD2", the radio lets you store HD1 as a preset, but NOT HD2.

when you attempt to save HD2 as a preset, the radio simply retrieves HD1.

are you aware of any known issues in this area, jspira?

many thanks!

[tintivilus]

Originally Posted by JSpira

It is a module but if you are asking if it can be retrofitted, right now the answer is no.

Does it just plug in where the DAB receiver is supposed to go? I haven't used either, but it seems like HD and DAB are functionally equivalent.