Auto manufacturer Ford Motor Co. (F) said Tuesday that it would offer HD Radio technology with iTunes tagging capability.
This marks the world's first implementation of iTunes Tagging in a factory-installed HD Radio receiver, Ford said. It will be launched in 2010 on select Ford vehicles. The HD Radio technology is developed by iBiquity Digital Corp.
Ford's factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies will be available in 2010, offering familiar terrestrial radio, HD Radio technology, Sirius Satellite Radio as well as Internet radio through Ford Sync from a Bluetooth-streaming audio-capable smartphone.
HD Radio technology captures free digital radio broadcasts eliminating static, fadeout and other problems associated with conventional analog radio signals, resulting in better quality. Nearly 2,000 radio stations in the U.S. currently broadcast in digital HD Radio sound, with more than 1,100 stations airing HD2/HD3 channels. About 85% of the U.S. population is served by a station broadcasting with HD Radio technology.
iBiquity Digital licenses in-band on-channel technology, branded as HD Radio, that allows AM or FM radio stations to transmit digital signals on the back of their normal analog signals. Customers include broadcast companies and more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide. The company also licenses HD Radio technology to home and car stereo receiver manufacuters including Boston Acoustics and Sanyo.
HD Radio technology enables better audio and exclusive unique content choices. iTunes Tagging would enable capturing a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase. Up to 100 tags can be stored on SYNC until the iPod is connected to receive the download of metadata. Ford vehicles will provide a number of advanced services including, extra FM channels, as well as on-screen Program Service Data - information that appears on the radio screen and includes song title, artist name and more.
HD Radio receives HD2/HD3 channels, which resemble mini-stations, that are found directly adjacent to the main channel on the dial if available. If additional HD2/HD3 channels are available, the radio will indicate how many on a multicast information bar. Users also may store HD2/HD3 presets.
"iTunes Tagging and HD Radio technology are strong new additions to the growing collection of Ford convenience features and technology we're offering customers to make driving even more enjoyable. This is another example of Ford's commitment to bring the widest variety of factory-installed customer-focused technology, features and conveniences to millions of people," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas.
F closed Monday's regular trading at $10.20, on the NYSE.
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