- IPOD INTERFACE (cable required and optional, select from drop down when ordering)
- AUX input (optional 1/8 inch aux port, see related accessories for cable)
- FM HD radio reception
- AM HD radio reception
Features for IPOD. Change tracks / albums / playlists using the controls of the radio or the steering wheel and the ipod. Charges the ipod when connected. Displays music tag (text) information on the vehicles entertainment system.
Features for AUX. Connects any external device such as an MP3 player, Playstation, DVD player by simply using an 1/8 inch aux cord (see related accessories for cable). Audio setting optimization
Features for HD FM Radio: Listen to regular FM radio stations, tune them manually, seek stations or select the from memory presets. If HD station is detected the unit will automatically switch to HD digital. Radio text information (PAD DATA) and FM radio text (RBDS) displayed on the screen. Multicast compatibility allows switching to HD2. Acquire HD channels in approx 4-6 seconds.
Features for HD AM Radio: Listen to regular AM stations, tune them manually, seek stations or select them from memory presets. If HD station is detected the unit will automatically switch to HD DIGITAL. Radio text information (PAD DATA) is displayed in HD mode.
What is HD Radio?
HD Radio is the most outstanding advancement in radio broad-casting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio Technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast local programs digitally. You can experience more content, multicast channels, and higher audio quality at any of over 1000 digital transmitting terrestrial radio stations currently on the air! These multicast channels also provide commercial free digital content and since HD RadioTM is subscription free, you do not have to pay any monthly fees to be able to enjoy its quality.
Basically, digital radio works the same as conventional radio. There’s a signal on one end and a receiver on the other. But there are a few key differences.
[1] Instead of sending out one analog signal, stations send out a bundled signal – both analog and digital. Because it is digital, textual data such as traffic, stock info and song titles can be sent out, as well.
[2] The digital signal layer is compressed.
[3] The combined analog and digital signals are transmitted.
[4] Inevitably, radio signals bounce off objects, causing what is called multipath distortions. This is what causes the static in conventional radio receivers. HD Digital radio receivers are designed to sort through reflected signals, reducing static, hiss, pops and fades.
[5] Finally, the signals reach their destination. Both broadcasts are free, with no subscription fee. To hear the digital broadcast, all you need is an HD Radio receiver.
Ever wonder how technology can split the radio signal into analog and digital channels and then transmit it over the existing AM/FM bands? It’s a process known as In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) Broadcasting. It’s DIGITAL, and it’s FREE.
Digital Broadcasting
HD Digital Radio supports CD-quality sound as well as song titles and artist names. And because the digital signal piggybacks onto a conventional broadcast signal, it is free to the listener.
The Power of Free
With HD Radio, broadcasters can use the current radio spectrum to transmit free analog simultaneously with new higher quality digital signals. This eliminates the static, hiss, pops and fades associated with today’s radio caused by conditions known as multipath, noise and interference.
Transitioning Out of Analog
With IBOC-based HD Radio technology, radio receivers and other consumer electronics will receive traditional analog broadcasts from stations that have yet to convert and digital broadcasts from stations that have converted.
Current analog radios will continue to receive the analog portion of the IBOC-based broadcast, allowing for a smooth transition to a digital world. In fact, specific features have been designed into HD Radio-supported receivers to improve the existing analog reception during the "Hybrid Mode."
As the market reaches maturity, broadcasters will transition out of analog broadcasts and offer "all-digital mode". As a result of our digital architecture, enhanced services such as increased data capacity, surround sound or other multicasting solutions can be made available across this unused bandwidth.
