Ford First to Enable iTunes Tagging With Launch of New HD Radio Capability in Its Lineup
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- Ford is the first auto manufacturer to offer HD Radio(TM) technology
with iTunes® Tagging capability; this new functionality will be
available next year
-- HD Radio technology captures free digital radio broadcasts, which
eliminate static, fadeout and other problems associated with
conventional analog radio signals; the result is FM audio that's
comparable to near-CD quality and AM audio that sounds like today's FM
broadcasts
-- HD Radio digital technology provides a number of advanced services not
available with an analog radio. Extra FM channels, called HD2/HD3
channels, are delivered, as well as useful on-screen Program Service
Data such as artist name and song title
iTunes Tagging and crystal-clear radio sound through HD Radio
technology are the latest features on Ford's growing list of
factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies that will be
newly available in 2010.
HD Radio receivers pull in digital radio signals and play them with
dramatically improved sound. FM stations, for example, have near-CD
quality, making it convenient for customers to select songs they want
to download and purchase.
"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," said
Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "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."
In 2010, Ford vehicles will offer familiar terrestrial radio, HD
Radio technology, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio as well as Internet radio
through Ford SYNC® from a Bluetooth®-streaming audio-capable smartphone.
"Ford continues to lead the market in bringing advanced capabilities
to popular vehicles. We are very pleased that HD Radio technology is an
integral part of Ford's broad offering of new features," said Jeff
Jury, COO of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio
technology.
Like the song? You can tag it
The world's first implementation of iTunes Tagging in a
factory-installed HD Radio receiver will launch in 2010 on select Ford
vehicles. Through the SYNC system, iTunes Tagging will provide Ford
customers with the ability to capture a song they hear on the HD Radio
receiver for later purchase. With a simple push of the "TAG" button on
the radio display, the song information will be stored in the radio's
memory.
Up to 100 tags can be stored on SYNC until the iPod is connected to
receive the download of metadata. When the iPod is then synced to
iTunes, a playlist of "tagged" songs will appear. Customers then can
preview and, if desired, purchase and download tagged songs from the
iTunes Store.
All HD Radio-enabled receivers in Ford vehicles also will provide
Program Service Data - information that appears on the radio screen and
includes song title, artist name and more.
Familiar controls with better quality
HD Radio technology enables more listening options and increased
sound quality by using the same radio interface customers are used to
as well as the same antennas and analog tuners with an added digital
decoder inside the radio. Additionally, HD Radio-enabled receivers
provide listeners with unique advanced services.
To operate, there's no difference from today's radio operations -
customers just tune in their favorite stations. If the station is
broadcasting with HD Radio technology, the system automatically picks
up the signal and will transition to digital audio once decoded.
Exclusive to HD Radio receivers are HD2/HD3 channels, which resemble
mini-stations that could be spun off the "mother" station or completely
new content for the local market. HD2/HD3 channels are found directly
adjacent to the main (HD1) 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 may tune up to
the new available channels like they would tune to any other analog
station. Users also may store HD2/HD3 presets, just as they do with
today's radio.
HD Radio technology enables better audio and exclusive unique content choices
One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound
quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital
transmission - FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like terrestrial FM
broadcasts. Also, the sound itself is much clearer and more consistent,
without issues such as pops or hisses. Unlike analog broadcasts,
digital broadcasts aren't susceptible to interference, fadeout and
other issues.
Most stations use the additional HD2/HD3 channels to provide more
unique coverage of sports, music or other niche programs often tailored
for their individual markets - all for free. For example, in Dallas
there is now a dedicated 24/7 Cowboys channel on 105.3-HD3. In
Pittsburgh, there is a dedicated 24/7 Penguins channel on 105.9-HD2.
Broadcasters may choose any genre they wish for their additional
channels.
Nearly 2,000 radio stations in the U.S. currently broadcast in
digital HD Radio sound, with more than 1,100 stations also airing
HD2/HD3 channels. Approximately 85 percent of the U.S. population is
served by a station broadcasting with HD Radio technology.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)
, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich.,
manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With
about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's
automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company
provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more
information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
About iBiquity Digital Corporation
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of HD Radio(TM)
technology, which is fueling the digital radio revolution in the United
States and around the world. The digital technology enables
broadcasters to offer new FM channels through multicasting,
crystal-clear sound and data services on both the AM and FM bands - all
free, with no subscription fee. Leading broadcasters, consumer
electronics manufacturers, automakers and retailers are committed to HD
Radio technology. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with
operations in Columbia, MD, Auburn Hills, MI, and Basking Ridge, NJ.
For more information, please visit http://www.hdradio.com/ and http://www.ibiquity.com/.
Source: Ford Motor Company
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