BMW FIRST AUTO MAKER TO OFFER HD RADIO THROUGHOUT IT'S ENTIRE PRODUCT RANGE
Announcement Extends BMW's Leadership Position Among Auto Makers in Rollout of Digital AM and FM Radio Technology
Woodcliff Lake, NJ-January 5,2007 BMW expands it's pioneering position in providing high quality audio systems by becoming the first automotive firm to offer a factory installed HD Radio receiver as an option across it's entire 2007 product line. This option, which now includes HD Radio multicast reception capabilities will be availible on all 2007 3,5,6,7, X3, X5 and Z4 models.
HD Radio 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 ulticasting feature allows FM stations to transmit multiple channels of digital programming simultaneously in a single frequency.
Of the more than 1,100 stations broadcasting in HD across the country, 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 3 channels; 88.5-1 a simulcast of it's 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 with 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 is expected to clear 3,000 in a couple of years. A complete list of 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 the 2006 7 and 6 series. In June of 2006, the company announced that HD Radio receivers would be available in the 2007 5 series models and last month announced the first factory-installed multicast capable HD Radio in the 2007 3 series convertible.
The HD Radio option will have a Suggested Retail Price of $500.