Ford becomes first automaker to offer HD Radio with iTunes tagging
By Darren Murph 
posted December 29th 2009 12:01AM
posted December 29th 2009 12:01AM
FORD FIRST TO ENABLE iTUNES SONG TAGGING WITH LAUNCH OF NEW HD RADIO CAPABILITY IN ITS LINEUP
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 29, 2009 – 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."
• Ford is the first auto manufacturer to offer HD Radio™ 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
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 on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. 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 your
favorite station. 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 today's 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
nearly 1,000 stations also airing HD2/HD3 channels. Approximately 85 percent of the U.S.
population is served by a station broadcasting with HD Radio technology. and http://www.ibiquity.com.
It looks like a Ford Fiesta, I love it.
Oh Ford you seriously need to hire some Japanese/German designers to design your interiors. There's three screens in this car... Oh well it's nicer than what Chevy did with the Camaro at least.
@Xudd
Only two screens
1. Speedo/info center
2. Navagation
What you see as 3 is the dual temperature controls.
@Xudd i much prefer the U.S. designed Ford interiors over the European designed Ford interiors.
Word. Ford is really starting to come alive.
I'd like to see push button start, and advanced gauge clusters like that found in the Fusion Hybrid across all Ford models as standard.
I realize they have contracts on the mechanical key systems, but the advantages of getting out of those contracts for the ease of use, simplification, perceived technological advantage (and minuscule weight savings) has to be immense. Not neglecting service vehicles, like Law Enforcement and Parcel Delivery where the elimination of keys would be welcomed in many ways.
@ROCKandREVIEWcom
I dont think their is a contract on how you start the vehicle.
I know currently Ford makes at least 2 vehicles with push start.
Fiesta & Tauras
This is something that will spread throughout the whole fleet in the coming years.
@(Unverified) - i was referring to the contracts on parts.
their suppliers have these contracts set for years at a time, preventing progress to protect their employees.
the Taurus and the Fiesta are new cars with new contracts.
It's also funny that only their top car and bottom car has push start.
you'd think with that huge nav screen and smartguage that the Fusion Hybrid has, it'd also have push button start.
the only logical reason i could think of would be contracts.
So, why is itunes being the dominant ecosystem not a monopoly? Seems like if you want to use anything else other than an ipod, you get shafted.
@Ioncloud9 - yea strange, especially considering they are still using the Microsoft System and have not yet gone open source. Seems like the Zune should be the dominant player with this system, but it's not.
I'm my experience with the system, Sync seems to function equally well regardless of using an Apple, Microsoft or no-name product, even simple thumb drive.
@Ioncloud9 Especially since Ford's entertainment system is made by Microsoft....who also makes the closest thing the ipod has to not having a pure monopoly.
Although the Zune already has built-in HD radio and the ability to tag it anyway, so yeah.
@Ioncloud9 Ford is also developing their own software and apps in-house. Microsoft's platform will be featured in more vehicles in the coming years now that the exclusivity with Ford is up. Ford is doing what they can to keep their Sync ahead of the competition.
@Ioncloud9
Because not everything Microsoft makes rules the world. In this case iTunes and the iPod rule the world and we mac users laugh at grumpy PC users complaining like you.
@Ioncloud9
The fact that certain Windows software is not available for the Mac is not an abuse of Microsoft's monopoly. Mac users either have to do without or buy Windows or a PC if they want to use that software. Microsoft using its desktop monopoly to monopolize browsers and video in attempt to make the Web a Windows-only experience was an abuse.
What is HD Radio? Hype! pure and simple. It IS NOT High Definition.
@3angles
Never was High Def.
HD originally stood for Hybrid Digital.
It says HD Radio... but how about satellite radio?
With all the technology we have today... I rarely listen to terrestrial radio...
@Michael Scrip
I'm sure Sirius will still be available.
@Michael Scrip Satelitte radio is basically standard in every new car that comes out. regardless of how much the car cost.
@Adisah
Let me clarify... I was talking about the "iTunes Tagging" feature.
The article specifically says HD Radio has iTunes Tagging... those channels broadcasting alongside your regular FM stations from the ground...
Satellite radio are those hundreds of channels coming from space... but they make no mention of the iTunes tagging.
My market has 15 HD Radio channels... and they are crap. They are owned by ClearChannel and CBS Radio... and that's why people get satellite radio in the first place.
My point is... iTunes Tagging of satellite radio would make more sense. People pay extra for satellite radio... so they tend to listen to it instead of terrestrial radio. Also, no one knows what the hell HD Radio is anyway.
Buy a Zune HD and an FM transmitter (or hell, AUX in). You have been able to tag songs like this since the Zune 30! Just because it's iPod makes it new and cool, right?
@JShav when will Zune's, iPod's and off-brands include built in FM transmitters? this would be hugely convenient.
Another way for me to make money. AAPL: 211.61 and moving up, Mkt Cap: 190.65B.
@Steve Jobs CEO
O M G STEVE JOBS! STEVE FUCKING JOBS READS ENGADGET!
@Steve Jobs CEO
I'm surprised you haven't been shoving iTunes tagging on standard radio down everyones throats already, spending too much time on that stupid tablet dude.
@Steve Jobs CEO
Hahaha.
But seriously, when is Apple going to be taken to court of monopolising the music industry? :P
I hope it's soon, given the outcome of our every good-faith attempt at interoperability with iPod hardware.
Haha, I've had this with my Dual Stereo for months.. Too little, too late Ford. This is not going to win anyone over. I'm sorry.
@Chrinik Ford is doing relatively well right now.
@Chrinik Your Dual stereo came preinstalled with a 100% stock look with 100% compatibility in your brand new car several years ago?
@paul34 ...That wasn't the point. The point was that this is not a "new" feature and considering I've had it for as long as I have, it hasn't turned out to be useful at all. Shazam is useful because I can identify any song I want on my phone. But HD Radio tagging is extremely flawed due to the fact that most HD radio stations do not broadcast song information 100% of the time, so even if you have the feature and you hear a song you like, you're screwed. And the fact that iPod's are an extremely corrupt way of transferring this kind of data, due to the fact that with every update and refresh to the iPod line, there is more of a chance that the update will break this transfer of tags.
And why does anything you said matter? Who cares if it's a stock look? I don't buy cars for the features that their stereos have. And wtf does compatibility have to do with anything? It's a simple interface with buttons and a screen that are contained in a universally compatible metal brick that fits in ANY car with a removable stereo.
Why would this demand a premium? It'll be free. It really only helps sell songs, so there's no need to charge the end consumer.
These features are kind of BS, but whatever. Go Ford! My favorite auto manufacturer.
2010: we should have a fucking moon base and world peace by now, not finally dropping analog TV & getting digital radio signals so we can tag a song. Shit. (would have posted this from my iPhone but I didn't have a signal so I had to drive home in my hovercra... ur internal combustion pos)
Ford seems to be on the ball these days. Amazing what a car company can do when it concentrates on building cars and not spending all of their time sucking up to the government.
Stop this piece of shit and start making better, non-combustable engines!
Ford itself is an aristocratic car. But the way they have marketed the product is horrifying. I find no clue why such renowned car company merry goes around bullshit HD Radio.
I didn't realize anyone was racing to be first in this area.
Didn't BMW make HD radio standard in their 7-series sometime last year? I thought I remembered hearing the commercials over and over again but could just be mixing up the "Give a BMW for X-Mas" craziness with the Radio Shack HD Radio commercials.
@hobbes28
It’s not about just any HD Radio... It’s about the HD Radio with iTunes song tagging capability... via a single button press... for up to 100 tags... which can later be purchased conveniently through iTunes
nice to see ford taking the initiative, among the big 3, to push for innovation. frankly, i'm surprised more car companies don't offer hd radio, with or without itunes tagging, as standard on all their vehicles. i'm sure it has to do with subsidies of some sort from satellite radio but still it's almost two thousand and freakin' ten!
Apple have been busy with a lot of new projects this year. Theyre really pushing themselves as a brand to be associated with every way one can listen to music.
this is also interesting:
http://www.themusicvoid.com/2009/12/apple-moves-toward-music-as-service/