HD Radio Now on Ford Rides

Yet another reason to get that Ford ride you are looking for. Ford Motor Company announced yesterday its plans to integrate HD Radio technology as an optional feature on Ford trucks, Lincolns and Mercury vehicles.

The installation of a HD Radio will be a dealer-installed option. The announcement of the move is part of Ford’s commitment to delivering the latest technology in entertainment. Ford director for Electrical System Engineering, Jim Buczkowski, added that:

“Our goal is to offer drivers the best new features and the most choice. The great local content, the crystal-clear sound quality and the variety of channels and data services offered by HD Radio is exactly what customers are beginning to expect in their vehicles. Moving forward, a radio will no longer be considered competitive if it doesn’t include digital technology.”

HD Radio is seen as the most significant innovation in the radio broadcast industry. Before the introduction of this technology AM and Fm stations use analog broadcasting methods. With the HD Radio, AM and FM stations can now transmit their signals digitally, making for a clearer broadcast. HD Radio technology enable car radios to play FM stations in CD quality. AM radios are also treated to an upgrade in quality. This technology offers clear transmissions without any interference. It also offers more than one broadcast from a single station. This means that listeners with HD Radio get treated to a large array of new HD2/HD3 multicasts.

Listeners of HD Radio will surely be treated to more of what they’re listening. An estimated number of 1,500 stations in the U.S. are already broadcasting in digital HD Radio frequency. This figure includes about 700 stations with HD2/HD3 capabilities. These stations are the latest in the music scene, offering new formats and genres. It also offers more in-depth news, traffic and stock information. Best of all, HD Radio is free of charge.

Ford will be offering this feature in 2009.