Volkswagen first to feature HD Radio in 2012 models

Posted: 11 Sep 2011 07:56 AM PDT

iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced that Volkswagen is the first automaker to launch the new Artist Experience feature with the Premium VIII radio on select 2012 models now at dealerships. The automaker will also introduce the popular iTunes® Tagging feature to its drivers. Volkswagen launched HD Radio Technology in 2009.

Artist Experience enables the Premium VIII radio to display album art and other images broadcast from HD Radio stations on its screen. HD Radio Technology provides other significant benefits for Volkswagen drivers: crystal-clear sound quality; additional local FM channels known as HD2, HD3 and HD4; Program Service Data (or PSD) which displays the song title and the artist’s name on the radio screen; and iTunes® Tagging, which allows listeners to Tag (store) information about songs they hear to later purchase and download through iTunes®.

“We are extremely pleased that a market leader like Volkswagen has taken the lead on rolling out Artist Experience,” said Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity Digital, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology. “HD Radio Technology is an important standard feature of any infotainment system and Volkswagen is taking advantage of all that HD Radio has to offer. Volkswagen customers will enjoy the expanded digital radio audio and visual experience.”

HD Radio Technology is available nationwide, with more than 2000 digital stations on-air, and more than 1300 HD2/HD3/HD4 digital-only channels that broadcast fresh new content that can only be heard with an HD Radio receiver. A sampling of the formats on these extra channels, which vary in different markets around the country, include: Dance/Electronica; Bluegrass Country; Comedy; Local Music; Chill/Coffee Shop Music; South Asian; Talk; News; and Sports, to name just a few.

iTunes Tagging in Volkswagen vehicles will enable drivers and passengers to easily capture information about a song they hear on their HD Radio receiver. By simply pushing the “Tag” button on the HD Radio receiver, the song information is stored to the iPod, once connected. The next time the iPod is connected to iTunes, a list of tagged songs appears which can be previewed, purchased and downloaded.

Artist Experience brings a visual component to radio by enabling broadcasters to send artist images and/or station logos along with the current audio programming. The HD Radio receivers then display these images on the radio screen, adding a completely new dimension to the radio experience. Broadcasters are currently rolling out this feature and will continue to add stations throughout 2011 and 2012.

HD Radio Technology is offered on select Volkswagen models.

Volkswagen Reveals Most Complete U.S. Product Line Ever For Model Year 2012

Volkswagen first to feature HD Radio in 2012 models

2012 Porsche Carrera S announced in NFS The Run

Posted: 11 Sep 2011 07:31 AM PDT

ONEIGHTURBO

Porsche Carrera S Announced in The Run!

A few weeks ago Porsche announced the new
2012 911 Carrera models. Now you can actually take one for a spin in Need For Speed’s The Run. The Porsche Carrera S uses the 3.8L Boxster engine with 400hp and nails a 0-60 in 4.1sec. The game will launch this Thursday 11/15 and you can pre-order for the XBOX360, PS3, PC and Nintendo platforms.

Video after the jump!