Renegade88

Is the Audi radio HD capable? Do I have to get the B&O upgrade to get HD stations? I'm looking at the 2010 and can't seem to find info on HD availability.

Macallan21

No HD radio on the A4 currently. Looks like it might be coming in the 2011 models. For now we just get the SD card, ipod, cd player, sirius, and am/fm.

Renegade88

Are HD radios still uncommon manufacturer equipment, or is Audi just behind the times?

Macallan21

It's more that Audi is behind the times. BMW has been offering it since the 2009 models. Audi is going to offer it in the 2011 from what I read online.

Other manufacturers are starting to install it. Some people I'm sure are just waiting for the next model from Symphony or whoever makes the OEM cd player to refresh the line with an HD radio.

The future is coming.. it's HD Radio. They'll probably start phasing out regular FM in 5 years. Just like they did with analog aerial tv.

mktt

it was an option in the BMW from 2008-2009

for 2010 is is standard equipment

Hobbes

I haven't listened to a regular radio station in years (except in a rental car). I haven't even set any presets in my new car to any broadcast radio stations.

scottacus

Analog TV was phased out to free up a significant chunk of radio spectrum, as digital TV was broadcast on completely different frequencies. HD radio is broadcast on the same frequency as the analog channel, and to date there has been no regulatory or legislative push to require the phase out of analog radio transmission.

Also, considering how many cars will not be HD radio capable (even in 5-7 years), and since there is no easy way to add a converter box to most factory radios (like there is to receive HDTV signals) the likelihood that analog signals will be phased out anytime soon is very low.

i3adSaab

it's also standard on the volvo's now, my wifes new xc70 has it. I have xm in my audi, and I have to say the hd radio in the volvo sounds awesome. Also, it seems some of the "extra" hd radio stations....ie, attached to the regular stations as extra content, have no commercials, not sure why. But bottom line, the sound seems clearer than my xm signal. I think I'd stop paying for the satelite system on my next audi if it had hd radio, then just concentrate on my ipod plus the hd radio.