Any update on this? I've heard BMW ads touting HD radio but is there still no software update that enables multicasting?

Thanks,
Ash

 

What's interesting is that I just received an Owner's Newsletter from BMW and one of the highlights was HD radio. The description was as follows:

"Only BMW offers HD Radio? with multicast capability on its entire line of vehicles. Now you can enjoy more programs and CD-quality sound from digital FM stations and FM-quality sound for AM stations. Over 1,100 stations around the country are already broadcasting in this next-generation format."

I clicked on the link but there was no further mention of multicast. Odd.

 

I noticed the same thing and I'm hopeful of a change with the LCI. I know that the LCI allows you to have HD Radio and RTTI, which was previously not possible. So maybe they've figured out the multicasting thing as well.

 

BMW press release issued 1/5/07, "BMW first automaker to offer HD Radio receivers throughout its entire product range", states that the HD option "now includes HD Radio multicast reception capability". The release also states that the 2007 3 series convertible was the first factory installed multicast capable HD radio. This would seem to confirm that factory installed radios prior to this point were not multicast capable. See full text below.


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BMW FIRST AUTO MAKER TO OFFER HD RADIO RECEIVERS THROUGHOUT ITS ENTIRE PRODUCT RANGE
01/05/2007

Announcement Extends BMW's Leadership Position Among Auto Manufacturers in the Rollout of Digital AM and FM Radio
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 5, 2007... BMW expands its pioneering position in providing high-quality audio systems by becoming the first automotive firm to offer a factory-installed digital HD Radio(tm) receiver as an option across its entire 2007 product line. This option, which now includes HD Radio multicast reception capability, will be available in the spring on all 2007 3, 5, 6, and 7 Series models, as well as X3, X5, and Z4.

HD Radio technology 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 multicasting feature allows FM stations to broadcast multiple channels of digital programming simultaneously on a single frequency.

Of the more than 1,100 stations across the country broadcasting with HD Radio technology, 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 three channels: 88.5-1, a simulcast of its 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 on 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 expected to exceed 3,000 within the next few years. A current list of HD Radio stations and multicast 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 its 2006 7 and 6 Series models. In June 2006, the company announced that HD Radio receivers would be offered in its 2007 5 Series models and last month it announced the first factory-installed multicast capable HD Radio in the new 2007 3 Series Convertible.

The HD Radio option will have a Suggested Retail Price of $500.

 

The HD radio installed before the new 2008 models can not receive the side channels. When I found that out, I opted for the real time traffic option when I bought my 2007 550i.

 

Time to bring this thread back to life...

On my June production 2008, I still can't tune any side channels. Anyone been able to figure that one out?

 

I can tune in the side channels, but you have to do it through the manual tuning. If you try to save a side channel in your presets...it will only save the first hd channel.

 

To get an additional HD stream, use the up and down arrow on the MFL.

 

"MFL" And that means what?

 

Thank you sir. I'm going to take it upon myself to issue me a big, fat: