The quiet war between satellite radio and HD radio — which allows providers to offer digital radio signals and (information channels) along the same airwaves as analog AM/FM radio — appears to be amping up. With most of the battles being won of late by the big satellite providers, Sirius and XM, HD-radio software provider and upstart, iBiquity (owned by CBS and Gannett — aha! Old Media, eh?) scored a major franchise play, when BMW announced recently it would offer HD radio ad a factory option in its 2006 7-Series models. It's the first time an automaker will offer digital radio in a car, though likely not the last, as equipment prices fall and more traditional analog radio stations move to digital.

BMW first automaker to offer high-definition radio receiver as factory option [AutoWeek]

Related:
Starting in 2006, XM Radio to Be Standard on all Hyundai Cars; Ford Sticks with Sirius; Installing In-Car Satellite Radio [internal]

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