HD Radio
 

Does anyone know if the B&O package on the 2010 Q5 has HD radio? I know Audi is shipping some 2010's with HD radio but is the Q5 one of them?

Re: HD Radio
 

All:

Just to answer my own question, Audi announced on Jan 7, 2010 that most of it's 2011 models will have HD radio standard. The 2011 Q5 will get the HD radio only as part of the Navi upgrade. So if you have 2009 or 2010 Q5 with Navi you do NOT have HD radio but who cares if you satellite radio you're already getting HD programming but we're paying for it. It's all good.

Re: HD Radio
 

I hear it will be standard in the Navigation package for the 2011 Q5.

Re: HD Radio
 

Yup as I stated only the Navi package 2011 will have it but here is why Satellite is better than HD radio:

1) Satellite you have about 120+ radio free channels all at about 128 bit
2) HD Radio get get about 12 local channels which you loose signal too as soon as you drive out of the range. All at 128 bit
3) Sat radio you have reception all over NA, HD Radio is local
4) Sat radio is commercial free HR radio isn't

Basically HD radio is the next evolution of radios like going from AM to FM, it was inevitable but Satellite radio is the next best thing, you not only have commercial free CD quality music you also have traffic reports and weather information (in the states).

I am disappointed in Audi though - they are a year behind BMW. BMW has it standard in all their 2010 models.

Oh well - if you're subscribing to satellite really makes no difference to you.

Re: HD Radio
 

I will always subscribe to some form of Sat Radio, so I really don't care too much about the HD Radio. I have the best A/V set-up in my dedicated home theatre, I don't need it in my car too lol. I can't see me needing HD quality news as I'm driving my kids to Brownies. Also, I have no plans to live in my Q5, unless the wife kicks me out...wishful thinking lol.

Re: HD Radio
 

You can always listen to HD quality news on your satellite radio. If you got the B&O package you're in for a real treat.

I will have no issue getting kicked out of my house and into my Q.

Re: HD Radio
 

I didn't get the B&O upgrade, I blew my budget on the Drive Select. Honestly, I am planning on adding my own speaker system later anyways. I have some contacts at Bose that are looking into some goodies for me. Although I was quite impressed with the B&O Sound, I just ran out of money lol.

Re: HD Radio
 

That makes sense, I had a choice between the drive select and the B&O I am more of a audio guy than cruising, besides you can't really maximize the drive select in the streets of Toronto, but if you're in the country side makes perfect sense.

You made the right choice hope your audio work goes well. That'll be a nice project.

Re: HD Radio
 

Yeah I used to commute to Toronto daily, QEW at 8am (worlds biggest parking lot lol), the B&O option would have been definately higher on the list then the Drive Select.

I live out in wine country now and any travel is back roads which is lots of fun at the best of times, now looking forward to playing with the different options.

Re: HD Radio
 

That makes perfect sense, hopefully the drive select wouldn't impact gas consumption all that much. I know when I put the car from Drive to Sports mode my gas consumption really jumps.