2012 Camry to feature HD radio, iTunes tagging

The HD in HD Radio does not stand for High Definition as in HD television but for Hybrid Digital, the trademark for iBiquity's in-band on-channel digital radio technology used by AM and FM stations to transmit audio and data via a digital signal as well as their analog signals. It was selected by the Federal Communications Commission in 2002 as the accepted digital audio broadcasting method for the United States.

Some 19 different automotive manufacturers are announcing HD Radio will be available as a factory installed feature including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, MINI USA, Rolls-Royce, Scion, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Automakers are embracing HD Radio Technology at a rapid pace, because it offers a variety of new stations in crystal-clear digital sound with out a subscription fee like Sirius or XM satellite radio. It also facilitates the on-screen display of song titles and artist names.

The popular iTunes Tagging feature is also rapidly becoming standard with automakers. Earlier this year, Toyota announced the adoption of HD Radio Technology starting in 2011. Scion recently announced that they are making the technology a standard feature with their 2012 audio products.

There are in excess of 2,000 AM & FM stations broadcasting via HD Radio Technology with more than 1,300 additional digital only FM HD2/HD3/HD4 multicast channels delivering new programming choices.

To get a taste of the dynamic, fresh new formats on these HD channels, check out the full list by clicking here.