XM Satellite Radio Developing In-Car Video, Invisible Antennas
Victor Healey
Date Posted 05-20-2005
DETROIT — XM Satellite Radio has the technology to provide consumers
with a TiVo-like feature in their vehicles.
This will give users the ability to download cartoons and music videos
into the memory of their infotainment systems.
"We've got the technology, but we're just looking for the right
business model," said Roderick J. MacKenzie, XM Satellite Radio
director of advanced applications. "Video uses substantial bandwidth
and we have to do a trade-off between the number of audio and video
channels. We won't have the capacity to offer 100 channels of cable or
download movies, but we've developed the ability to do live streaming
video. This would enable you to keep up-to-date with live sports or
news in your vehicle."
MacKenzie made his remarks at the 2005 Auto Interiors Show here.
He said XM has also designed an invisible antenna for vehicles to
clean up the exterior.
"It's a good idea for convertibles," MacKenzie said. "Most of our
partners are looking at putting the antenna in door mirrors."
He told Inside Line the invisible antenna should hit the market in the
next couple of years and add about $10 to $15 to the cost of a car. It
will be introduced first in high-end products.
XM Satellite Radio is also planning to roll out its services into
Canada later this year.
What this means to you: This is another example of the younger
generations influencing the automobile industry before they've even
entered the market. Or maybe its auto-as-babysitter for frazzled
parents.