Live Mobile TV Coming To Chrysler Vehicles

You knew that it was bound to happen: a major automaker introduces technology which will bring live television viewing inside the car. What with DVDs, CDs, iPods, Bluetooth and a whole bunch of other tech features currently being used, television viewing seems like a natural for the cabin of a car.

Live TV

The first major automaker who will be giving this a try is Chrysler Group, LLC. The automaker, who has been struggling mightily of late, needs every kind of edge that it can get. With very few products available this year and next, Chrysler must look for whatever tech edge it can get in order to appeal to customers.

By late December, Chrysler says that Live mobile TV will be available on Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge vehicles as a MOPAR option. MOPAR is Chrysler’s parts and accessories division.

No, drivers will not be able to view the screens which will be set up for second and in some cases third row passenger seats. Chrysler says that passengers will be able to view live sports, breaking news, kids’ programs and prime-time action. I guess that means fewer people will miss “V” when the action heats up again next Spring!

Program Guide

Dubbed FLO TV Auto Entertainment, this system will be available for $629 plus installation and the price includes a one-year subscription. Chrysler promises Live TV viewing of CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, Nickelodeon and much more.

Mopar is showcasing FLO TV Auto Entertainment at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas this week.

“We want to offer our customers the ultimate in entertainment,” said Pietro Gorlier, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “With FLO TV Auto Entertainment, we are the first automaker to offer mobile TV with the capacity for as many as 20 channels.”

20 Channels

Chrysler says that the system will work thanks to television signals delivered through a dedicated multicast network built by San Diego-based FLO TV Inc., a live mobile TV service provider, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc.

As many as 20 channels will be available when Chrysler launches the service from their end, with more than 100 major markets and many interstate driving corridors also broadcasting the signal. Unfortunately, if you live in the sticks, FLO TV may not work for you.

Entertainment Option

FLO TV will be available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500.

Chrysler says that the service can also be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased.

NFL to go…anyone?

Photo Courtesy Chrysler Group LLC