Two of America’s favorite pastimes have finally come together in one practical package: As recently showcased at the New York Auto Show, Chrysler is now offering a mobile TV system that streams live television programming to the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500 pickups. The price: $629 plus installation gets you the hardware and a one-year subscription to the service.
Positioned as a Mopar option, the system uses Audiovox-sourced components to receive signals “through a dedicated multicast network” from FLO TV, which, in turn, is a subsidiary of Qualcomm. The only addition visible to customers is a small roof-mounted antenna, about the size of a computer mouse. Well, that and live programming from a wide range of broadcast and cable TV channels, including ABC, ESPN, CBS, FOX, Disney Channel, NBC, Nickelodeon, MSNBC, Comedy Central and, of course, the Speed channel.
Naturally, only rear-seat passengers will be able to view the programming, which is routed through the standard Chrysler entertainment system, albeit now featuring new 7-inch screen systems. There are even both wired and wireless remote controls available, helping to facilitate—as Chrysler points out—easy channel surfing.
At this stage, the television service is “available in more than 100 major markets and many interstate driving corridors.”
For those current Chrysler customers who want in on the action, the company also can install the FLO TV system on certain other 2008-2010 models. The only proviso is that they have to purchase a new Mopar headrest- or seat-top-based entertainment system as well.
It will be a huge differentiator in the marketplace for the automaker, as—faced with a choice between a Chrysler product and a rival without a similar system—you can expect many customers to go with the FLO.
* * *
Read more Chrysler news right here. Subscribe now.