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1. Many newer cars are available with head units that will decode MP3s stored in data format directly from the CD, including support for folders on the disc. (Dodge Magnum, Chevy Equinox, others)

2. Unfortunately we don't use RDS to it's full potential here in the states, but Europeans have enjoyed traffic updates and so forth for quite a while. Here in Detroit we've got a few stations that broadcast artist info, but I've not seen any traffic info yet.

3. Who knows about the last one -- if a standard were developed it wouldn't be too difficult. Chrysler is offering Bluetooth support in many of it's new models including the Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Pacifica, 300, etc. My point here is that a link to external devices is not out of the question right now at your local dealership.

These are some good ideas, and I don't think my responses cover them 100%, but close... None will require a 3GHz processor as the parent suggests.

FAQ here.

RDBS is the name of the technology, and it's been around for a long time. Back in the 80s, some people had pocket devices that gave them stock market quote streams. Don't know what other applications there are, but lots of FM radio stations generate a little extra income by providing RDBS services on their sideband. And you can buy RDBS radios that provide program information and such, though they've never been popular. Here's an expensive toy that lets you say "Tune to an oldies station".

I wonder if RDS can be leveraged for this. Do RDS capable head units interrupt non radio activities (CD player, tape deck, etc) for traffic reports? I too worry sometimes that the level of my music is dangerous as it makes horns and sires hard to hear.

In europe, there exists a similar technology called RDS for "Radio Data System". It's on the air for about 10 years now and allows for these cool features since then:
- Show the Station name in your radio display
- Show what's playing
- Certain stations are transmitted over several frequencies. RDS knows the alternative frequencies of your stations and automatically switches to the best frequency

The Radio Data System has been around for ages and it allows precisely that: transmitting extra information with normal radio signals... Because it works by putting digital signal into inaudibile frequency, it should do exactly the same, as long as speakers have any response at 20-40Khz.

Many car radios in germany have a feature that recognizes when there is traffic information on a (user-) selected station, and automatically turn the volume up and switch to that station (if you listen to a different one or tape or CD). When the info is over, things go back to what they were before. Some background info

So if a driver doesn't know his radio better than his nav system (actually even then), he could be quite irritatet by both. It certainly anoyed me a couple of times, when the radio began yelling traffic info at me.

The $1199 price for the Empeg is justified by the components, the build quality and the added-value you get from your CD collection. Think about it -- with a 40 Gb upper limit, you can MP3 encode *all* of your collection (and your S.O.'s as well), and play tracks which normally never get heard. Most people with 6xCD changers listen to the same six CDs for weeks before changing, and tend to skip over albums which contain only one or two "good" tracks. With the Empeg, you can choose to sequence _only_ the good tracks, and with the random option, you hear parts of your collection that you'd never normally choose. This represents an economic value-added to your existing CD investments, because you're increasing your utilization by reducing opportunity costs.

Furthermore, I can download free upgrades for my Empeg (firmware and PC loader) anytime. Now that they've been bought by the company that makes the RIO, you can bet that the economies of large-scale manufacturing and improved access to the components market will bring the price down, while adding neat new features. Look for a top model to come out next year for less than $999.

Disclaimer: I have no inside knowledge about the Empeg -- I'm just a satisfied customer.

And a post-script for audiophiles -- the Empeg has some great options for shaping the sound. Here's a quote from their home page:

On the audio side, a Philips in-car DSP deals with the DAC and provides digital loudness, bass, treble, balance and fader for the four outputs. It also gives a 20 band fully parametric equaliser which can be arranged as stereo 10-band or quad 5-band. The final stage is provided by Burr Brown pre-amps.
--
Paul Gillingwater

BBC - Using RDS

Radio data system info (in german I'm afraid, but it seems very informative... maybe this is a case for babelfish?)

RDS forum

Radio data system info (in german I'm afraid, but it seems very informative... maybe this is a case for babelfish?)

RDS forum