[eas] Official DICE High Definition Radio (w/ iPod support) Q/A thread

[Tom G.]

We felt the HD DICE kits deserved its own Q/A thread in order to make support easier to find/receive for new HD users.

All questions regarding features, compatibility, installation and bug reports can be submitted to this thread.




HD Radio is here and so is the HD DICE- HD Radio™ receiver!

Until now, to receive the digital transmissions, you needed to replace your BMW radio system with an aftermarket HD Radio receiver. The solution is the HD DICE. Enjoy radio quality like you’ve never heard before without having to replace your factory stereo system! The HD DICE™ is an external HD Radio™ tuner that integrates to the factory car radio the same way as an external SAT radio tuner would. The HD DICE integration allows users to change and select HD Radio stations using the buttons on their existing car radio or using the controls found on the steering wheel.

How it Connects...

The interface connects to the vehicle’s external device (SAT/CDC) connection port and optional auxiliary device and iPod integration cable is available. BMW-specific connectors are provided to shorten installation time and a small on-glass antenna - optimized for HD Radio reception - is used to receive the digital AM/FM signal.

What is HD Radio?

HD Radio is the most outstanding advancement in radio broad-casting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio Technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast local programs digitally. You can experience more content, multicast channels, and higher audio quality at any of over 1000 digital transmitting terrestrial radio stations currently on the air! These multicast channels also provide commercial free digital content and since HD RadioTM is subscription free, you do not have to pay any monthly fees to be able to enjoy its quality.

How does it work?
Basically, digital radio works the same as conventional radio. There’s a signal on one end and a receiver on the other. But there are a few key differences:

- Instead of sending out one analog signal, stations send out a bundled signal both analog and digital. Because it is digital, textual data such as traffic, stock info and song titles can be sent out, as well.
- The digital signal layer is compressed.
- The combined analog and digital signals are transmitted.
- Inevitably, radio signals bounce off objects, causing what is called multipath distortions. This is what causes the static in conventional radio receivers. HD Digital radio receivers are designed to sort through reflected signals, reducing static, hiss, pops and fades.
- Finally, the signals reach their destination. Both broadcasts are free, with no subscription fee. To hear the digital broadcast, all you need is our HD Radio receiver!

HD Radio includes artist, album and song information in its broadcasts. Future content may include real time traffic information for your area. The best news, HD Radio is not a subscription service. You get all this content for free!

Features

- Digital AM/FM HD Radio receiver
- HD multicast compatible
- Hard-wired interface for the best possible audio quality
- The interface connects to your BMW's CD Changer port
- HD glass mount AM/FM antenna
- iPod connection port, (optional cable required)
- Auxiliary input for additional audio playback devices
- Fully integrated controls from radio and steering wheel
- Intuitive operation with TEXT on OEM radio display
- Preserves OEM look without having to add external display or controller

What's included?

HD DICE module with iPod support
BMW-specific wiring harness
HD Glass Mount radio antenna
HD DICE User's Manual
HD Radio station Guide

Optional Items

iPod Docking Cable
DICE iPod Cradle with Video-out port

Models Supported:

1999-2006 e46 3-series, including M3 (not for i-Drive models)
1997-2003 e39 5-series, including M5
09/1998-2001 e38 7 series
2004-2007 e83 X3
2000-2006 e53 X5
2001-2002 Z3, including M-Roadster/Coupe
2003-2007 Z4, including M-Roadster/Coupe
2000-2003 Z8

Product Links

european auto source
http://www.europeanautosource.com

DICE High Definition Radio w/ iPod Integration
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=467

HD Radio Coverage, FAQs
http://www.hdradio.com

iPod integration

How can a good product get better? By integrating the best iPod integration kit available into the HD-receiver as one! Yes, our DICE iPod integration kit is now built into the HD receiver box for the best of both worlds and an unlimited supply of music. Simply plug in your iPod (connector available separately) and have instant iPod control, charging and text display at your fingertips! More information on the DICE iPod kit features can be found on our site.

Feel free to respond with any questions you may have.

[Tom G.]

reserved

[Tom G.]

reserved post #2

[xnsf]

I just want to share an observation:

When the text on the gauge cluster only utilizes about half the display, you can go to disc 6 and scroll up to CD6-2 then CD6-3, and keep toggling between the both. It displays what I assume to be software versions, like [CAR 1.0] [iPOD 2.2] etc. Then when I go back to the iPod, CD5-1, then to CD1, the text uses the entire display.

[Tom G.]

Good point - thanks for contributing!