Just curious...but do you think Acura will offer an optional CD-Rom upgrade for existing '04 TL Navi systems giving Navigation systems Real-time Traffic & Construction alerts similar to what the new RL is going to feature??? OR, will they not offer this upgrade because they'd rather sell more cars rather than help modify existing ones(as i suspect) ???

 

Depends on what's involved with the upgrade. I doubt that it's just a simple ROM upgrade to the NAV system because now you're likely talking about a 2 way communication path between the car and whatever system serves up the real time traffic info. Right now, it's just a (relatively) simple 1 way GPS positioning system tied to some mapping software.

Also is this real time system in the TL free or a subscription service like XM? I could see this being a paid subscription deal to get access to the info. I doubt the service is provided directly from Acura and they need to eat too.

 

Haven't we seen this topic weekly since the begining of April? Do most of ppl just pop out their questions without searching our database first?







I think that Acuralink stuff providing Real Time Traffic info is still 1 way GPS system (I could be wrong)... (do we send our position info back to GPS satellites? if so, we're 2 ways already...??)

First of all, as the Acura news said, the owners may have to pay the premium service from XM (the details aren't revealed yet). Then, XM will update their data into 05RL's based on the info they have gathered from all the sources.

I don't think 05RL's Navi/XM has to feedback any additional signals at this point...




Acura says:

The AcuraLink real time traffic feature is the first to offer personalized traffic information relative to the driver's current location and destination. The frequently updated traffic information is displayed graphically on the RL's navigation system allowing drivers to avoid congestion and minimize drive time.

"Since the average rush hour commuter spends over 50 hours a year sitting in traffic, this system gives RL owners a real advantage on the freeways," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "Unlike radio or television traffic reports, the RL's real time traffic system provides a constant flow of relevant information reflecting conditions along a driver's chosen route. It really should save people a lot of time and aggravation."

AcuraLink's real time traffic feature, utilizing the XM NavTraffic service, provides traffic information for freeways in 20 major metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, New York, Detroit and Chicago with coverage slated to expand to other cities as traffic information in those cities becomes available. Flow, accident and construction information is aggregated by NAVTEQ(TM), the leading global provider of digital map data for vehicle navigation systems, from multiple sources including local police and transportation departments. It is then delivered to XM and transmitted by XM's satellites to the RL Prototype's navigation system where it is displayed on the map. Accident and flow information are updated continuously, allowing drivers to avoid congestion en route and pick the fastest path to their destination.

AcuraLink is the first satellite-based telematics system for passenger cars with broadcast capabilities. Utilizing XM(R) Satellite Radio satellites, AcuraLink delivers an assortment of services including maintenance reminders and engine diagnostic information directly to the car. It works seamlessly with the RL Prototype's HandsFreeLink(TM)wireless telephone interface to allow drivers to respond to these services and one-touch-dial Acura dealers, and Acura Roadside Assistance (TLC) assistance using a compatible Bluetooth phone.

AcuraLink will be standard on the 2005 RL when it debuts this fall. The XM NavTraffic service will be offered on a subscription basis for a nominal fee following a free trial period. Exact pricing information will be announced this fall.

 

I think its going to be a hardware issue and not just software. The XM needs to be linked to the nav system by more than what we already have.

 

Who's to say the link does not already exist, i.e. that Acura was planning ahead when it designed the TL's nav system? Clearly there is some sort of expansion potential designed into the system, as evidenced by the PC Card slot in the nav system CPU unit.

We might be in for a pleasant surprise this fall when the NavTraffic service becomes available...

 

wow 3 years later. well i think the 2006 has xm capability and someone found a "secret" traffic button on the 2006 navi screen. anyone have any info on adding xm to a 2006 tsx w/ navi? i am adding the 2006 dvd drive to my 2004 w/ navi, and wanna add the hardware for xm radio and handsfree bluetooth.

 

Nope. The button is there but it doesn't do anything, even with a navtraffic subscription. One of our members took this to its final conclusion when the 07 TSXs came out.

 

Hey Reach,

So do you know if i can add XM to a 2004 by swapping in a 2006 dvd drive into the trunk? i found an 06 dvd unit online and the guy also has the xm unit with it. but i dont know if the 04 HU is the same as 06 HU. you have any knowledge of this, or the helms manual?

 

Sorry, I believe that you don't have the supporting wiring for the XM. I can see if I can find exactly where in the Helms it has this.

Come to think of it, my Helms has 04-06 difference, but my ETM is specific to the 2006, so I don't think I'll be able to find the difference.

The only way to find out if it works may be to try.