Add HD Radio to 2009 Camry LE/XLE?

[toyweb]

Has anyone added an HD radio kit to their 2007 or newer Camry?

Looks like a nice alternative to XM if there are enough HD stations in your area.
It isn't ad free like XM, but there isn't a monthly fee.
I've seen some listed online from a couple different companies.

Here is an example that you add to their iPod kit.
http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/OE..._1_c_1228.html

I think HD radio may also work without needing a special antenna.

[rfarke]

I added a Dual HD radio which I got from Crutchfield for about $130 including the installation kit. It gets several public radio fm stations, and they sound considerably better. When I was to the Minneapolis area for a meeting, I noted that WCCO AM radio is also HD, the only AM HD station I've found. The radio also beats the factory radio for sensitivity by a lot.

[toyweb]

Originally Posted by rfarke

I added a Dual HD radio which I got from Crutchfield for about $130 including the installation kit. It gets several public radio fm stations, and they sound considerably better. When I was to the Minneapolis area for a meeting, I noted that WCCO AM radio is also HD, the only AM HD station I've found. The radio also beats the factory radio for sensitivity by a lot.

I think I rather use HD radio for high fidelity music rather than AM talk radio.
Do you need to install an extra antenna and does the kit have an iPod charger/controller like the Dice unit?

[rfarke]

I just used the factory antenna in the rear window. There is a blue wire in the optional wiring harness kit that is for power antenna, which must be connnected, since it feeds power to the rear window antenna's built in amplifier. The unit has a plug in for an MP3 player but I don't think it is a charger/controller for an I-pod.

[toyweb]

Originally Posted by rfarke

I just used the factory antenna in the rear window. There is a blue wire in the optional wiring harness kit that is for power antenna, which must be connnected, since it feeds power to the rear window antenna's built in amplifier. The unit has a plug in for an MP3 player but I don't think it is a charger/controller for an I-pod.

The Camry already has an MP3 player aux audio jack standard from the factory, but I'm looking for an iPod port that allows you to control tracks with the steering wheel controls and see the song titles on radio display.

Looks like the one at Autotoys is the only one that has the HD radio and the iPod integration.

[toyweb]

Originally Posted by rfarke

I added a Dual HD radio which I got from Crutchfield for about $130 including the installation kit. It gets several public radio fm stations, and they sound considerably better. When I was to the Minneapolis area for a meeting, I noted that WCCO AM radio is also HD, the only AM HD station I've found. The radio also beats the factory radio for sensitivity by a lot.

Does it display additional info on the factory radio's screen like song titles, station name and artist name?

[DonnyBoy]

Originally Posted by toyweb

Has anyone added an HD radio kit to their 2007 or newer Camry?

Looks like a nice alternative to XM if there are enough HD stations in your area.
It isn't ad free like XM, but there isn't a monthly fee.
I've seen some listed online from a couple different companies.

Here is an example that you add to their iPod kit.
http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/OE..._1_c_1228.html

I think HD radio may also work without needing a special antenna.

Was it an easy install?

[MAP1234]

I would LOVE to have HD radio in my car, but I dont want to take up my AUX jack for it and I dont want to have to install/control a seperate unit. I have the JBL system fyi.

[toyweb]

Originally Posted by MAP1234

I would LOVE to have HD radio in my car, but I dont want to take up my AUX jack for it and I dont want to have to install/control a seperate unit. I have the JBL system fyi.

The unit in the link does not use your aux input and it is controlled by the existing stereo controls.
I'll get it if I buy a Camry.

[rfarke]

Originally Posted by toyweb

Does it display additional info on the factory radio's screen like song titles, station name and artist name?

Yes, it does display station name; doesn't seem to mention song titles/artists.

[toyweb]

Originally Posted by rfarke

Yes, it does display station name; doesn't seem to mention song titles/artists.

The company selling says it can display song titles. The radio station has to be broadcasting that info though. Every HD radio station may not broadcast song titles or may not do it for every song.
You should check with the radio station to see if you should be able to see song titles from them.

[smilepak]

I am interested, but dont know how to do installation. Know of a model @ Bestbuy or Circuit City I could get and have them install?

I have a 2007 Camry XLE w/ Nav. I would rather not use the Aux and control through the steering / nav controls.

[smilepak]

Originally Posted by rfarke

I added a Dual HD radio which I got from Crutchfield for about $130 including the installation kit. It gets several public radio fm stations, and they sound considerably better. When I was to the Minneapolis area for a meeting, I noted that WCCO AM radio is also HD, the only AM HD station I've found. The radio also beats the factory radio for sensitivity by a lot.

It comes with an ipod plug too? That must be discontinued, i dont see it on crutchfield. YOu have the stock nav camry?