Chrysler Adds Live TV in Vehicles

Starting in December, Chrysler will offer the option of live mobile TV in its vehicles—a first for a U.S. automaker. The service will include 20 channels, with offerings like CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go and Nickelodeon.

It will be available as a $629 factory-installed option, plus installation. This comes with a one-year free subscription as well.

The signals will flow through FLO TV’s dedicated multicast network, and will be available only in 100 markets and along some interstate driving corridors. In other words, if you live in rural areas or are traveling outside of the 100 markets listed a lot, the service probably won’t be worth the money.

The service can also be added to certain 2008-2010 vehicles that have already been purchased, but you’ll have to have the specific Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems installed first.

Previously, Chrysler used Sirius Satellite for in-car video viewing but they used only three specific channels created just for them, not existing networks’ live feeds.

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Comments

Max

Oct 29, 2009 2:39:40 PM

This is pretty neat. I wonder if you will have to pay a monthly fee? It seems the world is taken over by monthly fees these days. Still, its a good idea since you don't have to have a new dvd every time you want to watch your tv in your car.

David Thomas - Kicking Tires Editor

Oct 29, 2009 3:56:12 PM

after the first year yes you have to pay a monthly fee.

sarahsmile90

Oct 29, 2009 4:25:48 PM

OMG...Paying to watch TV at home is enough, but also in your car? Maybe Chrysler should be putting energy into more important things.. like making cars people want to buy.

KeithO

Oct 29, 2009 6:26:20 PM

Nice idea...anything to distract from the fact that Chrysler has absolutely NOTHING in the way of new cars, or car-related ideas. Sad.

Billy4202

Oct 29, 2009 7:43:49 PM

It'll be interesting to see whether they're going to invest any more time and energy into products they know Fiat will get rid of.

Ziggy

Oct 30, 2009 11:36:51 AM

Mobile tv is going to be one of the next big things. Getting tv on your phone, a handheld device or in your car. It will be what satellite radio is now.

juan carlos

Oct 30, 2009 2:04:08 PM

isn't this illicit? if i can't watch videos, why am i able to watch tv? will it only work while the car is in park?