Chrysler to Offer Live TV in Vehicles

Earlier this year when I reviewed the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, one of the most unique aspects of it was the availability of separate rear entertainment screens that could play television channels such as Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and the Cartoon Network. By the end of this year, Chrysler claims that it will be the first automaker to offer live mobile television viewing of up to 20 channels. The dealer-installed option will be available in late December in select Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles.

Chrysler Group’s parts and accessories branch, Mopar, will offer FLO TV on 2008 through 2010 models of the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 that are equipped with a factory DVD entertainment system. FLO TV can also be added on select 2008 through 2010 model year vehicles that are equipped with Mopar’s headrest entertainment system. The system costs $629 regardless of whether it is being installed on a new or used vehicle.

FLO TV, a subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc., receives its signal from a small antenna about the size of a computer mouse which is mounted on the roof. Like any other DVD entertainment system, the programs will be displayed on the rear monitors but only on the front monitor when the vehicle is in park. Currently, FLO TV only lists Fox News, CBS Mobile, Fox West, MSNBC, Comedy Central, ESPN, MTV, Nickelodeon, CNBC, but by the end of December Chrysler says there will be up to 20 channels of live or time-delayed television stations available with this system to show sports, breaking news, kids' shows, sitcoms, reality TV and daytime dramas. By the time the system is operational, FLO TV will be available in more than 100 major markets and that it should also work along most major interstate corridors.

Just like any other Mopar accessory, the optional FLO TV Auto Entertainment system will be covered by a three-year/36,000-mile warranty on new vehicles or a one-year/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles for hardware and installation.