Tech Tuesdays: Chrysler Goes with the FLO for Onboard TV

For several years Chrysler has been the only automaker offering satellite TV as an add-on option for its rear-seat entertainment systems, and now it will be the only automaker offering broadcast TV as well. The service will be provided by FLO TV, which was developed by Qualcomm, and offers around 20 channels, including CBS, NBC, Fox News, MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon.

Audiovox will supply the hardware for the Chrysler system, which will be available for through the company's Mopar parts division as a dealer-installed option. Audiovox introduced the product at the Consumer Electronics Show last January and recently announced that it will soon launch it nationwide through the Audiovox brand Advent's "expeditor" network, which works with car dealerships -- not just Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers. Possibly at a price that could undercut Chrysler.

FLO TV will be available for 2008 to 2010 Chrysler Town & Country minivans, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander SUVs, Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, Ram pickups, Journey crossovers and Nitro SUVs. Vehicles will need to have a factory or dealer-installed DVD rear-seat entertainment system, and the hardware for the FLO TV service will cost $629, with a free year's subscription, after which Chrysler will charge around $10 a month.

Audiovox said at CES that the receiver for its system could cost around $500 and a subscription would run $119 a year, although official pricing hasn't been announced. The company plans to sell the FLO TV system through 12,000 car dealerships nationwide, and Audiovox also intends to supply it to aftermarket channels such as electronics stores and car audio shops by year's end.

Chrysler already offers Sirius Backseat TV on some of its vehicles, but it only provides three channels and costs $6.99 a month. Of course, FLO TV is primarily for backseat passengers, though the driver and front-seat passenger can view programming if the car isn't moving. We'll see if keeping the kids entertained in the backseat is enough incentive to get parents to pay for FLO TV.

And with bowl season coming up, at least football fans in the front seat can listen to the TV play-by-play. Or fight over who gets to sit in the backseat and watch the game on the drive to grandma's house. But at least they'll have a choice on how to best obtain the system: through a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealer, another car dealership or through the aftermarket.

Posted by

Doug Newcomb November 3, 2009, 3:00 AM

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Automotive Technology, Car Audio and Electronics, Car Tech Tuesdays, Chrysler, Dodge, Family Cars and Concerns, Jeep