Real-time traffic information, which is quickly becoming a point-of-entry feature for portable GPS navigators, is normally received through a cell-phone network, FM signal, or satellite radio service. Now, Clear Channel Radio is sending the data over the signals of HD Radio stations.

Ibiquity Digital, the company behind HD Radio, says that the broader bandwidth of HD Radio allows it to transmit data significantly faster and pack more in than a normal RDS feed. Plus, there’s no subscription fee for the service.

One of the first portable GPS navigators to take advantage of this is Dual Electronics’ NavAtlas XNAV43HD, which incorporates a HD Radio receiver. This allows the unit to receive free lifetime traffic info. Plus, users can also listen to HD Radio broadcasts. It also provides the iTunes tagging feature that lets you tag songs you hear on the radio so you can download them from iTunes later.

The unit includes a 4.3-inch touch-screen display and provides spoken street names through its text-to-speed function. The XNAV43HD will retail for $280 when it goes on sale in late March or early April.

In addition to traffic info, iBiquity says that nav devices with HR Radio receivers will also be able to receive services such as gas prices, movie listings, sports scores, stock quotes, school closings, and emergency alerts.

For more on info on real-time traffic info, see our GPS guide.
For more on HD Radio, see our Mobile Electronics guide.

--Rik Paul

See all our automotive-related coverage from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), as well as CES coverage from the Electronics team. Learn more about mobile electronics in our complete guide.