Steering clear of traffic tie-ups just got easier!
For drivers in congested metropolitan areas, Tiger GPS is offering the Garmin GTM 10 TMC, an optional FM RDS-TMC traffic receiver that receives digital information (where available) on traffic, road construction, and weather-related tie-ups. The GTM 10 receives data from selected FM broadcast stations in select cities throughout the United States and Europe. This optional feature lets drivers see congested areas via a color-coded map. This TMC data gives prompt, accurate notification of accidents, road construction, police, or emergency action, etc., so drivers can visually monitor traffic flow. When connected to the GTM 10, the StreetPilot 2720 or StreetPilot c340 uses this data to automatically calculate and suggest alterntive routes based on the traffic information.
The TMC traffic alerting system works on an FM sideband signal which utilizes RDS (Radio Data Service) technology. Digitized and coded real-time traffic broadcasts are received via a "silent" FM data channel - which means that drivers can still listen to music or news programming on their car radios, without interference from the incoming FM traffic data transmissions. In most areas, depending on the service provider, TMC traffic broadcasts are continuous - there's no waiting for scheduled traffic news updates or random alerts. With the GTM 10, you see traffic developments in real-time, as they happen, so you can make the right decision sooner. The system will alert you when a traffic problem is on your route and propose an alternate route to avoid the incident.
Please note: Professional installation is recommended. Traffic services are available only in select cities where RDS-TMC coverage exists. A subscription may be required to enable traffic capability.
Subscription Information
In the U.S.: The GTM 10 traffic receiver will come preloaded with a 15-month trial subscription to Clear Channel TMC. To continue the service, a one-year subscription is $60.00.
In continental Europe: Basic TMC data is a free public service, accessible through a number of providers.
In Great Britain: The GTM 10 traffic receiver comes preloaded with a lifetime subscription to TrafficMaster, the cost of which is included in the price of the unit.
GTM 10 Features:
- Provides real-time traffic information to compatible Garmin GPS car navigators
- Alerts users to local traffic tie-ups, displaying graphical map reference on compatible Garmin products
- Weighs just 2.6 ounces
- Connects between automobile radio and antenna
Garmin GTM 10 FAQs
Q: When will the Garmin GTM 10 be available?
A: The expected release date will be August 2005.
Q: Will there be an activation fee and/or monthly subscription fees? How much will they be?
A: There will be a nominal fee to activate and subscribe to the service; more information will be available as it comes in.
Q: How do you set up the GTM 10?
A: The StreetPilot has a high-speed USB plug similar to (but separate from) the external antenna jack. The GTM 10 can be mounted via suction cup or magnet, just like the GA-27C. There will then be an additional connection to your car's FM radio for RDS-TMC.
Q: What is RDS-TMC?
A: Literally, an RDS-TMC is a Radio Data System-Traffic Message Channel. RDS-TMC carries information through a sub-carrier FM connection on an existing radio transmission, which allows inaudible data to be converted and displayed location-specific and in real-time.
Q: Does "location-specific" mean that the GTM 10 is tracking me and my every move?
A: Not at all. The GTM 10 figures out which data set to submit based on the closest transmitter.
Q: How quickly can my Garmin StreetPilot from Tiger GPS re-route me if there's heavy traffic ahead?
A: As fast as you need it to. Alerts pop right up on the screen, so you can avoid the jam before it even starts.
Cities/Regions where Garmin GTM 10 Service is available:
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- San Francisco, CA
- Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
- Philadelphia, PA
- Houston-Galveston, TX
- Washington, DC
- Boston, MA
- Detroit, MI
- Atlanta, GA
- Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood, FL
- Seattle-Tacoma, WA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
- San Diego, CA
- Nassau-Suffolk, NY
- Baltimore, MD
- St. Louis, MO
- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Denver-Boulder, CO
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Portland, OR
- Cleveland, OH
- Cincinnati, OH
- Sacramento, CA
- Riverside-San Bernardino, CA
- San Antonio, TX
- Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, UT
- San Jose, CA
- Milwaukee-Racine, WI
- Providence-Warwick-Pawtucket, RI
- Columbus, OH
- Middlesex-Somerset-Union, NJ
- Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC
- Orlando, FL
- Las Vegas, NV
- Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA
- Indianapolis, IN
- Austin, TX
- Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point, NC
- Raleigh-Durham, NC
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL
- Memphis, TN
- Hartford-New Britain-Middletown, CT
- Jacksonville, FL
"Garmin GTM 10 FAQs" Copyright © 2005 TigerGPS.com, Ltd. All rights reserved.
