HD Traffic in Canada

[mvl]

While there hasn't been a formal announcement from Tomtom, nuggets are appearing that Tomtom will be offering HD traffic in Canada.

- The routes.tomtom.com website now shows Canadian HD traffic
- One of our forum members has purchased Canadian HD traffic on the iPhone, and it is functional (here)
- Tomtom has confirmed that the GO LIVE 1535 will launch in Canada (here)

 

[mvl]

Now we have the first official confirmation of Canada HD traffic.

While there is still no press release, the GO 1535 LIVE model, previously only announced for the USA, is now on Canada's website (see here). And it includes HD traffic among the LIVE services.

 

[dhn]

Tomtom has removed reference to the LIVE model on your link, mvl

 

[canderson]

Will they be supporting HD on the 740 Live up there, or only on the newer platform?

 

[dhn]

I suspect not, canderson.

Whatever model will have LIVE will need a sim card geared to a Canadian teleco. The 740's AT&T sim card won't work here.

 

[canderson]

I suspect not, canderson.

Whatever model will have LIVE will need a sim card geared to a Canadian teleco. The 740's AT&T sim card won't work here.

So you don't think TomTom will come up with a good cross-border solution for us? [He asked, attempting to draw out yet another conclusion for the reading public....] :eyebrows:

 

[gordom1237]

I think Tomtom is getting a bit sketchy about Live Services in Canada though I also think they have good intentions and would like to provide it. On the Benefits tab on the (US) GO Live 1535 info sheet they state that "Live Services are only available in the US". I hope this is incorrect because anyone who drives on the QEW in TO (That's "Kew" in Tomtom speak) needs it.
I wonder if they are experiencing difficulties in coming to an agreement with the Canadian cell phone companies which may also be impacting the cross border question.

GO LIVE 1535 M - Car navigation - TomTom

Go 720 Go 730, G0 740 Live

 

[dhn]

I hope they will but am not optimistic. Canucks would value the cross-border compatibility more than our American cousins.

Hope I'm wrong about it ....... :sad:

 

[gordom1237]

I agree Canucks would need cross border functionality more than us. When we visit we usually stay pretty close to the border (where it's warmer) and don't drive in Canada much but when Canucks come down here ya'll go all over the place to Vegas, Florida and Arizona (where it's REALLY warmer).

 

[ttodd0450]

I think the New Apple 4s will give Tom Tom 'Live' products a run for its money .. If the Apple 4s can bake a cake for you
(ingredients and time and temp via voice control) I'm sure with its gps technology you'll be able to ask for directions TO and get it instantly rather than asking repeatedly .....

 

[mvl]

Tomtom has formally announced (see here) that HD Traffic will be launched in Canada. The GO LIVE 1535 (previously announced for the USA) will also be sold in Canada, with the new HD Traffic system.

No mention was made of the iPhone app, but other Canadians are posting that Canadian HD Traffic is already available for purchase and fully functional.

 

[dhn]

Thanks for that information, mvl. Once again, there is a 'disconnect' between those who manage the various TT web sites and the Marketing Department.

The 1535 LIVE model should now show on the Cdn site, even if there is no price showing for it.

I think I'll mention it to somebody at TT.

 

[mvl]

Tomtom also released this press release, with more detail on the Canadian GO LIVE 1535 M.

 

[dhn]

TT Announces expansion of Live Traffic in Canada

About TomTom - TomTom extends coverage of real time traffic products available to industry partners globally

 

[alexo]

I can't see any LIVE models on the Canadian site.

Can you please answer the following questions:

1) If I buy a US model, will I get HD traffic in Canada (specifically, in the GTA)? If yes, will it be "right now" or "in the future"?

2) Is the HD traffic data significantly better than RDS (again, in the GTA)?

3) Am I right to understand that RDS traffic is included in the price of the model while HD traffic is subscription?

4) Can an RDS model be "converted" to HD later by purchasing a receiver or similar means?

Thanks,
Alex.

 

[dhn]

1) If I buy a US model, will I get HD traffic in Canada (specifically, in the GTA)? If yes, will it be "right now" or "in the future"?

No. A US LIVE model will not work in Canada as the embedded sim card in the US model is tied to AT&T as a carrier. We don't have that here. A LIVE unit for Canada has been discussed (along with LIVE SErvices) but nothing official as of today. (Emphasis on 'today').

2) Is the HD traffic data significantly better than RDS (again, in the GTA)?

Without LIVE services, impossible to give a definitive answer BUT where both are available (USA, many European countries), LIVE traffic is much better than rds. It's more current (refresh every 2 minutes vs. 15 for rds AND LIVE covers sideroads as well as main highways which usually is all that rds reports).

3) Am I right to understand that RDS traffic is included in the price of the model while HD traffic is subscription

With the combo rds-tmc antenna/car charger, rds traffic is free for life. LIVE services, where offered, usually provide 1 year free. Then it's $60/year to renew.

4) Can an RDS model be "converted" to HD later by purchasing a receiver or similar means

Nope. LIVE models require an imbedded sim card in them.

 

[canderson]

... and the GO 1535 Live still isn't showing up on the Canadian TT site (or amazon.ca or anywhere else that I can see, for that matter). Then again, October isn't quite over (yet).

 

[alexo]

Thanks for the reply!

LIVE models require an imbedded sim card in them.

Ah, so the TomTom HD traffic uses a cellular connection, same as the rest of the LIVE services.

Is there an analog to Garmin's "digital 3D traffic" that uses the HD Radio Network, which is supposedly updated more often than RDS?

 

[dhn]

Nope. Just rds-tmc or LIVE traffic. There used to be something called Plus SErvice traffic but it was never offered in Canada.

 

[canderson]

Is there an analog to Garmin's "digital 3D traffic" that uses the HD Radio Network, which is supposedly updated more often than RDS?

No. TomTom offers only the two service types, not 3.

Garmin offers that feature natively on the 3490, but requires a separate dongle for the 2405, 2505 and 3400.