Will there be any type of video capabilities (hard drive, through usb device, burned onto a dvd data disc) while the car is in park besides playing DVD-Movie formatted discs?

I am unhappy hearing there will be no HD radio. That is a very XM biased decision in my opinion. HD is a free service with better audio quality than XM or FM. I suggest that it would be very smart to make sure this feature is added quickly. It HAS to be there soon. HD radio is right now only held back by the lack of cars that have it standard. Anyhow, the other stuff sounds cool. I just think it was a HUGE mistake to let BMW be the only one offering HD radio for an even longer period of time.

So it should support DVD-Audio and playback in true 5.1 sound? Will it play back DVDs in DTS? Will caller info appear on the screen when the BT pack is installed? It is looking good and I am ready to place an order if we can ever get some pricing :)

Really, there's no HD radio option? I thought that is an up-and-coming format. Why wouldn't Cadillac take the opportunity to be in on the growing popularity of HD?

So what does this mean about the Microsoft Zune? Will it ever be possible to hook it up and display information on the on-board screen? I guess I don't really know how the ipod connector works, but I'm assuming it uses the iPod cord and connects to the car via USB? If so, can this be done with the Zune as well?
Thanks!

This is the first picture I have seen of the screen in fully visible mode. It looks really neat. BTW, I really like the placement of the display at the top of the central stack. It makes it much easier to scan while driving.


Too bad about the lack of DSD (SACD) playback, I guess one can't have everything. I can understand not displaying videos from the iPod, but why no album artwork? In most cases it is quicker to recognize the album artwork than it is to read the album name (makes it a shorter duration distraction while driving).

Does anyone even care about SACD? These super digital formats seem to be fading quicker than cassette tapes. Will the audio system support regular CD's with a simulated surround setting?

Thank you so much for directly answering my questions and those of others regarding the audio system in the new CTS.

I also want to commend GM and this blog for being so forthcoming and proactive about the 2008 CTS using the blogosphere.

I know everyone is all hyped up right now about the new iPhone, but for my money the new 2008 CTS is just as exciting.

I have never owned a Cadillac before (current car 2000 Lincoln LS). But, if the 2008 CTS is as good a car as I believe it is when I see it in the flesh, I can virtually guarantee I will purchase one!

I hope you allow external links because there is a nice writeup about the 2008 CTS infotainment system at this address:

http://tinyurl.com/2sa7ed

The picture certainly does look fabulous and I can't wait to see the car in person, or at least a full set of pictures, especially all around the interior of a production model.
I tried that link to the infotainment system review, but it would no load. I'll try it again sometime soon.
I also think this is unprecedented for an American manufacturer to pay any attention at all to the consumer and their wants and needs. Historically, they have not cared at all and just worked on the assumption that we'll all just buy their previous junk. I even had salesmen tell this to me on more than one occasion. I really want to support an American brand, but I also don't want to just throw my money away. I like all this a lot.

Chris,

Thanks for posting the link to the infotainment writeup. I'm even more excited about this car than I was before. If it drives as good as it looks, there will be a lot of people on overtime in Lansing this year.

ok...quick one; anyone please! So the pic makes it appear that the "screen" rises from the center stack/dash....am i following? Cause that would be super cool!

I'm very impressed with the level of thought that must have gone into the entertainment system in this car. I love the pop-up navigation, however, I wonder about the longevity of the unit; will it work for a decade or barely make it past warranty? I also disagree with Cadillac's decision not to include HD radio. To me it seemed like a no-brainer, seeing as how HD is becoming so popular. Finally, my opinion is that Cadillac's logo, not GM's, should appear on the iPod when it's plugged in. People who buy a Cadillac want to see they've bought a Cadillac, not just some plebeian GM. However, the ability to control the iPod through the steering wheel is truly remarkable, and it's the little details like this that make the car as a whole an industry leader.

Everything about the CTS sounds great, except that there is no built in bluetooth. You're kidding, right?

Agree with Brian's Post. I want to see a Cadillac emblem, not a GM logo. Think about your competition as I don't believe Lexus would ever show a Toyota logo. Marketing & Branding 101 fellas.

Picked up our new CTS on Friday and while generally thrilled, we were disappointed that our "loaded" car with "everything Caddy makes for it" on our car, we find that you cannot get the in- dash 6 CD changer with the Nav system. However, now that I've mastered the recording on the hard drive, I've already recorded 15 CD albums on it and all but one has had the Gracenote program pick up the album name, song titles, etc. on the screen. All well organized in alpha order, etc. The only one - a home made mix of songs -will just show "NO Info" and it appears that Cadillac has not included an ablity to retroactively, insert song titles, etc. by tieing into the key pad used for typing in destinations in the nav guide. also, can't test the ipod connection because they don't give you the necessary cable. Try to find one. Bought a car for over 50 large and they don't give you a cable - - - they don't even stock them in their parts dept.
And the biggest disappointment---- my car came without just one of the myriad of optional packages and "collections" and left me without the sexy interior ambient lighting. /

I purchased a Black Cherry 08 CTS...I love it. The DI is incredible...and the HD adds a nice touch to the stereo. I've become accustomed to listening to music and podcast on a thumbdrive. Here's my beef...I can't get the damn iPod cable. I've been begging my dealer...as well as Caddy Customer Assistance with no luck. GM...please pull this together...this screw-up is tarnishing a great experience!!!

Hopefully, an in-dash CD/DVD changer will be available for MY '09...

I just took delivery on my '08 CTS. The interface with my iPod is as-advertised, and outstanding. My problem: the system recognizes a pen drive and pulls up all the music it contains. However, when I connect a portable USB-powered HDD with my entire 27GB of music, it is not recognized. The light comes on the HDD, showing that it is receiving power, but the "AUX" tab on the display is grayed out. Do these HDD's draw too much for the system to power?

I'm not sure I want this massive box popping up out of my dash... especially when I'm thinking of turning right... What is that thing, are we going back to CRTs?

On my CTS I can record cd to hard drive while the music is playing. Is there a way to do a fast record of the total cd to the hard drive instead of while listening?

I think it would be great if you could hook your laptop to the USB port and load your whole music library. Haven't tried it, but I suspect it can't be done. Also, if you load your music from CD's, your genre's will be all over the place. It takes a little work, but it's better to get all your ID3 tags in order and load mp3's from a flash drive.

Just read about the completion of the XM/Sirius merger. How will this affect the entertainment options available for all current and future GM models?