Garmin HD traffic

It's receive only...the nuvi is NOT a transmitter in any way.

That being said, you can opt-in/or opt-out to send traffic info that your nuvi has *learned while being used*. The info is collected/sent to Garmin when the device is connected to Garmin Express. You should see a pop-up dialog asking if you want to send said info to Garmin. I personally choose not to.

I think the other cars that they refer to are the ones that feed the Traffic Monitoring system their cell phone location, velocity and direction.

Technically, when the blue tooth is turned on, it can transmit and receive data to a linked smartphone.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength UHF radio waves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz[4]) from fixed and mobile devices, and building personal area networks (PANs). Invented by telecom vendor Ericsson in 1994,[5] it was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS-232 data cables. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization.

The HD traffic receiver is receive only. One can go to the next step, using a supported Nuvi model, and use the Garmin Smartlink app (paid) for the cellphone to get even more traffic data sent to their Nuvi via Bluetooth.

The smartphone app with it's searches and sending of data to select units is free. There are specific applications which require subscription and once the fee is paid, the data in the subscription is then sent over the Bluetooth connection.

Thank you for your answers.

I was being generic in my reply. Yes the base Smartphone Link app is free, while certain "features" of that app that require one to pay/subscribe to enable those features (photoLive, Advanced Weather, Live Traffic). Point remains though, one can get additional traffic data beyond just the HD receiver.

It's done through what are called probes or receivers that collect Bluetooth registration (address) information and then compare that pattern to a later report from another receiver. The amount of time it takes to pass between the two points lets Inrix or whomever know the speed of the traffic flow.

this is very informative.

so how is it that the HD traffic is better than the regular traffic? is the gps looking more times in a minute for the info or is it transmitted more frequently?

can existing garmins be made to use HD traffic as well?

Depending on your location, Garmin’s HD traffic uses the HD radio system and can provide better and more frequent reports than the earlier 3D traffic service. More info is available here:

http://www8.garmin.com/traffic/

3D traffic uses the GTM 2x and GTM 3x series traffic receiver cables with compatible GPSr’s. HD traffic uses the GTM 60 receiver cable and is compatible only with certain GPSr’s. Click the "Compatible Devices" tab to see if your unit is one of them:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/shop-by-accessories/traffic-...

Unless the GTM 60 cable came with your GPSr, it must be purchased separately for around $70. Make sure you check compatibility before purchasing.

If you have a Smartphone and compatible GPSr, a better and less expensive option is Garmin’s “Live Traffic” service via the “Smartphone Link” app.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-go/apps/smartphone-li...

Smartphone link is compatible with the following GPS units:

https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={e63d0370-e830-11e4-c814-000000000000}

The basic Smartphone Link app is free but “Live Traffic” requires a one-time $40 subscription fee. Other options such as “Advanced Weather”,” Photo Live” and “Dynamic Parking” are available for an additional fee.

Live Traffic is only $19.99.

This thread reminds me to check with my wife to see how the live traffic feature has been working out for her. I paid for it a while back and have been asking her if she notices any difference or improvements while driving.

I paid $39.99 for it last year but it included all the options. Now I see the App Store is selling the package for $36.

The Live Traffic option alone is indeed $19.99. Thanks for Pointing That Out

Ok, I didn't know there was a bundle price, so we both learned something,

Every now and then they'll discount that price. Bought Live Traffic (North America) back in October of last year for $11.99. Picked up Advanced Weather (North America) at the same time for $2.99.

Most of the time it would only be good to tell me that I will have to slow down or stop. Having once been told traffic ahead I had to stop for over 30 minutes in a tunnel waiting for the traffic to start again while on my way to Rifle Colorado on the Interstate. No detours there.
From Los Angeles to Phoenix I have been told "Traffic Ahead" while driving 70mph plus all the way.
In LA one must have the Dodgers and Lakers home schedules taped to the dashboard so one can avoid the 101 freeway parking lot at those times. Of course there will be plenty of "Traffic Ahead" around Pasadena for the Rose Bowl for more than 42,000 Iowans are requesting tickets for the game.
To me the traffic alarm is only a warning that you might be slowing down and beware.

Wouldn't know about HD, still have a c530. But if it ain't broke, why would I fix it :}

I use my Garmin every single day because I am in the service business. The Traffic monitor created so many problems, trying to make decisions for me, taking me off a highway,freeway to put me right back on the on ramp back just as I crossed the road.Taking me off the freeway,making me do huge detours, to an unnecessary side street joy ride needlessly. It is a Garmin gimmick to sell us the device. I turned it off all together and don't missed it a bit!All I can say shame on Garmin to come out , this is a HOAX nothing more.There is no such of thing as the device learns your routs.It don't regardless what Garmin claims. I own the 3597 what is my 3rd device but I would NEVER buy an other Garmin.Not sure about the other brands but if this is the best...we got a huge problem. Garmin stayed in the stone age.

My experience with the HD traffic and with the Smartlink Live Traffic has generally been positive. On my 2598 it will generally indicate traffic issues often 10 or 20 or more miles ahead on the highway routes I normally use (North East I-95/RT-15/I-90/I-84/I-87 corridors). Often by the time I reach the spots indicated by the GPS for slow traffic, the traffic has broken up and rarely is there a slow down unless its rush hour. On the side roads its less accurate but still somewhat useful.