Drive-in theaters might be a nostalgic pastime, but they’re still a great way to enjoy a movie night under the stars. With Wicked showing on the big screen, I decided to take my new Gen 2 Rivian R1T to a nearby drive-in for the full retro experience. But there was a small hiccup—my R1T’s FM radio had a noticeable delay, about five seconds behind the on-screen action.
Why does this happen? The FM radio in Rivian vehicles uses advanced digital signal processing to enhance audio quality. While that’s great for everyday listening, it introduces a slight delay, which becomes obvious in time-sensitive situations like syncing movie audio at a drive-in.
Because of this delay, I had to rent a portable FM radio from the theater to stay in sync with the movie. It worked perfectly, and the evening was still a blast, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a similar outing.
Drive-in theaters are becoming rare gems, but they’re worth checking out for a unique and fun movie experience. If you’re taking your Rivian—or any vehicle with modern DSP technology—be prepared! You might want to bring a portable FM radio just in case or confirm ahead if the theater offers rentals.
Despite the hiccup, Wicked under the cold (and rare) Florida night sky was unforgettable, and the experience was a charming mix of old and new.
