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Satellite Radio:
the latest
satellite technology to allow you to access commercial free radio
programs and music from ANYWHERE
What is Satellite Radio?
Satellite radio offers an additional band on your car or home
audio system. The signal originates from satellites and is received
by a special antenna on the top of your car or in your home.
Satellite radio is a pay-for-use subscription-based service.
XM Radio and Sirius are the two current satellite radio service providers on
the market. Each offers over 100 stations, most commercial free, for
a monthly fee. To receive satellite radio you need three things: an
antenna, a receiver (or tuner), and a broadcast source (car audio
system, home speakers). The sound is digital quality, but receiving
the signal requires a line of sight to either the satellite or, in
some urban areas, a local repeater.
Both Sirius
Radio and
XM Radio offer different types of
satellite signal receivers for different applications. In vehicle
applications, often the receiver and broadcast source are combined
into one unit. XM Radio offers an adaptor for PCs, and Sirius
radio broadcasts its signal over the internet. XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) and Sirius also sell a
unit that allows you to plug into home systems, computers, or your
vehicle. Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, and Pioneer all offer
satellite-ready in-dashboard head units. Generally, the receiver units
display the station, artist, and song title.
The satellite radio service subscription fees start as low as $9.99
per month. The initial costs associated with the satellite radio
system installation however are still a bit high. Car head/antenna
units can cost more than $350 installed. Similar for satellite radio
home audio systems. Both XMRadio and Sirius offer antenna and
receiver packages for under $150, but those require speakers and an
amplification system.
Consumer Guide® had the opportunity to sample both
XM Radio and
Sirius
satellite radio services in a number of automotive applications:
"Besides the diversity of musical selection, the biggest difference
between satellite and AM or FM is the sound quality. Similar to the
difference between vinyl records and CDs, the choice is
clear--satellite just sounds better. However, the improvement in
quality really depends on the sound system of the vehicle you are
driving."
Satellite
Radio Music Service Systems: Popular Kits and Hardware Items
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