XM Satellite Radio



             


Monday, March 31, 2008

Get Sirius with Howard Stern - His Journey Into Satellite Radio

Howard Stern, the highly controversial radio jock is no longer common fixture in terrestrial radio but has been immortalized in some sorts in the newest trend in radio programming, satellite radio.

Sirius Satellite Radio signed Stern as a radio jock way back in 2004. Stern?s loyal following has tuned in at Sirius to hear their favorite radio jock speak away with less restriction compared to when he was still heard over terrestrial radio.

Satellite radio started in the early 1990s. Sirius Satellite Radio back then and until now belongs to the only two satellite radio providers that are at the forefront of making satellite radio the major means to deliver audio programming to people.

Sirius allows their subscribers to ?tune-in? to dozens of channels of original audio programming which are transmitted directly via satellite to special receivers placed in cars and in their homes. Similar to satellite television, satellite radio has more freedom from the FCC regarding the specific type of programming they want to conduct.

This freedom is granted since subscribers can personalize their satellite radio programming and have control over what minors can or cannot listen to. For both Stern and his followers this pretty much goes to their advantage. On satellite radio, Stern can talk dirty as much as he wants.

And his fans can have an unaltered listening experience which they never had when Stern was still over broadcast radio. Stern himself agreed to this and he even said in an interview that satellite radio offers him ?more potential than terrestrial radio.?

Sirius offers it subscribers with a new, high quality, and digitized way of listening to music, sports, news, and entertainment. Its main base of operations is in New York City's Rockefeller Center.

Sirius has more than 130 digital-quality channels which includes 69 channels of 100% commercial-free music. The network also offers premium channels of sports, news, entertainment, talks or commentaries, traffic, weather and even data.

Because it?s via satellite, Sirius has a country-wide coverage. Their programs can be transmitted practically anywhere in the U.S. All the subscribers need is a Sirius audio satellite receiver and they can listen while they are driving, in their RV homes during a vacation, in their homes, offices, stores and even during camping trips. With three satellites at their disposal, Sirius network are able to provide the premium quality programming that?s becoming more and more popular today.

So aside from Howard Stern, when you subscribe to Sirius, you?ll get the advantage of hearing specialized music that ranges from heavy metal and hip-hop to country, dance, jazz, Latin and classical. These music selections are paired with insights and perspectives from Sirius? resident music experts and from various musicians and performers who are invited by the network to guests in their programs.

Moreover, the network has a complete line-up of news and entertainment programs like programs of radio jocks Howard Stern and Martha Stewart and news reports from CNN, CNBC, BBC World Service and ABC News. Listeners who want to have an update of the happenings in the world of entertainment can tune in at E! Entertainment, Maxim and NPR. And there?s even Radio Disney for the kids.

Sirius? sports programming includes play-by-play actions from the NFL, NBA, NHL, Barclays English Premier League soccer, and Wimbledon Championships to name a few. Sirius is also the home of 125 plus college sports and several thoroughbred horse races.

Indeed Howard Stern is a major talent for Sirius, but the satellite radio network makes it a point that their listeners will have more options other than Stern when they become subscribers of Sirius.

If you're looking for Sirus Radio deals you should visit http://TopSatelliteDeals.com where you'll find great satellite entertainment offers and various reviews.

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1000 Ways Broadcast Radio is Fighting Back Against Satellite Radio

Local radio has been taking a beating from satellite radio. But broadcast (sometimes referred to as terrestrial radio) is fighting back with a powerful weapon called HD Radio..

HD Radio is digital radio. As such, it enable a dramatic increase in sound quality. In fact, it makes AM radio sound as good as today's FM and FM sound as if you were listening to a CD.

There are already about 1000 stations across the country broadcasting HD Radio and more are adding this technology every week.

Why broadcast radio is more than competitive

The first reason why satellite radio will never replace broadcast radio is cost. SA subscription to satellite radio costs anywhere from $11 to $14 a month vs. broadcast radio which is free. There may be as many as 10 million satellite radio listeners in the U.S .but there are literally hundreds of millions of broadcast radio listeners. It's pretty hard to believe that satellite radio will ever have 100 million listeners, let alone several hundred million.

Just as important, satellite broadcasters can't deliver local information or programming. People will need their local stations for weather, traffic reports, news and to hear their favorite talk radio personalities. .

With a new concept called HD2

HD radio is digital not analog. This means it requires less spectrum ? or "radio space.". This means stations can broadcast their primary FM channel in digital and as many as four more subchannels. These subchannels, called HD2, are being used by broadcasters for new programming content. For example, one station in Chicago is broadcasting oldies of the 80s on its primary channel and hits from the 70s on its HD2 channel. The subchannels are not only free, they are expected to be commercial free for at least another year -- to compete head-to-head with satellite radio.

In short, broadcast radio is fighting back and in a way that will enrich the listening experience for all of us

For more information on HD Radio, including an explanation of the technology, as well as information, HD2 channels, and HD text messaging, be sure to go to http://www.hd-radio-home.com. You can also get detailed information on HD Radios at http://www.hd-radio-buyers-guide.com

Douglas Hanna is the publisher and webmaster of two HD Radio websites as well as the author of numerous articles on HD Radio

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Saturday, March 29, 2008

Satellite Radio - what we should know about it?

Satellite radio becomes more and more popular. It is a choice of millions and the army of listeners is still growing. Three provider companies offer this service: XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio broadcast throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico and they are the major players on the market. The third one, WorldSpace, broadcasts to the rest part of the world (Europe, Asia and Africa). Each of the providers offers more than a hundred of entertainment and music channels, talk shows, sports games and many more. It also includes adult-oriented broadcasting, since FCC (Federal Communications Commission) does not regulate the industry. So, there's something for everyone.

The service is provided through subscription. In the United States the subscription cost varies from $10 to $15 per month for a single radio receiver and many people are unhappy with this fact. However satellite radio offers high quality sound and commercial free broadcast, and this fact make customers still enjoy the service.

As stated above, there are two major competitors on the US market: XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. Both of the companies have their own broadcast systems. They transmit their signal at a different frequency and they require different equipment. For instance, if you wish to change your provider you will need to purchase a new receiver for the specific company. XM Satellite Radio has two satellites in geostationary orbit with funny names - Rock and Roll, which is quite enough to provide radio coverage throughout the United States. On the other hand Sirius Satellite Radio employs three satellites in an elliptical orbit. This scheme gives a greater redundancy in case any of the satellites fails. In addition, both of the companies have spare satellites that can be used when they are needed.

Both companies have partnered with major automobile manufacturers and dealers to equip new vehicles with satellite radio receivers. This increases the chance that car buyers will become subscribers. Over the past three years the number of cars with an installed satellite radio receiver has tripled.

Besides the car satellite radio receivers there are units for home stereo systems. Plus, you can make your choice towards a portable radio receiver, which has built in antenna and you can listen to it with headphones. You can take this type of radio wherever you go. Almost all the satellite radio receivers have an advantage over traditional FM and AM radio receivers: they display the name and artist of song programs, as well as the channel.

The growing demand has shown that satellite radio industry has a great future. Like a cable television it has become a necessary part of our information environment. And there is no reason to stay apart. With the variety of options on the market you can make the right choice.

For more information about satellite radio and other consumer electronics equipment visit Radio Shack.com.

David Hunter is an author from California. And he likes playing golf.

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Friday, March 28, 2008

XM Satellite Radio vs. Sirius Satellite: Which Stock to Buy?

Continuing with the rivalry that every oligopoly sector provides, I will try and tackle the radio industry this update. However, while my other contests have been focused on the technical and fundamentals of each company, this update will be a little different as finding a winner will not be so rudimentary.

Looking at the radio giants of XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) and Sirius Satellite (SIRI), the positives and negatives are not as transparent as originally desired. Speaking in terms of fundamentals, it does seem like XM has the slight advantage. The company has the potential, according to Yahoo Finance, to grow over 25% over the next five years and grow almost 14% this year. Compared to Sirius?s potential growth of negative 28% this year and a growth only limited to 20% there might be an advantage to buy XM in the long run. However, what is interesting to note is that out of the last nine actions committed by financial institutions, XM has been downgraded six times, while during the last eight actions of Sirius, the company has been upgraded six times. Such statistics post a conundrum for investors with fundamentals spread all over. In terms of actual data, both companies have posted numbers surprising investors in a negative way. Three out the last four earning results, XM has failed to even meet earnings expectations illustrating a possible slowdown in terms of margins. Sirius did only slightly better only failing to meet expectations two out the last four reports. Margins for both in terms of revenue are both similar and adequate, but profit has been negative for over three years severely underlined by poor cash flow from operating margins and other areas. Therefore, the numbers for both companies may not be completely reflected over the power each contains in its industry, but do not provide any relief for investors looking to get into to one of these stocks.

In terms of technical analysis, both again seem to provide a conundrum in terms of a better buying opportunity. Since 2003 Sirius has grown about 100% in terms of potential capital gains. However, such a statistic is flawed as the reflection of increased fluctuations during the period makes this stock too volatile to properly invest in. There is also an important notation that the stock also decreased 50% in value during one year in 2002 illustrating the difficult nature of buying this stock at the right time. Sirius currently also looks like it has reached its maximum level at about 12.00 and does not provide much upside. Like Sirius, XM had its own increase of nearly 900% during the run from 2003 to 2005. However, since then the stock has been on the decline falling nearly 50% worrying investors if the stock will ever rise again.

Nevertheless, while some investors may argue that this is the perfect time to invest in an oversold equity, when looking at the potential recession in sight and the idea that such radio brands produce luxury items, there is little assurance that the stocks will rise to its glory days. Personally, I think the radio industry is a dying one with little potential to grow in the next five to ten years. Such a sentiment along with the technical and fundamental facts have allowed me to stay clear of both equities as I do not see any encouragement from any of the factors which makes me want to buy either Sirius or XM Radio.

Dennis Biray presents advice on all kinds of topics ranging from finance and investing to fitness to sports. For more information email him at dbiray@gmail.com, or to view other articles written by him visit http://www.biraynetworks.co.nr

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Is Sirius Satellite Radio a True Contender in the Satellite Radio Business?

At present, XM satellite radio has over 7 million subscribers. In comparison to this overwhelming response, Sirius satellite radios confirm applications from over 4 million subscribers. This marked difference between the two gives a clear picture of public opinion. In relation to digital channels, XM Satellite Radio offers over 170 stations from which to choose. Phenomenal in its own rite, Sirius satellite radio offers their subscribers more than 120 channels to choose from but they are still not in very close competition with XM in this respect. When it comes to airing good music that suits different tastes, XM satellite radio has 69 music channels. In this subdivision, Sirius satellite radio service is not far behind and is marked at 67 channels. Though the number of channels may hardly be a deciding factor, what tips the scale for XM satellite radio is its uncontested attempt to offer the maximum number of music channels that are aired commercial free.

In relation to the subjects they base their shows on, entertainment includes comedy, chat shows, books, drama and variety shows. The Sirius satellite radio company is not too far behind when offering the same avenues of entertainment. Since entertainment is at its best in both services, for youngsters the preference towards XM lies in their award-winning XM KiDS channel, which is part of the children's programming network.

As far as Traffic & Weather coverage is concerned XM, over around the clock reporting for 21 major markets, as compared to the 20 markets Sirius has set foot upon, the competition is close. Though this calculation may not speak volumes about XM, the fact that each of XM?s ventures have their own dedicated channel wherein Sirius broadcasts through numerous sharing channels, presents a clearer picture. Despite these evaluations the final decision, whether Sirius is a contender at all or a tough one will be a contentious matter for a long time to come.

As with any two companies that sell the same commodity, the competition is cut throat. This is obvious when considering the amount of revenue that is put at stake if your competitor takes one of your potential clients. Of course, advertising plays a very important role in influencing the market and catching our attention. In the true marketing sense, a commercial that is well received is often the one that wins the battle. Many times choosing a product is based upon whether or not it leaves an impression on you. Keeping this aside, we may never know whether a company is really worth it or not. When comparing whether or not Sirius satellite radio is a contender to XM it may be best to wait and see.

Jerry Baker writes about technology and its influence on our life and families. XM Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio are the two big players in this field. FInd out more about Satellite radio and how to get connected at http://www-satellite.info

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Thursday, March 27, 2008

Portable Satellite Radios

There are many types of radio receivers available for sale for you to use. The models most people purchase are the ones they are able to move around with, and listen to anywhere they wish. Since they are paying for the service they want to be able to listen to their satellite radio wherever they go. They do not want to be limited to listen to their radio in one room only.

Uses

Most people use the same receiver in their home, car and work. This is because people do not want to buy a different receiver for every room in their home, their cars, and work. If they are able to buy only one radio receiver and use it anywhere the go they will use that instead.

For example, most new cars today come with a built it satellite radio already installed. However, some people are not happy with this due to the fact that the satellite radios in the new cars are integrated to the car itself. If you subscribe to satellite radio using that unit you will only be limited to listening to your service in your car only.

Types of portable devises

The most popular type of portable satellite radios are the ones that you will be able to connect with many different units and listen to it anywhere. Another type of portable satellite radio is the smaller hand held unit. This type of unit does not need to be hooked up to any speakers, and can be carried in your person anywhere you go. They are small enough to fit in the palm of your hands, and are easily stored in your purse or pants pocket.

Cost

The portable satellite radio units are much more expensive than the bigger ones you will not be able to move around with. A normal satellite radio unit can cost you as low as $100, whereas the smaller portable units can cost you $500 to $1,000 depending on the amount of features you wish to have in it.

Satellite Radio provides detailed information on Satellite Radio, Portable Satellite Radios, Satellite Radio Reviews, How Does Satellite Radio Work and more. Satellite Radio is affiliated with Satellite Phone Plans.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Satellite Radio Reviews

Satellite radio is a service that is available through subscription that will give you access to music, talk shows, sports games, and many more. This service is commercial free and is only available with a monthly fee to a provider.

This service is available world wide in many different countries. In the United States, there are two companies that provide this service to people. Each company transmits their signal at a different frequency. Therefore, receivers are usually configured to accept only the specific frequency the company transits. If you wish to switch companies, or wish to continue your satellite radio service in another country you will either need to purchase another unit for that specific provider, or modify your current unit to accept other frequencies.

Customer complaints

Customers of satellite radio are generally happy with their service. Their main complaint is the high price of service. In the United States, it can cost you $12-$15 a month to enjoy satellite music on one receiver. Many people are unhappy with the fact that they must pay extra in order to enjoy the service in their units.

This extra cost has prompted people to abandon satellite radio receivers which are not portable, and opt for the smaller units so that they will be able to listen in different rooms in their home, take it to their car, as well as take it to their work place.

The pros of satellite radio

Despite the high cost of satellite radio, customers still enjoy the product for many reasons. The top reason people are happy with satellite radio is the fact that it is commercial free. Most people hate the fact that there are so many commercials on regular radio.

Another pro satellite radio argument is the radio's abilities to maintain a high level of signal anywhere you go, unlike regular radio where signal strength is limited to your distance to the source. Satellite radio signals are sent directly to your receiver from a commercial satellite. Anywhere you go where you have unobstructed line of sight you will have a clear signal.

Satellite Radio provides detailed information on Satellite Radio, Portable Satellite Radios, Satellite Radio Reviews, How Does Satellite Radio Work and more. Satellite Radio is affiliated with Satellite Phone Plans.

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Monday, March 24, 2008

Satellite Radio

Whether driving to work or cruising through the countryside, people don?t flip radio channels anymore. Satellite radio provides uninterrupted services to millions of listeners around the world. As the name suggests, satellite radio uses the technology of satellites to deliver audio signals. Satellite radio signals are broadcast in digital form, which a quality of reception that matches that of audio CDs.

Satellite radios receive signals that are broadcast by communications satellites. These signals cover a wider area than normal radio signals. Satellite radio functions in any location where there is a line of sight between the antenna and the satellite. The most powerful broadcasts are accessible over 100 miles from the source.

Satellite radio technology requires access to a commercial satellite for transmitting signals and are therefore commercial business entities. In 1992, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated the ""S"" band (2.3 GHz) for nationwide broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS). XM and Sirius are two services that provide satellite radio broadcasts all over the United States.

Satellite radio signals are strong and do not require a satellite dish to receive it. The key components of a satellite radio infrastructure are satellites, ground repeaters and radio receivers.

A radio receiver has an electronic serial number or Radio ID to identify it. An authorization code is needed to activate a unit. Most services also include ?free to air? channels. These systems are proprietary, using different codecs for audio data compression, encryption and conditional access. Satellite radio also transmits program-associated data (PAD), with an artist?s name and the title of each song.

Major car manufacturers install satellite radio receivers in some of their models. Several models of portable satellite radio receivers are available from electronic firms. Since satellite radio is still in its infant stage, it is inevitable that the technology will continue to improve. In view of its inherent advantages, satellite radios are likely to grow in popularity and become a common household purchase in the near future.

Satellites provides detailed information on Satellite Tv, Satellite, Satellite Dish, Satellite Radio and more. Satellites is affiliated with Satellite Tv System

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Satellite Radio Antennas - Improve Your Reception

Conventional radios in our vehicles have an antenna provided for us. Is usually located in the rear of the vehicle and it works for FM and AM which operate in the megahertz and kilohertz frequency range respectively. Satellite radios require an antenna that will not work well from the one in our vehicle, so they require the driver to install it.

The purpose of the antenna is to attract the radio signal from satellites orbiting the earth back to your vehicle. It is not as impossible as you may think since the antenna is highly tuned for the exact frequency that satellite radio providers use. Our only job is to position it in a place where it works close to 100% of the time.

The easiest place to locate the antenna is simply throwing it up on the dash. This works most of the time but the signal from space could be bouncing off the car especially the roof since the antenna is located inside the vehicle. Creating reflection points is the last thing you want to do since it is now harder to reach the antenna. It may be easy to locate the antenna inside but the reception may be fuzzy.

It does not matter which satellite radio provider you choose, the antenna should have a magnet on one end. This works great while attaching it to sheet metal on the external of the vehicle. The sheet metal actually helps the reception by turning the whole vehicle into an extension of the antenna. The antenna uses the antenna currents of the vehicle to boost the reception power of the antenna.

Not all locations on the sheet metal will work the same and you may have to do some trial and error. Antennas work different on each vehicle since the sheet metal is different on each vehicle. This difference changes the reflection points and other antenna properties, which does not make for a cut and dry solution. The roof will mostly work the best since there are no obstructions between the antenna and the satellite. Placing the antenna on the trunk lid may also work well provided the length of the cable is long enough.

Now that you have the antenna positioned, the last word of advice is the antenna cable. This cable is most cases are very long and you have to hide it somewhere. Make sure there are not kinks in the line. This will degrade the signal even though you positioned the antenna correctly. Imagine the cable, as a water hose, any kinks and you would be preventing the water from continuing through. The antenna signal works the same.

Try different spots in your vehicle and even try different spots for your receiver as well. In some cases, moving the receiver can make the reception change drastically. This is only for some models but if you have located the antenna correctly and the reception is still poor, try that next and of course make sure you are using a blank station. Use these tips and you will be on your way to a happy satellite radio experience.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Antennas

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Friday, March 21, 2008

Modern Contrivances Aside, Satellite Radio Will Rock Your Boat!

Gone are the days of fiddling with FM radio dials, and desperately changing stations to avoid those commercials! If you?re fed up of pre-programmed channels that juggle music you love with music you can?t stand, maybe it?s time to consider getting yourself a satellite radio!

How do you get started with satellite radio service? Once you?ve decided you want one, the first essential step is to pick a service provider. Satellite radios were both cumbersome and expensive (around $600) up to a few years ago, but today you can buy a state-of-the-art set for about $200.

XM satellite radio is the best satellite service you can find, with over 170 channels of music and talk. The Delphi XM Skyfi is probably the best adapter you can get in the market. It?s palm-size and a featherweight, and can be easily used in conjunction with your home or car adapter.

An XM receiver will cost you $30 to 400. You can also choose a monthly subscription plan, for which you need to pay a fee of $12.95 per month. Purchasing an annual package will lower the fee to less than $10 per month. XM radio installations and service are very easy to install. You can activate your radio service via the XM website for less than $10, and over the telephone for just $15! Features of XM radio online include over 150 channels of digital music, with no commercials to disturb your listening pleasure.

XM?s main competitor is Sirius satellite radio. Sirius began its operations less than a year after XM was established in November 2001. However, Sirius has been facing allegations of using more powerful FCC transmitters than are currently allowed. Sirius has announced the implementation of a new model in the third quarter of 2006, which might help solve the problems they?ve been facing. Listener comments seem to indicate that Sirius has greater clarity. Both services have their pros and cons; check out their sites at www.xmradio.com and www.siriusradio.com respectively for more information on which service is better for you.

Satellite radio accessories and home docking kits are also available. The S50-TK1 offered by Sirius is a plug-and-play device with a built-in FM receiver. The set includes 1 GB of memory storage and a remote control.

Commercial satellite receivers are available for hotel and other retail establishments, which include user-programmable events and channel blocking. These are ideal for playing over public access systems in stores and restaurants. The Antex XM100, which costs $299 and comes with free shipping, is the best option if you?re looking for a commercial service.

Jerry Baker writes about consumer electronics and satellite radio systems. Learn more about Satellite radio and TV at http://www.satellite.info

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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Whether You Prefer Satellite or Terrestrial, Digital Radio Stations are the Future of Broadcasting

Digital radio stations have thousands more options to offer the listener than regular old AM and FM analog radio stations. To begin with, there is the quality issue. Gone are the days in which the radio quality would fluctuate based on whether or not you were driving under an overpass or passing by power lines. Through digital, there is relatively no disturbance from any outside sources which could disrupt your listening experience. Furthermore, there is no need for the guessing game when you hear a track you like and the disk jockey simply neglects to mention the name of it. With digital radio stations and an invention called ?radiotext,? listeners will be able to read the name of the artist and title of the track right on their radio receiver as the song is playing. Radio stations will also be able to transmit information about the news, weather and traffic directly into text form on your radio receiver. This is but one great feature of digital radio.

While all of this seems like an amazing invention, the fact of the matter is that terrestrial digital radio stations do not yet exist. Any station that currently says it is totally digital is lying. They are simply a hybrid of analog and digital where the radio receiver first picks up the analog signal and then homes in on the digital signal for a better quality broadcast. The possibilities do not end there though, as it may even be possible for digital stations to broadcast pictures and videos directly to your car or home stereo through the magic of digital broadcasting. Wouldn't it be neet to have MTV on your on digital radio so that you could watch the video while the song is playing?

Although terrestrial digital radio stations are at least ten years off, there is a way to experience some of the benefits of digital radio stations today. Satellite radio, brought to you in America by XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio offer the closest thing to full digital radio. They provide the listener with high quality sound and radiotext to let people see what they are listening too. Unfortunately, they are costly services and require the listener to not only purchase a receiver but pay a monthly subscription fee. These monthly subscription fees can add up to alot of money spent. Some say it is worth it and others do not believe so.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. He has written many great articles on many topics, including satellite radio information. For more information, please visit http://www.digital-radio-info.info/ You may also be interested in Keith's other offerings at his site http://keithlondrie.com

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Satellite Digital Radio is the Best Way to Enjoy CD Quality Radio

In America, currently the most popular way to enjoy high quality music broadcasts in your car or home is through satellite digital radio. Two companies have pioneered this technology and each offer a variety of different services and stations to choose from. In the process of making their broadcasts the best they can possibly be, both companies completely removed commercials from their schedules and brought in well known radio hosts and musicians to provide commentary and act as disk jockeys. Unfortunately, there are drawbacks associated with each company, mainly the fact that you have to pay significant prices for the satellite digital radio receiver and you also have to pay a monthly fee for use of their services. Monthly fee not withstanding, both companies are bringing today's best of cd quality radio to you. Both companies offer a line up of many different music and other listening choices. You will be able to find the station you want to listen to and be able to enjoy music without commmercials.

The most popularized satellite digital radio broadcaster is currently XM Satellite Radio. This company has associated itself by teaming up with many auto makers including General Motors, Honda and Volkswagen. They offer a variety of services, most costing around $10 US a month. In 2004 they launched the first of a line of portable satellite receivers so people can take their music wherever they go. With XM you have service coverage throughout North America, excluding Hawaii. However, in some major cities, XM still needs to install devices to improve signal quality amidst the skyscrapers. XM became newsworthy recently by signing on Oprah Winfrey to their lineup of superstars. There are currently six million subscribers to XM?s satellite digital radio broadcast, twice as many as Sirrus has.

As the only real alternative to XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio has a lot to live up to. They are the underdogs of the satellite digital radio revolution, clocking in at only three million subscribers. Sirius uses three satellites to cover the United States, Canada, Alaska and the upper half of Mexico. As with XM, there is no coverage in Hawaii and there are some quality issues with reception in cities dotted with skyscrapers. Many car companies have teamed up with Sirius to offer factory installed equipment, including: BMW, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, Toyota and Nissan. Sirius made the news recently with their acquisition of renowned radio personality Howard Stern in January 2005.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. He has written many great articles on many topics, including satellite radio information. For more information, please visit http://www.digital-radio-info.info/ You may also be interested in Keith's other offerings at his site http://keithlondrie.com

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Introduction to Satellite Digital Audio Radio service(SDARS)

Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS):

SDAR is a satellite-based direct-broadcast radio service in which digitally encoded audio entertainment material is broadcast to Earth-based receivers, either directly from an orbiting satellite, or from the satellite to the receiver via a repeater station (This is a special case in which the receiver is in a shielded location). SDARS is a radio communication service through which audio programming is digitally transmitted by one or more space stations directly to fixed, mobile, and/or portable stations, and which may involve complementary repeating terrestrial transmitters, telemetry, tracking and control facilities. Through SDARS compact-disc quality audio is available because of digital transmition is employed.

History of Satellite Radio:

Satellite radio is an idea over a decade long. In 1992, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated a spectrum in the "S" band (2.3 GHz) for nationwide broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS). Only four companies applied for a license to broadcast over that band. The FCC gave licenses to two of these companies in 1997. CD Radio (now Sirius Satellite Radio) and American Mobile Radio (now XM Satellite Radio) paid more than $80 million each to use space in the S-band for digital satellite transmission. The first satellite based radio launched by XM on Sep 25, 2001, then followed by Sirius on July 1, 2002.

At this time, there are three space-based radio broadcasters:

    Sirius Satellite Radio
    XM Satellite Radio
    WorldSpace Satellite Radio

Importance and significance of Satellite radio:

We all have our favorite radio stations that we preset into our car radios, flipping between them as we drive to and from work, on errands and around town. But when you travel too far away from the source station, the signal breaks up and fades into static. Most radio signals can only travel about 30 or 40 miles from their source. On long trips that find you passing through different cities, you might have to change radio stations every hour or so as the signals fade in and out. Now, imagine a radio station that can broadcast its signal from more than 22,000 miles (35,000 km) away and then come through on your car radio with complete clarity. One could drive nearly hundreds of kilometers without ever having to change the radio station! Not only would you never hear static interfering with your favorite tunes, but also the music would be interrupted by few or no commercials.

Satellite radio companies are comparing the significance of their service to the impact that cable TV had on television 30 years ago. Listeners won't be able to pick up local stations using satellite radio services, but they will have access to hundreds of stations offering a variety of music genres. Each company has a different plan for its broadcasting system, but the systems do share similarities.

XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio and WorldSpace satellite individually provides digital-audio radio services (SDARS), with commercial-free programming, digital-audio quality, and countrywide coverage. Each company offers nearly 100 channels of digital music and talk radio (many of them commercial-free or with a reduced number of commercials) that can be received from coast to coast with no service interruption. Each offering number of music channels, these services clearly provides programming options not available through traditional radio.

One of the main feature of SDARS is SDARS provides almost Commercial free (or Commercials are restricted) programs. And also it provides news, weather forecasts, and sports apart from entertainment-based programs The primary application for this service is constant coast-to-coast coverage of radio for cars. We have all experienced the problem of trying to listen to radio on a long trip. Both AM and FM stations fade in and out as we drive into and out of their coverage area. Portable full satellite radio service available now a days for the car, home stereo and personal radio environments. Car manufacturers have been installing satellite radio receivers in some models for a few years now, and several models of portable satellite radio receivers are available from a variety of electronics companies.

Signal reception is generally poor as well as variable in the cases of AM or FM. With the SDARS systems, radio coverage throughout the 48 continental states is solid and continuous. Unlike for AM and FM channels SDARS signals are available in a unique format

Subscription based radio service:

Because the technology requires access to a commercial satellite for signal propagation; Satellite Radio services are commercial business entities (not private parties), which offer a package of channels as part of their service ?requiring a subscription from end users to access its channels. Satellite Radio Service can be subscribed at a monthly fee of $12.95 U.S. and up which is very much worth full to the service that it gives.

Future of Satellite radio:

SDARS seems to get good market growth because of the following factors. Increasing partnerships of XM and Sirius with Automobile OEM and distribution outlets made the SDARS more popular. Introduction of more convenient hardware smaller and more portable radios for the automobile as well as the home stereo, computer and office and personal environments made possible at the same time.

Home and personal use Industry promotional advertising and awareness campaigns given the SDARS more popular. Sirius and XM now also offer subscribers the option of listening to their programming online. Apart from all of this, price drop of hardware making it more affordable for after market purchase.

Author can be contacted through crsjith@gmail.com for more information about SDARS.

Jith is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer from southern India. Author is an expert in Avionics systems, Automobile systems and have good command over communication protocols.

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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Sirius Is A Star And A Satellite Radio

Sirius satellite radio is a satellite radio service operating in the US, Canada and Mexico and is based in New York. It provides more than 125 radio channels out of which 55 are sports, news and entertainment channels. The most attractive feature of this radio is that all the channels are commercials free.

Sirius satellite radio is broadcast over North America using 3 satellites. Some of the Sirius music channels are included in DISH Network satellite television service.

Sirius satellite radio service was started in 1990. It has more than 4 million subscribers. The company was named after the Sirius star.

There are over 125 channels available some of them are:

Pop/Hits. Sirius Hits1, Star Lite, Sirius Love, some channels for hits from 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today, Elvis channel and French songs channel.

Rock Channels. Classic rock channels for 60s, 70s, 80s, Hard rock, Alternative rock, Metal, Heavy metal, Punk, Hip-Hop, Reggae etc.

Electronic/Dance Channels. These channels cover electronica, trance, disco and dance.

Hip-Hop/ R&B channels. These channels have, modern, progressive, old school Hip-Hop, classic and soul music.

Country channels. They cover country music, 80s, 90s, Classic country and outlaw music.

Christian channels. They contain Christian rock, contemporary christian, Gospel music.

Jazz/Blues channels. They contain Modern, smooth, classic Jazz, New age and Blues music.

Miscellaneous channels. There are channels which contain starndard music, classical music, latin and world music.

Entertainment channels. These have talk shows like howard stern show, blue collar comedy, stand up comedy, gay/lesbian entertainment, celebrity gossip, women talk radio, live trial proceedings, environment programs, Discovery, childrens channels, conservative channels, liberal talk, truckers talk, christian talk, family nets, Adult channels like playboy etc.

News channels. These channels have sports news, world news, news of various states of the US, financial news like CNBC, ABC News, CNN, NPR, CBS etc.

Sports channels. They include ESPN, Sirius sports, sports byline etc.

Purchase. The sirius satellite radio receiver is available in leading electronic stores or can be bought from sirius.com. The radio which are sirius ready can only access the sirius satellite channels after being fitted with a sirius tuner and activation. The activation can be done online at 10$. The monthly subscription charge starts from 13$ a month to 500$ for lifetime subscription. The radio channels are available 24 hours a day. These radios are being fitted in most cars available in the US like Ford, BMW, Chrysler, Jaguar, Jeep, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, Porsche, Volkswagen, Rolls-Royce etc.

Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is Sirius Satellite Radio Further information can be found at Tips & News

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Monday, March 17, 2008

The Freedom Of Portable Satellite Radio

As time goes by and technology grows and changes to suit the needs of people we have seen an increase in the need for portability in media. People are on the go and require more portability in their Radios. Science and Technology has grown with the demand of the people. This demand has bred Portable Satellite Radios.

Portable Satellite Radio allows a person to listen to various genres of music at any given time, on demand, via Satellite technology. Where once we had Cassette tape walkman devices, then Compact Disc walkman devices we now have the capability to take our music with us wherever we go without being limited to the radio stations in our local vicinity. This means there is no longer a boundary of radio signal that is limited to your town or city. Now you can hear feeds that take place all over the nation, without having to wait for it to be syndicated and picked up by your local radio station.

There are many different Portable Satellite Radio providers such as XM, Sirius Radio and many others. These services are fee based and provide users with a variety of different genres of music for a monthly service charge. This allows the Portable Satellite Radio user to be able to travel with his or her musical selections but not limit them to a play list of music that is made up of only a few songs.

Not only is there a wide variety of music on Portable Satellite Radio. There are also many other types of media such as the national news and Talk Radio. As the Portable Satellite Radio technologies took off shock jock Howard Stern made the switch from normal syndicate radio to Portable Satellite Radio. Many other radio personalities quickly followed suit.

The reason behind the boom of radio personalities making the switch from normal analog radio to Portable Satellite Radio is that it gave them the freedom from some of the FCC restrictions about freedom of speech. Unlike analog radio the FCC doesn?t control as strictly Portable Satellite Radio feeds. Portable Satellite Radio and the boom in the industry also gave radio personalities a broader fan-base. Exposing them to more people who typically may have not heard of them or had the opportunity to enjoy what they bring to the radio.

When looking for a Portable Satellite Radio service you must take into consideration coverage area as well as pricing. What kind of cost will you pay for the convenience of not being bound to limited music and services? Portable Satellite Radio gives you the convenience that is almost necessary in today?s fast paced world of technology and media.

Most audio equipment retailers now provide Portable Satellite Radio devices and services. For the most part these devices can be budget-friendly and the monthly service fees reasonable. If you are interested in expanding your musical tastes and are an on-the-go type of person, Portable Satellite Radio may be something you would be interested in.

Satellite Radio HQ http://satellite-radio-hq.com/ talks about the history of satellite radio, the equipment you'll need, the satellite radio channels you can receive and much more.

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Satellite Radio: Something I Never Knew I Was Missing

Who in their right mind pays for radio? That's what I was thinking... until I got Sirius as a gift. It was an odd coincidence actually. A few days before I received my Sirius unit and subscription, I had been disgruntled trying to find some music on in my morning commute. My CDs had all been played out, so I was hoping I would find something besides morning shows.

Since I have received my Sirius unit, Sirius is all I listen to: in the car, at work (via online), and at home. It is addictive and you will not know that until you try it.

Subscription Basics

The basic subscription for Sirius is $12.95 per month. You may purchase a lifetime account for $499.99. Sirius allows you to add on up to for units to your account. Each unit gets a discounted rate for the monthly service fee.

Online Listening

All Sirius accounts are able to access the Sirius online player. This allows a subscriber to listen to Sirius on their computer. All the music stations are available; however, a good number of the talk stations are not. The quality of the music on the online player seems just as good as via the Sirius unit. The player requires no additional software installation and can be played right from a modern web browser such as FireFox or Internet Explorer.

Commercial Free

All of Sirius' music stations are commercial free. That's right - no commercials at all. Talk stations do have advertisements. This may be because stations such as Fox News and E! Radio are broadcasting the current shows being aired on their respective television network.

Current Shows

When I watch the news or my wife watches E! news we are not necessarily watching as much as we are listening. Having stations such as Fox News and E! broadcast the current television feeds over the Sirius radio allows us to be able to listen to our shows while driving. Unfortunately, these two stations are not available via the online player.

Uncensored Content

Some Sirius stations are uncensored and some are. However, for the most part, you will find that the stations have more freedom to say and play what they want. This allows for a lot of independent bands to have their records played, as the disc jockeys have more freedom.

Howard Stern

Even if you are not a fan of Howard, this is still one reason to like Sirius!

Sports

Sirius has numerous sports channels. You can listen to an array of sports such as the NFL, NHL, NBA, and Nascar on your radio. Similar to the news broadcasts, these stations are not available online.

Coverage

I travel a lot. The fact that I can travel long distances and never have to touch the dial or lose my favorite station is a huge factor for me. Sirius has coverage for the whole continental USA, most of Canada (except for the upper North part), and for most of Mexico.

Conclusion

With over 120 stations and with a price tag less than a cup of coffee per day, Sirius is no doubt a great product to love! We would also recommend looking into XM, an alternative provider to Sirius.

Matthew Payne is a contributing member of http://coffee-tips.quickprovider.com/ and http://articles.quickprovider.com - both high content filed article sites.

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Satellite Radio Antennas Are More Than Useful

What are satellite radio antennas and what are their uses? This is the question that many people ask themselves when they hear about satellite radio antennas. As you read this article you will get an idea on what a satellite radio antenna is. Also you will learn what are their uses, functions and a lot of great pointers on where to buy one, what types are there and how to take care of it.

In order for you to listen and watch your programs you need a satellite radio antenna. This allows the module that you are using to communicate with its home base; the home base includes all of the programs and it allows you to choose what you would like to view. This all sounds like something out of a sci fi movie, but it is not. Your television, radio, even your computer has a satellite radio antenna.

Now that you know what satellite radio antennas are here are some of their main functions and uses. When you turn on your satellite in order for you to watch any of your programs on it the main thing needed is the satellite radio antenna. It allows the base (your PSP) to communicate with the main base of the whole entire system. This gives you the ability to either listen to your music or watch your programs, which ever you may choose.

Many people wonder where they can buy satellite radio antennas. You may buy one in your local hardware store. There is no specific company you should purchase your antenna from because different companies make different types of these mechanisms.

The different types usually go based on the use of the satellite radio antennas. You may be buying it for your car, bike, and stereo system or maybe even just for your house. They all have the same functions and every company that makes them to does their best to suit you and all of your needs.

The best way you can take care of you satellite radio antenna is to keep it out of water, as we all know electricity and water are not what we could call the greatest of friends. Also, these should be kept out of the reach of any young children; if yours is already inside of something you should make sure that it stays in there but if not any young child can swallow it and cause much harm. If this does happen please alert the police department as quickly as you can.

Now that you know what satellite radio antennas are, their functions, where to buy one and how to care for it you are ready to buy your own. Always keep in mind that depending on what size and type of a satellite radio antenna will vary in its price range. If you buy something for cheap it won?t last too long but you did not spend that much money on it, but if you buy something expensive it will last longer even if you did spend that extra hundred dollars on it.

http://satellite-radio-hq.com/
Satellite Radio HQ talks about the history of satellite radio, the equipment you'll need, the satellite radio channels you can receive and much more.

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008

What is Satellite Radio

Satellite radio is still a somewhat new concept to the modern world. Gone are the days of hopping in the car, turning on the radio and listening to endless commercials without even hearing a single song. Satellite radio is very similar to the concept of pay-per-view television. In exchange for a membership fee, you receive virtually commercial free programming specifically based on your desire.

Satellite radio companies own exclusive rights to certain content, including some sporting events. This means that the only way to hear a game being broadcast may be to subscribe to that service on satellite radio. The same is true of various other content, including the recent move of Howard Stern exclusively to satellite radio. His talk show will only be available through a paid subscription and will no longer be broadcast on regular television or radio programming.

Membership fees range from several dollars per month to several hundred dollars for a lifetime membership. The decision of how to pay is at the sole discretion of the consumer. If you plan to be a lifetime customer, and have the cash to spare, there is no doubt that a lifetime membership will pay for itself over time. If, on the other hand, you?re new to the concept and just want to try it out, many satellite radio companies offer a free trial or low monthly fees to get you started.

The concept of satellite radio derives from, as the name implies, receiving satellite signals to direct certain programming into a radio. This can be a portable gadget, such as a small radio, or it can be installed in your vehicle or even heard through satellite television. Satellite radio provides more than five dozen channels, also known as streams, of music and fifty-five channels featuring sports, news and entertainment broadcasting. Music offered includes virtually every genre and is available every day, all day and is commercial free. With a typical Sirius radio, the consumer will be able to see the song and artist information displayed on their digital screen while listening to the music.

Satellite radio is a new trend that is sure to become a permanent fixture in the industry. With technology making new advancements at every turn, more and more people will look to satellite radio for their listening pleasure. Everything from sports and entertainment to talk shows and music are becoming the exclusive property of this new technology. Companies compete for the best programming, offer multi-million dollar contracts for big name agreements and are spending the big bucks to ensure that people keep tuning in to their station.

Find more about Sirius Sportster 4 or XM Satellite Radio or read the latest satellite radio reviews on http://www.satelliteradioreviews.org

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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Satellite Radio 411

Imagine you are traveling across country. You have already epleted your CD supply and the battery on you ipod has long since died. Being in the middle of Nowhere, USA, you cannot even find a decent radio station. What can you do in this situation? Will you be victim to utter boredom on this long, dusty road?

Thanks to satellite radio, you can enjoy your favorite music stations, commercial free, with perfect clarity from California to Connecticut and every long, dusty road in between. Normal radio stations have an average range of a 30 ? 40 mile radius from their source. Satellite radio is able to broadcast its signal over 2200 miles away with no static interference and little to no advertisements. It also comes in many forms including at-home devices and portable players much like Apple's ipod. The most popular being a radio which installs right into your car.

Satellite radio works through a control station sending a transmission to an orbiting satellite. The satellite then bounces the signal back down to radio receivers on earth, such as portable device or a car radio. What's different about satellite radio from your ordinary ground stations is that you get up to 100 channels with digital sound as well as information on the screen indicating the song, artist and genre.

Satellite radio usually charges monthly payments for its service. Only a couple of companies actually provide satellite radio service so this will make shopping for the right package much easier. Various packages are available to fit your needs as well as your budget.

Briana is an original content writer for http://www.youseekit.com which features original articles on a variety of topics. To see the original article, go to http://www.youseekit.com/satellite_radio/htm

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Monday, March 10, 2008

XM vs Sirius Satellite Radio: Which One is Better For You?

You have probably heard of the two satellite radio companies, Sirius Radio and XM Satellite Radio, but you may not know a lot about them such as how much each costs or what radio talent is available on each. Many people are tired of listening to regular AM and FM radio stations for several reasons. It may be that they are tired of being bombarded with commercials. It may be that they do not like the programming available to them. On the other hand, it may simply be that they are in a rural area and tired of losing their radio signal all the time. Regardless of the reason, many consumers are turning to satellite radio as a viable alternative to regular radio stations.

Both companies are able to offer you static free radio due to satellites. XM (based in Washington D.C.) has two and Sirius (based in New York) has three satellites across the United States. Both companies offer users commercial free radio. Sirius offers over 125 channels and XM offers 160 different channels. There are dedicated channels for genres of music such as jazz, folk, country and pop for diehard fans. One cool feature of satellite radio is you can see the name of the artist playing as well as the song title. So never again do you have to spend time wondering just who sang that song you just heard! There are also channels for local weather and traffic, sports, comedy, women's issues, talk shows, even old time radio shows. Soon, you may be able to see video as well as hear audio on your satellite radios.

There are also celebrity shows for both satellite radio companies. Martha Stewart recently signed a deal to launch a 24-hour radio channel on Sirius Satellite Radio. And most everyone has heard that Howard Stern is on Sirius as well - uncensored. Having gotten in trouble with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for his radio talk show, he decided to jump to the uncensored airways of satellite radio. Since his show started, the Sirius subscriber base has increased by at least 2.7 million. If have satellite radio and want to hear National Public Radio (NPR), you will have to subscribe to Sirius as they are the only one offering NPR. But XM is not to be left behind by Sirius. XM signed Snoop Doggy Dog, but the big coop is Oprah. In September of 2006, XM users will be able to tune in to Oprah & Friends. The new channel will offer broadcasts of The Oprah Winfrey Show, O, the Oprah Magazine and programming on fitness, health and self improvement.

All this sounds great, but what do you actually need to be able to receive satellite radio? You will need either a Sirius or an XM radio. This does not necessarily have to be a radio only for use in your car either. There are also home radios available today and there are even radios you can use both at home and in your car. The price for a basic radio offered by both Sirius and XM is as low as $49.99. You will also need to subscribe to a service. Both Sirius and XM charge $12.95 a month for you to receive satellite signals on your radio. However, if you have several cars with satellite radios, you can save by choosing the family plan available from both companies.

Just how popular is satellite radio becoming? In March of 2005, Hyundai announced that it would be the first automaker to put satellite radios in all of its models sold in the United States. Each Hyundai, including the popular Sonata, Santa Fe, and Elantra models, will come equipped with an XM satellite radio. When this was announced, shares in XM's parent company rose by more than 8 percent. Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz also announced in March 2005 that Sirius radios would be a dealer-installed option on some of their models.

So which satellite radio should you choose? That depends on you. You should check out the stations available by visiting each company on the web before making a decision. Both offer radios at comparable prices, so it really comes down to what you want to hear. Are you a Stern fan? Then you have to go with Sirius. But if you love Oprah, you can only hear her on XM. Regardless of which one you choose, you will no doubt be very pleased with the services and reception of satellite radio.

Matt Barstow offers valuable tips and information about satellite radio players and services. Read his latest report answering the most popular questions about satellite radio.

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Saturday, March 8, 2008

Finally It's Here - Canadian Satellite Radio

The long wait is over for Canadians. Satellite radio is finally here at long last. Canadian Satellite Radio is officially available since November 2005. The CRTC (Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission) finally came to an agreement that will change the landscape of Canadian radio from here forward.

XM satellite radio was the first provider to be licensed in Canada by the CRTC. They signed a six-year deal to provide the service across the airwaves to Canadians. You can rest assured that with the initial success this agreement will be renewed when it comes due. An interesting point to be made, once the agreement with the CRTC had been signed several of the car manufacturers in Canada inked deals to provide satellite ready units in their cars.

As Canadians we?ve heard about the satellite radio rush that was happening in the US. Because of this Canadians have long awaited the arrival of such a service. Like their US counterparts, Canadian Satellite Radio customers are able to subscribe to a wide array of broadcasts including news, entertainment, sports, comedy, and about any music genre you can think of.

So what is Canadian Satellite radio going to cost you? Subscribers will be required to pay a monthly fee the same as US customers. This fee will give users access to all the content available. To be able to receive the signal you will need satellite radio receiver. The receiver is the actual radio/device that will play or receive the signal.

One of the biggest benefits to potential Canadian Satellite Radio subscribers is the service is highly affordable! For less then the cost of most Internet services per month you can enjoy access to all of the non-stop music and entertainment available. XM radio will also be offering advertisers a new channel to get their message to the masses. With small spots of advertising available on several of the all talk channels businesses will be able to tap into the growing pool of Satellite radio subscribers.

So on a whole what does Canadian Satellite Radio really mean to the country? More great news, music and entertainment for subscribers, advertisers will be offered a benefit of more airtime to get their messages out. Consumer electronics stores will have a new product line with multiple brands to sell, as well as a new installation revenue stream for Satellite car radio units. Of course it is the subscriber that will have the biggest benefit, but all looks bright to benefit both entertainment and commerce in the coming years for Canadian Satellite Radio.

For more information about Canadian Satellite Radio, and other services and products to do with the industry please visit out website Satellite Radios

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Thursday, March 6, 2008

Take Your Tunes With You Using A Portable Satellite Radio

People that have taken a liking to satellite radio are flocking to their local electronics store looking for a portable satellite radio. Why you might ask? Well thanks to the marketing of portable satellite radios, users can now take their favorite music, comedy, or sports where ever they go. Small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, these portable units give you access to the best satellite radio entertainment anytime anywhere.

Like a full size or car satellite radio a portable satellite radio has all the required equipment to decode the encrypted signal broadcasted by a satellite. OF course because the portable units are so much smaller then a full size, and can be carried around unlike a car satellite radio they?re the perfect accessories for those of us on the go. Whether you?re in New York or California, Colorado or Maine you can enjoy the same news, comedy, or music on the go 365 days a year.

When purchasing a portable satellite radio there are quite a few accessories available. Those that are most worth mentioning are the adapter kits available for most models. While we?re preaching of the benefits of using your satellite radio out and about, what about in your car or at home? Thanks to some accessories available for most units its possible to enjoy your portable radio on the go, and also at home or in the car. This adds great value to portable systems, because you can kill three birds with one stone!

Also available are smaller hand held radios. These devices pose to overtake the current Walkman am/fm units that most runners/walkers use. With a portable satellite radio you can tune into whatever radio content you?re interested in and not have to contend with the static of regular FM radios. Compared to a portable CD player there are no skips and a portable satellite radio uses far less battery life.

People that adopt these new innovations of portable satellite radio will find that the low monthly fee associated with the services is truly minimal. It costs a little as thirteen bucks a month for all the music, comedy and other entertainment you can handle. Add in the extra advantage of it all being commercial free, and the sound quality is the best available and a portable satellite radio is looking like the best piece of personal electronics you can invest in. So if you?re a true music lover, and spend a lot of time on the go take a look at portable satellite radios. You don?t know what you?re missing.

Learn more about portable satellite radios and satellite radios services at Satellite Radio roundup.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Why You Should Consider Sirius Satellite Radio

What is the best entertainment at a cheap price for your car, home, or office? I know you might initially be thinking the internet or a DVD player is the answer, but the newest trend is a twist on an old form of entertainment. Satellite radio frees you from commercials and is a great experience for most. You don?t have to listen to jingles and bad commercials. There is also no need to seek out obscure radio stations when you are in a rural area. One of the best ways to get satellite radio is through Sirius Satellite Radio.

Sirius Satellite Radio is the second of the satellite radio companies to take to the sky. They were a pioneer in many technological ways, but were spawned as a competitor coming behind XM. They helped to really popularize satellite radio and are quickly gaining ground on the leader in the industry. Sirius Satellite Radio is certainly here to stay.

As was mentioned before, Sirius Satellite Radio was an up and comer with its own advances in the industry. Because of this, they have a market share just behind the 2 million listeners XM boasts. That is still no where near the popularity of cable and satellite television, but it is a big stare for something that has not been around very long. Sirius Satellite Radio has had time to establish themselves by making contacts with DISH Network, so that they actually have access to over 10 million listeners. You can find everything from classical, to rapp, to jazz on their stations. In addition to the many music stations, Sirius Satellite Radio also has many additional channels consisting of news, sports, talk, and even entertainment. Then, to make sure local customers don?t miss out, Sirius Satellite Radio offers a total of more than 120 channels if you add up everything they air.

There are many reasons to choose satellite radio. It is, after all, the hottest and newest trend in radio entertainment and can be valuable to you in your home, office, or even your vehicle. In fact, many new cars and trucks are coming equipped for satellite radio and include programming packages prepaid for a year or so. The idea is that once you have it you won?t want to be without it. So if you enjoy radio entertainment and like the idea of having many varieties in programming at your fingertips, then consider Sirius Satellite Radio or one of the other satellite radio programming providers out there. You will find a more consistent, convenient, and on demand radio programming selection right at your fingertips.

If would like to find more of my personal articles on Satellite Radio, please feel free to visit my website on Satellite Tips!

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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Satellite Radio vs. Digital HD Radio - And The Winner Is

There's a lot of buzz right now about satellite radio, largely because of Howard Stern's move to Sirius Satellite Radio.

While moving to Sirius might make sense for Howard because of his scatological language and on-the-air hi-jinks, it just might not make as much sense for most radio listeners.

You see, satellite radio is about to see competition from a new technology called HD Radio.

HD Radio is the digital system recently approved by the U.S. Government for multicasts of local AM and FM radio. This is, of course, broadcast radio ? meaning there is no fee and no subscription required.

The benefits of HD radio are:

  • AM radio sounds as good as today's FM radio.
  • FM sounds almost as good as if you were listening to a CD.
  • Multicasting means that stations can add as many as two additional digital subchannels to their primary broadcasts. And broadcasters have said that many of these subchannels will be commercial free -- at least initiallyi ? just like satellite radio.
  • HD radio includes text messaging so that you eventually will be able to receive real-time weather forecasts, traffic updates and other information right on your radio.
  • People who have been testing the first HD tabletop radio from Boston Acoustics have said maybe satellite broadcasters better start worrying. The Recepter HD radio measures just 4.4 by 7.6 by 6.75 inches, with an extension speaker that is 4.4 by 4.4 by 6.0 inches, but produces sound that can only be described as amazing.

    Besides being free and offering great sound, HD radio has another important feature that satellite radio can't match. Its programming is local. Satellite radio may be commercial free, but there's no local weather reports, no traffic updates, no local news, no local personalities.

    The battle between satellite radio vs. terrestrial radio is not going to go away. Satellite radio will grow in popularity. And terrestrial radio is about to get a second life ? thanks to digital HD radio.

    So, the real winner in this war won't be either. It will be us consumers. We will be able to choose satellite radio, conventional AM or FM radio, digital HD Radio or all three.

    It really is a case of ?the more choices, the merrier.?

    Do you play golf? If you do and you'd like to reduce your handicap -- and have a great vacation -- all at the same time, you just can't beat North or South Carolina. To learn more about golf schools in these two states, including their costs, just go to http://www.topcarolinagolfschools.com

    Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive, an avid golfer, the author of numerous articles on HD radio, and the Internet and the publisher and webmaster of http://www.hd-radio-home.com

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    Is Satellite Radio Killing Broadcast Radio?

    Local radio has taken a beating from satellite radio. But are XM and Sirius capable of killing local broadcast radio?

    The broadcasting corporations such as Infinity and Clear Channel are answering with an emphatic ?no!? And they have a powerful weapon called HD Radio to back up their position.

    HD Radio is digital radio. As such, it enable a dramatic increase in sound quality. In fact, it makes AM radio sound as good as today's FM and FM sound as if you were listening to a CD.

    Other important reasons

    But there are other, equally important, reasons why satellite radio will never replace conventional radio. First and foremost, is cost. Satellite radio costs anywhere from $11 to $14 a month and conventional radio is free. As a result there are only about 5.5 million satellite radio listeners in the U.S.and literally hundreds of millions of broadcast radio listeners. It's pretty hard to believe that satellite radio will ever have 100 million listeners, let alone several hundred million.

    Second, satellite radio can't deliver local information or programming. People will always turn to their local stations for weather, traffic reports, news and to hear their favorite personalities.

    Third, satellite radio cannot continue to hire personalities such Howard Stern and Bob Dylan to attract subscribers because the cost is just too prohibitive vs. revenue generated from new subscribers. In fact,J.P. Morgan just downgraded the stocks of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Corp saying that these two companies face near-term challenges to subscriber growth.

    With a new concept called HD2

    Because HD radio is digital, it requires less spectrum. This allows stations to broadcast their primary FM channel in digital and up to two more subchannels. These subchannels, which are being called HD2, will be used by broadcasters for new programming content. For example, a station might broadcast oldies of the 80s on its primary channel and hits from the 70s on an HD2 channel. The subchannels will not only be free, they will most likely be commercial free to compete head-to-head with satellite radio.

    In short, broadcast radio is not going to die anytime soon. Or anytime at all.

    Do you play golf? If you do and you'd like to reduce your handicap -- and have a great vacation -- all at the same time, you just can't beat North or South Carolina. To learn more about golf schools in these two states, including their costs, just go to http://www.topcarolinagolfschools.com

    Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive, an avid golfer, the author of numerous articles on HD radio, and the Internet and the publisher and webmaster of http://www.hd-radio-home.com

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    Monday, March 3, 2008

    Now Might Be a Great Time to Buy a Satellite Radio But There Are Some Things to Consider

    If you've been thinking about buying an XM or Sirius Radio, now might be a good time to make that purchase as the cost of these radios is now at the lowest point ever.

    For example, Crutchfield has the Delphi Roady2 XM Satellite Radio Personal Audio System Package for just $79.99. This package includes Roady2 XM radio with car kit, antenna, and wireless remote and Personal Audio System. As recently as six month ago, the cost of this unit might have been twice as much.

    Crutchfield has the hot Delphi SA10113 MyFi XM2Go for $149.99 after $150 savings and a $50 mail-in rebate. This package includes MyFi portable XM receiver, car kit, home kit, earphones, rechargeable battery, belt clip, and wireless remote.

    If Sirius is more your thing, you can get the XACT XTR2CK Sirius Satellite Radio and Car Kit from Crutchfield for $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate, or the XACT XTR3CK Plug and Play Radio and Car Kit for just $49.99.

    Why have these radios gotten so cheap?

    The prices of these radios have dropped to these new lows because both companies have adapted the ?razor and razor blade? marketing strategy. This is based on a discovery made years ago by razor manufacturers ? that you can just about give a man a razor because you will then sell him the blades to use with it for years and years to come.

    In other words, XM and Sirius are offering you satellite radios at really cheap prices so they can continue to sell you their services at $12.95 a month for years and years to come.

    Stop and think before you buy

    Before you buy a satellite radio, you might think about two things. First, that $12.95 a month. On the face of it, that might not seem like much but that's $155 a year ? this year and every year ? for years and years. The second thing to think about is HD Radio. This new technology makes AM sound as clear and static-free as today's FM, and FM sound as crystal-clear as if you were listening to a CD. Plus, HD radio is broadcast over the airways and is completely free, just like AM or FM radio.

    So before you rush out to buy one of those low-price satellite radios, you might want to stop and think about that $155 a year vs. free.

    Do you play golf? If you do and you'd like to reduce your handicap -- and have a great vacation -- all at the same time, you just can't beat North or South Carolina. To learn more about golf schools in these two states, including their costs,just go to http://www.topcarolinagolfschools.com

    Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive, an avid golfer, the author of numerous articles on HD radio, and the Internet and the publisher and webmaster of http://www.topcarolinagolfschools.com

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    Saturday, March 1, 2008

    Commercial-Free Programming: Just One of the Benefits of Satellite Radio

    Think of your favorite music or discussion topics, piped into your home or car in digital-quality, crystal-clear sound. And then think of your favorite format with absolutely no commercials - no used car salesmen, no fuel company ads, no heavy rotation ads hawking every possible product or service all the way to work and home again - all your favorite stations available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with no static.

    Whether you love fifties music or reggae, conversation from right wing pundits or Air America, or even 'round the clock comedy, Satellite Radio is it. The purchase of a satellite radio and a small monthly fee will open a whole world of ad-free radio listening to you.

    XM Satellite Radio offers over 150 digital channels in formats specializing in music, sports, talk, and entertainment, plus 21 channels dedicated to weather and traffic patterns in major metropolitan areas around the U.S. XM offers the deepest music playlist available, with over 2 million titles. For $12.95 a month (less if you opt for an annual contract) and the cost of an XM radio (anywhere from 50 to 200 dollars, after rebate) you will have an amazing range of music formats to choose from, from Decades to Classical to Urban, from Jazz and Blues to Latin, World, and Christian. Channels for kids are available as well, plus a variety of sports, talk and comedy formats.

    Sirius offers over 60 music channels plus a wide variety of other formats, including football, soccer, and even horse racing channels. The "World" music options are a bit more edgy than the XM offerings, and offer music from all over the world, including Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, the British Isles, Central Europe and Asia. Musicians range from the Rolling Stones to the Gypsy Kings and Khadja Nin. Both XM and Sirius offer channels which give emerging artists a boost.

    Sirius offers a variety of radio systems, including a Plug and Play kit with adaptors for your car or home radio, only $29.99 after the rebate; the systems go up in price and complexity from there. Subscriptions start at $12.95. Right now Sirius and XM systems are not compatible.

    Owners of conventional broadcast radio stations have expressed concerns that the commercial-free satellite stations will cut into their listenership and, as a result, their ad revenue; but the proponents of satellite radio feel that that won't happen. There's plenty of room for free local programming offering local and regional news and events announcements. With this thought in mind, both XM and Sirius offer radios which can be connected to home or car radios without interfering with their regular operation, for the best of both worlds: free local stations keeping the listener up to date on happenings in their community, plus the best in music, talk, and sports from around the world.

    Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com

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    The History Of Portable Satellite Radios

    The history of portable satellite radios is short compared to traditional over-the-air radio, but it has rapidly changed the face of radio listening like no other technology in recent memory. The two major satellite radio services, XM Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, offer a stunning array of programming and compete fiercely for customers.

    Their popularity has stunned many in the radio industry and with the advent of new, smaller, more convenient portable satellite radios, some industry veterans worry about the future viability of traditional broadcast radio.

    How did satellite radio get started and what is its future? Let?s take a look.

    The Beginnings of Satellite Radio

    The history of satellite radio begins in 1992, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to set aside a portion of spectrum to be devoted to nationwide distribution of digital radio service via satellite. SIRIUS Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio bid huge amounts of money (at least $80 million each) for licenses to use this new allocation of spectrum, which were eventually awarded to them by the FCC.

    Owning the right to use the spectrum, though, was only the first step. Even if they could start delivering satellite radio signals right away, there were no consumer-accessible portable satellite radios to receive the signal. Additionally, there was substantial debate within the radio industry about whether consumers would be willing to pay for new hardware and then pay a monthly subscription fee for radio service. After all, AM and FM radio broadcasts were available free all over the country.

    Making a Business out of Satellite Radio

    XM Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio set out to overcome these obstacles and make a real business out of portable satellite radios and satellite radio programming. They knew that to attract the most consumers they needed to offer a variety of hardware components that could be used in a variety of locations ? home, work, and especially the car, where most radio listening occurs.

    Working with electronics manufacturers already trusted and recognized by consumers (Sanyo, Panasonic, JVC, Kenwood, etc.), hardware development got underway. The results included portable satellite radios, receivers, and ?plug and play? components for nearly every consumer application. Manufacturers built satellite radio receivers for cars, homes, offices, trucks, RVs, boats, and even airplanes.

    On the programming side, XM and SIRUS put together an assortment of niche music stations that would have something to offer consumers with nearly any musical taste. Each station was programmed to appeal to a specific type of listener, and most were commercial-free. Programming originated primarily from New York, but also from other locations, plus XM and SIRIUS entered into collaborative agreements that would allow popular musicians, entertainers, personalities and others to perform live from the originating locations. This would give the services another unique selling point to attract consumers.

    Dealing with resistance to a monthly fee, though, required a broader array of marketing, public relations, and strategies to communicate the benefits and advantages of portable satellite radios. XM and SIRIUS knew that the key to their success would lie in convincing consumers of the value they would receive while making the hardware widely available and affordable.

    Spreading the Word

    Portable satellite radios began to show up in a variety of places where consumers would find it easy to use them. One of the most important places for XM and SIRIUS to gain entry for the hardware was in cars and trucks, where consumers do the vast majority of their radio listening.

    They collaborated with car and truck manufacturers to make portable satellite radios standard on many high-end luxury vehicles, and an affordable option on most other mid-range vehicles. For most of these consumers, the cost of a monthly subscription would not be prohibitive and by making it easy for them to access their services, XM and SIRIUS could entice consumers to try it out and start spreading the word about its value.

    Portable satellite radios were also placed in boats and RVs, and standard receivers were heavily marketed for use in homes and businesses. Another innovation, introduced in November 2004, is the handheld version of XM Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio receivers. These devices were designed to appeal to people who want access to satellite radio services while running, walking, or otherwise moving out and about in locations other than their cars, trucks, homes or offices.

    Another important component of spreading the word was establishing partnerships and marketing agreements with electronics retailers such as Circuit City, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and other well-known names. Working closely with retailers, XM and SIRIUS have greatly increased their presence with consumers and sales have steadily increased.

    Why Pay for Radio?

    Still, the bottom line question for most people is why pay for radio? The answer is in the benefits received with a subscription to satellite radio. Some of the most popular benefits include:

    More channel choices (up to 150) Commercial-free (music channels) Live audio streaming of sporting events Weather and traffic information (in major markets) Clear, crisp digital signal Signal available with no fading when driving long distances Niche music stations to suit any musical taste Assortment of sports, talk, and news stations

    Coming Soon

    Satellite radio service is in its infancy so it is inevitable that the technology and the features will continue to develop. XM Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio will have to devote resources to such innovations if they are to attract enough subscribers to become profitable.

    For example, one feature that will soon be available in some areas real time traffic information delivered via satellite directly to the navigation system in the car. This information will appear as color-coded displays of the average speed of vehicles on specific roads, allowing the driver to select the travel route that is least congested at any particular time.

    Other new options and ideas are inevitable over the next few years, so it is likely that portable satellite radios will continue to grow in popularity and become more common in vehicles, homes, offices, boats, RVs, and just about any other location that can be imagined.

    Julie-Ann Amos is a successful writer for 1st-Dish-TV.net, a consumer guide to free DirecTV satellite dish systems. She has contributed numerous articles on portable satellite radio receivers and writes frequently on high speed satellite Internet service providers

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