Questions & Answers About Satellite Radios

Question: A Brief Overview of Satellite Radio Answer: Satellite radio means pay-radio or it may also be called a subscription radio. It is a little bit like the traditional one, but it has more programs than the traditional one does. It's available in Africa, Asia and Europe due to the services provided by WorldSpace and in North America by Sirius and XM Radio.

Question: What are the advantages of Satellite Radio? Answer: There is a wide variety of programs that includes: (rock, modern rock, alternative, classical, pop, hip-hop, country, jazz, electronic, Christian, Latin), weather, news, traffic, sports and entertainment channels---no commercials---. Satellite Radio has a clean, digital signal and it is close to the quality of a CD. It has no static and no interference. You can get satellite radio not only in your car, but anywhere you like: in your house, in an Rv, in your boat so that you can enjoy the programming variety that this radio is offering whether you are relaxing in your sofa, if you are in a vacation or if you are in your car on a business travel. The only thing you must do is to properly install the equipment that you need. Purchasing the equipment, you will also have information which will be displayed on the radio receiver about channels, music, songs and artists.

Question: Any Disadvantages? Answer: Unfortunately, Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Territories can't receive the satellite radio's signals. There are no local stations, but you will have local traffic and weather channels provided by XM and Sirius.

Question: What does provide XM and Sirius radio? Answer: There a few differences between them. For example, the XM provides more that 150 channels and the other one more than 120 channels. The first has two Nascar racing channels, Major League Baseball, PGA TOUR coverage, plus ACC, Big Ten, and Pac-10 football and basketball coverage and the Sirius has Live NFL, NHL, and NBA play-by-play, plus English Premier League soccer and college sports game. But they have the same price $12.95/Month

Question: How do I install satellite radio? Answer: There are a few things that are necessary to get satellite radio. First you need a satellite radio antenna that picks up the signal from communicational satellites and then delivering it to you. Then you need a satellite radio tuner that passes the signal from the radio antenna to the receiver. There are three basic types of radio turners. There are the Plug-and-play satellite radio tuners that can be used in the car or at home or with a portable boom-box wherever you have satellite signal and they only need one subscription. There are three types of Satellite radio tuners for the car: universal tuners, "Satellite radio-ready" in-dash receivers and in-dash receivers with a built-in satellite radio tuner. The last basic type is the Home satellite radio tuners perfect for using them in-door. The third item is a satellite radio receiver which helps you to select channels and categories, to view various songs or artists information. Last but not least is a subscription to XM or Sirius radio that must be acquired in order to receive programming.

If you want to have the best quality sound in your car you can choose between these three options: 1. in-dash receiver with a built-in satellite radio tuner 2. "satellite radio-ready" receiver connected to an external satellite radio tuner 3. Plug-and-play satellite radio tuner connected to your car stereo's auxiliary input.

Satellite-Radio-Central has been providing information and resources for people online who are looking for more information on Satellite Radios. For more information on Satellite Radios visit: http://www.satellite-radio-central.com/satellite-radio

Satellite Car Radio Is Cutting Edge

Satellite car radio is a growing industry in today?s market place. Most common car audio manufacturers have adapted their products to include satellite car radio services. This allows drivers a wider range of music for their listening pleasure making the travel place a much more entertaining place to be.

When it comes to the dreariness and monotony of the daily commute for those employed individuals, satellite car radio can offer a fresh breath of air with their wide variety of entertainment with the convenience of being mobile. Many morning show personalities have opted to take the satellite radio route as opposed to limiting themselves to syndication by normal radio station broadcasters. Satellite car radio has given the on-air personalities a wider range of listeners during the daily commute.

Because of the nature of today?s workplace and the face-paced world around us, the need to be able to have variety while on the go has caused a boom in the satellite car radio industry spawning service providers such as Sirius and XM radio along with many not so well known providers of satellite radio service. This has put a drive (no pun intended) into car audio manufacturers to make their products more of satellite car radio instead of the normal car audio systems that limit buyers to local analog radio transmissions, compact disc, and cassette capabilities.

With technologies today growing and expanding at the rate they are, the industry has grown leaps and bounds not only in the forms of media car audio equipment will accept but integrating things from our every day lives such as Mp3 capabilities, and Satellite capabilities. There are very few manufactures now that do not offer some form of satellite car radio. Your typical car stereos and the radio capabilities have been far exceeded and become a profitable market for satellite providers.

These days when you are shopping for car audio systems, you can find satellite car radio units for near as close of cost as you can your typical car audio systems with standard analog capabilities. Why wouldn?t you go for a satellite car radio instead of your plain run of the mill car stereo? When for only a few pennies on the dollar more you can in with the times and become a listener of a satellite car radio, giving you more choice when you want it, with the technologies of today?s leading industry of satellite technologies.

With all of the options you have in today?s car audio industry I see no reason to go with your standard car radio options and not give in to the growing demand of satellite car radio. Not only is it and advantage cost-wise but it also targets every genre of music, news, and talk radio you could think of. If you are looking to get out of the boredom of your daily commute, or just looking to appease the family when going on vacation I would strongly recommend that you look into satellite car radio as a great alternative for your listening needs.

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.

iPod Connectivity and Satellite Radio, Ford's Growing Pride

Without any difficulty, drivers can now enjoy audio presentations by plugging their iPod into their vehicles or by just listening to Sirius satellite radio. These innovations are brought by Ford to the automobile industry in its latest vehicle lineup. Said big changes are expected to double the sales of Ford vehicles in the year to come.

Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas noted, "We at Ford have pledged to listen more closely to our customers, and that includes knowing how they want to use their personal audio devices while driving. We see the booming trend in the audio marketplace, and we are responding quickly in our vehicles."

In addition, Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's product and business development for electronics said, "The iPod has been a huge hit, and we at Ford wanted to develop a way for people to bring the device into their Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle without having to fuss with the device while driving. What we've accomplished with the integration of the iPod into our vehicles is just one piece of a much broader effort at Ford Motor Company to respond to customer trends more quickly."

In 2007 Ford lineup, built-in auxiliary audio-input jacks were offered. The jacks allow iPod or mp3 player integration to come up with an impeccable audio output in the vehicle. Said lineup includes Ford Edge, Mustang, Fusion, Explorer, Expedition, Sport Trac, Ranger, F-150 and more.

Early next year, Ford will also be offering TripTunes Advanced audio system. The latter is an iPod integration that provides quality sounds even while recharging. TripTunes Advanced allows the driver to keep the ipod in the glove box and select or manage music through the radio controls or steering wheel.

Another upcoming offer by Ford is the incorporation of Sirius radio. Field's also noted, "In 2005, less than half of our vehicles were available with a navigation system, satellite radio or auxiliary audio inputs. For 2007, we're doubling the models available with a navigation system and quadrupling the number with SIRIUS satellite radio."

In this regard, Ford Mustang performance parts as well as those of Fusion, F-150 and other Ford vehicles were designed to cater to said phenomenal innovations.

Ford Parts Online
Ford Mustang performance parts
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Radio

Are you interested in satellite radio but have some questions about it? If you do, you should read on. This article will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about satellite radio.

What is satellite radio? This is the most basic question of course. Satellite radio is a subscription based service where users can receive music and talk programming on their radios broadcast from a satellite.

How does it sound? Since it is broadcast in an all digital format, satellite radio will sound better than your standard FM station. It will have music quality compatible to a CD player.

Do I have to buy a new radio? Unfortunately yes you do have to buy a new radio. Your current radio will not be capable of receiving the satellite signal. If you do not want to completely replace your radio, you can purchase an adapter that will allow you to play it over your radio.

Can I get local stations over satellite? No, you can only get local stations with an FM receiver.

Can I use my satellite radio in my home? Yes, you can get satellite radio in your home. Some radios will even allow you to transfer the receiver from your car to your homes stereo.

What kind of programming is available? All sorts of programs are available. You can find talk shows, music stations broadcasting all genres of music (many commercial free) sports, weather and even traffic in major cities.

I have Sirius and want to switch to XM. Can I use the same radio? No, the two major providers (Sirius and XM) do not use compatible equipment. If you want to switch providers you will have to buy all new equipment.

Learn about free satellite tv , satellite radio and internet on the authors website.

Satellite Radio Makes Sense

Like cable television, Satellite radio is fast becoming a new genre of and unto itself. While not having to endure the same regulations as applied by the FCC in regards to free radio, the broadcasters of satellite radio, like cable television, have more options available to them and are able to offer a wider variety of programming as a direct result.

Satellite radio is the cable television of the radio broadcasting world. People can buy a satellite radio subscription in much the same manner that they would subscribe to cable television. The subscription includes various types of radio broadcasting not otherwise available to the listener. These usually include more adult-oriented radio broadcasting since the FCC does not regulate the industry in the same manner that they do for the free radio airwaves.

Since people are paying for the privilege of listening, and satellite radio is a buyer?s market, the wide selection of broadcast media that is available are regulated mostly by what the listeners want and what they are willing to pay for. While satellite radio may not be a viable alternative for everyone, it does offer more listening opportunities for those people who are willing to pay for it. Satellite radio subscriptions vary in cost, but all things being equal, the subscription fees are not at all unattractive when the broad spectrum of radio programming is compared to what limited choices are available without satellite radio.

There are also still some limitations in the availability of satellite radio. While these areas are in steady decline as satellite radio listeners increase in numbers, there are still voids in the market where it is not yet financially feasible to install satellite radio options. It is best to check for the availability of satellite radio before purchasing any satellite ready receivers.

Satellite radio receivers vary in all manner of shape, style and output range and are available to fit the needs of most any satellite radio listener. Deciding which one is best for any given use will require the purchaser to do a little research into satellite radio and what local options are available, then adjusted according to the personal preferences of the listener.

While the advent of Satellite radio technology is seen as a new path to freedom for some and a road to decline for others, the satellite radio of today looks like it is here to stay. If satellite radio is available in your area, it can be a worthy investment. Satellite radio really does offer many options not available to the regular radio listener.

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.

Best LIVE Satellite TV/Radio for Your PC

Are you looking for the best website for watching 1000s of Satellite TV/Radio stations from all around the globe right on your PC? If yes, I've an answer for you. I've purchased a few online TV packages and this is the best site (SatelliteTVtoPC.com) that I recommend for watching more than 3000 quality Satellite TV stations right on your PC with a wide range of selections at the cheapest onetime price.

First of all, you don't need any special/extra hardware or equipment such as TV card or Satellite Receiver to use this service. As soon as signup was done, I got a link to the download site via email to download their software for LIVE broadcasts. I was able to watch worldwide TV stations instantly after installing the software. The picture resolution and sound quality are good. The software is neatly arranged with user-friendly menu options for easy navigation. It provides thousands of TV (3000+) stations and as well as major Radio stations from around the globe.

For instance, if you want to watch LIVE Game broadcasts, you don't need expensive Satellite or Pay-Per-View service anymore. You can watch all of them including their local commercials for FREE in your PC, which we think is the greatest feature. None of the channels are pre-recorded and all of them are LIVE stream videos from the fastest servers in their network. If you're a great Jazz fan, you got all Jazz Radio stations around the world including major US Jazz stations in one place.

The TV/Radio channels are arranged by country names and selecting a specific country's TV stations is very straightforward. I like the stations especially from UK, Canada, Australia, and of course US channels including News, Shopping, Sports, Weather, Movies, Music & much more. If you're a world traveler don't want to miss your home favorite channels, this is the best software for you. All you need is your Laptop, this software and of course internet connection.

Check this out: http://www.MoviesNMusic4u.com/SatelliteTVtoPC

SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO

Dish Network, in their steadfast pursuit of the best in audio programming services, is pleased to offer their subscriber base the ultimate in content and sound provided by Sirius Satellite Radio services.

Based in New York and operational since 1999, Sirius Satellite Radio is a service provider who provides 68 streams of music and 55 streams of sports, news, and entertainment to both the United States and Canada - 24 hours a day, commercial-free. When a song is broadcast, the user can view the name of the artist and song info while listening. Programming streams are relayed to one of three satellites orbiting above North America. They are received and digitally transmitted back to earth where a receiver intercepts one of the channels within the signal. Reception is great as signals beamed to ground repeaters may be received in congested urban areas without interruption. No matter where you are located, reception is great. Satellite radio music and commentary is delivered digitally and are of a higher quality than standard radio signals and special receivers are necessary to decode signals. The Federal Communications Commission does not regulate satellite providers. This service is not free and those who desire it may subscribe directly to Sirius Satellite Radio. Music channels include Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B/Urban, Classical, Rock, and Country, and much more. Sports streams include NBA, NFL, and NHL exclusives plus ESPN sports. Excellent talk programming by Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, and others is featured in addition to news channels, children's programming (Radio Disney), and much more. Traffic and weather programs are featured and partnered with automobile companies and airlines that offer promotions to subscribers. Technical support and service are available 24 hours a day, and service and support availability is a valuable commodity in this day and time.

Sirius Satellite Radio provides a subset of streams (channels) of music to Dish Network satellite television as a part of their services to more than 12 million subscribers in the United States. Dish Network provided in-flight satellite audio services to an airline company in the U.S., and it was well received. In 2004, selected music channels were added to Dish Network's music lineup. Sirius channels are identified on Dish Network's lineup as XS ('XS20', 'XS109'). Millions of satisfied Dish Network customers sing the praises of Sirius programming with consumers being given the option of choosing programming - wherever and whenever they desire. Sirius offers more than 60 channels of round the clock music selections, and includes Country, Hip-Hop, R&B/Urban, Dance/Electronic, Jazz, Classical, Rock, and Pop. Sirius music is included in their offer of programming packages and is delivered in excellent CD quality or Dolby Surround sound.

Dish Network's offer of free equipment and professional installation is an attractive bonus that is in addition to their provision of the best audio and video programming available to date.

Keith Osik has spent years advising consumers about the best deals available for satellite TV. Keith's expert analysis of satellite television promotions and services are invaluable resources for informed satellite consumers. For more information go to http://www.dishnetworktalk.com

RIAA Kills Sirius Satellite Radio, Destroys Value of Consumer Product

Since the beginning of Radio's inception, no one has dared to arrest people who copy songs from the radio.

RIAA, the Recording Industry Association of America, now dares. They have banned Sirius from allowing more than one downloadable song per download. The only reason for this is because the Satellite radio songs are just as good quality as MP3, thereby eliminating the need to buy the MP3's.

RIAA has now pushed legislation through the house "to protect content delivered through high-definition (HD) radio receivers". What that means, is anyone using a HIGH QUALITY method to copy a song is in violation of the law. But if you use a low-quality method; say, a cassette, then it's okay.

Where is the logic in that? Aren't laws a reflection of moral values? So it's moral to copy a song onto cassette, but immoral to copy it onto a MP3 player?

Something is insanely illogical about that concept. RIAA claims musicians can't make money if their songs are all downloaded illegally.

Only a century ago, there wasn't a police force that prevented anyone but the original composer from playing their music in the streets. If Beethoven wanted to make money, he had to play in a concert for the people. He couldn't just kick back and earn money every time a fiddler in the street played a tune from his concerto.

So what holds water about the RIAA argument? Very little in terms of historical legitimacy, and even in modern times, musicians are pulling in record numbers from concerts. The Rolling Stones pulled in over $162 million in 2005 from tours. Green Day pulled in $39 million, and Dave Matthews raked $31 million, with significantly less touring than the Stones. Is that not enough?

Even Paul McGuinness the manager of U2 said, "Our recording income is not insignificant, but it's less than we make from touring. The figures used to be closer together." U2's 2005 tour pulled in $139 million.

So with concert income rising grotesquely, does the RIAA even have the right to push its legalistic agenda? Ironically, the spread of free music has encouraged music listening far beyond paid music: the increased availability of music has lead to increased concert-going fans as the record-breaking tours indicate.

With concert rates rising, and the income disparity from concerts and recording sales, perhaps RIAA should consider their nefarious designs at deciding what is Right and Wrong. Like a master teaching his dog manners, RIAA tells the consumers: Record radio on a cassette, good. Record radio onto MP3, bad dog, Sirius gets a time-out, and the critically acclaimed S50 is the first casualty in the war for consumer rights against RIAA.

In so doing, since the Sirius S50 was owned by hundreds of thousands, the RIAA has essentially destroyed the value of a product that did not belong to them. Without a moral basis for doing so, that is where the true immorality lies.

Maybe if the public starts downloading satellite radio music onto CD, then RIAA will help get CD recording of radio will be banned too.

Jonathan Baldwin, is the creator of a XM vs Sirius comparison website. You can find a copy of the article here: RIAA Kills Sirius S50

Your Options for Buying a Satellite Radio Player

Americans are slowly changing the way that they listen to music.  Instead of listening to limited radio stations that are sometimes filled with commercials, people are now getting their music through satellite radio. 

Sirius and XM are the top suppliers of satellite radio.  To listen to this amazing, commercial free programming all listeners will need a satellite radio player.  If you are interested in making the switch from traditional radio programming to satellite radio then you have four options when it comes to selecting a player.

(1)  Satellite Radio Players for the Car

When you are in your car, how often do you turn the radio on?  Since the majority of Americans listen to music when they are in their vehicle, satellite radio players for the car are always in demand.  Satellite radio players that are designed for cars often come in two varieties.  There are some players that can be inserted where a traditional car radio goes.  These players would require a mounting plate.  Circle or other shaped players can be mounted on the dashboard or the ceiling of vehicle. 

The average price for satellite radio players designed for the car is between $70 and $150.


(2)  Portable Satellite Radio Players

In addition to satellite radio, other advancements in music include Ipods and MP3 players.  These products are popular because they are portable.  One thing that many individuals, maybe even yourself included, do not know about satellite radios is that some of them are also portable.  These portable players are most commonly used when exercising or traveling on foot. 

The average price for a portable satellite radio is between $200 and $350.


(3)  Home-based Satellite Radio Players

Satellite radio players that are designed for home are similar to the above mentioned players; however, they are often stationary.  Home-based satellite radios come in a wide variety of different designs. The different design options make it possible to match a player with a particular home d?cor color or style.  Due to the size of most home satellite radios, they are often unable to be used in vehicles or as portable players.

The average price for a home-based satellite radio player is between $100 and $400.


(4)  AllinOne Satellite Radios

If you are music lover then it is likely that the above mentioned satellite radio players appealed to you, but what if all of them did?  Purchasing a satellite radio player for the home, vehicle, and another one to take with wherever you go can get fairly expensive.  All-in-one satellite radios are a solution to that potentially expensive problem.  All-in-one satellite radios are small enough so they can be transported whenever you go and they can also be used in the home or in your car. 
 
The average price of an all-in-one satellite player is between $150 and $350.

The features found on a satellite radio player will all depend on the manufacturer; however, there are some common product features.  The majority of satellite radio players come with rechargeable batteries, full color displays, channel presents, a remote control, and song storage.  Portable players are likely to come with headphones and a belt clip.  Satellite radios that are designed for the vehicle are likely to come with stands, suction cups, and other dashboard accessories. 

If you are interested in subscribing to a commercial-free satellite radio service then you will need at least one of the above mentioned satellite radio players.  Of course, you have the final decision when it comes to selecting a particular player, but you should know that all-in-one satellite radio players are now the most popular.  All-in-one satellite radios give you the ability to hook the player up to your car speakers, your speakers at home, or your headphones.  To most Americans, the features are well worth the price. 

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. http://www.satellite-radio-review.net

What You Need To Know About XM Satellite Radio

Satellite radio is catching on like wildfire these days and as more consumers actually gain experience with it, they come to appreciate it's benefits and get on board with this new technology. There are two main satellite radio service providers and they are Sirius and XM, but for this article let's just focus on what you need to know about XM satellite radio.

First of all, satellite radio is a new way of broadcasting radio signals that eliminates most of the problems and shortcomings of standard radio broadcasts. For instance, haven't you found it annoying that after you travel about 30 - 50 miles across country, you have to change the radio station because the one you are listening to fades out and becomes unlistenable? Well, satellite radio solves that problem as the radio signal is recorded digitally and transmitted to satellites that orbit the earth high in the atmosphere. Since there are no obstacles or obstructions between them and the listeners here on the ground, you can literally travel from coast to coast and keep listening to the same radio station as you do.

XM radio offers over 100 channels of radio programming too that runs the gamut from every kind of music you can imagine, to talk radio, sports programming, and much more. You can always find something good to listen to on XM radio, and they keep adding even more popular programming content as they go on. For instance, XM has recently added a channel called "Oprah & Friends" that will feature Oprah herself and many of the popular personalities from her show. They have also brought Bob Dylan on board to host a weekly show for music fans across the country. And more of this kind of original programming can be expected to arrive on XM in the near future.

One of the big advantages of XM satellite radio though is the ability to listen to it generally free of commercial interruptions. Because it is a subscription based service, there is no need to sell on-air advertising, and that simply means that listeners get more of what they really want, the programming that they signed up for. The service is very inexpensive at only $9.95 a month, so it's affordable by almost everyone.

You will have to purchase the receiving equipment necessary to decode the radio signal, in order to listen to it, but there is a wide array of electronics products that cater to XM radio. You can find units specifically made for your car, your home stereo, and even those that can be switched back and forth whenever you want. In fact, XM is also leading the industry by providing portable units from Samsung and Pioneer that can play XM radio wherever you are and also play MP3s, WMA files, and even recorded XM content too.

So why not consider joining the almost 6 million subscribers that are currently already on board and enjoy the breakthrough radio broadcasting technology from XM satellite radio?
 

Why You Should Get XM Satellite Radio Now

If you like listening to the radio, you should know that there are huge changes happening in the radio broadcasting industry and they all center around satellite radio. This new breakthrough will change forever the way that we listen to radio programming. If you haven't already heard a sample, or experienced satellite radio for yourself, make sure that you do soon.

Currently there are two major providers of satellite radio in North America and that is XM and Sirius. In this article let's see what you can expect to get when you become an XM radio customer.

First and foremost is the incredible unique programming that XM offers as part of it's service. With over 100 channels to choose from there is always something good to listen to. But check out some of these one-of-a-kind special broadcasts that is available, many of them only on XM :

* Music shows hosted by Bob Dylan, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Tom Petty, and Wynton Marsalis.

* Public Radio's Bob Edwards

* Major League Baseball games

* NASCAR

* World Cup

* Good Morning America Radio

* The Ellen Degeneres Show

* Oprah & Friends

and much more. New and fresh programming is being added constantly too.

Now consider that with all that great programming to choose from, most of it is provided absolutely free of all commercials and ads. Who actually likes listening to those anyway? And who likes having their favorite music or talk show interrupted by a person pitching something instead? Since the subscriber base pays for the programming with their $9.95 monthly subscription, there is no need to load up the channels with ads and commercials.

XM also records and transmits all of their radio signals in digital format, so as the listener you get clean clear sound that rivals that of CDs. This allows you to play XM satellite radio over your home or car stereo equipment without any hiss, fade, or loss of sound quality.

And because the radio signal is broadcast from satellites you never have to lose it like you do with standard radio stations. One of the most irritating things about standard radio for travelers is that the sound begins to break up and fade after just 30 miles or so and so you have to keep fishing for new radio stations that have the kind of programming that you like to listen to. But with XM radio that is a thing of the past.

So all-in-all XM satellite radio is inexpensive, high quality radio programming is always on no matter where you go. What could be better?
 

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.

Satellite Radio: Music and More in Real Time

Millions of radio listeners in the United States and all over the world have
become so much happier with the introduction of satellite radio. Now, people can
listen to literally hundreds of stations that offer music, news, radio talk
shows and more in virtually real-time and at a much higher audio quality than
that which FM or AM radio provides.


With conventional radio, land-based stations broadcast their signals to your
boom box, computer, or car radio via the earth's airwaves. With satellite radio
however, providers transmit encrypted signals to satellites they launched in
outer space; these satellites in turn beam the signals to customers' listening
devices. But you can't use just any radio; you need a special receiver (which is
available at electronics retailers) and a satellite radio set. You can also
listen to satellite radio broadcasts in your car since many new cars rolling of
the assembly lines have satellite-ready equipment already installed. All you
would need to do is pay for your monthly subscription.


In the United States, service is offered by XM Satellite Radio and Sirius
Satellite Radio. Sirius, a company based in New York City, has over 125 channels
from which to choose, 67 of them dedicated to commercial-free music and the rest
to various other content. XM, on the other hand, offers more than 160 channels,
which offer content that is as diverse as that which Sirius extends to its
customers. The services are available coast-to-coast, so geographical
availability of programs is not an issue. A customer in Los Angeles, for
example, can listen to the same talk show that another customer in say, Boston,
is listening to at the same time, and with no degradation in audio quality.
Remember that satellite radio also means digital radio -- sound is
crystal-clear. There's none of the static or hissing you would sometimes hear on
FM or AM radio. Non-US residents can also take advantage of the benefits of
satellite radio; XM and Sirius offer their services in Canada, while WorldSpace
broadcasts its service across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Australia has several providers of its own also.


Factors that attract people to sign up for satellite radio subscriptions are
numerous. For one thing, there's the pleasure of listening to commercial-free
music. Since the providers make their money from subscriptions, there is still
no pressing need for advertising revenue. Another attractive feature that this
service offers is that information about the song being played at the moment is
displayed on your radio set -- a small convenience for those people who have to
know about who is singing what song right-now. The fact that satellite radio
programming is completely uncensored at the moment is also a draw for many
people. Noteworthy personalities, such as shock jock Howard Stern (who was
kicked out of network radio programming) has made satellite radio his new
broadcasting home. Whether you want to listen to hip-hop music, stand-up comedy
shows, or news programs, satellite radio offers them -- all completely
uncensored.


Because Sirius, XM, and other providers are the ones who set the channel
selections, some people might find it a bit inconvenient that they won't be able
to listen to their local radio stations and get information on local goings-on.
However, Sirius and XM do provide traffic and weather data for major cities, so
that should be a bit of a relief for city residents. And if you think about it,
not getting access to one local radio station wouldn't seem to be such a bad
deal if you compare it to the ability to listen to hundreds of channels of
commercial-free music and unregulated non-regulated shows.


Sirius and XM plan to add even more features and functions to offer to their
subscribers. Sirius, in particular, is readying the launch of a Windows Media
Video 9 service and the company plans to offer several channels dedicated to
children. That's one more thing to keep the kids occupied and not distract their
parents on long road trips. XM plans to release a similar video service. The two
companies are anticipating that this will add to the number of their subscribers
-- Sirius has over one million, trailing after XM which has more than three
million.


If you're an avid radio listener and you're finding yourself becoming fed up
with the constant barrage of commercials on regular music stations or if you're
looking for more no-holds-barred commentaries or radio talk shows, you probably
wouldn't mind forking over the $12.95 monthly subscription for satellite radio
service charged by Sirius and XM. And with the increases that the two companies
see in their subscriber numbers, it's evident that a lot of people feel the same
way.

Satellite Radio News

Satellite Radio has become a very popular alternative to broadcast radio since its first release. It did take a while for the two competitors of satellite radio, Sirius and XM, to begin gaining customers. Equipment was expensive and bulky. There is also a monthly fee for the service, where broadcast radio is free. Satellite does have a few advantages against broadcast that helped it gain momentum more each year. There are very few channels on satellite radio that have commercials. This is very similar to premium cable television like HBO or Showtime...they cost extra but have no commercials. Another great feature Satellite Radio offers is quality that you cannot find in broadcast radio. Satellite radio is a digital signal that sounds cleaner and has virtually no static because with digital signals you either have close to full quality or nothing at all. Satellite also offers coast to coast coverage so you do not have to search for a local station when you travel. Recent technology moves have helped the receiver end of satellite radio tremendously. Car manufacturers now offer satellite equipment built in to new cars so that there is nothing to buy, just the monthly service fee. Some car companies like GMC only offer XM capability, but many companies offer you to choose either but not both. Car manufacturers also offer much more high end stereos that can utilize the benefits of a digital signal. They use this as a sales pitch to show how good their stereos really are. Satellite does have new competition that is broadcast for free like analog radio. HD Radio will be broadcast by many local stations in the near future offering better quality than satellite radio. This is much like television stations that broadcast HD TV locally. There are still commercials, but clear sound and music information about artists is available by any HD Radio equipped stereo. Only the future will tell if people are willing to shell out the dough to avoid commercials.

David Stone has more than 20 years experience in the electronics and technology field. Find more great information at Find the latest information and more at http://all-satellite-radio.info/.

How Does Satellite Radio Work

It looks like satellite radio is here to stay. With the availability of equipment and the benefits the service has to offer, it seems more and more people are choosing to use satellite radio. If you are wondering how satellite radio works, read on.

Satellite radio offers you commercial free radio. No more static, no more interrupted broadcasts; just hour after hour of uninterrupted music. And you won?t lose your favorite radio station as you cross the state. But you will have to pay for all this convenience.

Your dependable traditional radio won?t work for satellite radio, so you?ll need to purchase a new radio and you will need to have it installed (unless you are purchase a portable system). The price of the new radio varies depending on the model you choose. You?ll also need to pay an activation fee and a monthly fee.

Think of satellite radio as an extension of cable. For your monthly fee you?ll get edgier and less censored programming, innovative programming, more channels, and specialty channels. As an added convenience, while you?re listening to the music you?ll see the name of the song and the artist name displayed which means no more confusion about whose song is playing.

Back in 1992 the FCC allocated the 2.3 GHz or S band for nationwide broadcasting of satellite based DARS. Four companies applied for licensing and two were granted licenses. The two that were granted licenses were Sirius and XM. Both already had satellites in orbit.

They operate by beaming their programming to their satellite, which then transmits the signal to the ground. Your satellite radio then picks up the channel you have selected to listen to.

For listeners that live in urban areas satellite signals can become interrupted, so the satellite providers also beam the signal to ground repeaters to ensure that doesn?t happen.

Sirius was the first to offer commercial free programming on its music channels, but both Siruis and XM now have commercial free programming. Both are competitively priced. Currently, XM offers over 160 commercial free channels. Sirius has over 125 commercial free channels.

The special programming that Siruis and XM carry is the deciding factor of which service to choose for many people. Sirius carries NFL football games; XM carries college games. XM carries NASCAR races; Siruis has a Playboy channel. Sirius carries Howard Stern; XM carries Oprah.

Satellite radio is no longer the radio of the future. It?s the radio of today, and is being chosen over traditional radio programming by more and more people every day.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for SatelliteCritique.com. For our satellite radio guide and for satellite radio reviews, visit us.

The Easy Two Step Process For Getting Sirius Satellite Radio

You have probably been hearing about satellite radio for a while and of course, lately there has been plenty of news about Howard Stwern setting up shop on Sirius and bringing his fan base along with him. So now you have decided that it's time to get on the bandwagon with this new technology and experience satelite radio for yourself.

If you live in the US you only have two choices for programming, XM and Sirius. In this article, we will discuss Sirius and the things you will need to do to sign up with them and receive their programming signal.

First of all, before you get started, make sure that Sirius is the provider that you really want. This is because once you decide on the provider or service, that will dictate which receiving equipment that you will need to purchase, and most importantly, once you have that equipment you will not be able to use it to change your subscription and receive the other provider's signal. So make your choice wisely here to avoid costly changes later on.

Now that you have definitely decided on Sirius as your satellite radio provider, here are the two simple steps that you need to do to start getting satellite radio:

1. Sign up for a monthly subscription with Sirius. It will cost about $12.95 a month if you pay on a monthly basis, but you can save money by buying the subsciption annually or even longer. So choose your plan and sign up.

2. Buy your receiving equipment. You will need a receiver and an antenna to start getting the signal. Your regular car radio will not be able to receive satellite radio unles it is specifically enabled for that purpose, so check your manuafcturers material to see about that first.

Before buying though, think about where you plan to listen tio your programming. Will you only be listening in your car? Then you probably only need a car receiver and antenna to get going. Just be sure that your receiving equipment matches the manufacturer of your car's radio. However, if you plan on listening at home too, you may need to get a plug-and-play type of unit that enables you to pull the receiver from your car when you get home and plug it into a home based unit to start receiving the signal through your home audio system. And if you need a portable unit for those times when you are neither at home or in the car, those are available as well. Prices for these units can vary considerably, but by shopping online you can usually get a very good deal on the equipment and have it installed locally if needed.

Once you have the equipment and the subscription, you are ready to start enjoying satellite radio whenever you want. Remember, it's always on and always available wherever you go.

Find out more about sirius satellite radio and satellite radio services by visiting our Satellite Radio Review website.

How Do XM And Sirius Satellite Radio Compare?

If you want to take advantage of the satellite radio boom which is picking up steam with almost every passing day, you only have two major choices if you live in the US, either XM or Sirius. Both providers offer high quality, digital programming with over 100 channels to listen to so you can never run out of something good on the radio.

But what are the differences between the two services? It makes sense to figure that out in advance and make the right decision for you, as the equipment that you buy that enables you to receive the signal from one of the providers, cannot be used with the other provider if you decide that you want to make a change for some reason. So that means that examining the programming options from both XM and Sirius is an important step in the buying process, as it will be very expensive if you decide to change after the equipment has been purchased.

In actuality though, there are more similarities between the two providers than there are differences, especially in the field of music. Each has over 60 channels of music to tune into including all of the major generes like pop, hip-hop, blues, all kinds of rock, country, jazz, classical, as well as dance music and music by the decades (70s, 80s, 90s, etc.) So in this area, either one will no doubt provide you with all the music programming that you could ever need.

The differences in programming start to show up in the talk radio and sports radio sections though. In sports, XM broadcasts baseball games and Nascar, whereas Sirius has committed to more overall sports programming including all NFL footbal games, most NBA games, NHL, and Nascar. So if you are a sports fan, the differences can be important in this area.

In talk radio, one of the biggest draws for Sirius is Howard Stern. Of course, his radio show has been very popular for many years and has lots of listeners, so if he is a favorite of yours, you can only find him on Sirius. But there are other talk shows available as well, although Sirius tends to attract more celebrity talk shows hosted by the likes of Martha Stewart, Jimmy Buffet, and more. One other advantage in the talk area, is that Sirius also carries NPR, which has a wide fan base as well. The list is constantly changing though, so check the latest channel lineup to see what talk channels are being offered at this point.

Both services offer always-on, everywhere service that is available no matter where you live in the US, and the equipment for receiving each service is pretty extensive, with XM maybe having a slight edge in the portability field.

So look over the channel lineups carefully, choose your provider and enjoy the next step in high quality, digital entertainment.

Find out more about sirius satellite radio and portable satellite radio at the Satellite Radio Review.

Who Can Access Satellite Radio?

Satellite radio is definitely a growing technology and each month the number of people receiving it's broadcasting continues to grow steadily. So who can access satellite radio?

The answer to that depends on where you live in the world. If you happen to live in the US the answer is that just about anyone with a subscription to either XM or Sirius can get it. They are both companies that have received approval by the FCC to broadcast digital radio across the entire US by satellite. If however you live outside the US and Canada your options are much more limited. There is only one other provider called WorldSpace that serves countires in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. So if you live in those areas, WorldSpace is your only provider choice.

For those that live in the US the monthly costs of the service is between $9.95 for XM and $12.95 for Sirius. Sirius charges more because they claim to use technology that improves the digital sound even more than XM and they also have given more attention to customer service to address issues that may arrive after the sale.

Once you have a subscription to a satellite radio provider's service, all you need at that point is the equipment to receive the signal and play it. You can get the receivers and antennas online or at local electronics stores. Generally, you can save money by buying the equipment online and then having it installed in your car, boat, or RV locally. If you wish to get a receiver that integrates with your home audio system, they can usually be easily installed on your own.

Your choices for equipment include plug-and-play units that can be used both at home and in your car, dedicated car radio units, and small portable units that can taken almost anywhere. At this point there are plenty of electronics manufacturers that have cooperated with both XM and Sirius in making equipment that will receive each provider's unique, proprietary signal.

So the amswer to the question of who can access satellite radio is that anyone who lives in the areas of the world where the three major providers are currently providing service and who also has the equipment to be able to receive and play the radio broadcasting signal can access satellite radio. So if you live in one of these areas why not arrange for a demonstration and find out why satellite radio is the wave of the future in radio broadcasting?

Find out more about sirius satellite radio and satellite radio receiver by visiting our Satellite Radio Review website.

How Satellite Radio And TV Innovations Work For You

For many years, radio and TV broadcasts were all done pretty much the same and consumers had no choice but to put up with the limitations of the broadcasting system. It was well-known that you could only be so far away from a radio or TV station if you ever hoped to pull in a strong enough signal to make the reception clear and enjoyable. But when cable TV was first introduced all of that began to change and now satellite technologies are in place to allow everyone to enjoy clear, high quality broadcast reception no matter where they are in the US.

Old analog radio and TV broadcasts have been extremely limited in what they could do for two major reasons: (1) The signal could only carry so much information, and (2) the shape of the earth made tall obstructions and distance a serious obstacle past a 30 - 50 mile range. So if you exceeded that range, picture and/or sound became sketch and eventually not worth even putting up with.

As mentioned above, cable started to address those issues, but it's been the advent of satellite technology that has really brought clear digital entertainment to the masses no matter where they live in the US. And here is why:

Satellite radio and TV both broadcast their signal in digital formats rather than analog. The signal is much more dense and contains more information. What that means for you is better clarity on the TV screen and high quality CD-like sound for both radio and TV.

But perhaps one of the most incredible advances made available by satellite technology is the ability to stream perfectly clear reception throughout the US even if you live in remote or rural areas. This is possible because the satellites that broadcast the signal are in orbit thousands of miles above the earth, so there is absolutely nothing to obstruct the signal or degrade it as it is beamed down to those on the ground who can receive it with the appropriate equipment.

There is also enough satellites in use that service is never interrupted as they travel around the earth. When one starts to go out of range, the next in line picks up the broadcasting chores and the reception is never broken.

This means that if you have a subscription to either XM or Sirius satellite radio service, you could get in your car and travel nonstop from one end of the country to the other end and never lose the radio broadcast signal or even have to put up with any static or reduced quality. It's entertainment that is always on and always available, everywhere throughout the country.

This kind of technology was only a dream just a few years ago, but now has become the standard for top quality broadcasting entertainment for now and the foreseeable future.

Fout more about sirius satellite radio and delphi satellite radio by visiting our Satellite Radio Review website.

Sirius S50: Combine Your Favorite Satellite Radio Programs with Your Favorite MP3s

Have you ever wanted to combine the benefits of commercial free satellite radio along with listening to your favorite MP3s, all while driving in your car? If so, Sirius Satellite Radio may offer the product that you've been looking for. While car receivers that allow you to listen to satellite radio and your favorite MP3 music have existed for some time now, a recent product released by Sirius Satellite Radio takes the satellite radio/MP3 combination to the next level. The Sirius S50 is a satellite radio/MP3 player that you can listen to while you're either riding in your car or sitting in the comfort of your home or office. The Sirius S50 comes with a car dock that connects the main unit to your vehicle. While the unit is connected to the car dock, you are able to listen to live Sirius Satellite Radio programming as well as any MP3s that you have stored on the 1GB flash memory unit. You can also pause and rewind the live satellite broadcasts as well as record up to 50 hours of your favorite Sirius Satellite Radio programming.

This unit also comes with a full color display which features channel logos and wallpaper so that you can easily identify the station that is currently playing. The neat My SIRIUS Channels feature automatically determines your three most listened to music channels and captures programming from each. Do you like to create playlists of your favorite MP3s? Well, you will find the Sirius S50 suitable to your needs as you can create playlists from your MP3s as well as from songs that you have recorded from your favorite Sirius broadcast channels. Additional features of the Sirius S50 include: game alerts that prompt you when your favorite teams are playing, a sports ticker with up to the minute scores, 30 channel presets, and a one touch channel jump button.

Along with the main unit itself, you also get a USB cable, earbuds, and PC software that allows you to download MP3s to the Sirius S50 from your PC. The software also supports streaming Sirius music channels over the Internet which is free with your Sirius Satellite Radio subscription. Currently the software is only available for Microsoft-based PCs, therefore all of you Mac users will have to go to your friend's house to download your music if you decide to purchase the Sirius S50. The really neat thing about this unit is that it also doubles as an IPOD-like MP3 player, as you are able to listen to your MP3s and pre-recorded Sirius channel programs with the earbuds that come with the unit. You can clip the Sirius S50 to your hip and listen to your favorite tunes on your way to school or work. The unit supplies up to 6 hours of playback on the rechargeable battery. If you're in the market for an in-car satellite radio unit, you should definitely give the Sirius S50 a good hard look before you make your final purchase. While it may be a little pricier than your average satellite radio unit (Suggested Retail: $329.95), it really puts those extra dollars spent to good use.

Dwayne Wright is an automotive enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. If you decide to upgrade your car audio system with a Sirius S50 satellite radio/MP3 player, visit his site at http://www.customautosearch.com to find a professional car audio installer in your area to install your new equipment.

The Facts You Need To Know About Satellite Radio - Part 1

Time and technology marches on and things that were considered impossible just a few years ago, are now almost routine. That applies to a lot of things in life, but certainly to the way that we are able to listen to radio broadcasting today.

Just a few years ago it was just accepted that if you tuned in to a particular radio station, you would lose reception and clarity if you were driving long distance and you would have to hunt around and find another station instead. It was also accepted that every broadcast would be filed with lots of ads that you didn't really want to hear, just so the radio station could turn a profit.

Well, now there are more choices to be ahd and technology has made a whole new way of broadcasting radio possible. It's called satellite radio and we will try to help you understand a few facts about it, because the more you know about it, the more you will no doubt appreciate what it can do for you.

First of all, conventional radio traditionally only travel around 30-50 miles with any clarity at all, and then they degrade rapidly. Much of that is due to the roundness of the earth and so as the signal goes out it can't follow the contour of the earth and so the signal is lost to the user. Satelliter radio has solved that issue altogether. As it's name implies, the signal is sent from satellites over 20,000 miles above the earth, so there is absolutely nothing that can obstruct the broadcast signal.

There are currently two major players in the US in this new field, Sirius and XM satellite radio. XM has two satellites in orbit and Sirius employs three. They are specifically timed and placed within orbit to maintain constant coverage of the US for about 16 hours at a time. What this means to you is that no matter where you go in the US and no matter what time of day or night, you will not lose reception, and can enjoy the programming that you like uninterrupted.

This feature alone of satellite radio is an incredible advantage over conventional ground-based radio stations. It comes in handy especially for folks who may live in rural areas that get very poor reception from standard radio, and for those that are long distance travelers. There is no hunting for stations as their reception fades. No having to listen to programming that you don't particularly like just because it's the only thing available in a particular area. Just crisp, clean programming all the time.

But there is lots more about satellite radio to be covered in Part 2 of this report.

Jim Johnson writes on consumer related matters. Find out more about satellite radio and satellite radio reviews at the Satellite Radio Review.

The Top 5 Reasons You Need Satellite Radio Now

Emerging technologies always take some time to get really established and then all of a sudden they just take off and it seems like everyone is using it. Eventually, there comes a time when you can't seem to even remember not using it. CDs and DVDs are a good exampole, as well as cable and satellite TV. Well, one of those new technologies is happening right now and that is satellite radio.

For years we have been used to tuning into our loacl radio stations and putting up with bad reception at times, and ads all the time. But satellite radio is poised to put that all behind us. Here are the top 5 reasons that you need satellite radio right now:

1. More choices, more to listen to. If you tune in to loacl radio you probably don't have more than just a handful of stations that you listen to regularly, simply because there is a small pool of broadcasts made in any given area. Not so on satellite radio. Both XM and Sirius offer more than 100 channels of pure enteratinment including sports, talk, kids programming, and every kind of music that you can imaagine. Always on, available wherever you go.

2. Crystal clear sound. Satellite radio broadcasts are made in digital format, so they are much higher quality than land-based radio. They also aren't prone to the limitations of standard radio. For instance, travel about 30- 50 miles and you will most likely lose your clear reception on almost any radio station. With satellite radio you can travel across the entire US and still have clear, CD-like sound with no interruption.

3. No commercials. How much time do you think you have wasted in life having to listen to ads and commercials on the radio that you really don't care about, just to be able to get the programming that you want? I'll bet it adds up to quite a bit. Imagine not having to put up with those kind of time wasters any more. You get to listen to only what you want to listen to for as long as you want to listen.

4. Unique programming. The standard radio stations are all controlled by the FCC and that means that you can only get certain types of entertainment on them. Howard Stern has famously pushed the boundaries of publicly available radio for some time, and has now sitched to satellite radio as it allows you to have more freedom to listen to whatever programming that interests you.

5. Great for travel. No need to pack up the CD player and all your CDs when traveling to listen to your favorite music, just listen to your satellite radio. No fumbling with tuning in the station or hunting for another one, just set it and forget it. And enjoy!

There are lots of other good reasons for choosing satellite radio for entertainment and information, but whatever reasons you choose, one thing is very clear. If you get satellite radio, you will wonder in just a very short time how you ever got along without it.

Jim Johnson writes on consumer related matters. Find out more about satellite radio and satellite radio services at the Satellite Radio Review.

The Facts You Need To Know About Satellite Radio - Part 3

In Part 3 we covered the monthly subsciption costs of satellite radio and a little about the programming that is available. But let's talk a little bit about sports on satellite radio.

Sports programming is just exploding in the US and there is a constant demand for even more and better coverage of sporting events. Both satellite radio providers have seen this need and moved to fill it with plenty of sports broadcasts that cover everything from the major sports themselves and actual events to just sports talk. Every single game of the NFL is broadcast besides over 1,000 NBA games and lots of hockey action too. If you are a sports fan, you will absolutely love satellite radio as there is always something interesting being broadcast on sports pretty much 24 hours a day.

So how do you get all of this satellite radio programming anyway? Well, the first thing you need to do is select which provider you wish to subscribe to. In the US your choices are either Sirius or XM. Both have great programming available so the best thing to do is just visit their website, look over the offerings that they have and decide which one fits what you like to listen to best. It's important that you decide on which service to use beforehand since you have to buy receivers that are specific for that service. You can't switch from one provider to another and use the same receiver at this point, so choose carefully.

After selecting your provider, decide where you will be listening to radio broadcasts most, in your car, boat, RV, or just at home? There is plenty of equipment available that will let you listen to satellite radio, some mobile, and some not mobile. There are also products that allow you to take your receiver and use it both at home and when you travel, so there is lots of flexibility on satellite radio receivers and equipment depending on where and how you plan to listen. Keep in mind too that some satellite TV companies include satellite radio in their offerings so you may already have it available at home.

Our viewpoint about satellite radio is that it is a great product that you just have to experince to fully appreciate, and once you enjoy the convenience and quality of satellite radio broadcasting, you probably won't want to listen to radio any other way.

Jim Johnson writes about consumer related matters. Find out more about satellite radio and satellite car radio at the Satellite Radio Review

The Facts You Need To Know About Satellite Radio - Part 2

In Part 1 of this report, we discussed how the technology of using satellites to broadcast radio signals from over 20,000 miles above the earth results in great reception throughout the US everywhere and all the time. But there is more.

Satellite radio is not free radio. It is subscription based, meaning that you pay a monthly fee for the service. The costs are very nominal though as Sirius costs $12.95 a month and XM is $9.95 a month. Neither of the subsciptions can be said to be expensive, but initially you may recoil from thwe idea of paying for something that you have gotten for free for so many years.

However, think about this. You weren't actually getting anything for free all this time. Think of how much time in your life has been wasted listening to ads or commercials on the radio instead of the programming that you tune in for. If you added it all up, it would no doubt be a huge chunk of time, and if your time is worth anything, you were definitely paying a price for tuning in. The radio stations have no other way of making radio broadcasting a profitable business, so you are stuck with putting up with ads for so many minutes of every hour just to be able to listen to the programming you want in between the commercials.

Satellite radio is following the proven business model example of cable television and instead of inundating you with ads, they just provide high quality programming all the time. No ads, no commercials, no wasting your time.

And what kind of programming do you get? Just about anything that you can imagine, and it's growing all the time. Your selections include music, talk radio, sporting events, kids programs, news and more. There are several celebrities that have set up shop in the studios of the satellite radio companies, including the high profile case of Howard Stern. But you can find even more celebrity specific programming from others like Martha Stewart, Jimmy Buffet, Eminem and more.

There are around 65 channels of music listening alone on each provider's service, and they cover almost every conceivable kind of music that is found in the US including rock, jazz, country, blues, reggae, and more. And there are several different kinds of each music genre as well, For instance, rock has channels devoted to hard rock, early rock, soft rock, heavy metal, and many more. Just pick your favorites and tune in for solid good music that you like to listen to wherever you go.

Be sure to read Part 3 for even more satellite radio facts.

Jim Johnson writes on consumer related matters. Find out more about satellite radio and portable satellite radio at the Satellite Radio Review.