Posted on 02/22/2005 10:32:00 AM PST by LittleMoe
By SCOTT LAUCK
It’s the nature of technology these days to change from analog to digital and to move from the earth to the sky. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that satellite radio is becoming increasingly popular. Satellite radio has been around for years but has only recently begun to make a big dent in the market. In December, the United States’ two satellite radio companies, XM Radio and Sirius, reported record numbers of subscribers.
While mainstream FM radio continues to dominate, there are clearly a number of listeners who are trying something different.
Fred Dimmel, a student at Missouri Western State College, is among them. He first heard about satellite radio from an uncle who owned a car with the service factory-installed.
Mr. Dimmel says he forgot about satellite radio until he began looking for a space-efficient way to listen to music in his Ford Ranger.
“All I had in my truck was the tape player,” he says. “Rather than try to fit CDs into a small truck or finding a place to put a CD changer, the satellite deal was kind of the cheap, easy option to put in there and still get digital music and a pretty good selection, so I didn’t feel limited like with normal radio.”
Unlike normal FM or AM radio, which only broadcasts on a limited number of frequencies, satellite radio includes hundreds of channels, exposing listeners to a much wider variety of music, as well as talk radio, sports and other features.
Because users pay a subscription fee, most programs contain no commercials. In addition, the receivers can usually be plugged into a home stereo or computer, allowing for in-home use.
Like the majority of satellite radio listeners, Mr. Dimmel subscribes to XM Radio, the nation’s largest such provider. The Washington, D.C.-based company was founded 12 years ago, and as of December had 3.1 million subscribers.
XM’s competitor, New York, N.Y.-based Sirius, reported at the same time that it had surpassed its goal of 1 million subscribers. Company CEO Mel Karmazin called 2004 a “watershed year.” “We believe that this enthusiasm will continue, and we expect to double our subscribers during 2005,” he says.
Although younger and smaller than XM, Sirius got a boost this year when radio shock jock Howard Stern said he would begin broadcasting with the company in 2006.
Mr. Stern’s decision highlights another difference between satellite and conventional radio: looser regulations. While the U.S. Federal Communications Commission enforces decency rules on publicly broadcast material, subscription-based systems are left alone.
Both XM and Sirius have taken a number of other approaches to get their systems in people’s hands.
Among the most effective has been through deals with car manufacturers. These days, the systems come installed in a number of new vehicles.
While satellite radio offers a number of advantages, it has a few drawbacks as well. Unlike cell phones, service for satellite radio is available in far-flung locations. However, it is often blocked by tall buildings, parking garage roofs and other impediments. In larger cities, repeaters allow the signals to get through. However, Mr. Dimmel says he sometimes has trouble getting reception in downtown St. Joseph.
And occasionally, he said, he misses the ability to play his own CDs, noting that “you have more options but you can’t control what’s on there.”
Nonetheless, he’s found that loss hasn’t been much of a burden.
“It doesn’t happen as much as I thought it would,” he says.
Whatsa mat'? You didn't cotton to the Trash 80?
As a matter of fact, I thought it was kinda spiffy at the time.
Trsdos, trashdos, whatever, it was CHEEEPP and it worked!
Had 4 floppy drives just to do a little word processing.
Spell check took 5 minutes per word.
Modem was a sceemin 300 baud.
Yass, we were in Fat City.
I don't think sunspots will affect the (ca.)2.5 GHz band that they transmit on.
I have had XM since 2001 and love it. If you like NFL or Howard Stern you might want to consider Sirius.
I use mine mostly in the house and on the patio. When I go on a trip I put it in the car. If you don't want to pay multiple subscriptions, get one that you can carry around. Jack it into an FM transmitter (around $30) and you can listen anywhere in the house or on your car stereo. Also, some new models, like the MyFi, have the transmitter built in.
Cost is less than one cd a month and less than a month's subscription to Rhapsody.
Reception is almost never affected by the things that you describe due to an extensive repeater system. I have gone on 3000 mile trips and rarely lost the signal even in heavily wooded areas and all kinds of weather.
XM and Sirius have hundreds of thousands of songs in their constantly growing music libraries. They also have special live events and concerts that you can't get anywhere else.
Speaking of "Clutter", no fumbling around with CD's and CD cases to play music I'm already tired of.
"talk" radio: Both services have extensive choices of both commercial free music and talk.
Not $15/month...actually under $10........agreat deal IMHO.
At my office I figured out a neat way to have both XM and a CD player. I bought Bose media mate computer speakers. Hooked up the SkyFi2 in one output and the CD player in the other. Great Bose sound with two options. Works great. Listening to Michael Medved at this moment. Hope this helps.
Red
Red
If you ever want to combine the XM and Sirius ping lists into one more general satellite radio ping list, let me know.
It would probably be a good idea... more discussions could be generated and we could ping more people to more articles.
regards!
Actually that sounds brilliant. Just don't know how to do that, want to send me a freepmail and we can discuss it?
They're good old boys who would fit right in on this forum.
I am a radio guy. Been in the buisness since 1969.
I have both Sirius and XM. XM Skyfi and Boom Box in the house. Sirius Kenwood head unit in my car.
Which is better? That is your decision. If you LOVE music and don't just want to hear "The Hits" go XM. Deeper Playlists. If you are my age (Baby Boomer) XM slaughters Sirius musicwise. XM 50's, 60's,70's are head and shoulders above Sirius. 50s and 60s music is quickly disapearing on terrestrial radio. If you love "Oldies" satellite is way to go. This holds for Country and Jazz, also. "Hank's Place" on XM is great classic Country. "Soul Street" on XM is my fav. Just sensational.
Sports is a key issue. Sirius=NFL and now NASCAR. XM=MLB and superior selection of Sports Talk.
Both have FOX News. Can't lose. Talk options are nearly identical, however Sirius is more aggressive with putting up their own talent and not just syndicated Talk. Both Sirius and XM have Left and Right well covered.
For the degenerates XM has Opie And Anthony. Stern to Sirius. BTW, they both have great oldtime radio shows and 40's music.
I have had XM since they were available here in Dallas which was the first market where it was offered. Fall 2001.
I can tell you one thing. There is no going back now. The future is no longer in doubt. Satellite Radio is here to stay.
It is so hard to listen to analog radio.
The DJ's and their immature,smartass,do anything to get a raise,having on air BJ's, strip contests,screaming and yelling about their braindead version of politics.
ONWARD and UPWARD to listening to music instead of the jabbering of idiots.
The old radio "stars" will move to satellite radio, just as Howard Stern is doing. ABC has a channel on both XM and Sirius and you can hear Sean Hannity and Larry Elder. It also has a good show "Live From 125"... well, good when Brian Wilson is hosting. Richard Bey is a poor host.
Stop considering and get XM today. I drive about 500 miles a week with my work...the best investment I have ever made for a car.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.