Satellite radio services have been in the news for quite a while, and the two main providers in the United States have gained millions of subscribers. There are still billions of people who haven't experienced the difference between a satellite radio system and a traditional radio, though. It may cost a few extra dollars, but satellite radio services offer much more than AM/FM radio.
The most obvious difference between satellite radio services and traditional radio is the hundreds of channels that are available. The two main satellite radio providers in the United States, Sirius and XM, each offer well over 100 channels to choose from. The channels are also practically commercial-free, save for a few station identifications. With so many channels available, the satellite radio services can cater to every niche market all at once. Listeners can peruse music stations from every decade and every genre; whether it's alternative country or mainstream top 40 or anything else they are in the mood for. There are also news, talk, traffic, weather, sports and other types of entertainment channels.
All those choices do come at a price, but the cost of a satellite radio subscription to Sirius or XM makes it possible for them to offer commercial-free broadcasting. There are also opportunities for consumers to win free satellite radio through great satellite radio sweepstakes on the Internet. Whether consumers win satellite radio or purchase a satellite radio system with a small monthly fee, they will have a whole new world of radio to listen to. Consumers can either choose a monthly or yearly subscription fee to enjoy one of the satellite radio services. Sirius and XM are planning to merge by late 2007 or early 2008 as long as they can get clearance with the FCC. If this occurs, many of the services will probably be universal as well.
Automobile dealerships and manufacturers have also begun offering different types of incentives for consumers to get auto satellite radio. Many car dealers are giving three months or even up to six months of free satellite radio services to get car buyers in on the technology. Having an auto satellite radio allows drivers to get a clear station anywhere they go without switching around, which is safer. Drivers can listen to the same station or hundreds of other stations ranging from news, music and news in better quality than AM or FM bands. To receive the digital audio streams they just need a satellite radio antenna and receiver.
It may soon even be possible for satellite radio stations to broadcast pictures and videos directly to a car or home stereo with digital broadcasting. Receiving a satellite signal is completely digital; and digital signals sounds clean static-free. The satellite radio signal is encoded and sent to the satellite, then sent back to a receiver which decoded and plays the sound. The only reason listeners may lose the signal is because the satellites are traditional on the horizons, and drivers move along the Earth's round surface. The signal never goes out on a satellite radio system for more than a couple moments, though. And the technology will just continue to improve as time goes by.
If you're browsing the internet in search of a satellite radio service for the US and Canada, then you need only check two websites: Sirius and XMRadio. These two giants are your only options and yet you'll notice striking similarities between the two websites' design, the product pricing and the programmer's stations.
Rumors have been flying around that Sirius and XM will form a ground-breaking merger this year, uniting all 14+ million customers under one banner. However, as of right now, you'll need to know what makes each slightly unique.
Country Music Fans may favor the XM Radio satellite service, which provides listeners with two extra stations - one focusing on Americana Country like Robert Plant or Blackfoot, and the other focusing on Folk Country like Tim Garrison and The Nitty Gritty Band. Both stations have country music from the 80s and 90s, new country, bluegrass and classic country.
Christian Music Fans may favor XM one. This service includes one more Christian music channel than Sirius - in addition to Christian Pop / Rock and Gospel, XM also hosts a Southern Gospel channel with Gold City, Greater Vision and The McKarneys.
Electronic Music Fans will prefer the Sirius service if they'd like a Breakbeat/Old SKool station, in addition to the usual Trance/Progressive stations that both satellite radio services provide. XM has exclusive rights to acclaimed BPM, but Sirius has a special Dance Hits station.
Rock Music Fans will probably prefer Sirius. While XM provides four different "alternative radio" stations, a punk station, a heavy metal station, a jam bands station, a college indie station and three classic rock stations, Sirius gives subscribers roughly 23 stations with everything that XM's service has -- plus New Wave, Glam Metal, Jimmy Buffet, Grateful Dead, Elvis, Canadian rock, UK rock, Garage, 60s Rock, 70s Rock and an additional punk/ska station.
World Music Fans will find that both service providers offering two French stations, but Spanish-speaking subscribers will find XM the better option, since they offer Rock En Espanol, Regional Mexican, Latin Pop, Latin Jazz, Hispanic Rhythmic and Spanish AC. Sirius, on the other hand, has only one Spanish music station for Latin Pop. Additionally, XM has a station for African and a business station in Italian.
Rap and Hip Hop Fans may prefer XM because their service focuses on more Soul and Funk, along with uncensored Hip Hop and Urban Contemporary -- unless they're big Slim Shady fans, in which case they may need Sirius Radio's Eminem station.
In some ways, XM Radio caters to the aging population with Good Morning America, Casey Casem's Top 40 Countdown, Theme Time with Bob Dylan and Wolfman Jack. On the other hand, Sirius Radio goes after the 20-somethings crowd with Bam Marguera, Howard Stern, Jamie Foxx and Tony Hawk shows. However, both satellite radio service providers are likely to give you something you can enjoy.
Sports Fans will find many similarities in XM and Sirius service options. For instance, both providers have ESPN, Nascar and NHL exclusives, as well as both college and NFL football. XM gives better golf / PGA Tour coverage and Fox Sports, while Sirius gives better NBA coverage. On XM, catch shows with Jimmy Johnson, Dale Jr, Coach K, James Carville, Luke Russert and Cal Ripkin.
With the Delphi SkiFi2 radio, you can get a sports ticker to show game scores on your display screen and the SportsCaster comes with 30 sports presets programmed in. However, Sirius gives you game alerts, 30 presets and lists all your favorite teams in one category with the Sportster and Streamer satellite radios. Additionally, get exclusive programming with Jerry Rice, Daryl Johnston, Randy Cross, Adam Schein, Shannon Sharpe, Ray Evernham, Tony Stewart, Rick Ackerman and Frank Isola.
Whichever satellite radio service you prefer, you'll be surprised to find that both are competitively priced at $13/month and most of the radio components cost from $20 - $200. However, which ever service you choose for now, you will still need to purchase a satellite radio receiver and luckily, most of the satellite radios will work in your home and in your car.
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