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Written by Atomm
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Tuesday, 25 July 2006 |
People are turning away from regular FM radio in droves. Satellite radio is proving to be increasingly the choice of the radio listener. The benefit of being able to listen to the same station on a long trip is particularly appealing to long distance drivers. The cost is around $13 a month, for this you get the capability of keeping the radio tuned into the same radio station while you drive anywhere in the US.
Some things to consider
- Radio Receivers
- Programming
- Costs
Radio Receivers If you want to have the widest choice of satellite radio receivers then go with XM. The Delphi XM SkyFi2 is one of the best plug-and-play models, and has a recording buffer of 30 minutes, which costs around $95. The alternative is to go for the Delphi XM Roady XT, this costs a little less at $80. The best portable satellite radio is the Tao XM2go, which has a recording capability of 5 hours and costs around $150. As well as listening through headphones the Tao also enables you to listen through a speaker, without the need for a docking station.
Another choice to go for is the Sirius range, although they do not have as wide a choice, the quality is equal to that of the XM range. The Sirius Starmate Replay and the Sirius Sportster Replay are the best two plug and play models. The Starmate costs around $120 and comes with a 44 minute recording buffer, whilst the Sportster, aimed specifically at NFL fans costs $95 after rebates and also has a 44 minute recording buffer.
Although Sirius does not have a truly portable satellite radio, the S50 does enable you to get mobile, offering a massive 1 GB recording option whilst connected to the docking station, so that you can record your favourite radio station and then play back wherever you want. You can also use the S50 as an mp3 or a WMA player. All this will set you back $330
Programming The major difference between the two systems is in sports programming and the fact that Sirius signed Howard Stern in a huge deal. If it's Howard Stern you want then you should go with Sirius. You can get the same kind of stations on both Sirius or XM, be it Dance, Rock, Pop, R&B/Hip-Hop, Christian, Country, Jazz/Blues, Latin and Classical. If you want to get the news you have access to CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN on both systems, all the major players are represented.
Sirius owns the exclusive rights to NFL broadcasts, NBA, NHL and even NASCAR 2007, so if you are a sports fan Sirius should be your choice, lthough XM still has the rights to NASCAR till 2007. Sirius also has a lot of college football broadcasts and the exclusive rights to MLB baseball.
Costs The price you pay for your monthly subscription is about the same, $13 a month. But you will have to pay extra for things like a docking kit for your car if not included and your home if you would like to play while indoors. Docking kits cost around $100 to $150 each. You may also want to think about headphones and external antennas.
As satellite radio gets more and more popular, costs should decrease. The quality of satellite radio is superb and most stations are commercial free. Howard Stern likes it because he can't be censored by the FCC. Most of all you can listen to your favourite station anywhere in the country. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 25 July 2006 )
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