Satellite Radio

[jman01pa]

I am thinking seriously about getting a Satellite Radio system. I know a few of you all have them. Please tell what you think of it and which system you go with.

From reading other web sites, I am leaning toward Sirius already.

[thekingofpain]

Xm has more subscribers more channels, less cost per month ($10) and now is commercial free, they are also putting up 2 more satellites for a total of 4 next year via Sealaunch---

XM has a pretty good fansite here http://www.xmfan.com/ where you can discuss the pros and cons thru a messageboard and look up equipment deals, satellite stocks, suggest songs etc

At http://www.xmradio.com/ you can listen to live music feeds, see how it works, see who manufacturers equipment for home/car/boombox/PC (XM PCR for computer use is less then $50 for the equip) and personal use (you can ride a skateboard/bicycle etc and listen to XM on a walkman type unit) I get a weekly email from them telling me about the weeks special programming, live concerts, and current sat radio events...

I have XM in my car and house (they offer family plan deals for multiple units, additional subscriptions are $6) and I also have the boombox, and ported the signal to my PC from my home unit so I can record satellite programming to it...

I think no matter which way you choose you will be happy to break away from commercial radio...

(Edit---> XM PCR is under $50 http://www.xmradio.com/xmpcr/)

[jman01pa]

Sweet thanks. Thanks. I am going to look at equipment tonight.

[thekingofpain]

Best spot to look is the XM fansite you can connect to manufacturers of both sat systems and see all the equip offered...

I was originally drawn to Sirius because the companys they partnered with seemed to offer "better" headunits---after I learned more I bought XM and another trusty Pioneer head (about my 5th one in 25 years) and ive been entirely happy, just loaned my homeunit to a friend so he can play with it before purchasing a system and I miss it ALREADY (its only been 20 mins) hmmm, guess I could go drive around and listen if I wanted :-)

Also---I didnt let them put the antenna on the roof of my truck, I put it on the dash front and center and no-one has even asked me "what is it" yet...

[jman01pa]

I have looked and decided to go with the XM. I like the equipment prices better from the Sirius but their big draw seems to be sports and I am after music and talk radio for the most part. Plus with 2-3 times the customer base I feel XM will provide much better content.

I have a new car with a decent factory sound system (cd - no cassette). I plan on using the FM modulator. I am not wanting to permanently mount the hardware in my car so I am not sure how I will install the cradle and run power without making a rats nest from all the wires.

How did you run the antenna wire through your dash with it mounted there? Circuit City didnt reccomend a dash mount. Not sure why though.

I can get the tradional XM reciever for 79.00 from circuit city and the cradle is 69.00. The FM modulator is way overpriced at 49.00. I wish the modultor was built into the cradle like it is on the Sirius models.

The roady looks sweet but there doesnt seem to be a home cradle for it. The modulator is cheaper with this model and is built into cigaretter power adapter.

I was prepared to buy a unit today but talked myself out of it.

[thekingofpain]

Might have to use a SkiFi, I have one for the home and boombox and it works fine but I would hate it in my car---

Check out the XM fansite forum, the XM Hardware & Accessories and the XM Installations & Pictures forums might give you some ideas plus you can find out how to use the Roady with an additional antenna and converter to power the Roady in your home if you choose and ALOT more tips and tricks, plus ask as many questions as you can come up with...

Check out other installers if you are going in the car, CircuitCity does unreal hack jobs near me, get a pro to do it if you need it...

Edit----> Id get a Roady, they offer a free audio adapter with it making it simple, although every now and then you can get a SkiFi with a free home or carkit...

Go thru this catalog for all things XM http://www.xmradio.com/catalog/product_catalog.html

[jman01pa]

Thanks to you I have learned alot about satellite radio. The Circuit City / Best Buy install nightmares listed on www.xmfan.com are scary.

Thanks for your help. You are the king.