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XM & Sirius Satellite Radio

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Comments

  • thejohn80thejohn80 Member Posts: 2
    I own a 2004 honda accord and I bought the SkyFi2. I hate the FM modulator and I want to connect the XM radio through the AUX output but I don't know how. I bought the adapter but I need to buy the connectors. I just wanted to know how to connect the XM radio through AUX. If anyone I would appreciate it if you could help me. Thanks.

    John
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    here is an option using a pie connection...if the head unit has a 14 pin connector in the back:

    http://www.myradiostore.us/auxadapters/pie/factory/no-external-changer/hon03-pc-son.html

    if this does help go over to HTTP://www.xm411.com and post a question in the installation forum

    hope this helps
  • thejohn80thejohn80 Member Posts: 2
    I bought that the other day. Do you know how to connect it to the AUX output in my car? Thanks.

    John
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    if you have that adapter...that connects to the 14 pin connector on the back of your head unit...then this one is use to connect the pie adapter to the SKYFI car cradle. This cable goes fromm the RCA on the PIE to the 1/8" jack on the XM unit/cradle:

    http://www.myradiostore.us/audio-cables/6-foot-gold-plated-rca-y-adapter.html

    hope this helps........you can probably find this at a radio shack like store as well
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "Motorola has devised an audio service called iRadio allowing customers to download music and other listening content from a computer onto cell phones to play in their cars."
    Motorola to Compete With XM and Sirius (Inside Line)

    We may have to change the discussion title at the end of the year.

    Steve, Host
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    new competition for sat radio or the ipod and other music devices for music downloads?.....so we now have the cell, pda and ipod all in one device to eliminate three.....wondering if I can talk...do my calendar and listen to music all at the same time thru the device!.......besides..Im not near patient enough to cut and paste, rip or what ever you have to do to download music and transfer it to a device to carry with me......I like my XM!!
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    My cell phone's battery life is marginal as it is. The last thing that I, or I'd bet most people, need is tinny sounding music coming out of a cellular phone. Perhaps the battery might be good for about 45 to 60 minutes of music before it wouldn't be possible to send or receive calls. What a waste, except for the geeks amongst us.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Howard Stern "Sirius"-ly Turns Off Hyundai Customers (Inside Line)

    Gee, you can change the radio station even on Sirius or XM. Maybe a station block feature will be next.

    Do you owners really call them channels and not stations?

    Steve, Host
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    I call them a channel,, reading the article it was interested the MB spokesman state that Sirius as positioned themselves as a premium provider.....will be interesting in the next few years to see how the two compare consumer wise..XM has what a 4 to 1 subscription base now??
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    I've also gotten into the habit of calling them channels - that's how they identify themselves on XM. It's easy to think of them in different terms than regular broadcast radio. Imagine my smirk when a local radio survey group called me up and I answered by saying I listened to XM channels... They said "what's this XM?" and then quickly hung up when they figured it out.

    I'm not sure many people see much difference between Sirius and XM unless they have a particular sport they prefer - both have similar offerings for music and news (in general). So Howard Stern gives them a reason for making a choice. I'm like you, Steve - I'll never listen to him, but I wouldn't let his presence stop me from choosing Sirius if I were otherwise interested.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    steve:

    I used to listen to Stern on my way to work in the late '80s or early '90s. I quickly tired of all the bathroom "humor" and haven't looked back. The presence of his programming on a service would give me an opportunity to show my disdain by NOT subscribing, and telling them why.

    Yes, you surely can "change the station". You should be aware that XM Radio has a channel block capability. You just have to phone XM Satellite Radio's Listener Care department and tell them which channels to block (on a specific radio if you have more than one). I presume that the Dog has similar blocking service.

    I also call the XM channels "channels", not stations. A primary reason that I've become used to "channels" is that I drive a 2004 Honda Accord with Navigation System and XM Radio. Honda's integrated voice-controlled system uses voice commands to control many features.

    When I want to select a terrestrial radio station, I press a button on the steering wheel and say, for example, "Radio Eleven Ninety AM" or "Radio Ninety Three Point Nine FM".

    When I want to select a satellite radio station, I must press the button and say, for example, "XM Channel Twenty Eight".

    You can also control the radio volume, as well as navigation and climate control features by voice command. It's a fantastic feature that keeps your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I believe a station is the physical location from which a broadcast is made and a channel is the frequency band in which the signal is propagated. With many broadcasts originating from multiple locations, it's more appropriate and convenient to refer to the channel through which the broadcast is received rather than "the" station.

    tidester, host
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If I ever get XM or Sirius, I'll tune the band to one of the channels. Shades of the 70's and my old CB radio.

    Now y'all can jump on me for tuning the band (no digital radios in my house either; gotta twist the dials.) :shades:

    Steve, Host
  • daveh1760daveh1760 Member Posts: 1
    I'm sorry, but using the presence of a particular channel or program or personality as a reason to refuse a service -- when you can (as you noted above) choose to avoid that channel or program or personality -- is just silly. In fact, I believe there is an old saying which describes it pretty well: "Cutting off your nose to spite your face". What about the quantitative differences between Sirius and XM, like the number of channels, or the percentage of them which interest you, or maybe even the price of the service? Are they all equivalent? If so, then *perhaps* using the existence of someone you refuse to listen to is a valid reason to not choose a provider. If not, then IMO you are doing exactly as the old saying implies.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    But as a Sirius subscriber, you are paying for the Stern channel whether you listen to it or not. Personally, I'm not a fan and would rather see my subscription dollars being spent on something of higher quality.

    It's just like those people who won't invest in companies that sell tobacco - they may make lots of money off of their food divisions but tobacco turns folks off.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    CNN has picked up the story (well, they're a partner, so I guess we gave them a good feed to it).

    Hyundai customers say 'no' to Stern? (CNN)

    I doubt that Hyundai owners have more tender sensibilities than other groups of owners. But I associate Kraft with Philip Morris so there is a concern about perception and who you associate with.

    I've only seen Howard on TV and there's an appeal to listening to him on the radio, since he's not exactly easy on the eyes on the tube (never mind about his guests!).

    Steve, Host
  • jdconradjdconrad Member Posts: 11
    GTo to www.vaistech.com. They have the adaptors to fit the Lexus.
  • mmamma Member Posts: 3
    Did you ever get an answer? I have the same question about my Porsche Ceyanne.

    Thanks.
  • lobsenzalobsenza Member Posts: 619
    I know it can be converted for GM vehicles. I am not sure about others.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    I sure hope that the video is reserved for the back seat.

    Even though the comment is about using the mirrors for antennae, it would be great if the roof, trunklid or hood sheet metal could be configured into antennae.
  • zombozombo Member Posts: 89
    Finally found the satellite radio I want,but it's XM My Fi and I want Sirius for the football broadcasts as well as Howard next year! When will Sirius offer a comparable unit?
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    Intereresting idea, but not one I'll be interested in. I already have an invisitble antenna - it's tucked under the padding on the roll bar of my Wrangler. Works great!
  • shmuleyshmuley Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 honda odyssey touring with xm factory installed. I want to switch it to sirius satellite radio, while using all of the existing screens/displays. does anyone know how to do this?
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    shmuley:

    Enjoy your XM Satellite Radio, it's a great service. There is no chance that you can modify your factory-installed, vehicle-integrated system to work with the Dog (especially if your Odyssey has Honda's great Navigation System). Your only option, if you just HAVE to have the Dog, is an aftermarket installation.
  • srichsrich Member Posts: 3
    I want to buy a sirius receiver for my husband for his birthday. I am getting mixed messages about the different equipment. Anyone have ideas on the best equipment out now OR a link to see a good comparison?
    S.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    I would say generally most equipment is the same.....you can go to any of the major retail electronic sites...best buy, circuit city, crutchfield...etc to do the comparison....

    do you plan to use the sat radio in the car..home, his office, boombox, portable?...do you plan to move it between all three......that might influence what type of equipment you want to go with.....Im an XM listener going on three years now...so will not influence your choice of service.....
  • srichsrich Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for that info. I was planning on all three. I just want to make sure that I get a great product. We want to listen to sirius. I seen some comments about different products that says, "reception was terrible" "would not buy unit again." I like to have honest opinions and info so we I make a decision on product I feel satisfied.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    remember reception is based on where and how you position your antenna relative to the satellites...and depending on where you are, the ground repeaters as well...not necessarily related to the equipment..do a google search for a sirius users forum....XM has several.......you can probably get more information there as well
  • srichsrich Member Posts: 3
    Thanks again!!
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    I'm an XM user, but from all I've read, the 2 systems are similar. You will either have a signal and therefore, reception, or you won't have anything - no static. My office window is on the north side of the building (satellites are in the south, so I think I'm more likely picking up ground repeaters) so my signal isn't the best and I get occasional drops due to other factors that are probably unique to my location. If you live in an urban area, I'd try to avoid using an FM wireless system to get the signal to your radio - the Roady's frequencies were all taken up by broadcast FM stations and so I'd get static from them.

    We ended up getting a separate installed system for the car - I got tired of moving the Roady. The Roady now resides in my office (attached to a Bose Wave radio) and will occasionally be moved home for breaks longer than a weekend. This is the best solution for us.
  • buckleybuckley Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 Accord Ex-VL, does anyone have any advice on how to install a sirius satellite radio?
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    is pretty much your only choice, esp since the newer Hondas are XM partnered.

    There are several aftermarket head units, including Alpine, that can receive both XM and Sirius, depending on which adapter you buy for it. My personal preference is Alpine.

    -Paul
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ford, Sirius Strengthen Ties (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • danielfdanielf Member Posts: 1
    Hello. Did you found anything out about this??? I was thinking if we could somehow find out who manufactures the Sirius tuner that Volvo sells we could buy the same unit...it just wouldn't have a Volvo stamp on it.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347
    Try Crutchfield to see what they have for the parts, or a higer-end car stereo store (not a chain place) to see what they have.

    You are right that with the sat prep on it, you shouldn't have to do much more than plug in the tuner (assuming it came with an antennae).

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • damonqdamonq Member Posts: 5
    Did you ever find out? I am refusing to pay Volvo's way too expensive install. If the car is already wired, and I paid for Sat. Prep...I should just be able to add a tuner. Any ideas? if you find out, thanks and good luck!
  • damonqdamonq Member Posts: 5
    Thanks...have tried Crutchfield, no luck so far. I am gonna stop at an install co. this week and see what they say...
  • melrosemelrose Member Posts: 6
    I've sent two e-mails to Sirius trying to find out what tuner(s) are compatible with the Volvo satellite prep and factory stereo. The first e-mail response didn't address the question, and the second one told me to ask a local installer.

    So I called a local installer (who was recommended by my Volvo salesman) and he said they didn't have any Sirius tuners for a Volvo but to call back in a week. I called back yesterday and the guy said that the tuners are on backorder but he doesn't know why. He didn't know what the price would be, and he didn't know when they would become available.

    I've been very frustrated by the whole experience, and like the poster above I refuse to pay an additional $800-900 for what appears to be a $50-100 piece of equipment.
  • damonqdamonq Member Posts: 5
    Did you ever figure out an aftermarket tuner to use? This whole Volvo thing is really irritating.

    Thanks!
  • damonqdamonq Member Posts: 5
    Where are you located? I have asked around here in Los Angeles, and no aftermarket shops have tuners, saying Volvo wont let anyone make them...or something like that. If you find where you can get one for less than a fortune, could you post it here? Craziness.
  • melrosemelrose Member Posts: 6
    I'm in Birmingham, AL, and I'll definitely post the info if I manage to get a tuner or learn anything new. I must say, though, that I'm not exactly filled with confidence that the shop I've spoken to can really get one.
  • damonqdamonq Member Posts: 5
    Yea, me neither, as my shops here said there was no such thing available, that I had to buy from Volvo. Maybe we could find someone to buy them wholesale, then they would be cheaper. But still, it boils down to paying a lot for a $100 part, which I am not happy about. You should send a note to Volvo customer care, saying you would get it, if it was reasonable. Thats what I did yesterday, telling them it was outrageous, and thats why no one has been interested yet.

    Lets hope we find something...I will post here if I come up with anything.
  • joecarnutjoecarnut Member Posts: 215
    Try www.siriusbackstage.com and www.xm411.com for good information.
  • rick51rick51 Member Posts: 2
    question: has anyone replaced a new car-equipped XM radio with a Sirius radio or visa versa? I have a new Acura MDX that came with XM but I'm interested in possiblity of switching to Sirius mainly for the NFL games.
  • a4dana4dan Member Posts: 2
    I just purchased a 2005.5 Audi A4 that is prewired for sat radio (head unit/antenna etc.) but lacks a tuner. The Audi dealers want to charge a minimum of $450 ($300 for equip and $150 for install) to put XM or Sirius in..Not as bad as the Volvo numbers for Sirius that I've been reading about, but still pretty ridiculous for a measly tuner if you ask me.

    Are there any cheaper options? The "XM Direct" tuner sold by XM and some of the audio stores seems aimed only at either one of the commercial stereo brands (Pioneer/Alpine/etc) or at being able to put one in a BMW or Mini etc. Plus they seem to cost either $99 or $299 with no clear indication of the difference (selling and explaining hardware does not seem to be an XM strong suit).
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Don't the A4's use the MMI system found in the new A6 for satellite radio? If so, then you are pretty much limited to Audi's system. Works quite well, and you have a choice between XM or Sirius at purchase time.

    -Paul
  • a4dana4dan Member Posts: 2
    I may be misunderstanding the terminology, but I believe MMI is Audi's computerized driver-interface system..My lowly A4 doesn't have it...Regarding XM/Sirius, once you've made your choice, the dealer will order and later install the proper tuner--at a cost of nearly $500 total. (Most dealers are not preordering for fear of being unable to sell a car because it has the wrong brand of satellite radio)...

    My question was whether there is a cheaper aftermarket option that still allows you to use the integrated radio controls and existing antenna..In other words, a cheaper tuner...
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    you might want to ask that question about a A4 installation over at xm411...they are great at the techincal side..for matching equipment if it is available
  • epsmclepsmcl Member Posts: 1
    I have xm satellite in my car and am thinking of getting a tuner at home. Does anyone know anything about the Polk xrt12 tuner?
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