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XM & Sirius Satellite Radio

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  • trucker50trucker50 Member Posts: 108
    Regardless of your feelings for Stern, Sirius had 660,000 subscribers when they signed him and has over 3 million now. Now he can't be credited with all the new subscribers but he accounts for a substantial number. If he brought 1 million subscribers, which he is fully capable of and some thinks he brought alot more, thats 130 million a month he's generating so he's worth what he's getting. At least he's caused alot of buzz in satellite.
    XM got out to a big lead but Sirius is definetly making some noise and will probably get another big surge next yeat when NASCAR switches to Sirius.
    I've had XM for 2 1/2 years and Sirius for about 1 1/2 months....yes I still have both. I got Sirius for college basketball teams that XM doesn't cover. I had intended to deactivate Sirius after basketball season but unsure now.
    XM seems more organized and if you like talk radio has more "name" people. News choices also seem better.
    All of the music channels are commercial free on both services and talk about commercials on Sterns show he has maybe 2 or 3 minutes a break now, which he reads some opposed to the 20 minute breaks he used to have. :)
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,576
    Hmmm...well, despite your numbers Sirius is in trouble and now has the "Howard liability" on top of it link title.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "$6.99-per-month commercial-free radio service"

    Motorola Offers Cheap Digital Radio Service For Cars (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • deminindeminin Member Posts: 214
    That's getting down towards the price range where these services might be worthwhile. I got a flyer in the mail from XM today offering a years subscription for $77. Apparently, if you tell them to fly a kite, they will reduce their prices.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    Steve,

    According to the Motorola website you'll have to listen via a cell phone. YEACHHHHHH!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Well, the article DID say cheap! ;)

    tidester, host
  • indychick73indychick73 Member Posts: 25
    I purchased a portable XM radio (Audiovox Express) and I'm wondering how to get it affixed in my car so it will stay put. I have double sided tape that works for a few days before it falls off. I tried some kind of adhesive, but it didn't stick well either. I don't want to use anything that will permanently damage my console. Any suggestions?
  • trucker50trucker50 Member Posts: 108
    well both are struggling, but they had some pretty big start-up numbers and they've been around less then 5 years. I know XM had to launch 2 satellites and I assume Sirius did too. I de-activated one of my XM's awhile back and they tried to get me back for $4.99 a month for six months.
    A year for $77 dollars would be a great deal, I've been looking for my bill, hope I get the same offer. At regular prices though its only .43 cents a day, its well worth it to me. The only thing I listen to terrestrial radio for anymore is the weatherband.
    Alot of people have been wondering if they might merge....thatd be good in a way but I bet the programing would suffer without the competition. :)
  • trucker50trucker50 Member Posts: 108
    did you try velcro? They sell some industrial strength velcro in the sewing dept. at Wal-Mart and I'm sure other stores as well that really holds good, but of course if the tapes not sticking to the console itself I guess the adhesive on the velcro may not either. I know alot of people that have used velcro to attach xm's to their dashboard. Its held units on top of the dash as well as on the front, like beside the gauges, with no problem.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I'm baby-sitting a friend's car this week and they have a Sirius unit; it's resting on the dash, but affixed to the windshield with a suction cup.

    I drove the car the other day and naturally I couldn't figure out how to get any sound out of the thing. :blush:

    Steve, Host
  • aitchpee44aitchpee44 Member Posts: 16
    Hey Steve did you turn the unit on? After you turn it on you need to tune your radio to 88.1--88.7, whichever the cradle is clicked on, on the side. My unit is an Orbiter, sold by Radio Shack last year and now discontinued. Also the unit needs to be plugged into the cigarette lighter hole.
    Aitchpee in Oklahoma
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ah, I didn't tune the radio to a specific frequency. Everything had power going to it. Thanks, I'll try that.

    It takes me a while to get up to speed - I spent twenty minutes this morning trying to figure out why a Firewire drive cable wouldn't fit in my USB slot. :blush:

    Steve, Host
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    LOL! I can relate to that!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    XM to Put Ads on Some Music Channels (Beta News)

    Follow the money.

    Steve, Host
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    This reminds me of the original argument that was offered MANY years ago by the cable TV companies, at least here in the NYC area. At that time everyone had a TV antenna on their roof. Cable TV was brand new and the cable companies wanted exclusive franchises allowing them to run their coaxial cable throughout the region. They claimed that since there was going to be great content FOR A MONTHLY FEE, all cable TV programming would be WITHOUT COMMERCIALS.

    We all know how long that arrangement lasted - all over the nation. You can call it free enterprise or capitalism, but it was a scam to secure access to public rights-of-way for the benefit of greedy deceptive corporate interests.
  • klizmaaaklizmaaa Member Posts: 13
    I couldnt disagree more. Sirius is in a great position they might have more liability than XM but look at how many more subscribers XM has. If Sirius had that many subscribers its liabilities would be much lower. Not to mention that XM spent 140 million dollars to try and counter Stern coming to Sirius. Sirius has the most reputable CEO in the media world. Not to mention Sirius is expecting almost 6 million subscribers by the end of the year.

    I also think that Stern has paid off 10 folds. He did his job he brought over well over a million people. He is the biggest name in Radio no matter what any one thinks everyone knows him, love him or hate him.

    http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/02/23/1402275.htm
    There is another interview with the XM former chairman and how he sited Stern as XM's biggest threats and how he changed the game completely but I can't find it. It was in tech times daily, maybe someone will be able to find it
  • trucker50trucker50 Member Posts: 108
    When NASCAR comes to Sirius next year they will no doubt inherit at least another million or so subscribers, those fans are pretty rabid. Some of 'em listen to NASCAR 24/7.
    Sirius is adding somemore new channels next week....Playboy, Fox News and Fox News talk, Cosmos Channel and the Blue Collar Comedy Channel.
    As far as commercials....XM is only going to have commercials on the 5 channels Clear Channel has and they are introducing some new commercial free channels to compensate....they'll still have I think 64 or 65 out of 68 or 69 music channels commercial free. :)
    Thinks are heating up but I hope they both survive because competition is the best thing for us consumers(programming wise)....I've "heard" of xm offering old subscribers rates as low as 3 dollars a month to stay
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,348
    of all the sports I can't imagine listening to (as opposed to watching), stock car racing is on the top of the list!

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,348
    I just extended my XM plan today (the 3 month trial freebie from Honda was running out, and I am completely hooked!).

    Anyway, the phone rep gave the standard pricing ($12.95/month I think on a 1 year plan), same as in the notice they sent me. I mentioned that I had heard about the $77/9 month promo, and he immediately said "I can do that"! So, I took that plan since it is a good rate, and will see what kind of deal I can negotiate 9 months from now.

    I do know that I could never go back to over the air though.

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

  • dirkworkdirkwork Member Posts: 210
    Anyone have a good suggestion for a Sirus 1.5x DIN sized unit for a 2000 GM car (intrigue)? I would rather not have a separate converter to try to mount. Right now I have a FM unit, but in Houston we have stations nearly every available frequency, and on a recent trip from Ohio I had to keep changing freq to keep it clear - and then besides the "digital quality" over FM conversion was not terribly impressive, so I want to go direct. My unit has an input for a CD changer, which maybe I could hijack or put a switch-box on. anyone done this?

    Thanks, Dirk
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,576
    was curious to know if any Sirius listeners out there had any thoughts as to who has the better music selection.

    Well, I have Sirius and my wife has XM. It seems that Sirius recycles the same songs over their popular rock stations. Also, they play a lot of Bruce Springsteen. Admittingly this is subjective but I'd give the slight nod to XM.
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    I've had XM since March 2002 so it's going on four years now and I swear by it. I don't even remember what most of the local stations are anymore.

    But lately I've been getting the sense that XM is also recycling the same songs more often than I would expect them to on some channels. Certainly the playlists are far wider and deeper than anything on the local stations, but I guess maybe I'm a little disappointed. I got hooked on the new XM Chill channel a few weeks ago but have already been hearing repeats when I listen at random times. I got tired of hearing the same comedy skits on XM Comedy so I stopped listening a long time ago (maybe time to give it another try?). For sure Mix and Kiss recycle songs but I expect to find that there.

    I'm not complaining so much as observing. Their library is deep but maybe royalty considerations limit how often they stray from the standard fare. I dunno. The good thing is that there are always dozens of other channels to check out at any given time, just means a lot of channel hopping to find something fun.
  • duke15duke15 Member Posts: 161
    Just wait until gymnastics is broadcast on the radio. :cry:
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I'm seeing that on Sirius as well.

    BTW, I have both XM and Sirius. Like em both. :)

    -Paul
  • trucker50trucker50 Member Posts: 108
    I too have both and would give the music nod to xm. XM has more original music programming then Sirius. XM seems better organized then Sirius also. Having said that Sirius is on a major roll, just surpassing 4 million subcribers, and should gain a million or more when they take over the NASCAR brodacasts next year. XM had 6 million subscribers but is begging current subscribers to stay, offering rates as low as 3 or 4 dollars a month to re-up. :D
  • deminindeminin Member Posts: 214
    XM called....again....last night, and offered me their service for $4.95 a month on a one year contract. Thats almost getting down to reasonable if a person wanted their service.
    The lesson here seems to be....if you really want their service, wait them out. It seems the longer you can live without this, the better the price will be if you later decide to rejoin.
    Personally, I'm waiting for free. After they sent me a bill for $600 early this year....assuming that I would automatically want to continue their service for 5 years, they left a rather sour taste in my mouth.
  • donredondodonredondo Member Posts: 1
    I have a Sirius Xact its mounted up near the sun visor. I'm wondering if it would be ok to hard wire it to the dome light??

    thanks

    don

    oh I love Sirius
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "XM, the No. 1 U.S. satellite radio operator, said its total subscriber base is now more than 6.5 million, and it is on track to reach its goal of 9 million by year-end."

    XM Satellite says subscribers top 6.5 million (Reuters)

    Steve, Host
  • bpaubpau Member Posts: 20
    Is there anyway to get the channels to display in numeric order (04-245)only? I can only get the channels listed in alpha category order and then in numeric order with in each category. :confuse:

    Thanks,
    bpau
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Short answer.

    No.

    You have it arranged how most people arrange them. From what I understand, if you turn off categories and channel detail, it will then list in numeric order, but if you don't know the channel name, it may be a bit difficult. If you only go to certain channels, this shouldn't be an issue, but if you surf around, it may make it more challenging.

    -Paul
  • dunksterdunkster Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a 2006 CR-V with XM ready radio. Is there a way around a factory installed tuner? Will XMDirect work?
    WHat have others done.
    Thank you!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "Only a fraction of the audience followed the shock jock to satellite. Stations wonder where millions of ears went."

    Trying to Corral Stern's Lost Herd (LA Times)

    Steve, Host
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,348
    Lot's of people will lose interest when they have to fork out money. There are plenty of other choices to listen to.

    Of course, easy for me to say, since I could never stand the guy (well, maybe early on when he was funny, but not recently when he devolved into a skeevy old degenerate).

    Also wouldn't surprise me if the ratings ("ears") where skewed somewhat, but pay radio at least proves how many serious fans he has.

    Oh, and any fans that already had Sirius wouldn't obviously have to sign up anew.

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

  • dc_davedc_dave Member Posts: 52
    I just did the same thing, I called XM and asked for the 9 month - $77 promotion. The phone rep said no, and that I needed a special promotion code which I do not have. My 3 month subsription just ran out and I'm going nuts, anyone have a promotion code?

    Dave in VA
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Yeah, call em back and tell them that if they don't want to renew you at that price, you will switch to Sirius because they offered you an ever better rate. :)

    -Paul
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Kia just announced a new partnership with Sirius satellite radio. (Straightline)

    Steve, Host
  • klizmaaaklizmaaa Member Posts: 13
    Opie and Anthony are now gonna be on both Satellite radio and regular radio. They are going to be replacing David Lee Roth. I'm skeptical how smart this will be. Will it make XM subscribers who listen to them mad that they could be listening for free instead of paying $13 + $1 for the the show.

    http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/64800.htm
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    I don't listen to them but I'm guessing that if you lived in NY or one of the other stations that will carry their show, you might care. If you really wanted to hear their show and didn't get it over the air you'd be happy to pay. I don't know how many stations stayed with the David Lee Roth show when Howard left so I'm not sure of his reach. If you wanted the "anything goes" XM version, you'd pay anyway.
  • sb55sb55 Member Posts: 657
    No extra charge for O & A for the past year or more. Even though I am in the NY metro area, I will still listen to them through XM. I just want to know how they will handle the tedious 25 minutes of commercials/hour on "regular" radio when it's simulcast to XM. From what I have read, the show will be 3 hours on FM and XM, then 2 more additional hours uncensored on XM.
    I have a MYFI in my BMW since BMW radios suck (and I have the otional "Premium" sound) and can barely get regular radio anyway. BMW charges over $700.00 for Sirius. What a ripoff since you can get it standard in even a Ford product.

    2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    is actually pretty nice when integrated with the i-Drive. Given the BUSS technology in the iDrive, any solution is bound to be pricey. There are even options now (or coming soon) for iPod integration into the iDrive.

    -Paul
  • trucker50trucker50 Member Posts: 108
    Looked at a new Camry ('07)the other day and the sticker said the radio was xm and sirius ready(your choice)....interesting I didn't know they made radio's like that yet....I forget what kind it was.
    I have both Sirius and XM now but am deactivating XM this afternoon unless they get real cheap(my year subscription is up). Stern is really good on uncensored radio, his shows seem to be getting better and better.
    Tried listening to Opie and Anthony but got tired of waiting to hear something funny or entertaining.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    They started out with XM only, but depending on which plugin you go with, it will work with either.

    -Paul
  • anniemfuseanniemfuse Member Posts: 66
    curious to know if any Sirius listeners out there had any thoughts as to who has the better music

    This all depends on your preferences. I subscribe to SIRIUS but usually get XM on rental cars. Both have great music channels. I'm more into rock, electronic, folk, ambient, chill/trance, and smooth jazz and SIRIUS has multiple offerings of these. But the main reason I have SIRIUS is because of the Public Radio stations which XM lacks. SIRIUS has NPR Talk, NPR Now, PRI, and World Radio Net (also several BBC channels, two Canadian channels, DISCOVERY and LIME).
  • duke15duke15 Member Posts: 161
    SIRIUS has the NFL, and somehow I will end up driving during the games every few weeks during the season on roads without any games I can get on the radio. That is why I got it.
  • dirkworkdirkwork Member Posts: 210
    Hello -

    I enjoy sirius radio but I have noticed that the talk stations appear to be severely compressed and/or frequency limited, they sound terrible! Is this just me, or has anyone else noticed this? My local AM stations sound much better than the audio from SIRIUS talk stations such as NPR, Talk Right, Talk Left, etc. Music, it appears they do differently, as I have little to say about that. My system is audiovox (Jensen) using FM converter.

    Dirk
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    just me, or has anyone else noticed this? My local AM stations sound much better than the audio from SIRIUS talk stations such as NPR, Talk Right, Talk Left, etc. Music, it appears they do differently, as I have little to say about that. My system is audiovox (Jensen) using FM converter.

    The talk channels ARE more compressed than the music ones, but your key problem is the FM modulator. I'm a huge fan of NFL Radio's afternoon show ("Afternoon Blitz"), and it sounds somewhere between FM and AM on my Starmate Replay. I use a Sony cassette adapter.
  • anniemfuseanniemfuse Member Posts: 66
    ... talk stations... sound terrible! ....has anyone else noticed this? ...

    I haven't noticed this at all. I have direct connect (Pioneer head unit with directly wired S50). The FM modulator sounded terrible so I purchased a new head unit with a plug-in port for an external audio device.
  • mikect22mikect22 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2006 Honda Pilot EX-L that only comes with XM. As a 2 year user of Sirius does anyone know of channels on XM that are compatible to Sirius Channel 18 The Spectrum and Channel 10 The Bridge.
    Thanks!!
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Try XMradio.com. They have a channel line up that describes em.

    -Paul
  • zachputerzachputer Member Posts: 3
    For the past 2 months I have been listening to Stern and about dozen stations free on Sirius as a promotion to purchase the package ( I'm guessing this since the satellite stations worked the day I drove the car off the lot and I didnt register for it). Anyway as of yesterday, I get no Satellite stations at all. On this JBL Synthesis system the AM & Satellite band share the same button and I can only get AM. I am unable to switch into SAT channel 255 so that I can get my sirius ID number to activate the radio and pay to hear Stern. Both Toyota and Sirius seem to be clueless. Do i have a hardware problem with my radio or is there away to reactivate the satellite reception...any help would be greatly appreciated...thanks
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