Satellite Radio

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 8 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #1,527 in Entertainment, #43,743 overall

Satellite Radio

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

When is the last time you tuned into radio that was worth more that a few mintues of listening? Most often you can't locate the music you love, there are constant commercial interruptions, or a bad signal creates poor quality audio.

If you're searching for a better listening experience it's time to investigate satellite radio.

Be sure to use the expandable Table of Contents below to help you find what you want quickly on this page.

See Sirius Satellite Radio Accessories for more products.

If you decide satellite radio is right for you, which of course you will, come back here to get started with SIRIUS Satellite Radio

Advantages of Satellite Radio 

So what is so great about satellite radio?

  • The satellite radio signal is far reaching and the quality signal can be maintained even as you travel across the country. Because it is broadcast by communications satellite; the channel can be heard virtually anywhere. (Learn more about how this works below)

  • The sound quality of satellite radio is superior. Static, fading, and signal breakup are virtually eliminated.

  • Listening with satellite radio is commercial free leaving you to enjoy your chosen entertainment undisturbed.

  • There are fewer restriction on the entertainment that satellite radio makes available to listeners. You can hear things on satellite radio that you won't hear elsewhere because, simply put, it is free from many of the regulations that limit traditional radio broadcasts.

  • The diveristy of programming available on satellite radio with over 160 stations is unparalleled. The options cover almost every genre imaginable.
  • How Satellite Radio Works 

    Here are the resources you need to learn more

    Space.com
    A one page article about how XM and Sirius get the signals to you. Basic information, not too technical.
    How Stuff Works
    A video presentation describing how satellite radio began and how it works. Very basic, not too technical.
    Informit.com
    More details about the satellites themselves.
    Wikipedia
    A little more detail from Wikipedia.

    Comparing the Alternatives to Satellite Radio 

  • Regular radio:

    Regular broadcast radio has the advantage of having no subscription fee. The cost for a radio receiver with antenna is minimal. However, the area for quality listening is limited as you often cannot travel more than 50-100 miles from the station without losing the signal. The diversity of programming is much more restricted as compared to satellite radio's 160+ channels. In addition, there are frequent commercial interruptions and the overall sound quality is often compromised.

  • HD radio:

    HD radio requires the purchase of a special receiver but requires no subscription fee. However, the diversity of programming and number of stations isn't much greater than with traditional radio. Some HD radio stations are currently commercial free but the future is uncertain regarding this. The opportunity for listening to a single station while traveling over distances is also not an option with HD radio.

  • Your MP3 Player:

    MP3 players obviously allow you to listen to your favorite music uninterrupted, with great audio quality. They are also portable and perform equally well almost anywhere. However, there is no opportunity to listen to news, a favorite talk radio personality, or to discover new favorites.
  • Satellite Radio Stations 

    What's on satellite radio?

    There are two satellite radio providers in the US:
  • XM satellite radio
  • Sirius satellite radio.

    With well over 160 stations there isn't enough space on this page to go through the details but there is talk from Deepak Chopra to Howard Stern, Politics and Religion to Sports and Health, and then there is the music, and lots of it. Check out the offerings on SIRIUS Satellite Radio here or go to XM here.
  • News As Of March 2008

    A merger deal between XM and Sirius Satellite Radio has been approved by federal regulators. See the story on Engadget. Stayed tuned for more!

    Disadvantages of Satellite Radio 

    There have to be some.

  • Satellite radio isn't free in the US. There is a subscription fee of approximately $13 per month. Subscribers must also purchase any receivers and pay a small one time activation fee.

  • As with any service there are occasions when the signal is lost. Cables get cut, cell towers go down or are too sparse, or, in this case, satellite transmissions can get lost due to tunnels, etc.

  • You will not receive local traditional broadcast radio stations via satellite radio.

  • And, well, ...that's about it.
  • What Do You Say? 

    Do you 'gotta have" satellite radio?

    Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

    Yes, it's got the listening I want and NO commercials!

    rms says:

    I LOVE my satellite radio. It is well worth paying for the music I want to hear. I will never go back to free radio again!

    Never mind! It goes against nature to pay for radio!

    ElizabethJeanAllen says:

    I rarely have the radio on at home and I use my driving time to think. My husband is another story. He wants an HD radio, but then he'd use it.

    clouda9 says:

    I listen on my Sirius music on DishTV, don't need another bill to worry about paying.

     
     
    1 of 1 page
     

    How to Get Satellite Radio 

    The process of getting satellite radio is quite simple.

  • Select which service you want: Sirius or XM. To do this go to their respective sites to compare programming. Differences in cost are insignificant.
    Again, you can visit SIRIUS Satellite Radio here or go to XM here.

  • After selecting the service, a satellite radio receiver will be required. Home receivers, car stereos, plug-and-play type devices and small personal listening devices are among the options. (Sirius equipment is shown below)

  • Installation of car or boat receivers can be done professionally or handled as a do-it-yourself task. (a video demonstration of installation can be found on the Sirius site but there is also a tutorial below)

  • Once installation of the antenna and receiver is completed, service can be activated on line or via telphone.
  • How to Install Sirius Satellite Radio 

    Sirius Satellite Radio Installation

    How to install a sirius satellite radio plug and play receiver into your car.

    Runtime: 1:47
    19927 views
    0 Comments:

    powered by YouTube

    Satellite Radio via the Internet 

    For those who want satellite radio but don't want to invest in the additional equipment there is another option. Both XM and Sirius satellite radio offer Internet Radio giving consumers the option of listening online. Subscription fees are under $13/month.

    Sirius even offers a 3 day free trial allowing consumers to try it on for size before making a committment. Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

    Free Sirius Satellite Radio?

    Well, not exactly, but for Dish Network customers Sirius Satellite Radio channels are available within their programming packages. Thus, listening to Sirius at home won't cost any more for Dish customers. See Dish Network Channels for more.

    Satellite Radio in the News 

    Sirius iPhone App Hits 1 Million Downloads
    It's unclear how this milestone will impact the bottom line, as Sirius did not say how many iPhone users were paying for the satellite radio service. ...
    WSJ: Sirius XM Radio CEO Gets Pay Hike, Contract Extension
    By Sarah McBride Of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Sirius XM Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI) gave Chief Executive Mel Karmazin a pay hike, extended the term of his ...
    Internet Radio Dodges Royalty Fee Bullet is Satellite Radio Next ...
    ... pureplay time due to the relatively low overhead compared to tradtional radio stations that you would tune into on the radio or Sirius Satellite Radio. ...
    Score Media's Hardcore Sports Radio Broadcasts Canadian Football ...
    "HSR listeners, both Canadian and American, are avid CFL fans, and we're elated that SIRIUS is the home of the CFL on satellite radio," says Mike Gentile, ...

    Sirius Satellite Radios with Gift Cards 

    Click on pictured items to learn more or shop

    Starmate 4 Dock & Play Radio with $30 Subscription Card

    Sportster 5 Dock & Play Radio with $30 Subscripton Card

    Stiletto 2 Portable Satellite Radio and $30 Subscription Card

    Straus Dock & Play Radio plus $30 Subscription Card

    Free Stratus Dock and Play Radio with $49.99 Subscription Card

    Stiletto 100 Portable Satellite Radio with $49.99 Subscription Card

    Sportster 5 Dock & Play Radio with $49.99 Subscription Card

    Starmate 4 Dock & Play Radio with $49.99 Subscription Card

    Sirius Satellite Radio Tuners 

    SIRIUSConnect Home Tuner Pro Kit with 8-pin SSP Cable

    SiriusConnect Home Tuner Pro Kit w/RS232 cable

    Audio Design Associates Sirius Commercial Tuner

    Sonos Digital Music System

    SIRIUS SRH550 Home Tuner with Antenna

    Tivoli's SIRIUS table radio

    Antex Multizone Home

    Niles Sirius Tuner Module

    ADA Tune Suite

    Russound ST2S Home Tuner

    SiriusConnect Home Tuner

    Sirius Satellite Radio: The Stiletto Portable Radio 

    Click on pictured items to learn more or shop

    Stiletto SL100 Portable Satellite Radio

    Stiletto 10 Portable Satellite Radio

    Stiletto 2 Portable Satellite Radio

    SIRIUS S50 Radio with Car Kit

    Sirius Satellite Radio: Some of the Talk Personalities Featured on YouTube 

    YouTube thumbnail
    Sirius Satellite Radio Live Br...

    Runtime: 7:22 | 4092 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Sirius Satellite Radio Live Br...

    Runtime: 7:32 | 17132 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Howard Stern SIRIUS XM Radio C...

    Runtime: 1:30 | 2263 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Luke Bryan Performs "Doin' My ...

    Runtime: 3:59 | 1668 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    MMA Girls post UFC 73 intervie...

    Runtime: 8:15 | 7715 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Joe Nichols Performs "Believer...

    Runtime: 3:15 | 862 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Sirius XMP3 Portable Satellite...

    Runtime: 14:51 | 105 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Howard Stern - Alternative Chr...

    Runtime: 10:30 | 4004 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    No Dancing in Billie Jean Vide...

    Runtime: 1:16 | 2074 views | Comments

    XM Satellite Radio Talk Personalities Featured on YouTube 

    YouTube thumbnail
    Part 1 EFT Emotional Freedom...

    Runtime: 9:13 | 139 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    IGS Exclusive Tour: The XM Sat...

    Runtime: 2:05 | 1371 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Part 3 EFT Emotional Freedom...

    Runtime: 8:39 | 76 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Air America Radio on XM Satell...

    Runtime: 0:29 | 856 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Howard Stern SIRIUS XM Radio C...

    Runtime: 1:30 | 2263 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    POTUS '08 Radio Station on XM:...

    Runtime: 2:18 | 420 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Luke Bryan Performs "Doin' My ...

    Runtime: 3:59 | 1668 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Ron and Fez on Food TV

    Runtime: 4:44 | 11871 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Joe Nichols Performs "Believer...

    Runtime: 3:15 | 862 views | Comments

    What Do You Say? 

    Which Rules the World of Satellite Radio?

    Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

    Sirius! Are You Kidding?

    rms says:

    I'm voting for Sirius because that's what I have but I bet XM is great too!

    XM! (What's Sirius?)

     
     
    1 of 1 page
     

    Sirius Satellite Radio: Stiletto Gear 

    Click on pictured items to learn more or shop

    For more accessory items go to Sirius Satellite Radio Accessories

    Stiletto Slim Battery

    Stileto Standard Battery

    Stiletto Ruggedized Case

    Stiletto Protective Overlay

    Leather Case for Stiletto 2

    Stiletto Executive Leather Case

    Stiletto Portable Use Kit

    Case with Armband for Stiletto 2

    Sirius Satellite Radio Sound Systems and Boomboxes 

    Click on pictured items to learn more or shop

    Sirius S50 Executive System

    Altec Lansing Desktop Audio Stystem

    Stilleto Executive System

    Universal Stiletto Boombox

    Universal Stiletto Executive Systems

    Polk Audio Designs miDock Portfolio

    Soloist Universal Sound System

    Sirus Stiletto Boombox

    Dock and Play Universal Boombox

    Sirius Satellite Radio for Your Car 

    Click on pictured items to learn more or shop

    Sportster 4 Dock & Play Radio and Complete Vehicle Kit

    Sportster 5 Dock & Play Radio and Complete Vehicle Kit

    Stratus 4 Dock & Play Radio and Complete Vehicle Kit

    InV2 Radio and Complete Vehicle Kit

    Starmate4 Dock & Play Radio and Complete Vehicle Kit

    Stratus Dock and Play Radio and Vehicle Kit

    Starmate 3 Dock & Play Radio and Vehicle Kit

    Sportster 3 Dock & Play Radio and Vehicle Kit

    Dock & Play Universal Vehicle Kit

    Stiletto 10/100 Vehicle Kit

    Stiletto 2 Vehicle Docking Kit

    Sirius Satellite Radio: Live Shows on Featured on YouTube 

    A Sampling

    YouTube thumbnail
    Sirius Satellite Radio Live Br...

    Runtime: 7:22 | 4092 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Raining Jane Live at Sirius Sa...

    Runtime: 4:58 | 13569 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Sirius Satellite Radio Live Br...

    Runtime: 7:32 | 17132 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Larry Live at Sirius Satellite...

    Runtime: 3:58 | 556 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Twisted Sister Live on Sirius ...

    Runtime: 3:51 | 1356 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Alec Gross Live on Sirius Sate...

    Runtime: 3:14 | 538 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Jonathan Davis Forsaken live S...

    Runtime: 3:24 | 45192 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    Artie Lange Defends His "Joe B...

    Runtime: 5:33 | 60183 views | Comments

    YouTube thumbnail
    DJ YONNY L-BOOGS & L-STYLEZ ON...

    Runtime: 5:18 | 1601 views | Comments

    Satellite Radio: Was this page helpful? Let us know! 

    Lensmaster

    WOW! I never realised about satelite radio - great lens! Thanks, Mike

    ReplyPosted April 29, 2008

    ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...

    Great information. I don't listen to the radio but my husband does. I want to get him a HD radio for father's day. It will take that long for me to figure it all out.
    *****
    Liz

    ReplyPosted April 27, 2008

    druides wrote...

    radio

    ReplyPosted April 25, 2008

    clouda9 wrote...

    Geez Louise you have tons of info here! Great job in putting it all together.

    ReplyPosted February 18, 2008

    flowergardener wrote...

    Wow! Boy am I behind the times. I didn't even know about satellite radio! You've got EVERYTHING here, Thanks!

    ReplyPosted February 17, 2008

    rms wrote...

    Great topic! My favorite station is First Wave.

    ReplyPosted February 16, 2008

     

    You can review this site at: The Isle of Squid

    Photo Credits (all photos are copyrighted as indicated. No derivative work allowed.)
    Introduction: rhys-bennett.
    Advantages of Satellite Radio: downing.amanda.
    Satellite Radio Stations: Vox Efx.
    Satellite Radio Via the Internet: zulfinho.

    This site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.