Satellite Radio MP3

Sure, you can purchase MP3 satellite radios directly from Sirius Radio or XM Radio that can capture streaming radio and save it onto your portable radio for later listening.

For instance, XM's Samsung Nexus, the Sirius S50 or the Dell DJ MP3 satellite radio will store up to 50 hours of time-shifted content and record your favorite shows. However, the shortcoming is that the contents are only available on that particular device. While you can plug your satellite radio into your car, home stereo or in some cases your computer, you will not be able to effectively transfer individual songs or hours of broadcast back to your computer.

Time Trax is fantastic news for folks who have already invested $400 in an iPod and would rather not purchase a separate device to stream radio. This can also be the perfect solution for that late-night exclusive concert or interview programming.

The software works with most XM and Sirius receivers - notably, XM PCR tuners, XM Direct receivers, as well as the Sirius Sportscaster, Sirius Connect Kenwood, Sirius Connect JVC, Sirius Connect Pioneer and Sirius Connect Alpine receivers. It will not work with the SkiFi or MiFi satellite radios at the moment, but generally ii is compatible with the most popular models of MP3 satellite radio.

What will you need to get started with Time Trax? First, you'll obviously need your MP3 satellite radio and a subscription to either Sirius or XM, or simply an online satellite radio subscription. If you just want to record satellite radio off the internet and convert it to MP3 format for your iPod, you can choose to download the software for $49. The other option is for people who want to record from their satellite receivers. These Sirius or XM subscribers can purchase the Time Trax Complete package for $169.99, which includes a small adapter, a satellite radio receiver, a USB cable, a stereo adapter cable and an AC power adapter. It's actually quite simple when you really look at the configuration - the USB cable connects from the Time Trax adapter to your computer and the other included cable connects the Time Trax adapter to your Sirius or XM receiver.

Time Trax technology seems to have caught the MP3 satellite radio market off guard. XM Radio, in particular, has expressed interest in shutting down the Time Trax website and operation. Some people in the recording industry believe the ability to record radio programming will hurt the music industry, as a whole, however there's no evidence of this. Has Tivo hurt the television industry? Not really.