A satellite radio is a special radio that receives signals broadcast by satellite. This allows the listener to follow a single channel no matter where they are because the signal's reach is not limited by station power and curvature of the Earth. Satellite radio, also called digital radio, offers commercial and distortion free, CD quality music beamed to your car radio or home stereo from space.

We all have our favorite radio stations that we preset into our car radios or home stereos, flipping between stations as we drive to and from work, on errands and around town. But when you travel too far away from the source station, the signal breaks up and fades into static. Most radio signals can only travel about 30 or 40 miles from their source. On long trips passing through different cities, you might have to change radio stations every hour or so as the signals fade in and out. Obviously, it's not much fun scanning through static trying to find something to listen to.

Imagine a radio station that can broadcast its signal from more than 22,000 miles away, and then come through on your car radio or home stereo with complete clarity. You could drive from Anchorage, Alaska to Miami, Florida, without ever having to change the radio station! Not only would you ever hear static interfering with your favorite tunes, but the music would be interrupted by no commercials. Welcome to the world of satellite radio....commercial and distortion free listening from coast to coast!

Car manufacturers have installed satellite radio receivers in some of the latest model automobiles, and electronics companies have launched several models of portable satellite radio receivers. Satellite radio is also available for the home for commercial and distortion free listening enjoyment!

What are the two types of satellite radio?

In the United States, there are XM and Sirius.

XM is a service in the United States that provides digital programming directly from two satellites (nicknamed "Rock" and "Roll") in geostationary orbit above the equator, and a network of ground-based repeaters. It is based in Washington, DC.

XM's business model is to provide pay-for-service radio, with commercial-free music channels, analogous to the business model for premium cable television channels. They also provide other data services such as weather information for pilots and weather spotters. In addition, they transmit coded traffic information directly to navigation systems using TMC technology. Their service includes music channels, news, sports, talk and entertainment channels, premium channels, regional traffic and weather channels. The XM signal uses 12.5 MHz of the S band: 2332.5 to 2345.0 MHz. XM's competitor in the U.S. is Sirius.

Sirius is a (DARS) service in the United States that provides streams of music, sports, news and entertainment. The streams are broadcast from three satellites in an elliptical geosynchronous orbit above North America. Sirius is based in New York City. Its business model is to provide pay-for-service radio, free of commercials, analogous to the business model for cable television.

Sirius' spacecraft Sirius 1 through Sirius 4 was manufactured by Space Systems/Loral. The first three of the series were orbited in 2000 by Proton-K Block-DM3 launch vehicles. Sirius 4 is a ground spare, in storage at SS/Loral's facility in Palo Alto, California. Sirius was previously known as CD Radio. The dog in the Sirius logo is unofficially named "Mongo."

Sirius satellite radio is sometimes compared to cable TV, and in a way that comparison is valid. While cable opened up new channels, new programming, and eventually channels that could go around the censorship imposed by networks, satellite radio has to be received via subscription, and so has independent shows. Like the best of cable channels, many boast no commercials. One of Sirius' favorite advertisements is the claim of "100% commercial free music," which is made possible because of the monthly subscriptions paid by users.

Sirius satellite radio was previously known as CD radio, but changed their name in 1999. The way Sirius works is that there are three satellites in a constant orbit above North America to ensure coverage, and as of this writing Sirius provided a minimum of 69 different channels for music, and another 60 for sports, news, entertainment and other miscellaneous channels. Business wise, they work very much like cable. There are monthly subscriptions, low activation fees, and even a one time 'rate for a lifetime' subscription (around $500 as of this article).

While to some it seems like all these advertisements on television for Sirius Satellite Radio may have come from nowhere, in fact this company is based on a steady and smart business philosophy that has allowed them to grow rapidly. One of the main strategies to attract people to this new technology has been to obtain contractual deals with some big-name entertainers, both in music and in other subjects. For example, Martha Stewart and Lance Armstrong are both signed on Sirius Satellite Radio. One channel caters to the domestic crowd, the other to sports. These two shows bring in two different demographics of people, both of which will hopefully find enough other channels they like to keep re-subscribing.

Big name musicians often have their own shows. Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones are just a few of the major examples of stars who have their own shows or specials. In addition to this, it has also created specific niche channels like "Underground Garage" for garage rock, and "Outlaw Country" for alternative country music. This helps bring in the niche groups that may have smaller, but much more devoted, followings.

Of course nothing compared to the historical deal that Howard Stern signed which made headlines and forced his millions of listeners to grab a subscription to continue to listen to his show, something that millions were apparently ready to do. This huge shift has resulted in a giant base of listeners that guarantees that this is not a flash in the pan advance like the 8-track, but is a form of radio entertainment that is around to stay. For those who haven't tried it, Sirius Satellite radio has a wide variety of channels for just about everyone, and it might just be time to see what it has to offer you.

Introduction

When it comes to satellite radio services, the situation in United States is pretty similar to the satellite TV market where there are two major service providers involved in the business – XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. Sirius's original programming originates from its studios in New York, while XM Radio's studios are based in Washington, D.C. There are rumors and news about the possibility of merging between these two satellite radio providers but no solid news had been released at the date of writing.

Both XM and Sirius charge their customers on monthly basis. Individual users normally pay not more than $15 per month to enjoy hundred of radio programming; while business owners need to pay more (about $25/mo for Sirius) in case they wish to use the radio channels as their business background music (a café for example). Since year 2005, Sirius offers a one time fee of nearly $500 valid for the lifetime of the equipments.

As for their popularity, XM claimed that they got more than 7.6 million of subscribers at the beginning of year 2007; Sirius on the other side claimed 6 million subscribers. A critical strategy that brings success to satellite radio provider is that they partnered up with auto-makers. Satellite radio equipments are offered as original equipments in the car model. BMW, MINI, Mercedes, FORD, Honda, and many more are now the sole partners for Sirius Satellite Radio on the expansions.

What’s so great about satellite radio services?

Despite the monthly subscription fees, satellite radio comes in a few advantages that conventional AM/FM radio that cannot compete. One of the major plus points with satellite radio service is that most of the music stations are free of irritating commercial breaks. As satellite radio providers run their business via user’s subscription fees, the bulk of the income source from the listeners, not the advertisers. Thus, satellite radio providers manage to provide a great number of commercial-free music channels in their package.

Besides commercial-free channels, satellite radio also stand in front of AM/FM radio as they provide the best sound quality in radio broadcasting. AM/FM reception is often interrupted by weak signals, which then influence the quality of the sounds. Such problem will not happen with satellite radio as the signals are static-free.

Also, satellite radio is highly portable, which means the same satellite radio shows can be listened with your Hi-Fi in your living room, or the boombox in your car, or even on your personal computer with Internet connection.

On top of all these reasons, satellite radio also stands out with its uncensored radio shows. Currently both Sirius and XM are offering quite a few 100% uncensored radio programming, which for sure you cannot get with the ordinary AM/FM radios. And before you ask, yes, you will get Howard Stern's show with satellite radio (Sirius Satellites).

As with most things in life, any part of it can come to an abrupt end. The recent decision of the Royalty Copyright Board appears to have threatened to remove a part of many thousands of consumers daily lives. Over the last several years the internet radio following has grown significantly in the U.S. It should come as no surprise considering the very nature of the internet. Due to its musical diversity and lack of corporate influence on what it plays and when, internet radio has flourished. But we must first define flourish in this situation. Has it flourished monetarily? No. The vast majority of independent broadcasters not only do not make a profit, they pay their expenses including royalty payments out of pocket. In terms of listeners, yes it has flourished. So much so that during the recent congressional hearing, The Future of Radio, the sirius/xm reps named it as competition and a reason they needed this merger citing internet radios price structure, free.

Doesn't sound like a very good business model for internet broadcasters with all costs and little or no profit. Why do it? The bulk of internet broadcasters is made up of hobbyist licensed through a larger company at a somewhat affordable rate. This allows broadcasters that would not otherwise be able to afford the fees entailed by licensing individually to become an internet radio station channel. This very model is what in essence gives internet radio it's wide diversity of music. Many do not run nor want to run ads or commercials. They extract their payment through the joy of broadcasting and the many listeners that tune in. They merely want to share their interest in music genre with those whom want to listen. Make no mistake, these are usually very professionally programmed broadcasts. These broadcasters take pride in their work.

Some would ask what's the difference between internet radio and any terrestrial am or fm station. The answer would at first seem to be only that one is on the airwaves and the other is on a wire. This is not true. Much of the music found on internet radio will almost certainly never be heard in the mainstream media outlets. Internet radio has embraced the independent and unknown artists giving them exposure previously reserved for only the top 40 or 50 most popular artists. Many of these indie artist have received national recognition due to play time on internet radio stations. This model gives your favorite local band a chance to be heard worldwide. It leads to cd sales and possible record contracts. Indeed it would seem the playing field between the famous and not so famous has been somewhat leveled, at least in the internet community. It's also notable that terrestrial am and fm stations do not pay the royalties in question. They are given a free ride in the name of promoting artists therefore considered a benefit to record companies. Just as notable is the fact that 49.9% of all new songs and artists were heard first on the internet in 2006, not am/fm stations, leading to huge song and cd sales.

So why would the large record companies push for these high royalty rates? That is the question on everyones mind. Why indeed. The internet has proven itself to be a viable outlet for new music sales. One would think the music recording industry would grasp this technology with open arms and welcome it into their already existing media outlets. There seems to be some kind of misconception in the music industry, and even with the recording artists themselves, concerning what internet radio is. It is not peer to peer sharing as has been insinuated. Internet broadcasters neither condone nor accept this method. In reality most stations use special programming to deter and stop this activity from their broadcasts, although as we all know, anyone can record music from their favorite am or fm station using their home stereo system. Internet broadcasters do not intend to give away anyones music. They simply, as any other music medium, let their listeners hear some music. If the listener likes it then he or she is enticed to purchase that music. It is a broadcast, no more no less. Most internet stations have a Buy Now button for listeners to immediately purchase the artists music they are listening to generating instant sales. I don't think am and fm stations, nor satelite radio for that matter can offer the same instant access. The business model is now looking pretty good for the recording industry, and it costs them absolutely nothing. Free advertising, free public exposure to artists, instant purchasing access to the consumer, how much better can it get? Why not embrace it? I am quite puzzled about this line of thinking. The proverbial "Cutting of your nose to spite your face" comes to mind.

Who will be affected if the current rates are not overturned or negotiated to an acceptable rate? The outcry went out from broadcasters all over the U.S. after the subsequent announcement of the new royalty rates. To better understand these rates I'll use the example in a recent article by RAIN. (Radio and Internet Newsletter) the new rates calculate to be to $1.28 per hour per listener taking into consideration an average of 16 songs per hour. This does not include the additional fee of $500.00 per year per channel. Anyone using their calculator can easily see with even a 100 listeners at that rate the costs escalate quickly over a 24 hour period. Again, terrestrial am and fm stations do not pay any of these additional royalty fees. These fees are in addition to other royalties paid to ASCAP, BMi and SESAC. At first glance you would think this affects only internet broadcasters. This is far from the truth. The internet broadcast industry is made up multiple small businesses. The broadcasters are the ones that are visible. Take into account the many stream providers that each station must have to send out their stream. Then you have a host of professional voices standing ready to make your internet station professional station ids, jingles and even news broadcasts. Small companies stand ready to promote your station and help drive listeners to tune in. Software companies that are producing professional grade programs to run your internet radio station while instantaneously keeping you compliant with existing DMCA (Digital Millineum Copyright Act) rules.

These are but a few of the small businesses affected by the rate changes. There is also the listener/consumer that chooses to tune in daily to their favorite internet station. 100s of 1000s of listeners tune in every day. They do so for the diversity and easy access of the music. Perhaps they don't have access to terrestrial am/fm stations. It's obvious that not only are broadcasters affected, but a complete industry in it's infancy would be stifled and/or removed if things do not change. A very significant consumer base would be eliminated. You, I and everyone that enjoys this music medium would be robbed of our musical pleasure. I find it hard to swallow that our congress would allow a complete industry to fall prey to this action and die. Our government openly promotes small business and entrepreneurship. Do the wants of the few outweigh the wants of the many?

In my opinion our government should be compelled to step in if negotiations fail to find a reasonable concession between internet broadcasters and SoundExchange (The Recording Industry Association of Americas collection agency). All broadcast mediums should have a more level playing field in regards to royalty payments. The threat to all involved in the internet broadcasting industry should be enough to warrant this in itself. Several websites have been set up for people to contact their congressman and voice their opinion on this controversial decision.

Digital radio has struggled to make it's place in the market. Most of the United States does not yet own a digital or Satellite radio and the reasons are clear. The digital radio receivers are not only expensive at the present time, but you must also subscribe to one of the services available for a monthly fee. This monthly fee is more of a deturant than the high prices on the Satellite radio receivers. Many stores that sell digital radio receivers are putting up many promotions in the form of discounts and rebates to try to entice the customer into buying.

I personally feel that digital radio receivers will follow the same path that most electronics follow. In the beginning the price point will be high and as technology improves and mass manufacturing processes are improved, then the costs will come down significantly. We have seen this trend in the past on items such as televisions, VCRs, telephones, stero equipment to name but a few.

Digital radio stations have thousands more options to offer the listener than regular old AM and FM analog radio stations. There is the quality issue. Gone are the days in which the radio quality would fluctuate based on whether or not you were driving under an overpass or passing by power lines. Through digital, there is relatively no disturbance from any outside sources which could disrupt your listening experience. This is one of the biggest pluses to digital radio. Also, there is no need for the guessing game when you hear a track you like and the disk jockey simply neglects to mention the name of it. With digital radio stations and an invention called “radiotext,” listeners will be able to read the name of the artist and title of the track right on their radio receiver as the song is playing. Radio stations will also be able to transmit information about the news, weather and traffic directly into text form on your radio receiver. I like these options very much.

Any station that currently says it is totally digital is lying. They are simply a hybrid of analog and digital where the radio receiver first picks up the analog signal and then homes in on the digital signal for a better quality broadcast. The possibilities do not end there though, as it may even be possible for digital stations to broadcast pictures and videos directly to your car or home stereo through the magic of digital broadcasting.

Although terrestrial digital radio stations are at least ten years off, there is a way to experience some of the benefits of digital radio stations today. Satellite radio, brought to you in America by XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio offer the closest thing to full digital radio. They provide the listener with high quality sound and radiotext to let people see what they are listening too.

Just as it has revolutionized the television industry, high definition technology is now changing the way we listen to the radio. High definition radio (HD-radio) makes tuning into your favorite station a whole new experience. Using high definition technology, any station in the country can deliver super, CD-like sound to its audience. High definition technology also makes it possible for listeners to receive information services such as traffic and weather alerts and stock information on their radios.

Pioneered by a company called iBiquity Digital, HD-radio was created in response to satellite radio, which, in the mid-90s, posed a real threat to traditional, or analog, radio. HD-radio mixes digital signals and analog signals, a combination that has made it possible for traditional stations to embark on the inevitable conversion to digital. In 2002, iBiquity made its HD-radio technology available to networks around the nation, and many of them jumped at it.

HD-radio offers a host of enhancements to traditional stations, and iBiquity says the following improvements are possible:

-In terms of sound quality, AM radio will sound like FM radio.

- FM radio will have crystal clear, CD-like sound

- Reception will be free of static, free of white noise, and station loss will no longer be a problem.

- Special services like On-Demand radio will be possible for listeners with HD-Radio. Wireless services will deliver news and traffic updates.

These upgrades are available to networks for about $250,000. Now, about 300 broadcasters are utilizing HD-radio. Thousands more should follow in the next few years. When they do go high def, they’ll still be able to broadcast in traditional, analog fashion. The ability to transmit digital signals is a big step for networks, but one that seems inevitable, given the improvements that result. Thanks to HD technology, some stations are now providing different kinds of programming from a single spot on the radio dial.

Fans of traditional radio should embrace HD technology because it delivers better audio quality and more options for listening. HD-radio is also free. Listeners don’t have to go through a subscription service to get it, and they won’t have to worry about receiving upgrades from their providers. However, listeners will need to purchase special components for HD-radio and find stations that are broadcasting in HD.

Added bonuses with HD broadcasting include the display of weather, news and song info on the screen of the radio. Listeners can also buy music through their HD systems, and they’ll have access to special recording options for music. High definition radios are becoming more and more common. They’re currently priced at about $150. Automobile manufacturers have started to install them in new cars. Plans are even in the works to apply high definition technology to MP3 players and cell phones. What will they think of next?

It might seem a little off the wall to pay for something most people enjoy for free, but when it comes to radio there’s radio and then there’s XM Radio. The craze behind satellite radio might just now be taking off, but the fact is services like XM Radio offer a whole lot of choice for people that regular FM and AM just can’t beat.

XM Radio is a fairly new service that runs on subscription. The receiver for the satellite signal can be placed in a vehicle or even transported into a home or office. While there is a monthly or annual fee associated with receiving that signal, the choice makes it a hands-down winner in the minds of many.

What XM Radio offers that regular radio cannot is simply a little bit of everything. There are channels and channels of stations to choose from and some pretty amazing choices at that.

Here’s a sampling of what services like XM Radio have to offer:

* Contemporary music. While a local FM band mind have one or two channels that play modern music, XM Radio has dozens and dozens. It’s nearly impossible to play with the dial and not find a favorite song playing.

* Country, bluegrass, folk. There are even channels dedicated to these genres on XM Radio. In fact, there are more than a few and some of them are downright spectacular.

* Oldies. What radio service would be complete without at least an oldies station or two? XM Radio has several.

* News. There are tons of news stations to choose from on XM Radio, giving listeners the ability to catch up on everything from world and local events to financial reports.

* Comedy. This is one of the perks of XM Radio as far as a lot of fans are concerned. There are multiple comedy stations that give listeners everything from very tame old skits to more saucy modern performances.

* Children’s programming. XM Radio makes sure not to leave the kids out of the loop. There are stations designed just for them where parents can be assured language will be appropriate and the music, too.

* Talk radio. There are stations dedicated to talk that can be found on XM Radio. These range from news talk to more personalized ventures.

* Traffic. XM Radio has stations dedicated to giving constant traffic and weather reports for all the major metro areas in the United States.

Offering something for just about everyone, XM Radio might be a relatively new creation, but it’s already put itself on the map.

There are a lot of ways to receive a satellite radio signal, and there are a lot of companies that specialize in making those receivers. But, when it comes to some of the best options for listening to XM radio in particular, Delphi products are worth serious consideration. Delphi XM Radio is designed to put listeners in the driver’s seat.

Delphi XM Radio products are made specifically to pick up satellite signals from this company. Some of the models can handle a number of different services, making them truly spectacular, but others are all XM all the way.

The Delphi XM Radio reception products range in style, size and pricing. In general they include a few different major types:

* Totally portable. There are Delphi XM Radio devices available that operate like portable MP3 or CD players. These tiny devices are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse and can be taken anywhere. This means XM Radio can be enjoyed by anyone, at any time in just about any location.

* Home models. There are some Delphi XM Radio receivers that are meant for home or office use only. Not as portable as some of Delphi’s other options, these are still great choices for stationary use, plus they can be wired with regular speakers for a truly fantastic listening experience.

* Vehicle devices. Delphi XM Radio also offers some devices to enable motorists to tune in while driving. These are generally add ons that plug into a car’s radio, enabling the pick up of the satellite signal.

Those who choose Delphi XM Radio devices will find the options here are only paled by the choices XM itself offers. The reason this radio service, and others like it are so popular has everything to do with choice. By providing listeners with everything from up-to-the-minute news and weather to some amazing choices in music, talk and even comedy, variety is king on satellite radio.

Those in the market for an XM receiver will find some of the best are Delphi XM Radio devices. Ranging from the very portable to the perfect stationary devices, these models are endorsed by XM.

When shopping for Delphi XM Radio receivers or receivers made by other companies, do be sure the receiver will handle the service it’s intended for. Most products have the services they play clearly marked on them. In the case of Delphi, the company makes a lot of devices, so if it’s XM you’re interested in, make sure the player is a Delphi XM Radio receiver and not meant for another satellite service.

One of the biggest perks about a satellite radio subscription is the choice that’s involved. From choice in programming options to choice in satellite radio receiver models, this type of radio is personalized from beginning to end.

Getting signed up for a satellite radio service will generally require buying a subscription. Once that’s done, the only other thing needed is a satellite radio receiver that’s designed to pick up the service in question. When it comes to most satellite companies, the options in receivers are pretty broad, allowing listeners to tune in just about anywhere.

When buying a satellite radio receiver from a company other than the provider itself, do make certain the device will work with the service you have chosen. Beyond that, the options available to receive these signals is pretty amazing.

Let’s look at some of the most common satellite radio receiver possibilities:

* Built in car receiver. Many automobile makers include satellite radio receiver models in their newer vehicles. Sometimes subscriptions are even offered along with the purchase. These receivers come with the stock radio receiver in the vehicles, which means if a replacement is chosen, the satellite radio receiver might need to be replaced, as well.

* Plug-in car receiver. Some satellite radio receiver models are fairly portable, but still meant for automobile use. These can be moved from vehicle to vehicle, so they go where ever their owner does. There are even some that work with car radios and other portable type radios, too. This means a person can listen in their car and then unplug for connection in the office or at home on a boom box or other radio device.

* Home receiver. Some satellite radio receiver options include those that are meant for in-home use. These either hook up to a regular radio or stereo system or are standalone to provide satellite radio reception at home.

* Portable devices. Many different portable devices are now being designed to double as satellite radio receiver models. This means MP3 players, for example, can play stored music or tune into options on the satellite.

* Computers. Most major satellite radio companies allow customers’ home computers to double as a satellite radio receiver. This allows streaming music or programming over a broadband connection. This type of receiver is generally allowed for use even when a subscription is purchased for a single vehicle.

The choices of satellite radio receiver models just keeps getting better and better. As these services continue to grow and gain in popularity, it’s not inconceivable satellite radio will be found on just about any electronic device imaginable.

As the satellite radio craze continues to grow, more and more services are coming on board. Many of these offer a selection of listening options that’s expansive enough to put FM and AM stations combined to shame. One such service is Sirius satellite radio.

Sirius satellite radio offers a lot of the same things that other satellite providers do, but it has a few twists. Let’s go over the basics about satellite radio and then mention those twists.

First off, Sirius satellite radio, like other similar services, is offered on a subscription basis. This means those who want to be able to tune into the channels must pay to do so. Those who have can choose to receive the signals in their automobiles, offices, homes or even online. There are a variety of options on this front, making sure those who want to can listen to Sirius satellite radio just about anywhere.

The reason subscription services like Sirius satellite radio are so popular is the fact they can offer a variety – both censored and not – of everything from children’s music and pop to classics, comedy, news, weather, traffic and more. There’s no shortage of stations on services such as this.

Developing in a similar fashion to cable television, satellite radio providers like Sirius satellite radio have been able to cater to niche markets, as well. Since they have so many station possibilities open, they can include a variety of narrowly focused channels that FM and AM just can’t support. These options include such things as folk music, specialized talk radio and more. There are even stations dedicated to nothing but children’s music, pop, Top 40 and beyond.

Now, for those Sirius satellite radio twists mentioned earlier. This particular satellite radio provider is known for not only its music selection, but also its talk show hosts. With a reach that spans from Martha Stewart to Howard Stern, it’s little wonder these types of services are drawing niche crowds.

Another draw for providers such as Sirius satellite radio is the fact many of them give their customers automatic Internet access to all the programming. This means listeners can buy receivers and subscriptions for their cars and still listen at home or the office via computer speakers. This is a nice perk that many enjoy taking advantage of.

Sirius satellite radio is known for its expansive variety and the number of options subscribers have for actually tuning in. The service is considered one of the best when it comes to variety.

Satellite radio might be a fairly new creation, but it’s one that’s being readily embraced by lots of listeners. The biggest reason for this is the fact that most satellite radio providers have managed to dream up some great ways to target niche markets, making their overall packages look and sound incredible.

The simple truth is that many well rounded satellite radio services are becoming one of the best ways to receive news, information and music all the time, almost anywhere. These services provide a variety of niche programs that just can’t be matched on a regular local radio station.

While not all satellite radio providers offer the same types of programming, there are some commonalities between most when it comes to niches targeted. These include:

*Rock fans. Satellite radio just can’t be beaten for the number of rock and rock-related stations. From Top 40 and contemporary to oldies and alternatives, the rock stations on most satellite services are so many, it’s hard for fans not to find a song on they want to listen to.

*Country fans. Whoever said country wasn’t cool hasn’t listened to satellite radio. Most services provide niche stations that offer popular country, oldies and even some folk and bluegrass thrown in. Some services will have at least a channel (or several) dedicated to each type of music, too.

*News. With many satellite radio companies getting their news directly from some major outlets, what’s on the stations is generally fresh and breaking. This means those with satellite radio don’t have to miss out on big events during a drive or even while they’re working on the computer.

*Specialty channels. Some satellite radio providers even offer channels dedicated to specific bands. This is serious niche marketing, but some services find fans really enjoy the perk.

*Traffic. This is one of the neatest features offered by many satellite radio providers. Giving up to the minute traffic and weather reports on specific channels for each major metro area, it’s easy to keep up with what’s going on at home.

*Talk. With more channels than ever to dedicate to talk programs, satellite radio providers are starting to pull some very big names in the industry. From famous radio talk show hosts to even some major names in television, satellite radio is the place to turn for talk.

Targeting hundreds of niche markets at one, satellite radio providers are able to offer more than local stations hands down. It’s almost impossible to tune in and not find something worth listening to.

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Coolsat Platinum 5000 and other free to air satellite receivers that are available to buy from Coolsat. The Coolsat Premium 6000 is another big FTA, and even comes with Tetris. With features like the dual RCA outs and full DVB and mpeg-2 digital, it's one of the best on the market and this product features a total of four thousand channels. Free to air satellite receivers are getting better and most popular than ever before, and more and more are scrambling to own this extremely advanced technology. Digital technology is truly the wave of the future, and various companies and corporations are trying to cash in on this growing business. The FTAs offered by Coolsat feature cutting-edge technology, user-friendly controls and great features.

Whether you love watching the decorating prowess exhibited on HGTV or wait the whole year in anticipation of the Super Bowl, Dish Network will provide you with the programming package that best suits your needs. Even if your family cannot agree on one show that everybody enjoys watching, you will find plenty of Dish Network programming package options that won't break the budget but will still provide everybody with their favorite shows. Along with the incredible programming choices, you will also find state-of-the-art technology that will make your viewing easier and more pleasant and make it easier for every family member to enjoy their own programming.

When you sign up for a Dish Network subscription, you get your initial installation and equipment for free. This equipment can include up to four satellite receivers, which will let your family independently view four separate television in whatever rooms you wish. When you consider how many programming options are available through the programming packages, you might want to opt for the largest number of receivers you will conceivably need. While great technologies like the Dishnet DVR (Digital Video Recorder) will let you easily record any program you cannot watch during its initial airing, you will still want all the viewing flexibility you can get. And, with Dish Network 's offer for a free upgrade to a High Definition Television (HDTV) receiver, you might want to include at least one HDTV receiver in your package. This will allow your family to access all the great HD programming available through Dish Network's HD programming packages, including ESPN HD, Discovery HD, Family Room HD, Universal HD, and Gallery HD. If you choose the highest level Dish Network HDTV package, you can even watch premium movie channels like HBO and Starz in high definition format. These HDTV channels are great for gathering the whole family around the television for a movie night or getting together with a group of friends for the big games.

Dish Network's channel selection offers an amazing number of choices. From the 40 channel DishFamily to the nearly 240 channel America's Everything Pak, you will find the package you want. America's Top 60 is a great introductory level package with most of your favorite channels like HGTV, Men's Channel, Comedy Central, ESPN, Nickelodeon, and TBS. When you upgrade to the America's Top 120, you add more entertainment like Animal Planet, BET, BBC America, MSNBC, and Turner Classic Movies. This Dish Network programming package also has the exciting new addition of dozens of Sirius satellite radio channels. From Howard Stern to the best bluegrass, you will be able to enjoy hours of listening pleasure. With an even larger selection of channels, the America's Top 180 offers great additions like Reality TV, Bloomberg Television, The Outdoor Channel, and Nicktoons. Short of America's Everything Pak, which adds the four premium movie packages, the Top 180 gives you the most standard definition selection possible. International programming, including four Spanish-language packages, premium movie channels, and sport subscriptions are just some of the extras that you can add to any package. Dish on Demand and other pay per view options also let you experience the joy of home entertainment without having to deal with the trouble of video rentals.

The popularity of satellite radio is growing each year and for good reason. From the convenience of being able to listen to a favorite station from virtually anywhere without interruption and excellent sound quality to the wide variety of programming and less frequent commercial interruptions, the service is well worth the low monthly fee for many individuals.

For those who want more entertainment than what traditional radio or their own private music collection can offer, the question that arises is not whether or not satellite radio is a good choice but how to get the service started.

• Clearly, the first step in getting started with satellite radio is to select the service. While Europe has WorldSpace, the US uses two providers; Sirius and XM Radio. Both offer well over 160 channels of listening that is virtually commercial free. Pricing for both is in the neighborhood of $13 per month plus the cost of receivers and a small one time activation fee. Potential buyers can easily research the available programming through both Sirius and XM Radio via their respective websites and determine which subscription plan will meet their entertainment needs.

For those who would prefer a side by side comparison of the two services a simple search on Google for "Sirius vs. XM" will reveal numerous sites that provide a current "at-a-glance" comparison of the two satellite radio providers.

• Once the choice is made, equipment will be necessary as a satellite radio receiver will be required. This could include a home receiver, car stereo, plug-and-play type device for use in both the home and car, or perhaps a small personal listening device. This equipment can be available through many reputable home electronics stores as well as directly through Sirius or XM Radio.

• Any necessary installation of receivers in a car or boat can be done professionally or as a do-it-yourself task. Sirius for instance provides detailed, simple written instructions for installation via their site; Sirius.com as well as a video demonstration of installation.

• After the installation of any receivers, another visit online, or by telephone, allows new customers to activate the satellite radio service for the subscription plan selected.

Obviously, getting started with satellite radio is not a complex process nor does it entail an exorbitant ongoing expense. Opening up the broader world of excellent radio entertainment is only a few mouse clicks away from reality for the listening public.

It's been many generations now since radio was born. A crackling signal carrying serial dramas and comedies, news, and live concerts entered the living rooms of families across the globe in the early days. Later, the enjoyment of music and talk could be enjoyed on portable transistor and car radios as people went about their business or at least until the weather or distance eliminated the signal.

Over the years however, radio started to fade as an entertainment medium as crystal clear digital music offered front row type listening for music lovers with portable CD, DVD, and MP3 players for their home and travels; no commercials to interrupt the enjoyment and no fading signal. As the tastes of listeners expanded, a dozen or so receivable stations could no longer deliver the diversity of programming that was desired. For some, the regulations of the FCC also quelled some of the "edgier" entertainment that they craved.

Although the uninterrupted, superior audio quality of pre-recorded music has drawn many away from radio listening, the depth of the entertainment experience can be lacking. Switching to a news or weather broadcast for updates, taking in an in depth discussion on a topic of interest, or enjoying a good laugh with a favorite show simply isn't part of the experience. Discovering new artists or favorite genres is also less likely unless a friend shares something new.

More recently however, listeners who desire better quality audio and uninterrupted entertainment no longer have to forgo the broader entertainment experience offered by radio. With the emergence of satellite radio, new life has been breathed into the old medium.

Because satellite radio is broadcast by communications satellite, the reach of the signal is not limited by station power; the channel can be heard virtually anywhere. As a result, listeners in their car can travel across the continent and continue listening to the same station uninterrupted.

Satellite radio also offers higher sound quality than traditional radio broadcasts. Static, fading, and signal breakup are virtually eliminated. In addition, with many commercial free stations and programming, listeners are often left to enjoy their chosen entertainment interruption free.

For many listeners, satellite radio also provides entertainment that is unavailable through any other medium. Free from many of the regulations that limit traditional radio broadcasts and having a diversity of programming that encompasses almost every genre imaginable, there is generally something for everyone on satellite radio. As a result, listeners are able to completely immerse themselves in a preferred genre or to easily discover new favorites.

For many listeners who have experienced satellite radio, the enhanced features make the small monthly fee for the service well worth it. Certainly it offers a broader and potentially higher quality entertainment experience than its predecessor which makes it worthy of a look by those who haven't yet experienced this newer version of radio.

Satellites fall into five principal types - research satellites, communication satellites, weather satellites, navigational satellites, and application satellites. Communication satellites provide a worldwide linkup of radio, telephone, and television. The first communication satellite was Echo 1, launched in 1960. Relay 1 and telstar 1 were the first active communications satellites. They were launched in 1962. Telstar 1 transmitted first live television broadcast across the Atlantic.

Weather satellites, also called meteorological satellites, provide continuous, up-to-date information about large-scale atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover and temperature profiles. Tiros 1 was first weather satellite. It was launched in 1960. It transmitted infrared television pictures and was able to detect the development of hurricanes and to chart their paths. Other weather satellites include geostationary operational environmental satellites (GOES) that send weather data and pictures across the United States, China, Japan and India. The European space agency has also orbited a similar craft. Modern weather satellites can transmit visible or infrared photos, focus on a narrow or wide area, and can be maneuvered in space to obtain maximum coverage. Navigation satellites are mainly intended to help aircraft, ships and nuclear submarines. Transit satellites provide constant signals by which aircraft and ships can determine their positions with great accuracy.

Other important types of satellites are scientific satellites, observation satellites, stationary earth satellites and commercial geosynchronous satellites. Scientific satellites are used to survey the earth and its vicinity. Observation satellites help to observe the various features of the earth's surface. Observation satellites are also used for the surveying and mapping of the earth's surface. Stationary earth satellites assist in telecasting programs. Syncom 3 was the first stationary earth satellite. It was launched in 1964.

Navigational satellites were one of the early applications of artificial earth satellites. Very early in the space age, researchers realized that satellites could be put on orbits to permit ships, aircraft, or other vehicles to exactly determine their locations. Global positioning systems (GPS) make of navigation satellites. The GPS constellation system was first established by the US military to support of their forces. But it is now in widespread in public and commercial applications.

The navigation equipment generally consists of a sensitive radio receiver, an accurate frequency reference, and an accurate clock. The idea of using satellites for navigation began with the launch of Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957. Satellite navigation systems allow small electronic devices to determine their location.

Navigation satellites were developed in the late 1950's. They are of great help to transportation companies, especially for transportation over water and through the air. Navigation satellite systems help pilots and ship navigators locate their positions and many related information.

Navigation satellite systems have a wide variety of civilian uses also. They are used for to measure distances, for instance, between buildings. They are also used to make accurate maps of remote areas of earth.

GPS Navstar satellites operate at altitudes of 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers. In global positioning satellite system (GPS) 24 Navstar satellites are used to determine position. Each satellite broadcasts time and position messages continuously. GPS is the only fully functional satellite navigation system. The former Soviet Union established a positioning system equivalent to the Navstar, called the global orbiting navigation satellite system (GLONASS). GLONASS uses the same number of satellites as in Navstar. They use 24 to 27 satellites that orbit in three different planes. The first GLONASS satellites were launched into orbit in 1982.

Geostationary satellites are generally placed at an altitude of about 36,000 km. But polar satellites are generally positioned at an altitude of about 850 km, so that they circle the earth every 100 minutes or so.

The first polar satellite was launched on February 24, 1996 by national aeronautic and space administration (NASA). This was the second satellite to be launched under global geospace science project. TIDE/PSI investigation is an important function of the polar satellite.

The main purpose of a polar satellite is to collect information on radiation and other atmospheric dangers. When a satellite flies in the upper atmosphere, there are chances that the satellite's instruments can be damaged by sun's harmful radiation.

Polar satellites make use of both visible light and infrared (IR) radiations to make measurements of temperature and humidity in the earth's atmosphere. Polar satellites also aid to record ground water and sea water temperatures, and monitor cloud cover and water/ice boundaries. Polar satellites are able to receive, measure, process, and retransmit data from balloons, buoys, and remote automatic stations distributed around the globe. These satellites may also carry search and rescue transponders to help locate downed airplanes or ships in distress.

Polar satellites make antarctic ozone level measurements, and long-term environmental measurements used to support global climate change studies. Polar satellites are also called low earth orbits (LEO). The polar satellite can view only the poles or a limited area on the earth at the same time. A special polar orbit that crosses the equator and each of the latitudes at the same time everyday is called a sun-synchronous orbit satellite.Geostationary satellites are generally placed at an altitude of about 36,000 km. But polar satellites are generally positioned at an altitude of about 850 km, so that they circle the earth every 100 minutes or so.

The first polar satellite was launched on February 24, 1996 by national aeronautic and space administration (NASA). This was the second satellite to be launched under global geospace science project. TIDE/PSI investigation is an important function of the polar satellite.

The main purpose of a polar satellite is to collect information on radiation and other atmospheric dangers. When a satellite flies in the upper atmosphere, there are chances that the satellite's instruments can be damaged by sun's harmful radiation.

Polar satellites make use of both visible light and infrared (IR) radiations to make measurements of temperature and humidity in the earth's atmosphere. Polar satellites also aid to record ground water and sea water temperatures, and monitor cloud cover and water/ice boundaries. Polar satellites are able to receive, measure, process, and retransmit data from balloons, buoys, and remote automatic stations distributed around the globe. These satellites may also carry search and rescue transponders to help locate downed airplanes or ships in distress.

Polar satellites make antarctic ozone level measurements, and long-term environmental measurements used to support global climate change studies. Polar satellites are also called low earth orbits (LEO). The polar satellite can view only the poles or a limited area on the earth at the same time. A special polar orbit that crosses the equator and each of the latitudes at the same time everyday is called a sun-synchronous orbit satellite.

Are you considered to be in the older age bracket? If you are and someone talks about “radio”, it is most likely you think of a traditional, or terrestrial station that transmits via a large tower on the AM or FM bands.

However, if you are a little younger then chances are when you think of “radio” you will think about listening to it on your PC or workstation at work via streaming audio, or possibly satellite radio in your car. This is expensive, so this is only an option if you can afford it. Lastly you would also listen to an AM or FM station just like your mom and dad did in the past. What if you’re under 20 years of age? You would most likely think the ‘Net streams are fantastic but, you could also like listening to “your radio” on your i-pod or other portable audio device – after you’ve downloaded the files.

Realistically, “radio” is definitely not what it used to be and a whole lot has changed over the past decade or so. During the mid nineties Real-Networks were coming up with RealAudio. This was their version of streaming of sound over the Internet. Soon though, portals emerged which allowed for hosting hundreds of web-casters who started up these new virtual “radio stations”. We gave these stations lots of various names such as, net-radio, web-radio, and net-casting etc. Right now, there are thousands of Internet based radio stations to listen to. Also today the latest trend for those up with the play, and using internet radio the new way of getting their music or radio is downloading radio show for playback at their convenience on i-pods, jukeboxes, smart-phones and other digital devices.

Small traditional radio network shows can offer mp3 downloads of for a small fee to those listeners who would rather listen to the program at their convenience. Radio as we know or knew it, could be in for the fight for its life because of technology. Sadly we are all moving forward and the traditional stations are being left way behind. But to be fair to these traditional stations a new technology known as High Definition Radio, should give some punch back into the traditional radio stations. High definition radio will have the AM station sound like FM and the FM station sound CD quality.

One thing that is guaranteed within the radio network is that it will never be the same again. So come on all you older age bracket people, join us, and the trend and get into the new way of getting the radio you want to listen to.

Sirius Satellite Radio is certainly here to stay. When you have a Sirius satellite radio receiver you can listen to whatever you want wherever you go. There is a Sirius satellite receiver to meet the needs of everyone, whether you want one for your home, your office, your car, your boat, or your RV. There's a lot of buzz right now about satellite radio. With the introduction of XM and Sirius the new satellite radio broadcasts will give local broadcast radio a run for their money. If you've been thinking about buying an XM or Sirius Radio, now might be a good time to make that purchase as the cost of these radios is now at the lowest point ever. The top 2 contenders are Sirius and XM Radio.

Both providers offer high quality, digital programming with over 100 channels to listen to so you can never run out of something good on the radio. As mentioned above, cable started to address those issues, but it's been the advent of satellite technology that has really brought clear digital entertainment to the masses no matter where they live in the US. Satellite radio and TV both broadcast their signal in digital formats rather than analog.

Sirius charges more because they claim to use technology that improves the digital sound even more than XM and they also have given more attention to customer service to address issues that may arrive after the sale. Satellite radio broadcasts are made in digital format, so they are much higher quality than land-based radio. Satellite radio or is a digital and is able to receive signals from just about anywhere which of course has a broader range than normal radio.

With satellite radio you pay a certain subscription fee every month (around $15 or so) to get around 100 music channels broadcast by satellite. All programs are transmitted a satellite and then is beamed to the ground where the satellite radio picks up the signal. None of the channels are pre-recorded and all of them are LIVE stream videos from the fastest servers in their network.

There are several different kinds of music genres. For instance, rock has channels devoted to hard rock, early rock, soft rock, heavy metal, and many more. When using a satellite radio you can have your favorite music broadcasted right into your home or car, with crystal clear digital sound. Some system have a slight delay in the broadcast so if you enter a tunnel you do not loose the signal.

Satellite radios come in many forms including at-home devices and portable players much like Apple's ipod. People that have taken a liking to satellite radio are flocking to their local electronics store looking for a portable satellite radio. Like a full size or car satellite radio a portable satellite radio has all the required equipment to decode the encrypted signal broadcasted by a satellite.

Subscribers to satellite radio will be required to pay a monthly fee. It is subscription based, meaning that you pay a monthly fee for the service.

Subscribers usually have to pay a monthly fee of approximately $9. When purchasing a satellite radio there is usually a small monthly fee, but this will introduce you to a new world of commercial free radio.

Many years ago, people didn’t have televisions. Many read the papers to get the news or listened to the radio. Just as satellite television has entered American homes, another thing has also been developed that is called satellite radio.

What is satellite radio? This piece of hardware allows the individual to listen to favorite recording artists and shows instead of watching it on television. Given that the United States is a vast place and there are various stations in each state, this also allows the user to listen to one back home hundreds of miles away.

Currently, there are two main players competing head on in the market. The first is called Sirius while the other is XM radio. Which of the two is better? This question depends on whom the individual will ask but both are doing quite well and more customers are signing up.

Sirius is the first to ever provide commercial free programming on all its music channels and has a wide array of accessories for customers to buy. This is despite that fact that XM radio launched a few months in advance.

The subscription fee of Sirius a little pricey compared to XM radio. When people want the best things in life, money maybe an obstacle. So the deciding factor will be what the hardware has to offer.

Satellite radio has been around for almost 5 years. Since this is considered to be the “in thing” in the market, both companies have tied up with the major car manufacturers to have this installed in their vehicles. This is the same thing Ipod is doing so the owner can listen to the favorite tunes while on the road.

Sirius has 65 channels that feature sports, news and other programs aside from music. This includes exclusive coverage of special events such as the NFL. XM radio on the other hand has NASCAR and Fox news. It has 68 channels which is 3 more than what the other is offering to the consumer.

The accessories used by Sirius satellite radio allows the person to listen to this at home or in the car. One of the basic accessories it uses is the Sanyo CRSR-10 Plug and Play system that will cost about $149.99. Those who are not satisfied can have this upgraded-which will cost from $250 to $2,000.

XM radio on the other hand uses the Delphi XM Roady Receiver. This will cost an individual somewhere between $30 to $400, but those who choose to get a monthly subscription will only have to pay $12.95 per month.

Both the models being offered by Sirius and XM radio are easy to install. The person will just have to pay a small fee as a service charge when enlisting the help of a customer representative when this is being done.

Customers can buy the unit in a store or order this online. It is not only ordinary individuals who are very interested in this product since there are also other models for commercial use that are being broadcasted in public access systems of hotels and other retail establishments

Is Sirius satellite radio better then that XM radio? Given that both companies have different things to offer, this really depends on the tastes of the customer.

Local radio has been taking a beating from satellite radio. But broadcast (sometimes referred to as terrestrial radio) is fighting back with a powerful weapon called HD Radio..

HD Radio is digital radio. As such, it enable a dramatic increase in sound quality. In fact, it makes AM radio sound as good as today's FM and FM sound as if you were listening to a CD.

There are already about 1000 stations across the country broadcasting HD Radio and more are adding this technology every week.

Why broadcast radio is more than competitive

The first reason why satellite radio will never replace broadcast radio is cost. SA subscription to satellite radio costs anywhere from $11 to $14 a month vs. broadcast radio which is free. There may be as many as 10 million satellite radio listeners in the U.S .but there are literally hundreds of millions of broadcast radio listeners. It's pretty hard to believe that satellite radio will ever have 100 million listeners, let alone several hundred million.

Just as important, satellite broadcasters can't deliver local information or programming. People will need their local stations for weather, traffic reports, news and to hear their favorite talk radio personalities. .

With a new concept called HD2

HD radio is digital not analog. This means it requires less spectrum – or "radio space.". This means stations can broadcast their primary FM channel in digital and as many as four more subchannels. These subchannels, called HD2, are being used by broadcasters for new programming content. For example, one station in Chicago is broadcasting oldies of the 80s on its primary channel and hits from the 70s on its HD2 channel. The subchannels are not only free, they are expected to be commercial free for at least another year -- to compete head-to-head with satellite radio.

In short, broadcast radio is fighting back and in a way that will enrich the listening experience for all of us

Howard Stern, the highly controversial radio jock is no longer common fixture in terrestrial radio but has been immortalized in some sorts in the newest trend in radio programming, satellite radio.

Sirius Satellite Radio signed Stern as a radio jock way back in 2004. Stern’s loyal following has tuned in at Sirius to hear their favorite radio jock speak away with less restriction compared to when he was still heard over terrestrial radio.

Satellite radio started in the early 1990s. Sirius Satellite Radio back then and until now belongs to the only two satellite radio providers that are at the forefront of making satellite radio the major means to deliver audio programming to people.

Sirius allows their subscribers to “tune-in” to dozens of channels of original audio programming which are transmitted directly via satellite to special receivers placed in cars and in their homes. Similar to satellite television, satellite radio has more freedom from the FCC regarding the specific type of programming they want to conduct.

This freedom is granted since subscribers can personalize their satellite radio programming and have control over what minors can or cannot listen to. For both Stern and his followers this pretty much goes to their advantage. On satellite radio, Stern can talk dirty as much as he wants.

And his fans can have an unaltered listening experience which they never had when Stern was still over broadcast radio. Stern himself agreed to this and he even said in an interview that satellite radio offers him “more potential than terrestrial radio.”

Sirius offers it subscribers with a new, high quality, and digitized way of listening to music, sports, news, and entertainment. Its main base of operations is in New York City's Rockefeller Center.

Sirius has more than 130 digital-quality channels which includes 69 channels of 100% commercial-free music. The network also offers premium channels of sports, news, entertainment, talks or commentaries, traffic, weather and even data.

Because it’s via satellite, Sirius has a country-wide coverage. Their programs can be transmitted practically anywhere in the U.S. All the subscribers need is a Sirius audio satellite receiver and they can listen while they are driving, in their RV homes during a vacation, in their homes, offices, stores and even during camping trips. With three satellites at their disposal, Sirius network are able to provide the premium quality programming that’s becoming more and more popular today.

So aside from Howard Stern, when you subscribe to Sirius, you’ll get the advantage of hearing specialized music that ranges from heavy metal and hip-hop to country, dance, jazz, Latin and classical. These music selections are paired with insights and perspectives from Sirius’ resident music experts and from various musicians and performers who are invited by the network to guests in their programs.

Moreover, the network has a complete line-up of news and entertainment programs like programs of radio jocks Howard Stern and Martha Stewart and news reports from CNN, CNBC, BBC World Service and ABC News. Listeners who want to have an update of the happenings in the world of entertainment can tune in at E! Entertainment, Maxim and NPR. And there’s even Radio Disney for the kids.

Sirius’ sports programming includes play-by-play actions from the NFL, NBA, NHL, Barclays English Premier League soccer, and Wimbledon Championships to name a few. Sirius is also the home of 125 plus college sports and several thoroughbred horse races.

Indeed Howard Stern is a major talent for Sirius, but the satellite radio network makes it a point that their listeners will have more options other than Stern when they become subscribers of Sirius.

Satellite radio becomes more and more popular. It is a choice of millions and the army of listeners is still growing. Three provider companies offer this service: XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio broadcast throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico and they are the major players on the market. The third one, WorldSpace, broadcasts to the rest part of the world (Europe, Asia and Africa). Each of the providers offers more than a hundred of entertainment and music channels, talk shows, sports games and many more. It also includes adult-oriented broadcasting, since FCC (Federal Communications Commission) does not regulate the industry. So, there's something for everyone.

The service is provided through subscription. In the United States the subscription cost varies from $10 to $15 per month for a single radio receiver and many people are unhappy with this fact. However satellite radio offers high quality sound and commercial free broadcast, and this fact make customers still enjoy the service.

As stated above, there are two major competitors on the US market: XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. Both of the companies have their own broadcast systems. They transmit their signal at a different frequency and they require different equipment. For instance, if you wish to change your provider you will need to purchase a new receiver for the specific company. XM Satellite Radio has two satellites in geostationary orbit with funny names - Rock and Roll, which is quite enough to provide radio coverage throughout the United States. On the other hand Sirius Satellite Radio employs three satellites in an elliptical orbit. This scheme gives a greater redundancy in case any of the satellites fails. In addition, both of the companies have spare satellites that can be used when they are needed.

Both companies have partnered with major automobile manufacturers and dealers to equip new vehicles with satellite radio receivers. This increases the chance that car buyers will become subscribers. Over the past three years the number of cars with an installed satellite radio receiver has tripled.

Besides the car satellite radio receivers there are units for home stereo systems. Plus, you can make your choice towards a portable radio receiver, which has built in antenna and you can listen to it with headphones. You can take this type of radio wherever you go. Almost all the satellite radio receivers have an advantage over traditional FM and AM radio receivers: they display the name and artist of song programs, as well as the channel.

The growing demand has shown that satellite radio industry has a great future. Like a cable television it has become a necessary part of our information environment. And there is no reason to stay apart. With the variety of options on the market you can make the right choice.

The two things people love the most about satellite radio are: quality and content. These two things are also the very things that encourage people to go out and buy a new system. So what if it costs $300 for a satellite radio receiver, and another $13 per month for subscriptions. The benefits of satellite radio far out weigh the price!

High Audio Quality

Satellite radio quality is more than just the overall value of the product. It is also how clear, uninterrupted, and flawless the satellite signal is. This new technology provides all the radio you could possibly desire without messy static, and having to change the channel during a commute. The high analog-to-digital conversion means that you can listen to the radio without all that creepy hissing, dead air, and other frustrating audio interference.

The digital quality of the service, in technical terms, is 128kb/s 44.1 kHz. For you technologically impaired and non-number minded folks, that means that when you listen to it, it's like listening to a CD, only you don't have to mess with unwrapping it.

Almost Limitless Content

When digital television hit the market, people were scrambling over each other trying to get their hands on it. More of the same for satellite radio, but unlike its visual counterpart, this is commercial free. That means exactly what it sounds like; no one interrupts your listening pleasure to try and sell you acne cream or hypnosis.

Satellite radio content is more than just local radio stations pawning off what other people think is good music on you. With the new non terrestrial radio you can listen to what makes you happy, what puts you in a good mood, what suits you as a person. You don't have to listen to Hip Hop, Country, or R&B if all you want to hear is Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Content is also where the main two companies are fighting for your favor. XM may offer more of what you want to hear than Sirius, and/or vice versa. Before subscribing you should take the time to find out which one would give you more content for your buck.

Satellite radio is playing dirty. Each company is fighting for the exclusive rights to broadcast certain programs and transmissions on their radio systems. Not only are they fighting for programs, but also people!

Satellite radio is making great strides for its customers. The companies know that if you are willing to pay the money for a receiver, and then pay a month subscription fee, they should be willing to give you the absolute best programming they can offer. So why tie yourself down to earthbound radio stations when you can reach for the stars with the new technology?

Here are a few FAQs about everyone's favorite radio service.

Question #1: Can you give us an overview of what satellite radio is?

Who provides the new service?

Answer: Satellite radio is a subscription based communication service. It has far more programs and music than the traditional network does, and it is available internationally by WorldSpace and stateside by Sirius and XM.

Question #2: Are there any advantages to having satellite radio?

Answer: The genres, styles, and eras of music you can choose from is almost limitless. Getting the programming you want, (weather, traffic, talk, news, and entertainment), without the annoyance of commercials. The new technology is broadcast into your car, RV, yacht, sauna, or home by use of a digital signal that completely eradicates that entire mind frying static. Once you purchase the equipment and properly install it, you will be supplied with a complete list of programming and channels right on the receiver. Local traffic and weather are available, provided by Sirius and XM.

Question #3: Are there any disadvantages to having the new technology?

Answer: If you don't live in the continental United States, you cannot receive the signal. This includes Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. Territories.

Question #4: What do XM and Sirius Radio provide?

Answer: -XM: 150 channels, 2 NASCAR racing channels, Major League Baseball, Professional Golf Association, ACC, Big Ten, and PAC-10 football and basketball coverage. You can have all of this awesome stuff for only $12.95 a month.

-Sirius: 120 Channels, Live National Hockey League, National Football League, National Basketball Association, English Premier League Soccer, and college sports game coverage. You can get all of this great programming for only $12.95 a month.

Question #5: How do I go about installing a system capable of handling the new technology?

Answer: There are a few things you will need before installing a system. First of all, you will need an antenna powerful enough to pick up the signal and deliver it to your receiver. Secondly, you will need a tuner so that you can actually get the signal from the antenna. There are 3 basic types of satellite radio tuners: Plug and play, which can be used on the go in a specially designed boom box, or car, the Universal tuner, which is most commonly used in the car, and then there is the home tuner, which hooks directly into the receiver. Thirdly, you will require a receiver which allows you to select the channels. Lastly, you absolutely need to purchase a subscription from either XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Radio.

Question #6: How do I get the best satellite quality sound in my car?

Answer: In order to get the great sound you deserve from your system you should do 1 of 3 things:

a. Install an in-dash receiver with a built-in tuner.

b. Install a satellite ready receiver and connect it to an external satellite tuner.

c. Install a plug-and-play satellite tuner by connecting it directly to your vehicle's stereo auxiliary input.

Satellite radio is a great product for anyone who does not like one specific type of music. With satellite radio you can choose from hundreds of stations and never get bored with your options. You can listen to rock, dance, reggae, and jazz. If you are interested in sporting events you will find a variety of different sports covered through the two major satellite radio companies.

If you own a satellite radio you do not have to worry about changing radio stations every couple hundred miles like you would have to do with a regular radio station. With a satellite system you can listen to your favorite music while traveling from one side of the United States all the way over to the other side.

A big plus to using satellite radio is all the extras you get with each song. As you listen you will see song titles and the artist's names scroll across your receiver. This is great for all of us that can never remember the name of a song, even though we have heard it several dozen times.

In the past radio hosts and musicians were censored by the radio stations that played their songs or talk shows. But with satellite radio censorship is no longer an issue. Because the programming is very descriptively separated into categories, only people who want to listen to a station will tune into that station. This provides a great way for individuals that enjoy free thinking talk shows and musicians an uninterrupted way of supporting their favorite stars.

Many people argue that they do not want to pay for music when they can listen to it for free over the regular radio stations. But are our regular radio stations really free? Is wasting 15 minutes of your time listening to commercials really a good way to spend your time. Most of us don't think about all the time we waste on commercials during our daily commute into work. With satellite radio you don't have to be bothered with commercials, instead you can listen to your favorite channel uninterrupted for your entire journey.

Satellite radio does require a minimal monthly fee, but this fee is extremely understandable when you consider all the extras that are included in the satellite radio systems. Subscribers are even going to soon be able to see videos using their satellite systems.

Satellite radio is a vastly expanding business that will only grow in the years to come. You don't have to worry about satellite radio being some kind of fad that is going to go away. Satellite radio is here to stay so you should definitely consider giving it a try.

If you are thinking of taking a car trip you absolutely must have a satellite radio for your vehicle. With a satellite radio you won't have to spend hours of your trip trying to find a new radio station. Instead, you will be able to keep the same station on during your whole trip.

Both of the major satellite systems offer hundreds of themed stations so if you like listening to sports or listening to kids music you will be able to find the right station for you. Sirius and XM Radio use separate radio frequencies to transmit their music throughout the country. No matter which service you choose you are sure to have uninterrupted music for your whole trip.

One problem that many people are having is that each service provider has specific programs that are only available to their subscribers. One offers baseball coverage while the other offers football coverage. One is more broadcasting based while the other is more programming based. Many customers liked aspects of both services and just could not decide on which one was best for them. For these customers Interoperable Technologies was started.

Interoperable Technologies is a joint venture between Sirius Radio and XM Radio. Their goal is to offer customers a new programming product that will combine all the best features of both services. Customers will have to pay a little bit more than the usual satellite radio price but the higher price is well worth it for individuals who really enjoy having satellite radio in their vehicle.

In their research Interoperable technologies has found many clients that are willing to pay a higher monthly fee to get both services. But customers are also a little leery about if this is every going to actually happen, because right now the whole thing is still in the developmental stage and no combined service is yet available to the general public.

Satellite radio is a great new way of listening to music and enjoying the variety of channels that are available anywhere in the country. You are no longer confined to the local radio channels; instead you can browse music stations based on their themes. By browsing this way you can find the exact type of music to fit any mood you are in.

You don't have to be taking a road trip to enjoy satellite radio stations. Anyone who has a vehicle will find that these radio services are a great way to get the most out of their radios, no matter what kind of trip they are taking. Even driving to the grocery store is more fun with a satellite radio system in your vehicle.

Radio broadcasting has grown volumes in the almost 15 years that have passed since the Untied States Federal Communications Commission made the S band (the 2.3 GH frequency) available for Digital Audio Radio Service. With an ability to broadcast with static free, high quality sound over a distance surpassing 20,000 miles, satellite radio is one of the most significant developments in the world of broadcasting since the launch of FM itself. Sirius, XM and WorldSpace, satellite radio companies, have capitalized on this technology and have brought it to the masses on a worldwide scale. But how it does satellite radio really work?

All satellite radio services have three things in common: the actual satellites, the ground repeaters, and the radio receivers. These components are used to broadcast the radio signal a customer hears after subscribing to a service. But each of these service providers (Sirius, XM and WorldSpace) utilizes a unique broadcasting system to deliver sound (radio signals) to the subscriber. For example, Sirius utilizes satellites that orbit the Earth in an oblong pattern. While this may seem irrelevant to the average listener, it's significant because Sirius' model makes it possible for satellites to reach higher in the sky and, thus, lose their signal less often than other providers do. XM, on the other hand, operates geostationary satellites that orbit the Earth in a synchronized pattern consistent with the planet's customary movements. Radio reception is attained and, to make it clearer, XM then uses a network of antennas that re-transmit the signal to avoid interruptions that have been known to occur near tall buildings, bridges or hills.

So know that we know how the radio signal itself is transmitted, when does the music get added to the mix? At the digital broadcast centers, where radio programmers are responsible for picking what song will be played when. These centers maintain music in both digital format and a CD format and often also have studio space where performers can be recorded and their sound transmitted, live. The extremely high quality sound that subscribers hear is made possible by a process called digital compression, a procedure in which algorithms (a set of rules developed to break down a problem, or process, into smaller, simpler steps) are used to squeeze as much sound as possible into the bandwidth available. Satellite radios are the only types of radios sophisticated enough to decode these signals, which is why a subscription is required and why you won't be able to access the same content through your everyday AM/FM dial. The exclusivity, quality of sound, popularity and commercial free features of satellite radio have all been key factors in making it possible for companies to offer satellite service at a reasonable price.

Join the XM Radio revolution and get tuned into over 150 channels of music, entertainment programs, sporting events, news from around the world, local traffic and the latest weather information. With it's high quality sound, a variety of optional accessories to enhance your experience and industry-leading technology produced by companies like Sony, Pioneer and Alpine, it's time to get tuned in!

Music:

Do you like classical? Or do you prefer contemporary? Whatever you musical preference, XM Radio has a station for you. With 68 different channels to choose from, you can listen to music from the 1940s through the 1990s, today's top 20 hits, love songs, motion picture soundtracks, Broadway ballads and favorites from around the world. Like discovering new artists that aren't yet part of the mainstream? Try the Unsigned or the XMU station to get a glimpse of what might be tomorrow's next big thing. Wish you could experience that spirited jazz band without having to travel? Catch live music from Blue Note Club and B.B. King Club performances through the XM radio network. XM channels have the music for whatever your mood may be.

Entertainment Programs:

Only on XM Radio can you hear celebrities like Tom Petty, Snoop Dogg and Quincy Jones host on their own entertainment programs mixes of music, comedy and commentary. Further on down the dial, the appropriately-named High Voltage channel broadcasts uncensored humor from shock jocks Opie and Anthony and you can put your imagination to work listening to the Playboy station. A bit too outrageous for your taste? Chuckle as NPR's Bob Edwards gets his giggle on through the Public Radio frequency. XM Radio even has a family comedy channel suitable for listening by the entire household.

Sporting Events:

The last few seconds in any game can make or break the difference and the variety of sports channels on XM Radio makes sure you won't miss a minute. Cheer on your favorite college teams, race to hear the NASCAR channel, and head out to the ballgame with broadcasts from major league baseball's announcer booths. You'll score with XM’s extensive line up of sport and athletic programs.

News from Around the World:

Get news from across the nation on channels including the BBC World Service, C-Span, CNN Headline News, ABC News & Talk, Court TV, Fox News and more. Examine the E Entertainment channel for celebrity chatter, two ESPN stations for sport scores, and CNBC for money matters. If it's newsworthy, it's on XM.