Satellite radio is broadcast over clear, static-free digital signals from orbiting satellites. It provides listeners with a wide selection of programming options that rivals traditional AM and FM radio, plus it’s available anywhere in the continental United States (excluding Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories).
Both XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio have their own lineup of channels, but they share one thing in common: they’re subscription-based, meaning that subscribers pay a monthly fee to access the programming. That fee pays for the programming, the receiver, and all the related accessories.
Despite the fact that both XM and Sirius have been around for more than a decade, they’re still growing by leaps and bounds. In 2004, XM had 3.2 million subscribers and Sirius had just under 1.1 million; both of those numbers doubled in just a year.
It’s not hard to see why. Both XM and Sirius offer huge assortments of channels that range from music to news, sports and talk. And unlike most commercial broadcast radio, many channels on satellite services are commercial-free (though it depends on the channel).
Car buyers have been the driving force behind the growth of satellite radio, with car manufacturers incorporating a Sirius or XM-ready tuner into every model they produce. But listeners can also enjoy satellite radio in their home, in a boat or on an RV. To do so, they’ll need a satellite radio-ready receiver and a satellite antenna. There are a number of tuners that work in conjunction with factory and aftermarket head units, but it’s best to get one designed specifically for your vehicle for the highest sound quality and signal reliability.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.