Whether you’re cruising down a boulevard with the top down or listening to your favorite radio show, tuning into satellite radio offers an audio experience that’s a cut above terrestrial. Its clean digital signal provides near CD-quality sound with no annoying static and no commercial interruptions. Listeners also get access to a number of programming channels, including music, news, sports and talk, all available on a subscription basis.
Satellite radio broadcasts from space to the Earth and then bounces back to specialized receivers on the ground, which are found in most cars and home stereo systems. Several satellites cover an entire continent, and ground-based repeaters help strengthen the signal in dense urban areas where tall buildings block transmissions.
There are two major satellite radio services: Sirius and XM, which together form SiriusXM Radio. They use different technologies to deliver the same programming, and both have deals with car manufacturers that allow them to offer their equipment as optional accessories in many models of new cars.
Each service operates a separate network of satellites, which orbit the Earth in different patterns. The satellites are positioned so that there’s always one above the continental United States, and they automatically transmit a signal to each of the subscribers.
When shopping for a new satellite radio, look for options with features that complement your lifestyle. For example, if you often take road trips, consider finding a satellite radio with GPS navigation and maps. You may also want to consider radios with a large touchscreen display and an equalizer, which lets you customize your audio experience by changing the treble and bass levels.
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