Satellite radio is broadcast via clear, static-free digital signals from orbiting satellites and provides an enormous assortment of music and other channels for a variety of tastes. It has a number of distinct advantages over traditional terrestrial (AM and FM) radio, including coast-to-coast coverage and the ability to transmit text information like stock quotes and sports scores.
Most satellite radio services operate on a subscription basis, which requires the purchase of a receiver and a monthly fee. The receiver decodes the digital signal and converts it to audio, allowing you to listen to over 170 channels of music, news, talk and sports. Most of the channels are free from commercial interruption.
To send a radio signal to satellites, the broadcaster first must create and store music and other content in digital format. The satellites then transmit the digital signals to a series of ground repeaters that rebroadcast them to subscribers’ specialized radio receivers, typically located in their cars or home stereo systems. The satellites are positioned in parallel geostationary orbits, ensuring that there is always one above the continental United States at any given moment.
Sirius and XM were founded as two independent companies, but they merged in 2008 to form a single, exclusive satellite radio network for the United States and Canada. The combined Sirius XM network has more than 30 million subscribers and is available in most new vehicles. Satellite radio is so popular that manufacturers now require it in new models, and many come with a compatible satellite radio receiver and pre-paid subscription.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.