The sound system in your car is an important part of the overall audio experience, and you can take your sound to the next level with satellite radio. Satellite radio uses a satellite antenna to transmit encrypted digital broadcast signals that are decoded by specially designed receivers. In exchange for a subscription, users can enjoy hundreds of channels of music, news, sports and talk radio that are free of commercials.
The technology behind satellite radio was first developed in the late 1990s, when the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated radio bandwidth to satellite-based digital audio broadcasting. The satellite transmission system used in Sirius and XM satellite radios, as well as WorldSpace, relies on satellites that orbit Earth and ground-based repeaters to broadcast high quality, static free digital audio to millions of listeners.
XM and Sirius began broadcasting in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Each company had exclusive deals with marquee talent like television host Oprah Winfrey and radio personality Howard Stern, but the rivalry between the two services also caused them to split programming with each other, making it harder for consumers to decide which service to subscribe to. The companies merged in 2008, and the resulting SiriusXM became the sole American satellite radio provider.
A satellite radio can be added to any vehicle by installing a compatible tuner and antenna. It is best to opt for a satellite tuner that is specifically designed to work with the factory installed head unit, as the quality of sound and signal reliability will be better. If your car doesn’t have satellite radio built in, a compatible tuner can be paired with an FM transmitter to send the audio signal through the FM band. This connection method is less ideal, as it can reduce the quality of the signal and can cut out in tunnels or other locations with poor reception.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.