The commercial-free, coast-to-coast broadcasts of satellite radio offer a vast array of music and talk channels without the confines of traditional AM and FM radio stations. Listeners can tune in to a huge selection of music, news and sports, and enjoy content that isn’t available on terrestrial radio—uncensored album cuts, exclusive channels from Howard Stern, and live audio sports are just a few examples.
There are three major satellite radio providers in the United States: WorldSpace, Sirius and XM. WorldSpace served parts of Europe and Asia and went bankrupt in 2009. In 2008, rivals XM and Sirius merged, and they now operate as Sirius XM.
Unlike AM and FM, satellite radio relies on encrypted digital signals to transmit its programming. It also offers clearer sound, with a higher dynamic range and near CD-quality audio. Because of these benefits, Lifewire reports that most satellite radio services charge a monthly subscription. The receiver you purchase decodes these signals and turns them into over 170 channels of music, news, comedy, sports, and other content.
Most satellite radios have a touchscreen display that displays song and artist information. They can also tag artists so you’ll be notified when they appear on other channels, create Pandora stations from the music you hear, and find on-demand audio.
Some models have built-in navigation functions, and others can pair with a smartphone for mobile streaming. Consider your daily driving habits when selecting a portable radio. If you regularly commute long distances, look for one with a longer battery life to ensure uninterrupted radio time on your trip.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.