A satellite radio is a radio that receives digitally transmitted audio signals. It is often subscription-based, which means that subscribers pay a monthly fee for access to a variety of programming, including news, talk shows, sports, and music. It is commonly found in automobiles, though it can also be installed at home and in other portable devices.
While satellite radio can be expensive to operate, the quality of sound is considered superior to that of terrestrial radio. It is also less likely to experience static and distortion. This is because the radio transmits a signal from a fixed location in space, which makes it more stable than FM and AM broadcasts, which are affected by weather conditions.
In 1990, ex-NASA engineers Robert Briskman and Richard Levitt formed a company called Satellite CD Radio in Washington, D.C. With the help of a venture capitalist who had founded a pager firm, the company raised a $1 million round of financing and began work on satellites that would carry digital radio signals.
In April 1997 the firm purchased one of the FCC’s first broadcast licenses, enabling it to transmit up to 100 channels. It changed its name to Sirius Satellite Radio and moved into a new headquarters in New York City, where it was able to house multiple broadcast studios, a music library, and a satellite tracking center.
Look for a satellite radio that offers Bluetooth, which allows you to stream music or make hands-free calls while you drive. A good option also comes with a built-in microphone that reduces feedback and noise, so the person you’re talking to can hear you clearly. Ideally, the receiver should also have a touchscreen display and a thoughtful layout of buttons that is easy to navigate.
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