Sirius Satellite Radio vs XM Satellite Radio Which Streams Should You Choose

Sirius Satellite Radio vs XM Satellite Radio Which Streams
Should You Choose?

Just as many TV viewers have come to consider cable TV a
life necessity, so too is satellite radio becoming a mainstream replacement for
traditional AM/FM listening. Yes you have to pay for it, but just as with
cable, you get way more channels and edgier, more innovative programming.
Plus, you don’t lose your favorite station as you travel across the state or
country. And satellite players show the artist and name of the song, which
is definitely a plus for those who like to know what they’re listening to.
In the U.S. there are just two main players in the satellite radio industry,
Sirius and XM. WorldSpace, which has been broadcasting the longest and
covers the most area, currently does not offer coverage in the United States.
So with just two providers to pick from, one would think that the choice would
be easy, but each has its own pluses and drawbacks and the decision usually
comes down to budget and personal preferences.

How It Works

In 1992, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
allocated a spectrum in the “S” band (2.3 GHz) for nationwide
broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS). Of the
four companies that applied for licenses, only two were granted rights to
broadcast; Sirius (formerly CD Radio) and XM (formerly American Mobile Radio).
Each company has satellites in orbit above the earth to transmit their
programming. Programs are beamed to one of the satellites, which then
transmits the signal to the ground, where your radio receiver picks up one of
the channels within the signal. Signals are also be beamed to ground repeaters
for listeners in urban areas where the satellite signal can be interrupted.

In many ways, Sirius has set the tone for the industry,
being the first to offer commercial free programming on all its music channels
and has larger selection of receivers, adapters and other products. XM has
a cheaper subscription fee, at least for its basic plan, which offers much the
same fare as its competitor.

Both providers have partnered with automobile manufacturers
to offer satellite radio in new car models. And each has systems that will
search the channels for your favorite music and alert you when and where the
songs are playing. Choosing between the two companies can be difficult
since each has its advantages. Here is some information that may help
listeners choose between the two.

XM Satellite Radio

XM satellite radio offers 68 commercial-free music channels, 33 news, sports,
and talk & entertainment channels and 21 dedicated traffic and weather
channels. XM is the exclusive satellite radio provider of FOX Sports
Radio, Sporting News Radio and the world’s only 24-hour NASCAR Radio channel.
It does not offer NFL programming.

Equipment

XM has several choices in equipment. For just under $120, you can get
the Delphi XM Roady receiver. This complete package comes with a
micro-antenna, cassette adaptor, 12V power adaptor, and a universal mounting
bracket. For another $10, you can upgrade to the Roady2, proclaimed as the
smallest satellite receiver available. In addition to the typical
satellite radio features, it allows you to scroll up to 20 stock symbols and has
30 channel presets.

The Delphi XM SKYFi is a receiver with a more advanced
display. It gives you more information about each song and the five-line
display lets you see what’s playing on other XM channels before you switch.
The SKYFi2, which costs $30 more, gives pause and play functions. It must
be combined with an adaptor kit for home, vehicle or audio system. These
adapters range from $70-$100 in price.

Coming in November of 2004, the Delphi XM MyFi, touted as
the world’s first XM2go receiver, becomes available from XM. It comes with
car kit, home kit, rechargeable battery, headphones, antennas and more for
$349.99.

Sirius Satellite Radio

Sirius satellite radio offers 65 channels of commercial
free music, plus more than 50 channels of great sports, news and entertainment
programming. They are the only one of the two competitors to offer NFL
coverage, including play-by-play action and pre-game gab.

Equipment

Siruis offers a host of equipment options. Customers
can choose from over 15 plug and play options. Average receivers sell for
$99.95 and can be combined with a car or home adapter, or a choice of different
boomboxes. For the same $99.95, the Sirius Sportster adds special features
for the sports enthusiast such as Game Alert, which prompts you when your
favorite NFL or other sports teams are playing and Game Zone, which lists all of
the play-by-play games and scores on Sirius by league.

Or for $149.99 you can cover all your listening needs with
the Sanyo CRSR-10 Plug & Play System. It includes home and car kits
for use at home, office, truck, RV, boat or car and antennas for home and car.
It has 20 presets and a built-in wireless FM transmitter for use on all 100 FM
frequencies. If a boombox is not your style, you can go with a home system
that integrates with you existing audio equipment. Prices range from $250
up to $2000.

You can put a headunit in your car, throw in a tuner and
antenna and you’re wired for satellite in your vehicle without the portable
receiver and adapter. Sirius has over 15 headunits to choose from in
prices ranging from under $200 to over $1000. Some of the more reasonably
priced units come with CD players and removable fronts.

Comparisons

So in the world of XM vs Sirius, it’s a tough call and
depends on your budget and listening preferences. The following satellite
radio comparison summary consists of information taken directly from the
websites of the two satellite radio companies.

Satellite radio appears to be here to stay. The
offerings keep getting better and the decision between the two keeps getting
tougher. Equipment is available at store locations and websites of
retailers like Wal-Mart and Best Buy and through the providers’ websites.
For static free, commercial free radio listening and your favorite stations
wherever you go, satellite radio is the choice of millions. Installation
and activation are easy. In fact the toughest decision may be deciding
which provider to choose.

About the Author:

C.J. Gustafson is a successful freelance writer for

.
She frequently writes on topics such as

and car audio accessories. She vows her next car will come with a factory
installed

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