Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: XM Radio

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Posted by Timothy Ervin (Member # 733) on 03-13-2005, 08:31 PM:

I am thinking about getting XM Radio. Anyone here have it? Any opinions?

Posted by Brad Light (Member # 2961) on 03-13-2005, 08:56 PM:

I have one of the orginal Sony models, like almost 3 years old now. The display is a little hard to read but I'm stuck in the 70's and know all of the songs anyway. I bought a Delphi SkyFi for my Dad and I like the display on it. Channel access is very simular, presets, scroll, settings, etc. BestBuy, go play with one. XM for sure, more channels.

Posted by Mark J. Marshall (Member # 1409) on 03-14-2005, 10:43 AM:

I've had it for a while now, and absolutely love it! Glenn Beck in the morning, then commercial free 80s and CinemaMagic all day long.

I am absolutely sick and tired of commercials in all forms, and the commercial free aspect of satellite radio kicks ass in my opinion. Well worth the monthly fee. [thumbsup]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-14-2005, 11:40 AM:

It's awesome. (I sell it at my day job)

Get the Delphi SkyFi2. Make sure you don't buy a "regular" SkyFi, the newer model is much better. Stay away from the Roady 2 -- it's a nifty unit but is not as durable or as versatile as the SkyFi2.

And, get it before the end of this month because the monthly rate is going up to $12.99 -- but they are going to throw in the online version and one of the premium channels for free. You can "lock in" the old rates for 1 to 5 years if you sign up and pay in advance before the end of this month. (Don't worry, you are not "committed" for the whole time you pay for... they'll refund your unused months if you decide to unhook.)

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 03-14-2005, 02:46 PM:

I have Sirius Satellite Radio, and I LOVE IT. Now that they are going to be the same price, it's going to be easier to sell people on Sirius. If you like Talk radio and sports, Sirius is better in my opinion...and their music stations are good as well. Some of XM's music stations have a deeper catalog, but I don't notice too much. I, also, sell Sirius and XM at my day job and they both sell very well. I have the JVC Sirius Receiver, and I use it in my car and at home on my home stereo. I also stream Sirius online from work. You won't be disappointed either way, they are both great.

Where will ou be installing this? I'm guessing in your car, which radio do you have? I ask this b/c it's a LOT better to wire it directly into your car via the dock and bypass the FM Modulation. Even when you plug into the Antena, it still can sound like Radio; where is if you plug it using an Audio input...it actually sounds like a CD.

Posted by Jarryd Beard (Member # 2543) on 03-14-2005, 03:17 PM:

I've had XM for about nearly two years. I love it as well. I'd recommend the SkyFi2 as it has a 30 min buffer and FM modulator built right in. Also, XM will now broadcast EVERY MLB game in 2005. I've heard rumor that they're working on a contract with the NFL as well. My favorite stations are Top Tracks, Deep Tracks, Bluegrass Junction, and XM Comedy. Opie and Anthony will soon be included to all members. I hope Sirius wasn't planning on Stern being a premium channel. Admittedly, I did choose XM for the lower price at first, but I would still choose it over Sirius because I enjoy the programming choices more.

Posted by Lyle Romer (Member # 1266) on 03-14-2005, 03:54 PM:

I've had XM (well in my girlfriend's car) for 2 years and we both love it. I'm not so sure about them picking up the NFL because the NFL contract with Sirius supposedly made it prohibitively expensive for XM to carry NFL games.

There is a very strong rumor that XM and Sirius will merge soon. Apparently they are both trying to get re-classified by the FCC as "Wireless Digital Content Providers" or something like that. This way, a merger won't create a monopoly because they'll be lumped in with all wireless multimedia.

I think that merger would be great because then all satellite radio customers can get maximum programming. They won't really be able to increase the subscription fee much because they are still competing with FREE over the air radio. There comes a price point where people will not pay and this will hold the fee in check.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-14-2005, 04:37 PM:

Howard Stern was never going to be a premium channel.

Good thing, because after about two weeks of his uncensored show, I predict people will be tuning out in droves because he won't have his "edge" or "risk factor" anymore, and thus will become a crashing bore to listen to.

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 03-14-2005, 05:01 PM:

something tells me that they will never merge....that's like every cell phone company saying they are "wireless content services" and then merging into one...

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-14-2005, 05:47 PM:

What I can see happening is manufacturers starting to make tuners that'll pick up either service. Pioneer's new car stereos will work with both services already. It'll be like AM and FM...you'll just subscribe to either or both, your choice.

Posted by Jennifer Pan (Member # 2035) on 03-14-2005, 06:36 PM:

I tried out the Sirius Satellite Radio like Dean, it is pretty nice and plenty of channels. Just expect the stations to "promote" their own station every two songs or so... It's like they think you don't know what station you're on. But I guess if you just block it from your mind you will learn to not notice it. I also believe there was a time when the car was going through a tunnel it cut out for a bit. But it is convenient that where ever you are you'll still get to listen to a particular station. Not sure about if there's a really bad storm the reception will be quiet the same though.

I'm still "iffy" about "paying" for radio. I'll resort to mp3s or hook up my ipod to the car and put it on shuffle.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 03-14-2005, 06:38 PM:

Sirius boasts "commercial free radio", but after virtually every song you have to listen to an announcer "you're listening to Sirius satellite radio, blah, blah, blah". THAT IS A COMMERCIAL!!! Then some stations have DJs who are just not funny on there too.

Is there a satellite music radio network that is TRULY commercial and DJ free, without even babbling about how wonderful their station is?

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 03-14-2005, 06:43 PM:

I'm assuming you know the answer to that Brad [Wink]

I don't mind the (I guess you would call it) station identifications that much, but I don't listen to the hit stations and all that bs. As for losing service, the two cities that I went through with tunnels had ground repeaters so I didn't get an interruption in service. With all the driving I do, and the convenience of not having to putz around with dials and worrying about service, I gladly pay my $12.95 a month. The traffic and weather stations are cool too, but not many cities are offered on either network.

Keep in mind that I only really listen to Fox News, about 10 of the music channels, Weather/Traffic for Tampa/Orlando/Miami (which covers more than those cities, actually most of the state), and sometimes Comedy...oh yeah and the three NPR Channels are great.

Posted by Lyle Romer (Member # 1266) on 03-15-2005, 09:07 AM:

quote: Dean Kollet
something tells me that they will never merge....that's like every cell phone company saying they are "wireless content services" and then merging into one...

Don't be so sure. I dug up one of the articles on the subject.

quote:
E-MAIL STORY PRINTER FRIENDLY FOXFAN CENTRAL
Sirius, XM Merger in the Works?
Monday, January 31, 2005
By Tim Arango

Satellite radio rivals Sirius (SIRI) and XM (XMSR) have been cozying up to each other, The Post has learned.

While talks have not advanced far, executives from both sides have been meeting lately to discuss the possibility of a merger, according to several sources close to the matter.

Sources say the executives have not yet discussed price. They have, however, been weighing any potential antitrust concerns that would arise from a deal, which would create a monopoly in the nascent satellite radio business.

The two companies have talked in the past about merging, but the discussions never got to an advanced stage. But in the wake of Sirius' hiring of former Viacom President Mel Karmazin (search) in November, the issue has gained renewed urgency, sources said.

"Mel is a roll-up guy, a deal guy," said one source close to Karmazin.

While many people in the media industry say it's inevitable the two companies will eventually merge, sources say a deal could be at least a year away.

A spokesman for Sirius said, "as a company we do not comment on rumor or speculation." An XM spokesman did not return a call seeking comment.

The satellite radio industry is currently a Federal Communications Commission (search)-licensed duopoly, and both XM and Sirius are hoping they can convince the FCC to redefine the market to include all content over wireless broadband services.

As mobile technology in the United States advances, XM and Sirius are hoping the FCC will consider satellite radio as part of the broader industry of delivering music and other content through mobile devices, such as cellphones, say sources.

A merger between XM and Sirius — neither of which is yet profitable — would alleviate a price war for premium content and allow the two companies to save significant amounts of money on marketing costs.

Merrill Lynch analyst Laraine Mancini said in a conference call earlier this week that one of the chief risks of investing in the companies' stock is a potential price war and "irrational bidding" for content.

Last year, Sirius announced a blockbuster $500 million deal to bring Howard Stern (search) from traditional radio to satellite radio beginning in 2006. While some hailed the deal as a milestone for the fledgling sat radio industry, some on Wall Street said the company overpaid.

From: Merger Story

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 03-15-2005, 11:22 AM:

I know some guys that have put XM Radio in their planes, along with either CD changers or MP3 players. The audio panels and pilot headsets are set up for stereo and automatically mute the music when any comm or nav radio is monitored or breaks squelch. Very cool and helps pass the time on long flights.

Another feature of XM is a live aviation weather data stream service. Near realtime NEXRAD Doppler weather radar data can be displayed on any of the new LCD panel displays, overlayed on your moving map present position. All kinds of other data can be displayed as well, like updated terminal and area weather reports and forecasts, in-flight pilot reports, notices to airmen, and temporary flight restrictions.

Very very cool stuff. [thumbsup]

Posted by Brandon Willis (Member # 2345) on 03-15-2005, 11:40 AM:

A friend of mine has an XM boombox. He took it on a weekend camping trip we went on. I loved it. What we need, though, is more non-commercial stations on the regular broadcast bands. We have one here, Richmond Indie Radio, on 97.3 FM that broadcasts some really good music and talk shows. Most NPR stations suck except for the jazz segments.

Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 03-15-2005, 11:42 AM:

I also have XM, and like it very much. I felt the same as Jen; I didn't know if I wanted to 'pay' for radio, but without the ads, I now feel it is so much better than regular radio.

And as anote to movie theaters: I would be willing to pay $1-$2 extra if they got rid of the ads and played only the movie in movie theaters.. I'm sure that's more than they get now.

Posted by James R. Hammonds, Jr (Member # 673) on 03-15-2005, 11:51 AM:

quote: Brad Miller
Sirius boasts "commercial free radio", but after virtually every song you have to listen to an announcer "you're listening to Sirius satellite radio, blah, blah, blah". THAT IS A COMMERCIAL!!! Then some stations have DJs who are just not funny on there too.

Is there a satellite music radio network that is TRULY commercial and DJ free, without even babbling about how wonderful their station is?

How is identifying yourself a commercial?
It's like saying that institutionals played at movie theatres are commercials.
I personally would not like a radio station (terrestrial or otherwise) that didn't have any type of imaging at all.
DJs who aren't entertaining or funny are a whole different thing.

The only thing that I know of that doesn't have anything other than music is Music Choice which is on cable and satellite tv systems but you can't take that with you, so the answer to your question in no.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-15-2005, 12:12 PM:

I can't vouch for Sirius, but XM just comes on and says, "XM Radio...Top Tracks" (or whatever channel you're listening to) now and then (not after every song). Sometimes they have a slogan before or after the channel name. It's hardly a commercial; it gives the channel identity and personality.

Occasionally, on the channels that have announcers, they will talk very briefly about some programming on one of the other channels that might appeal to the listener. That's not a commercial either, it's just part of the service. A commercial is trying to sell you something.

Posted by James R. Hammonds, Jr (Member # 673) on 03-15-2005, 12:30 PM:

quote: Brandon Willis
What we need, though, is more non-commercial stations on the regular broadcast bands.

That will only happen if more of the general public wants to support listener sponsored radio.

Posted by Mark J. Marshall (Member # 1409) on 03-15-2005, 01:04 PM:

I thought XM didn't have DJs originally, and they added them later after getting that suggestion from listeners. Can anyone confirm, or was I dreaming when I heard that?

Posted by Mike Heenan (Member # 392) on 03-15-2005, 01:20 PM:

I highly doubt people will tune out of sterns show, many many people are signing up for Sirius just to listen to him in the first place. With all the insane chopping up of his show these days due to fear of FCC fines, I think his show will be much better on Sirius.

Posted by Jarryd Beard (Member # 2543) on 03-15-2005, 01:21 PM:

Well, I've read XM is loosing their contract with Nascar in 2007. That's really going to piss off many subscribers that chose XM for that service. I guess Sirius offered a lot more money to Nascar. As some of you may know, Nascar loves money. ESPN made Nascar what it is today, then Nascar ditched them a few years back.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-15-2005, 05:40 PM:

quote: Mark J. Marshall
I thought XM didn't have DJs originally, and they added them later after getting that suggestion from listeners.

We've been selling it since it came online in this part of the country, and they've had DJs on some of the channels ever since day 1 as far as I know.

But some channels don't have DJs and never did, like Chrome for example.

As for NASCAR -- by the time they switch, the merger probably will have happened. Otherwise, why would they want to cut their satellite audience by 2/3?

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 03-18-2005, 12:00 AM:

quote: Jennifer Pan
I'm still "iffy" about "paying" for radio.

Well, I'm a trucker and it's a Godsend for me. I listen to XM about 14 hours a day. A good deal of satrad (think I just coined a term) listeners are truckers. I'm paid up a year at a time, so I don't have to worry with it. I'm also on my brother's family list, so that's a couple bucks off the monthly charge, too.

I absolutely love the Radio Classics channel. "Fibber McGee and Molly", "Gildersleeve", "Gunsmoke", "The Shadow", "X-Minus One", "Suspense"... YEAH! Keeps me going through the night better'n a handful of them little pills taken with a jug of black coffee. [Razz]

The 70s channel is pretty cool, too. They use the old Jam WLS jingle package for station IDs, it's slick.

The only complaint I have about XM is a good deal of their air talent is not major-market caliber. Lots of amatuerish-sounding 20-somethings playing radio. Especially on the traffic channels, ugh! Lots of annoying accents.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 03-18-2005, 12:05 AM:

Allow me to clarify.

When businesses pay for a business license to play Sirius at their establishment, their customers hear a commercial for Sirius between almost every song. Yes it's just "branding" for an individual, but it turns into a "commercial" when you are at a business playing it.

Posted by System Notices (Member # 2357) on 11-13-2008, 02:54 PM:

It has been 1336 days since the last post.