 |
|
|
    |
|
|
Satellite Radio |
Currently ALL of the Satellite Radio pages are under construction, we will have everything completely operational as soon as we can. If you wish to order any products please contact us
Already have satellite radio?
Click Here to Troubleshoot your
system
Looking to purchase a Satellite Radio? read on.
XM or Sirius?
Which one is better?
Which one should you buy?
Two of the most popular questions I get asked just about every day. The answer to both questions are the same, Which ever one best suits YOUR needs. Each service has its pros and cons, one mans pro may be another mans con. So before you jump in to the satellite radio world you need to ask yourself a few questions, which will help ensure you select the service that best suits your taste. If you already know what your looking for click on "Go to satellite products" to see our selection.
Go to Satellite products
#1 (and most important question) "What do you want to listen to?"
Music- Both Sirius and XM have a
wide variety of commercial free music, if this is your main reason, then it
really doesn't matter which service you get.
NASCAR- Currently XM is the only one that has a channel dedicated to NASCAR racing. Sirius does not currently have any kind of racing channels, BUT starting with the 2007 season NASCAR will only be available on Sirius.
Football- Sirius has signed a
contract with the NFL to broadcast ALL the games until 2010 plus they will have
a channel dedicated to football 24-7 with news and updates. XM offers some
play-by-play but no definite schedule.
Other Sports- XM currently offers Baseball and College football and some other sports news and info. Sirius does offer
some Hockey, Basketball, and sports news and info. I do not know there complete schedule at
this time.
Weather- Both XM and Sirius have city specific weather and traffic updates as well as a national weather channel.
Talk and Entertainment- Both Sirius and XM
offer a wide variety of Talk, News, and Entertainment Channels. An up-to-date listing of each channel line
up can be found by clicking on the links below.
Monthly Fee- For both Sirius and XM you must
pay a monthly subscription fee. Monthly subscription is $12.99 a month and that
gets you everything they offer. Both
Sirius and XM do run special promos from time to time and you can usually get a
discount if you pay for one or two years worth of programming in advance.
Sirius- www.sirius.com XM- www.xmradio.com
Now that the big question is out of the way, you should have a good idea of what service you want. Now we move on to what equipment you may want or need to hookup to your system.
Satellite radio comes in two basic kinds of systems, Permanent mount and Plug-n-Play. Some in-dash radios may say "XM ready", "Sirius ready" or "Satellite ready", in order to use that feature you will most likely have a permanently mounted system that stays with the vehicle. "Plug-n-Play" systems are usually very portable and easy to get the pieces you need to go from vehicle to wherever no matter what kind of stereo you have. Normally portable is the way to go and typically a little cheaper too.
Permanent systems- For most permanent systems you need your stereo to be set up to run a satellite module. Typically it will say right on the front "XM Ready" or "Sirius Ready". To utilize this you must first find the Sat module FOR THAT UNIT (i.e. If you have a Pioneer Radio that is XM ready, you must find the Pioneer XM module that works with it) plus the appropriate antenna. Once you have done this your Radio now controls the sat features without any other items on your dash, everything is hidden. They also make permanent systems that will hook to any radio via an FM modulator, However you must mount a small control panel somewhere to operate the sat unit. Permanent systems are not meant to be taken in and out of the vehicle on a regular basis.
Plug-n-Play Systems- This type of system is by far the most popular because you can take it just about anywhere relatively easy. There are several ways you can hook them to your existing radio:
Cassette Adapter-
Quick and easy hookup for anyone that has a cassette player (that works). Audio
transfer is decent. Not recommended for long term use because the tape wheels
are always moving inside and they tend to wear.
Audio Patch cable- Fairly
easy to hookup, just run an audio cable to the back of your radio. Audio
transfer is excellent. Will only work if your radio has aux audio inputs.
FM Modulator- The FM
Modulator should be permanently installed, it ties in-line on your main antenna
for your radio and also requires to be powered by a 12v source. Audio transfer
is good. This will eliminate the need for the cig plug that powers the sat unit.
Works well for long term use, when the radio is on for more than 6hrs at a time.
FM Transmitter- This is a
handy little device that comes a few different ways, It can be a stand alone
battery powered device (works well for temporary setups like loaner vehicles and
such), it can be a 12v hardwired device (Works well if you cant get to the back of
your radio for a permanent hookup), and it is now built in to most new systems. Audio transfer is good, can experience interference if
near a radio station on the same frequency. Excellent for long term use and
switching from location to location.
Home Adapter- Offers the
ability to be used in the home or with any radio with an audio input. Excellent
audio transfer. Kit usually includes a ac power adapter and table top antenna.
Boom Box- This makes your
system completely portable, load some batteries in the box, snap in your
receiver and go. Audio quality is good but not extremely loud. Good for home,
boat, office, or where ever you may roam.
**Note : The Boom Box is not available for every system.
Some other good features common with most plug-n-play systems:
Larger easier to read displays
Typically offer remote control operation
Purchase only the pieces you need for your system
Easily replace damaged or broken pieces
Hopefully we were able to shed some light on the choices out there, if you still have questions or concerns please contact us
Go to Satellite products