Satellite Radio Review

Introduction to Satellite Radio

Satellite radio offers static-free, censorship-free, largely commercial-free broadcasting with a vast selection of programming. Up until late July 2008, there were two independent and competing services -- Sirius and XM. Now, following one of the most protracted mergers in U.S. history, the two services have been combined into one entity -- Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The company has promised subscribers new, more flexible subscription options, and interoperable radios that are able to receive both former Sirius and former XM channels will allow users to pick and choose some stations.

But that's the future. For the time being, the watchword is status quo for both current and new subscribers. Sirius and XM continue to operate as separate services and are mandated to freeze prices for three years (though there is a provision that will let them pass along "unexpected costs" should they arise). The two companies have promised that no current equipment and subscription plans will become obsolete, and that existing lifetime subscription plans will continue to be honored. New " à la carte" programming packages will require future receivers that can selectively tune channels and receive signals from both services. However, those radios are still months away from reaching market, and are not expected to be available until 2009.

While the merger, first announced in 2007, hung in limbo, few manufacturers were in any hurry to develop new XM or Sirius hardware. As a result, there have been few new dedicated XM or Sirius receivers released over the last year, though some receivers have been updated. With the market in its current state of suspended animation, older, well-done reviews at a handful of sites -- primarily CNet.com and PC Magazine -- remain valid and relevant. SiriusBuzz.com is a good spot for news and updates on both Sirius and XM radio, and does the best job of all reporting on new satellite radio gear. Orbitcast is a valuable and up-to-date source of satellite radio news and rumors.

Many factors come into play when selecting a satellite radio service. One is sound quality. Experts say that satellite radio's sound is slightly better than MP3 quality, but falls short of CD sound. Separate surveys give XM the edge in sound quality, but they generally view Sirius as the better value in terms of programming.

Every major musical genre and sub-genre is represented in the extensive music channel lineups on both XM and Sirius. In reviews we read, all testers were able to find music channels that fit their taste. XM sweetens the mix with original concerts, and Sirius has channels dedicated to specific artists -- currently including Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen and the Grateful Dead. However, most reviewers are even more enthralled by the non-music programming. That includes channels of news, sports, talk, sports talk, religion and comedy. Both satellite radio services have traffic and weather information for at least 20 markets, and they are constantly adding or revising channels.

If sports programming interests you most, Sirius has exclusive broadcasting rights for NFL, English soccer and NASCAR. However, XM satellite radio currently carries the rights to broadcast Major League Baseball, NHL hockey, PGA golf and the Indy Racing League. Both services broadcast a wealth of college sports.

Two channels of full-time Howard Stern have been a big draw for the Sirius network. Bridge Ratings Consumer Trend Report indicates that Stern was responsible for the addition of 1.6 million Sirius subscribers between 2004 and 2007. XM offers its own brand of talk, with selections ranging from Opie and Anthony to Oprah & Friends. XM still has a slight edge in the number of subscribers, with about 9.6 million users to Sirius's 8.9 million at the time the two companies merged. You can visit each service's website to see what's offered and get trial online subscriptions.