Satellite Radio

[TxDoc]

I am trying to gather some information on satellite radio. Sometime back, it seems like I read that there were two companies offering systems.

Any ideas or links would be appreciated.

[AirForceAngler]

Doc,

I'm not sure if it is available yet, but I've been reading some about it in magazines.  So far, they are calling it XM.   As always with something like this, the radios will be quite expensive at first.  I think you may also have to subscribe (pay) for the service.

[illmac77]

if you go to crutchfield.com they talk about the sony satilite radio. i think its like $9.99 a month to subcribe and there are like a 100 chanels you can get.... HAPPY THANKS GIVING EVERYONE

[TxDoc]

Thanks, I am gonna checkout the Sony site, next.

I was directed to Onstar.com and found the following:

ABOUT US : XM SATELLITE RADIO FAST FACTS

 

Printable Display

About The Company

XM Satellite Radio Inc. is a publicly traded company headquartered in Washington, D.C. General Motors and Hughes have made a $120 million investment (in stock and direct money) in XM Satellite Radio, giving them 18 percent ownership in the company. The company is one of two FCC licensees to deliver satellite radio programming. Starting in October 2001, XM Satellite Radio will inaugurate its coast-to-coast, digital-quality service with up to 100 channels of music, news, talk, sports, comedy and children's programming. The service is targeted to the nation's 200 million-plus automobile and truck drivers, as well as home radio users. There will be a monthly subscription fee of approximately $9.99 per month, and many of XM Satellite Radio's channels will be commercial-free.

 

Programming and Partners

XM Satellite Radio programming includes original music and talk channels created by the company's XM ORIGINALS programming unit and by leading national brand-name content providers.  XM Satellite Radio's programming partners include Sesame Workshop, NASCAR, Associated Press, CNBC, CNET, BBC World Service and BBC Concerts, USA TODAY, AsiaOne, BET, Radio One, The Sporting News, CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN Financial Network, Bloomberg, Hispanic Broadcast Corporation, C-SPAN Radio, Clear Channel and DIRECTV, National Lampoon, Discovery, Firesign Theatre and MTV.

 

Availability

XM Satellite Radio service will be available in the continental U.S. only, and XM Satellite Radio’s national launch is scheduled for October 2001. Satellite Radio will be available as an option on 2002 Cadillac DeVilles (DHS and DTS models) and 2002 Cadillac Sevilles (SLS and STS models) in late fall 2001. Cadillacs are traditionally the technology flagship vehicles for General Motors and are currently the only vehicle models with compatible electrical wiring. XM Satellite Radio expects to be on most GM platforms by 2004.

 

Infrastructure

The satellites consist of two Boeing 702 satellites built by Boeing Satellite Systems, with payloads manufactured by Alcatel Space.  Sea Launch Limited Partners provided launch services, launching XM Rock on March 18, 2001 and XM Roll on May 8, 2001. Both satellites operate in geostationary orbit, with XM Rock at 85° West Longitude and XM Roll positioned at 115° West Longitude. Telesat Canada will monitor and control the satellites for XM Satellite Radio.

 

XM Satellite Radio boasts the largest digital radio facility in the world - the Washington D.C. facility has 82 broadcasting studios with fiber-optic programming.  XM Satellite Radio's frequency is 12.5 MHz of S-Band 2332.5 to 2345.0 MHz.

 

Hardware Details

 

Requires the vehicle to have an antenna and a receiver with chips designed by STMicroelectronics

System requires two-way communication between radio head unit with chip and receiver in separate location

Delphi will build XM Satellite Radio heads in GM vehicles

GM vehicles will not receive Sirius stations

XM Satellite Radio and OnStar systems will communicate with each other in the future (possible download and communication abilities)

OnStar contact:

Michael Merrick

248.588.2844

www.xmradio.com

[NeXuS1]

the whole sat radio thing seems pointless anyways. radio i never liked, they never play the songs you want. so thats why i have my current project. thats if all your looking for is music.

 

if you want talk radio stuff thats where HAM stuff comes in. either way i couldnt justify the cost of the radio and paying per month to use it.

[Jpshostr]

I don't quite see this either.  Why would someone pay for a subscription to this stuff when they can flip on their regular radio and get it for free?  I listen to the radio all the time, but very highly doubt I'll be doing this.

[patrick]

Story I heard on NPR last month made it sound like this was getting ready to tank already... pretty much going the way of iridium. (before it is even launched!)