XM vs. Sirius Sattelite Radio

[peachin]

I did not order an XM radio when I purchased my D/A as I wanted a removable radio to move to my Camper.

Anyone have an opinion on the difference between XM and Sirius - other than GM picking XM - their decision might have been economic (to them) afterall we all know that the Onstar Package is mostly a joke - and GM had a financial interest in the Sattelite Company and a deal with Verison.

let's hear it.

Thanks!

[FirstDiesel]

Is Sirrius still in bankrupcy??? They were last year. That would be a major choice in my mind.

Also I guess I would have to compare the channel offerings to decide.

[BlueOx03]

Most people I know that have had both, truckers mostly, prefer Sirius. It costs a little more, but you get better coverage and more music without commercials. Kenwood is currently running a promo on the tuners, if you buy a Kenwood head unit, you get the Sirius tuner free. Email me if you have more ???

[TxDoc]

I don't have anything to sell, but am very happy with my factory XM Radio. Below are some articles comparing them and some links with updated info that may give you some background and financial and technical info to help you.

From Consumer Guide:
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/editorial/features/index.cfm/act/feature18

Sirius versus XM Radio:
the battle of the satellite bands
By Mark Bilek


August 7, 2003 - It wasn't so long ago that 8-track tape players were a hot new-car option. Today, we have the choice of AM, FM, weather band, cassette, CD, and DVD audio. As if that weren't enough, new car buyers now have an one more choice for in-vehicle entertainment--satellite radio.

What is satellite radio?
Simply put, satellite radio offers an additional band on your car or home audio system. Rather than being broadcast locally, the signal originates from satellites and is received by a special antenna on the top of your car or in your home. Unlike AM or FM, satellite radio is a pay-for-use service.
Two companies are currently vying for your business: XM Radio and Sirius. Each offers over 100 stations--many commercial free--for a monthly fee. To receive satellite radio you need three things: an antenna, a receiver (or tuner), and a broadcast source (car audio system, home speakers). The sound is digital quality, but receiving the signal requires a line of sight to either the satellite or, in some urban areas, a local repeater.

Both Sirius and XM offer different types of receivers for different applications. In vehicle applications, often the receiver and broadcast source are combined into one unit. XM offers an adaptor for PCs, and Sirius broadcasts its signal over the internet. XM also sells a "boom box" type unit called the SKYFi that allows you to hook into home systems, computers, or your vehicle. Automotive aftermarket audio suppliers like Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, and Pioneer all offer satellite-ready in-dash head units. Generally, the receiver units display the station, artist, and song title.

Do we actually need satellite radio?
The simple answer is "no." We don't need it. But, we don't need ketchup on our burgers or salt on our fries either. Satellite radio is an option on most new vehicles and can be aftermarket-installed on any vehicle with a radio. For drivers in remote or mountainous areas, satellite radio allows them to actually hear something other than static. For people in urban areas, it can better meet the demands of the discriminating listener.
The monthly fees are low compared to cable TV or broadband Internet: $9.95 for XM or $12.99 for Sirius. Both offer discounted rates for additional subscriptions. However, the initial cost of entry is steep. Automotive head/antenna units can cost more than $350 installed. Similar prices exist for high-end home audio systems. Both XM and Sirius offer antenna and receiver packages for under $150, but those require speakers and an amplification sustem.

People looking to buy a new car can usually opt to have it factory installed. In this case you don't always get to choose between the two. Some automotive manufacturers are part-owners of one of the two companies, therefore they only offer one brand.

Coke or Pepsi? Choose your flavor.
Because new car or home users have a choice in satellite radio, it's worth examining Sirius and XM a little more closely. Both systems are only available in the continental United States and offer parental control to block stations with explicit language. Both offer music in a commercial-free format, talk radio, and national news networks.
XM is more established. They started broadcasting in September 2001, offer 101 channels, and currently have a subscriber base of over 500,000. General Motors and Honda back XM. The majority of XM's studios are located in Washington DC. The XM Radio network consists of two geosynchronous satellites and repeaters in major metro areas.

Allen Goldberg, Director of Corporate Affairs, XM Radio says "XM takes the best from FM radio and improves on it." Goldberg also feels that the on-air personalities at XM are more professional.

Sirius is new to the game. Their first broadcast was in July 2002, and they have a subscriber base of only about 100,000. Sirius' studios are located in New York City's Rockefeller center. They have three elliptical-orbit satellites and fewer repeaters than XM Radio.

Vice-President of Communications at Jim Collins says Sirius' advantages include more original programming, no commercials on any music channel, and better satellite coverage allowing Sirius to be less repeater dependent.

Regardless of which flavor you choose, the programming is remarkably similar. However, there are differences. If you are a home user or are buying a vehicle that offers choice between XM and Sirius, take a look at this chart to see which service has more stations you desire.

Does it Work?
Consumer Guide