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[Zelda-Bitch]

So I'm thinking of jumping onto the satelite radio bandwagon and would like some feedback from those of you who have heard or have it. Since Stern will be on Sirius, it'll probably be the service I get. Any tips or feedback would be great. Oh, and if any of you know of any good deals floating around, that would be cool too.

 

[DarienA]

Have XM, though when Stern jumps to Sirius I'll probably pass the XM off to the missus and pick up a Sirius system(hopefully by then they'll have a unit that buffers music like the XM Sky Fi 2 does).

Very happy with the service... it supplements my CD playing and regular radio listening VERY nicely. I've heard from audiophiles that it isn't truly CD quality music but it sounds good enough to me. Traffic stations get as little bandwith as possible so they've got that metallic low quality sound to them, but certainly able to clearly be heard... news and other talk stations sound normal.

Very happy with the service, very happy with the sound quality and my components.

EDIT:

As Chums said XM is bringing it's price up to be the same as Sirius, they've added the online component(listen via the website) and Opie and Anthony channel to the regular lineup.(Previous those were available for additional monthly fees. $3.99 and $1.99/month IIRC.)

 

[ChumsGum]

XM use to be cheaper than Sirius, but XM has recently increased their pricing so it really comes down to content.

 

[CrawfishPete]

I am gone to sirius when Stern makes the move.

 

[jobber]

I have both.

Sirius is more like a standard radio station with DJ's that talk alot. I only listen to the hip hop stations and maybe Easy Listining. XM's stations are alot more simple and was my perfered radio choice(Fox Sports Radio!) but it's rate hike that starts next month(from $9.99 to 12.99). On the good side of the rate hike is you can listen to some stations online for free instead of paying for it which Sirius already provides for it's customers.

If I had to choose just one....I would get Sirius. They've got their shit together unlike XM. I would hold off if I was you. It's talks about XM and Sirius merging soon. On to the pictures!

 

[DarienA]

Sirius is more like a standard radio station with DJ's that talk alot. I only listen to the hip hop stations and maybe Easy Listining.

Some of the XM stations are doings this now too...

They've got their shit together unlike XM.

Meaning?

I would hold off if I was you. It's talks about XM and Sirius merging soon. On to the pictures!

A rumor that has been denied by both sides... last I heard that particular rumor was started by a writer covering one of the company's in an article that was written. It's a rumor that comes up each year, and gets shot down each year.

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

I have both.

Sirius is more like a standard radio station with DJ's that talk alot. I only listen to the hip hop stations and maybe Easy Listining. XM's stations are alot more simple and was my perfered radio choice(Fox Sports Radio!) but it's rate hike that starts next month(from $9.99 to 12.99). On the good side of the rate hike is you can listen to some stations online for free instead of paying for it which Sirius already provides for it's customers.

If I had to choose just one....I would get Sirius. They've got their shit together unlike XM. I would hold off if I was you. It's talks about XM and Sirius merging soon. On to the pictures!

But isn't XM owned by clear channel? I hope this doesn't happen! Anyway, I really like that first player you posted! How much is that bad boy?

*edit* thanks for clearing that up Darien. *phew*

 

[DarienA]

But isn't XM owned by clear channel? I hope this doesn't happen! Anyway, I really like that first player you posted! How much is that bad boy?

XM is not owned by Clear Channel. Though I do think there is some investment from Clear Channel to fund the startup.. Let me see what I can find.

EDIT: Zelda hold on... Clear Channel did have an involvement in Xm's startup.. I'm trying to find something to see what role they currently still play.

EDIT2: Ok from what I can see while CC did provided a nice chunk of the startup, a bit back they divested themselves and currently own if any a very small % of XM stock.

 

[automagnus]

I would hold off if I was you. It's talks about XM and Sirius merging soon.

The FTC (Federal Trade Commision) would never allow such a merger since it creates a monopoly.

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

XM is not owned by Clear Channel. Though I do think there is some investment from Clear Channel to fund the startup.. Let me see what I can find.

EDIT: Zelda hold on... Clear Channel did have an involvement in Xm's startup.. I'm trying to find something to see what role they currently still play.

EDIT2: Ok from what I can see while CC did provided a nice chunk of the startup, a bit back they divested themselves and currently own if any a very small % of XM stock.

That's too much stock for me. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up heavily investing in XM if Sirius takes off (when Stern jumps on board).

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

Ok, so the second phase of my questions envolves deals. Do any of you know of any good offers? I know in December if you signed up for a year of service you get a reciever free. I'm pissed I missed the boat on that one. =_(

 

[DarienA]

Ok, so the second phase of my questions envolves deals. Do any of you know of any good offers? I know in December if you signed up for a year of service you get a reciever free. I'm pissed I missed the boat on that one. =_(

I haven't seen any new offers but I'll keep on the lookout for you.

That's too much stock for me. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up heavily investing in XM if Sirius takes off (when Stern jumps on board).

Not gonna happen. One of the last articles I read showed a sale of their stock to an investment firm... they are pretty much out of the picture.

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

I haven't seen any new offers but I'll keep on the lookout for you.

Nice! Thanks. If I run a cross anything I'll post it here for others as well.

Not gonna happen. One of the last articles I read showed a sale of their stock to an investment firm... they are pretty much out of the picture.

Well thats good to hear I suppose.

 

[jobber]

Yes CC is invested in XM. That's why Fox Sports Radio, which is owned by CC, is XM only
This deal still works for XM if you are interested http://forums.gaming-age.com/showthread.php?t=24784

That Sirius player I have is this http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3327581 I just got it about a month ago. I got it cause you don't need to buy any of those adapters for home or the car.

I listen to more stations on XM and they don't give out times for some of the shows I listen to...i.e. Subsoniq on XMU.

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

Yes CC is invested in XM. That's why Fox Sports Radio, which is owned by CC, is XM only
This deal still works for XM if you are interested http://forums.gaming-age.com/showthread.php?t=24784

That Sirius player I have is this http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3327581 I just got it about a month ago. I got it cause you don't need to buy any of those adapters for home or the car.

I listen to more stations on XM and they don't give out times for some of the shows I listen to...i.e. Subsoniq on XMU.

Yeah, I'm a cheap ass so something that comes with the extra kits is good for me. I think I'm gonna go with that Sirius player you have. Any downsides to it so far? The only thing I wish it has was an actual dial instead of just buttons to navigate. Small complaint though.

 

[Soybean]

I have Sirius and I love it. I've never listened to XM extensively, so I can't say for myself, but I have heard that XM playlists are much deeper; too deep for some (meaning they play too much stuff you don't know). For me, Sirius has a good mixture. The hits channels (like Alt Nation in the Rock category, for example) play well known stuff while other channels (like Left of Center for rock) play lesser known stuff. It's all about personal preference, so I'd try out the online trials at both websites.

One thing XM has that I wish Sirius had (and have written them a few times about) is the Cinemagic channel, which plays motion picture scores. It's great! But Sirius has 2 NPR channels, has all 3 hours of the Dave Ramsey Show (which for some reason I'm hooked on), and of course Stern is coming.

I have the Audiovox PNP3, which I like a lot. Here's a decent deal for the receiver and a car kit:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=519278

I use the boombox at work:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=517531

Also, check out www.siriusbackstage.com Great Sirius forum. They have this Product Matrix, for example, that will help you choose a receiver:
http://www.siriusbackstage.com/product_matrix.php

 

[jobber]

I never had a Sirius player before this one, but over @ http://www.siriusbackstage.com/ they're saying it's not the best for sound quality. It sounds fine to me. Just had to press the buttons cause it's so small : \

FYI

If you do get Sirius, you'll have to pay a activation fee of $15 and the first month which is $12.99. XM you can register and activate over the net for nothing....well it was nothing a year ago.

SHADE45 HOMIE

here's a few sites you should visit....
www.siriusbackstage.com
www.xmfan.com
www.xm411.com

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

I have Sirius and I love it. I've never listened to XM extensively, so I can't say for myself, but I have heard that XM playlists are much deeper; too deep for some (meaning they play too much stuff you don't know). For me, Sirius has a good mixture. The hits channels (like Alt Nation in the Rock category, for example) play well known stuff while other channels (like Left of Center for rock) play lesser known stuff. It's all about personal preference, so I'd try out the online trials at both websites.

One thing XM has that I wish Sirius had (and have written them a few times about) is the Cinemagic channel, which plays motion picture scores. It's great! But Sirius has 2 NPR channels, has all 3 hours of the Dave Ramsey Show (which for some reason I'm hooked on), and of course Stern is coming.

I have the Audiovox PNP3, which I like a lot. Here's a decent deal for the receiver and a car kit:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=519278

I use the boombox at work:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=517531

Also, check out www.siriusbackstage.com Great Sirius forum. They have this Product Matrix, for example, that will help you choose a receiver:
http://www.siriusbackstage.com/product_matrix.php

Soybean - Awesome! This was a lot of help. thank you!



*edit* Activation Fee?!! L A M E!!! >:| =_(

 

[CrawfishPete]

does sirius offer online streaming?

 

[DarienA]

does sirius offer online streaming?

Yes, they offered it way before XM did.

Does Sirius offer a radio unit with a buffer yet? I remember hearing that they had one coming a bit back but I haven't been following them lately. One of the things I like about the XM/Delphi Sky Fi 2 is that the unit stores the last 30min of what you've listened to in case you want to pause, repeat last song....

 

[jobber]

does sirius offer online streaming?

music stations and the gay station


btw...Deep Tracks on XM is so soothing...
Tom Petty's Buried Treasure - Rock legend Tom Petty personally presents a selection of little-known musical delights & classic tracks.

 

[jobber]

Yes, they offered it way before XM did.

Does Sirius offer a radio unit with a buffer yet? I remember hearing that they had one coming a bit back but I haven't been following them lately. One of the things I like about the XM/Delphi Sky Fi 2 is that the unit stores the last 30min of what you've listened to in case you want to pause, repeat last song....

1 was coming out this fall.

 

[Soybean]

I should note too that when I first heard the sound quality (which according to the last review I read was slightly better than XM; fewer compression artifacts) I was pretty disappointed. My best approximation (and a number of people at SiriusBackstage agree) is that it sounds like 96 kbps MP3. Maybe slightly better than that. The talk channels sound even worse (mono, even lower bitrate), but that's OK I guess. Just voices after all.

Sirius will change the bandwidth given to its streams depending on what channels they feel need more bandwidth. Tthey have some fancy name for this "innovation" and they make a big deal about it, but it's nothing more than changing bitrates. I have no idea how they determine which channel gets what, but I can definitely tell you that sometimes some channels will sound better than at other times. It can change from day to day, hour to hour. The most popular channels (Hits 1, Alt Nation, etc.) will always have the highest sound quality. I'm guessing they have statistics on when people listen and they'll give bandwidth to those channels at their most popular times.

Anyway, I'm used to it now, but I was pretty pissed initially. But I love the variety (yes, I want 3 classical stations and over a dozen rock stations) so I've come to the conclusion that I can take the current sound quality if they can keep the variety (or better yet, add a Cinemagic-like channel). They're also improving codecs all the time, so I'm sure it'll eventually sound better.

 

[DarienA]

I guess the conclusion is that each service kicks the ass of terrestrial radio right now in terms of music offerings... look at each channel lineup and decide what other things you might be interested in... specific sports, specific talk, etc... that'll probably drive your final decision.

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

Yeah, I'm at the point now where I absolutely can't stand radio one second longer, so even with the quality loss (which is definately dissappointing), I'm still looking forward to giving it a go. Soybean- how would you compare the sound quality to the streams on the sirius website? I hope it's at least slightly better then that! =_(

 

[jobber]

Yeah, I'm at the point now where I absolutely can't stand radio one second longer, so even with the quality loss (which is definately dissappointing), I'm still looking forward to giving it a go. Soybean- how would you compare the sound quality to the streams on the sirius website? I hope it's at least slightly better then that! =_(

I'm not soy but I know this one well since I'm not near a window. The sound for sirius on the web is 34kbs. The quality for the highest end Sirius radio is near 128kbs. The web sound is dumbed down quite a bit.

 

[Soybean]

Much better, definitely. Those are only 34 kbps streams! You can go to Circuit City and check it out. My local CC has a PNP3 set up, which is how I decided I wanted that receiver. You can hear how it sounds at the store, but obviously the better your audio equipment the more glaring the compression will be.

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

*phew* If it was that shitty I definately wouldn't be getting it. lol Anyway, these are my choices so far for recievers:

$119.99 w/ free home and car kit

Same deal as above

 

[aparisi2274]

I have Sirius. I got it for Christmas, and I love it. I can not listen to regular radio anymore.

I was conflicted on whether to get XM or Sirius at first, but Stern sealed the deal for me, so I went with Sirius, and I love it.

I get Maxim Radio, which is pretty good.
I get the Jim Breuer Unleased show, which is hysterical.

I love the channels you can choose from.

I have the Sirius Sportster unit, and I think its great. I may upgrade eventually, but not anytime soon.

 

[aparisi2274]

*phew* If it was that shitty I definately wouldn't be getting it. lol Anyway, these are my choices so far for recievers:

$119.99 w/ free home and car kit

Same deal as above

You should take a look at these models, as they are pretty good:

OR...

 

[Soybean]

Right, that reminds me, someone asked about a receiver with a memory buffer like XM's SkyFi2. The new Sportster does indeed have such a buffer, not to mention sexy blue LEDs.

 

[DarienA]

Right, that reminds me, someone asked about a receiver with a memory buffer like XM's SkyFi2. The new Sportster does indeed have such a buffer, not to mention sexy blue LEDs.

Sweeeeeet thanks for the heads up.

Which one is it on this page?

 

[theo]

I have both Sirius and XM.
My Sirius is on at least 12 hours a day.
I turn my XM on when I'm bored.

Sirius is far superior as far as I'm concerned. I may cancel XM when their price goes up.

For Sirius I have the Audiovox PNP3, and my XM is a Skyfi2

 

[Soybean]

Sweeeeeet thanks for the heads up.

Which one is it on this page?

It's not out yet and I'm not sure when it is coming. It's called the "Sportster IR" (Instant Replay).

 

[DarienA]

It's not out yet and I'm not sure when it is coming. It's called the "Sportster IR" (Instant Replay).

Thanks for giving me the name, I was able to google it and I see that the current plan is soemtime the middle of this year... awesome... it will.. be...MINE.

will also include a built-in FM modulator that permits wireless connectivity to any vehicle radio over as many as 100 unused channels.

YES! A wider range of station options for the FM modulator... Awe-some!

Around $200 and scheduled to go on sale in April.

http://www.cnet.com/4520-10602_1-5618753-1.html

:lol you can tell in that video he has no idea what he's suppose to be doing with the thing while he's holding it...

 

[Soybean]

Yo! Good deal for free Starmate or Sportster:

http://www.fatwallet.com/t/18/449940/

 

[Nintendo Ate My Children]

I have XM, and I researched the differences between XM and Sirius quite a bit before I made a decision. Positive aspects of each:

XM

+ Overall better music stations. More variety, less annoying DJ chatter, and much less repetition of songs.
+ Overall better sound quality and reception, although the difference isn't substantial
+ Opie and Anthony, Coast to Coast AM
+ Twice as many subscribers, company seems to be much more stable than Sirius
+ MLB
+ XM Comedy 150 channel is AWESOME

Sirius

+ Howard Stern
+ NFL
+ Possibility of larger userbase once Stern starts up next year

 

[ChumsGum]

That's a great fckin deal for $145. You basically get everything to connect your receiver to your car and home stereo.

 

[ChumsGum]

I have XM, and I researched the differences between XM and Sirius quite a bit before I made a decision. Positive aspects of each:

XM

+ Overall better music stations. More variety, less annoying DJ chatter, and much less repetition of songs.
+ Overall better sound quality and reception, although the difference isn't substantial
+ Opie and Anthony, Coast to Coast AM
+ Twice as many subscribers, company seems to be much more stable than Sirius
+ MLB
+ XM Comedy 150 channel is AWESOME

Sirius

+ Howard Stern
+ NFL
+ Possibility of larger userbase once Stern starts up next year

You forgot to add-

XM
+Indy Racing

Sirius
+NBA
+NHL
+College Sports
+Nascar Racing

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

Yo! Good deal for free Starmate or Sportster:

http://www.fatwallet.com/t/18/449940/

best.deal.ever. *bows down to soybean*

just bought. Thanks buddy.

 

[aparisi2274]

You forgot to add-

XM
+Indy Racing

Sirius
+NBA
+NHL
+College Sports
+Nascar Racing

Also:

Sirius:
+Jim Breuer Unleashed
+Maxim Radio

 

[theo]

I think Sirius music channels have better sound quality that xm. xm has this weird tinny sound on most stations.