In the mid-nineties, the FCC released new frequencies to companies that would allow them to broadcast radio from space to receivers on the ground. This was the dawn of satellite radio, freed from the line-of-sight reception weakness of FM radio and AM radio’s atmospheric sensitivity. The two companies who were bequeathed these frequencies became the competitors in this now-burgeoning industry: XM and Sirius.
The technical requirements are much the same for both companies. In order to listen to satellite radio, you’ll need to purchase some hardware. You’ll need a receiver that can decode the signal, and an antenna that can capture it. These can be purchased online or in most electronics stores. Low-end starter systems can be purchased for $150. For something more complicated with more features, you will have to spend more. After purchasing the proper equipment, both services require the purchase of a subscription before you can listen. The price for the packages vary, but you’ll be spending about $12 per month.
The portable satellite radio, posited as an alternative to a CD or mp3 player, is available. However, the technological limitations render most models unsatisfactory. A bit clunky and cumbersome, it’s In a couple years, these hurdles may make a portable radio a more viable option. As it is, most users will want to have an extension for their antenna, particularly in urban areas. Satellite radio is also a popular option for installation in cars. Many times, one of the services will be preinstalled if the car is new.
The focus of both services, of course, is the music. Satellite radio allows for a lot of bandwidth, which means that different musical styles can be narrowcast. While a commercial radio station that only played polka music would not be popular in most markets, there’s room for this on satellite. Most music channels also play without commercials, which means they play a third more music than most terrestrial stations. These additional music slots means that you’ll hear more varied music, combating one of the persistent complaints against standard radio.
To enhance the musical experience, both Sirius and XM equipment feature digital screens that allow you to easily toggle between stations. They also highlight the title and artist of the current song. Presets improve the experience: you can scroll only through your favorite stations, or set the radio to automatically change stations when your favorite song comes on.
Thanks to the fact that it is a pay service, and outside the jurisdiction of FCC content guidelines, satellite radio allows for complete freedom. Just as bad language is permissible on HBO, anything goes when you’re listening to Sirius or XM.
Where Sirius and XM differ are in the big names each has attracted to their lineups. Perhaps the biggest coup either company could have made was when Sirius signed Howard Stern. After years of battling the FCC, Stern will bring his show to Sirius is January of 2006. He’ll also have three more channels under his programming control. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Martha Stewart will bring her brand of entertainment as well. Rapper Eminem helps in programming a hip-hop station.
If you are looking for sports, Sirius has rights to NFL, NBA and NHL games all season long. You can also find college football and basketball games on Sirius.
XM, the current leader between the two in number of subscribers, boasts partnerships with VH1 and MTV. To counter Howard Stern, XM has similar newcomers Opie and Anthony, previously exiled from terrestrial radio. Former NPR personality Bob Edwards has taken his show to XM as well.
Major League Baseball games are available on XM Radio, as well as channels programmed by rock legend Tom Petty and recording pioneer Quincy Jones.
Since both services are available across the North American continent, the programming is really the deciding factor when choosing between Sirius and XM. Decide which sports and personalities you’ll spend more time listening to.
Both Sirius and XM are a better way to listen to music, unencumbered by the Clearchannel monopoly, and there’s nothing better than knowing you can drive cross-country and never have to change radio stations if you don’t want to.
