The two big players are Sirius and XM. They use different satellite technology, but the companies are in the process of merging at the business level. It looks like both hardware platforms will be supported for the foreseeable future.
Technical aspects aside, as a conservative I prefer XM. Hippie liberals like Sirius. It's the programming. That will probably go away with the merger. If there are specific channels you want now, be sure to check the channel line-up. As for car setups, the most basic is like the after-market CD changers....the thing hooks in-line with your radio antenna, and you have to turn to a particular frequency to hear the unit. You typically need to install an additional external antenna somewhere on your car to pick up the signal. More recent cars may have audio-ports (like your home stereo) or specific hookups for either XM or Sirius receivers. XM is built-in on my car. I use it all the time and prefer it to "regular" radio. Obviously, these radios don't work in caves. Some cities have terrestrial repeaters so the signal doesn't vanish in tunnels or concrete canyons. I loose the signal occasionally when going under some underpasses. For home use, you often need a window (with no metallic coating or screen) with a clear view of the sky. XM, which uses geo-stationary satellites, requires southern exposure. Sirius uses many satellites in low Earth orbit, so the positioning is less critical, but it's also more variable in dependability. You can get antennas to mount outside your house to get a good signal. The only dissappointment I've had with XM is when they dropped "Polka Planet". George On 10/17/07, Sheryl Rieck <shri...@cableone.net> wrote: > > I know nothing about satellite radio other than there is something called > Sirius. I am looking at getting something for my parents who travel a lot. > I would like them to be able to use it at home as well. I can't tell by > looking online how these devices hook up in a vehicle. Can anyone give me > any information on satellite radio stuff? Thanks. > > > > Sheryl > > >
