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QuoteTheRaven424
22 Months?!!!!
Member since 5/05 13659 total posts
Name:
And If That Isn't A True Blue Miracle
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So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Hey gang:
So, we were out at the mall yesterday and we saw all the advertisements for satellite radio. We got to thinking of possibly getting one for the car. Everytime we flick the radio stations, the commercials are getting to be too much. We wouldn't need it for anything other than the car.
So, hopefully, you guys can help us. Here are some questions.
1. Which one (XM or Sirius) is the better value and why? (PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT CARE THAT HOWARD STERN IS ON SIRIUS -- WE'RE NOT FANS. SO, PLEASE DON'T USE THIS AS A REASON).
2. Is it easy to install in the car?
3. Will we still have access to our radio if need be?
4. For each service, I see all these different types of systems. Are there any that are recommended?
TIA
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Posted 11/20/05 9:38 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Tany
Becoming a different woman
Member since 5/05 24460 total posts
Name:
Tania
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
I bumped something for you.
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| Posted 11/20/05 9:45 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Good ? Don, Im looking to buy this for DH for Christmas and need some more suggestions. I have beenleaning towards Sirrus because It looks like by going on the sites, they have more channels he would listen to. But I am wondering about installation as well. And Models.
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| Posted 11/20/05 9:45 PM |
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CathyB
Member since 5/05 19403 total posts
Name:
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
We have XM in my car. We got the Roady, so that it can be removed from the car and hooked up to our stereo, but we didn't get the extra equipment to do that since you can tune it in through your computer. We had it professionally installed, so I can speak to how easy it was. BIL installed a Roady 2 himself in his car and said it was really easy, but he's big into electronics, so I don't know if that helped.
We decided on XM because DH is in research for a hedge fund and this is one of the industries he covers. Having looked into both EXTENSIVELY for work, he felt (and still does) that XM has the stronger network, better equipment, stronger management team, etc. They both announced earnings last week, so you can look into their most recent financials to get an idea of how they are doing. XM just annouced that they are projecting 6 million customers by the end of the year, Sirrus just announced they will have 3 million.
I like the variety of channels on XM. You should check out both websites and see which offer stations you are interested in.
ETA: you will still have access to commercial radio. You tune XM through channel 88.3 on your regular car radio, and then use the XM tuner to get to the channel you want.
Message edited 11/20/2005 9:51:25 PM.
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| Posted 11/20/05 9:50 PM |
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BigB
C & J are 10!
Member since 6/05 5914 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
We have the Sirrus radio and we love it. We bought the car kit and love having that as well. We love having it!
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| Posted 11/20/05 10:01 PM |
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FeliciaDP
♥
Member since 5/05 18599 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Don, Anthony just bough Sirius .. here are his answers to your questions:
1. Which one (XM or Sirius) is the better value and why? (PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT CARE THAT HOWARD STERN IS ON SIRIUS -- WE'RE NOT FANS. SO, PLEASE DON'T USE THIS AS A REASON).
Sirius and XM are both $12.95 per month IF you go monthly. However, I bought the lifetime subscription through Sirius. It cost $499 (which is equal to about 3 years worth of subscription)
So what does that mean? If you plan on keeping satellite forever, get Sirius...pay up front and never pay again. Plan on going month to month? They are both the same price.
A good question would be which service is better?
Well, in most reviewer's opinion, Sirius has better programming, but XM has slightly better sound quality. Sirius has NHL, NBA, NFL and College sports. XM has MLB exclusive (bummer, I don't get Mets)
2. Is it easy to install in the car?
Yes, if you are handy with taking off trim panels and routing wires. If not, I think Best Buy does it pretty cheaply.
3. Will we still have access to our radio if need be?
Yes, there is no difference. Satellite plug and play units actually run through your FM radio...you lose nothing.
4. For each service, I see all these different types of systems. Are there any that are recommended?
I bought the most widely requested Sirius unit. The Sportster Replay. It is actually pretty much sold out in the State of NY. The great thing about it is that it enables you to pause, rewind and fast forward live radio. (Kinda like Tivo). It has a docking station for your car, I also bought docking station for our home stereo. Now I just dock the unit in the car when I'm driving and dock it at home when I'm home!
Not one mention of Howard Stern.
My favorite channel? Hair Nation!
Message edited 11/20/2005 10:10:13 PM.
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| Posted 11/20/05 10:05 PM |
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QuoteTheRaven424
22 Months?!!!!
Member since 5/05 13659 total posts
Name:
And If That Isn't A True Blue Miracle
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
you rock Anthony
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| Posted 11/20/05 10:11 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
I have Sirius, and I love it. I've had it for a year now.
I have a reciever that we move between our 2 cars, and the house. It's the Sirius XACT reciever
You need to hook the reciever up to power and an antenna - the power converter and antenna come as a 'docking station' along with a plastic holder you can snap the reciever into. We route the antenna between the 2 seats in the front, out thru the trunk, and up to the roof of the car. Installation of the antenne took about 5 minutes. The reciever broadcasts to a FM station that you set manually on the device; so you don't lose any radio stations - its like you just tune to another different radio station and you have satellite radio. I dont put the reciever into the docking station; I keep the reciever in the cup holder in the center console. This way I can hold it in my right hand while driving and change channels without really looking at it or sitting awkwardly. (I also really dont want to mount something on my dashboard..)
After they wrecked Krock, my husband bought another car kit (25.00 I think) and when we drive together, I take the reciever into his car and snap it into his docking station.
At home, we have the boom box (100.00) where we snap the reciever into and then can have satellite radio in the house or out on the deck, or take it to the park. There is also a 'portable' version, but its pretty big and battery life goes fast. We don't have this attachment, as we really wouldn't use it.
As for hardware, there are many differnet types of recievers you can buy; my husband bought this reciever because of its flexiblity; it can move between cars, into the house, to the park, etc. If you want to play the XM vs Sirius on hardware, XM beats Sirius in hardware at this time.
As for streams, I think it depends on the type of music you like as to whether XM or Sirius is for you. My husband and I prefer rock - and the rock streams are better on Sirius, so we chose that.
Look at the stream lists on both sites - XM has MLB, while Sirius has NFL, NPR, etc - I dont know which is more important to you.
What I suggest you do is to let the music decide for you. Both providers have 3 day free trials to listen online. Spend a week poking around the stations, and see what you prefer. Because you are listening for the music, not for the hardware or the status of having one or the other.
My favorite station? Octane 20.
Good Luck - once you switch, you won't be able to live without it.
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| Posted 11/20/05 10:33 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Posted by FeliciaDP
Sirius and XM are both $12.95 per month IF you go monthly. However, I bought the lifetime subscription through Sirius. It cost $499 (which is equal to about 3 years worth of subscription)
So what does that mean? If you plan on keeping satellite forever, get Sirius...pay up front and never pay again. Plan on going month to month? They are both the same price.
One thing to note here is that 'Lifetime subscription' is not for your lifetime - its for the lifetime OF THE DEVICE that you hooked up. If you device gets stolen, broken, outdated, etc and you get a new device, you need to buy a new subscription.
Bummer, yeah, but I think this is how all of the monthlys offering lifetime do it - such as Tivo, etc.
Edited to 'unbold' my text.
Message edited 11/20/2005 10:37:06 PM.
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| Posted 11/20/05 10:36 PM |
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Posted by Blazesyth
Posted by FeliciaDP
Sirius and XM are both $12.95 per month IF you go monthly. However, I bought the lifetime subscription through Sirius. It cost $499 (which is equal to about 3 years worth of subscription)
So what does that mean? If you plan on keeping satellite forever, get Sirius...pay up front and never pay again. Plan on going month to month? They are both the same price.
One thing to note here is that 'Lifetime subscription' is not for your lifetime - its for the lifetime OF THE DEVICE that you hooked up. If you device gets stolen, broken, outdated, etc and you get a new device, you need to buy a new subscription.
Bummer, yeah, but I think this is how all of the monthlys offering lifetime do it - such as Tivo, etc.
Edited to 'unbold' my text.
wow I was almost sold in the great lifetime deal til I read that....
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| Posted 11/20/05 10:44 PM |
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DjPiLL
Member since 5/05 3664 total posts
Name:
Richard
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Posted by CaptainCharisma424
Hey gang:
So, we were out at the mall yesterday and we saw all the advertisements for satellite radio. We got to thinking of possibly getting one for the car. Everytime we flick the radio stations, the commercials are getting to be too much. We wouldn't need it for anything other than the car.
So, hopefully, you guys can help us. Here are some questions.
1. Which one (XM or Sirius) is the better value and why? (PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT CARE THAT HOWARD STERN IS ON SIRIUS -- WE'RE NOT FANS. SO, PLEASE DON'T USE THIS AS A REASON).
2. Is it easy to install in the car?
3. Will we still have access to our radio if need be?
4. For each service, I see all these different types of systems. Are there any that are recommended?
TIA
XM is the better service for music hands down. The playlists are much deeper. No repetitive channels.
Sirius sounds like FM's brother to me.
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| Posted 11/20/05 10:45 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Re: lifetime activation
I just looked thru the T&C's.
4. Transfer Fee: If you wish to transfer your Subscription to a different SIRIUS Receiver during the term of a prepaid subscription or committed subscription period, we may charge you a transfer fee of up to $75.00. You may only transfer a lifetime Subscription to a different SIRIUS Receiver a maximum of three times.
So, they don't totally leave you out in the dark, but they will allow you to change devices 3 times for a fee.
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| Posted 11/20/05 10:57 PM |
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KaRiSsA
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Member since 5/05 4646 total posts
Name:
KARISSA
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Posted by FeliciaDP
I bought the most widely requested Sirius unit. The Sportster Replay. It is actually pretty much sold out in the State of NY. The great thing about it is that it enables you to pause, rewind and fast forward live radio. (Kinda like Tivo). It has a docking station for your car, I also bought docking station for our home stereo. Now I just dock the unit in the car when I'm driving and dock it at home when I'm home!
IMAGE
Not one mention of Howard Stern.
My favorite channel? Hair Nation!
I juts bought this for Joe for Xmas!
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| Posted 11/21/05 7:14 AM |
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ggt08
;)
Member since 5/05 5208 total posts
Name:
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
how much do the radios cost, who do you pay for a yearly service and where is the best place to get them?
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| Posted 11/21/05 7:17 AM |
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KaRiSsA
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Member since 5/05 4646 total posts
Name:
KARISSA
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
I ordered it from www.crutchfield.com. The radio was $100 after a $50 rebate and the installation card was $70 (this pays for the installation when DH brings it to get installed).
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| Posted 11/21/05 7:26 AM |
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ggt08
;)
Member since 5/05 5208 total posts
Name:
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
thanks Karissa!
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| Posted 11/21/05 7:29 AM |
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KaRiSsA
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Member since 5/05 4646 total posts
Name:
KARISSA
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Posted by kdelace
thanks Karissa!
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| Posted 11/21/05 7:31 AM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Posted by kdelace
how much do the radios cost, who do you pay for a yearly service and where is the best place to get them?
The radio cost is usually around 100 dollars - but it depends on the exact one you choose. I think Sirius has a 50.00 off promo right now.
You pay the satellite company the monthly cost, so XM or Sirius depending on whichever you choose.
You can get from Radio Shack, Best Buy, Circuit City - I think Walmart/Target even has them now. Of course online also. If you are thinking about it, I would buy the reciever now - and just not activate till you are ready. I know last year my husband ran around like crazy looking for my reciever, so I could only imagine how harder it will be this year now that is so much more popular.
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| Posted 11/21/05 7:55 AM |
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Sassyz75
Turning a new page
Member since 5/05 9731 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Posted by KaRiSsA
Posted by FeliciaDP
I bought the most widely requested Sirius unit. The Sportster Replay. It is actually pretty much sold out in the State of NY. The great thing about it is that it enables you to pause, rewind and fast forward live radio. (Kinda like Tivo). It has a docking station for your car, I also bought docking station for our home stereo. Now I just dock the unit in the car when I'm driving and dock it at home when I'm home!
IMAGE
Not one mention of Howard Stern.
My favorite channel? Hair Nation!
I juts bought this for Joe for Xmas!
I bought that for DH as well.
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| Posted 11/21/05 9:21 AM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
great info! THANKS ALL, this helps me personally a lot!
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| Posted 11/21/05 9:21 AM |
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MrsJ
I love my Katie Bug
Member since 5/05 11357 total posts
Name:
Kathy
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Just adding one comment, I don't know much about satellite radio - but XM's website www.xmmusic.com allows you to listen to their stations online if you're a member. It's great! You get additional stations too that are only available online.
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| Posted 11/21/05 9:27 AM |
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DMAG
LIF Zygote
Member since 5/05 28 total posts
Name:
Anthony
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
A couple added notes: (Anthony here on my own account)
Yup, the lifetime subscription is good for a total of four radios over the life of your subscription. Your original radio you activate and 3 more transfers. (I've read the Sirius boards and everyone says if you just whine a bit or show a police report that your radio was stolen, they waive the transfer fee and don't count it as a transfer against your three that you get). I got the lifetime subescription because I know I keep electronics forever. (I've had the same cell phone for 5 years now.)
Sirius also has online streaming for subscribers. I listen to it all day at work over my computer.
Really, the deciding factor would really be content. Go to both websites, check out the channel guides and make your decision from there.
Good luck!
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| Posted 11/21/05 9:43 AM |
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pickle
LIF Toddler
Member since 5/05 491 total posts
Name:
Marie
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
just wanted to say this is a great thread - thanks for someone bringing this up :). I sent it to DH to read - I'm getting him a receiver for Sirius (yep, he loves Howard Stern, and radio margaritaville).
DH is just starting to research what he wants - hopefully this will help him decide :)
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| Posted 11/21/05 10:40 AM |
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QuoteTheRaven424
22 Months?!!!!
Member since 5/05 13659 total posts
Name:
And If That Isn't A True Blue Miracle
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
thanks all -- i think, based on this, we have made a decision
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| Posted 11/21/05 10:42 AM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: So, let's talk Satellite Radio
Posted by CaptainCharisma424
thanks all -- i think, based on this, we have made a decision
So what is the decision?
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| Posted 11/21/05 5:10 PM |
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