Considering Satellite Radio

Contributed by Greg Bailey

What is satellite radio?
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Satellite radio is a paid service not unlike cable television. It is a digital radio signal that is broadcast by a communications satellite which covers a much wider geographical range than a standard radio signal.
What do I need in order to have satellite radio?
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-A satellite tuner/receiver\012-A satellite antenna (most models come with the antenna)\012-A subscription to a satellite provider - either XM or SIRIUS. The two companies have merged but still exist has pseudo separate entities.
What types of satellite tuners are available?
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There are three basic types:\012Car tuners, home tuners and portable tuners.\012
What features are available?
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Some of the most popular features are:\012-Streaming weather, traffic and stock reports\012-A Tivo type program that allows you to record programs and listen to them later. \012-Favorite Song alerts - the program constantly scans for your pre-programmed favorite songs and/or artists.
My car is "satellite radio ready". What does that mean?
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Typically, the car will have an in-dash radio that will work with a satellite radio tuner -- but the tuner itself, and the required antenna, are not yet installed.
Does satellite radio carry local stations?
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No, but it does offer local weather and traffic for most metropolitan areas.
How many channels are offered?
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Sirius has 130 channels.\012XM has 170 channels.
What promotions are currently being offered?
What does it cost?
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In addition to the cost of the tuner/receiver, there is a monthly charge of $10 - $15.