Good questions when:

Considering Satellite Radio

• What is satellite radio?

• 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?

• -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?

• There are three basic types:\012Car tuners, home tuners and portable tuners.\012

• What features are available?

• 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?

• 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?

• No, but it does offer local weather and traffic for most metropolitan areas.

• How many channels are offered?

• Sirius has 130 channels.\012XM has 170 channels.

• What promotions are currently being offered?
• What does it cost?

• In addition to the cost of the tuner/receiver, there is a monthly charge of $10 - $15.