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Car Satellite Radio: Antennas, Car Kits And Mounts
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Published: August 1, 2007
With tailgaters, backseat drivers and traffic congestion, a long car ride can feel like a daunting task even for veteran travelers. But the emergence of new music technology in the form of car satellite radio is making driving a much more pleasant experience. Car satellite (or digital) radio frees drivers from the normal constraints of traditional terrestrial radio.
Unlike AM and FM stations, which are limited by poor sound quality or a small geographical area, car satellite radio provides clear, nearly commercial-free music that covers the entire United States.
Currently, XM Radio and Sirius Radio are the only two companies that are able to provide car satellite radio services. Although both providers offer a large range of music, sports and news channels, they employ different technologies. XM relies on two satellites that orbit the equator and remain in a fixed position over the Earth, which allows for a very predictable signal. Sirius, on the other hand, utilizes three satellites that travel in figure-eight patterns over the United States and South America. Both company's satellites rely on line-of-sight technology, which means simply that they need a clear view of the customer's satellite car radio antenna in order to work properly. Signals are susceptible to interference due to severe weather or tall buildings and will not work well in tunnels or parking garages. Although car satellite radio does have some disadvantages, its range and sound quality make it much better suited for road travel than standard radio.
Because Sirius and XM are two independent companies, a car satellite radio made with a XM receiver will not allow clients to listen to Sirius stations and vice versa. Also, certain manufacturers work only with one provider or the other. For example, a Panasonic car satellite radio will only carry Sirius Radio, whereas a Sony car satellite radio will offer only XM Radio. In order to decide which provider is best, customers can check the manufacturer's website to find a listing of the programs they supply. Both car satellite radio companies charge a monthly fee.
Customers have many choices when deciding on the appropriate satellite radio car kit. They can purchase a new car satellite radio that is already adapted to XM or Sirius or they can upgrade their current radio. Prices range significantly within both car satellite radio companies. If individuals choose to upgrade, they will need to add an FM modulator or XM receiver to their car satellite radio depending on if they wish to receive XM or Sirius signals.
Although upgrading is much cheaper, buying a new car satellite radio can be more convenient. XM and Delphi offer the Roady, the radio with the smallest satellite radio car antenna on the market. Weighing only five ounces, the Roady comes with a satellite radio car mount that is easy to install and integrate in the vehicle's dashboard. Car satellite radio products are always changing, so customers should consult XM Radio's and Sirius Radio's websites for current prices.
With satellite radio car kits available in many different styles and price ranges, drivers can afford to unwind on their highway excursions. So instead of listening to are-we-there-yet, drivers can relax to the soothing sounds of their favorite local radio station.
Sources:
Deltz, Corey. "Satellite Radio for Car, Home or Anywhere." About.com: Radio. 2007. About, Inc. 28 June 2007. http://radio.about.com/library/wyntk/blwyntk-sat-r adio.htm.
"Portable Satellite Radio Buying Guide." Consumer Guide Products. 23 Feb. 2006.
28 June 2007. http://products.howstuffworks.com/portable-satelli te-radio-buying-guide.htm.
"The Essentials on XM and Sirius." CBC News. 19 Feb. 2007. 28 June 2007.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/satelliteradio /.
Related Articles
Currently, XM Radio and Sirius Radio are the only two companies that are able to provide car satellite radio services. Although both providers offer a large range of music, sports and news channels, they employ different technologies. XM relies on two satellites that orbit the equator and remain in a fixed position over the Earth, which allows for a very predictable signal. Sirius, on the other hand, utilizes three satellites that travel in figure-eight patterns over the United States and South America. Both company's satellites rely on line-of-sight technology, which means simply that they need a clear view of the customer's satellite car radio antenna in order to work properly. Signals are susceptible to interference due to severe weather or tall buildings and will not work well in tunnels or parking garages. Although car satellite radio does have some disadvantages, its range and sound quality make it much better suited for road travel than standard radio.
Because Sirius and XM are two independent companies, a car satellite radio made with a XM receiver will not allow clients to listen to Sirius stations and vice versa. Also, certain manufacturers work only with one provider or the other. For example, a Panasonic car satellite radio will only carry Sirius Radio, whereas a Sony car satellite radio will offer only XM Radio. In order to decide which provider is best, customers can check the manufacturer's website to find a listing of the programs they supply. Both car satellite radio companies charge a monthly fee.
Customers have many choices when deciding on the appropriate satellite radio car kit. They can purchase a new car satellite radio that is already adapted to XM or Sirius or they can upgrade their current radio. Prices range significantly within both car satellite radio companies. If individuals choose to upgrade, they will need to add an FM modulator or XM receiver to their car satellite radio depending on if they wish to receive XM or Sirius signals.
Although upgrading is much cheaper, buying a new car satellite radio can be more convenient. XM and Delphi offer the Roady, the radio with the smallest satellite radio car antenna on the market. Weighing only five ounces, the Roady comes with a satellite radio car mount that is easy to install and integrate in the vehicle's dashboard. Car satellite radio products are always changing, so customers should consult XM Radio's and Sirius Radio's websites for current prices.
With satellite radio car kits available in many different styles and price ranges, drivers can afford to unwind on their highway excursions. So instead of listening to are-we-there-yet, drivers can relax to the soothing sounds of their favorite local radio station.
Sources:
Deltz, Corey. "Satellite Radio for Car, Home or Anywhere." About.com: Radio. 2007. About, Inc. 28 June 2007. http://radio.about.com/library/wyntk/blwyntk-sat-r adio.htm.
"Portable Satellite Radio Buying Guide." Consumer Guide Products. 23 Feb. 2006.
28 June 2007. http://products.howstuffworks.com/portable-satelli te-radio-buying-guide.htm.
"The Essentials on XM and Sirius." CBC News. 19 Feb. 2007. 28 June 2007.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/satelliteradio /.
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