An Inside Look From an Audio Installer on the Merger Between XM and Sirius

What really is the inside information about the XM and Sirius merger that scares us as consumers? Are we shaking in our pants thinking that everything is getting so advanced that we just keep buying more and more connecting mechanisms to get the newest thing on the market? That the audio industry is making millions putting out the old and bringing in the new making very little compatible with the newer versions of audio equipment?

The merger is only going to hurt XM and Sirius because now they will have to split profits. In all actuality, they are both in debt and merging to boost sales. They are not competitors because they both want to explore resources in navigation, video, and advertising. Therefore, the merger can only help us as consumers to have better channels, quality, and updated products with the money that will be saved in the merge. The merge in itself has been founded to save over $40 million dollars. Merging right now is actually the best option for the two companies because the multimedia and technology of cellular phones, iPods, and Direct TV is hurting their sales.

For instance, cellular phones and/ or iPods come with memory, Internet capability, and blue-tooth. These devices are portable and convenient. Direct TV comes with automatic XM satellite radio. All a consumer has to do is take their satellite receiver and run it through my digital TV tuner on their laptop, turn it on the XM station, and stream it through your home. It isn't advised to do that with Sirius because it sounds absolutely horrific and the merger at least would give consumers the better quality they deserve. Why would I buy Sirius when I get XM on my satellite bill, and it sounds better, has better music, and can be streamed through my house that easily? The consumer in itself gets the best of both worlds with this merger; better quality, same price, and more options.

Owner and Installer of CarAudioworx, Greg, tells us as consumers this isn't going to be an issue with older versions of satellite radio like the HDTV is. XM and Sirius have to change a software component to make the older versions compatible with the newer merged ones. They are all the exact same shape, with the same connections, and only differ with the receiver inside. Consumers shouldn't have to buy any new connections to help older models work with newer ones. Satellite radio has become so easy to install that a child could do it. You can buy them now to where you plug them into your cigarette lighter and mount the antenna and zoom on down the road. The time to call a professional is when you want it hidden from crooks and to look neat with your wires tucked safely out of the way. The best installers are hard to find, check around and make sure you aren't going to have a rat's nest of wires under your dash or behind your radio causing easier access to crooks or allowing room for arced wires. Greg is available (901) 550-8093 to ensure you have the right professional or to answer any of your car audio questions and concerns.

The car audio industry stays on top of pretty much all updates a consumer could need or want to adapt an older system to a newer one. Older stereos can have auxiliary input/ outputs put on them for iPods, portable DVD's, and other multimedia devices. The market for newer stereos however is already prepared. Newer stereos have the input/ outputs built into them. They even have Blue tooth capability. The market even has ways of tricking your in-dash DVD players work when you are in drive. Professional installers know the tricks to do just about anything imaginable to get your electronics in tiptop shape. Not only obtaining your maximum sound and quality, a professional installer knows the electrical system of your vehicle. I would recommend a professional on anything that contains wiring due to the fire hazards that come with electrical installations.

Basically, from the eyes of a professional installer the merger is nothing for consumers to worry about. Consumers are only going to gain on this deal. With all the anti-trust division hearings that are in place, there are not any worries of a monopoly from these companies. XM and Sirius are trying on one of their last legs to boost sales and regain their place in today's market. Out of the two satellite radio providers, Sirius appears to win more with the merger. Sirius has less channels, viewers, and reception strength.

The market is going to grow with each new electronic device that comes out. We are a bunch of kids to where if we want something that is better than yours and bigger, we will buy it. My toy is better than your toy!

CarAudioworx tells us that with all the multimedia devices out there, the only monopoly we should be concerned with would be if Direct TV or another satellite company came out with a mobile satellite t.v. receiver. "That such thing would totally decimate the market!"