Sirius-ly!?: A Look into Satellite Radio

Who's that artist? What was the name of that song? Ninety-minute music-block? What do these have in common? They are all going they way of the dinosaur. FM radio has been around for decades, but now a competitor has swooped in.

Satellite radio, lead by two companies: Sirius and XM, is the solution to the problems caused by the three questions asked before, and then some.

With a display, featuring the artist and song-title, satellite radio is creating the future of entertainment while driving, relaxing, and throwing parties. At fifteen dollars a month, satellite radio offers an enjoyable music experience, free of commercials and censors at a low cost.

"Why pay for something that we can get right now, for free?" one could ask. The answer would be that we aren't getting the same experience for free right now, standard FM radio is at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to music entertainment, and with the RIAA cracking down on song downloads, mix Cd's are nearing the bottom themselves.

With hundreds of channels each, Sirius and XM have created a wonderful solution to the corporately-sponsored junk on the FM radio now. Dominated by commercials, FM is becoming less enjoyable by the second, while satellite radio is delivering 100% commercial-free digital radio at a small price.

Skepticism can be expected, but after satellite radio, FM is just plain boring. With non-stop music, and occasional music related news; whether it be Martha or Howard that you listen to, NASCAR or NFL, sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties, and even traffic, satellite is the only option. With stations playing all gospel to all Elvis to all techno, all the time, there is bound to be a station for anyone at any time.

A select few cars are coming from the factory with satellite radio-ready receivers, but for most cars made before 2004, an extra piece of machinery is required. Satellite receivers can cost anywhere from thirty to three-hundred dollars, prices determined by extra features and size. I drive an older Dodge Avenger, so of course it didn't come with the radio, meaning I had to buy a receiver and install it on my own. At first I thought that it would look gaudy and be more work than it was worth, but I was pleasantly surprised; I have it installed on my front winshield via the suction cup it came with, and I don't even notice it anymore.

Satellite radio is here to stay, and at fifteen dollars a month and a possible cheap equipment fee, it is a cheap pleasure, sure to make anyones car ride just a little more enjoyable. Once you hear it, you won't be able to listen to anything else. Sirius and XM have created a wonderful solution to the corporately-sponsorsome. Sirius the FM radio now. Dominated by commercials, FM is becoming less enjoyable by the second, while satellite radio is delivering 100% commercial-free digital radio at a small price.