Why Satellite Radio May Be for You

Satellite radio is similar to satellite T.V. You will need an antenna that points up to the satellite. A radio antenna is smaller than a TV dish as it is only about 2 inches wide.

To become a listener you need a receiver and an activation code that comes when you buy a monthly subscription. XM Radio charges a $10 activation fee. Your monthly subscription runs around $13 a month and could be less it you sign up for a longer term.

Satellite radio is operated over North Amercia by XM Radio and Sirius Radio. You can access it 24 hours a day on everything from music and sports to news and talk shows.

So how do you decide whether to go with Sirius or XM Radio. Here are a few similarities and differences.

First of all they both offer similar content and equipment. Because they are 2 different companies the equipment is not compatible among each other.

The receivers are designed to be mobile. Many people use them at home and in their car. They are about the size of a calculator. When in your car the receiver has to put into a dock to get power and connections for the antenna and output devices.

Satellite receivers have no speakers in them and are designed to work with a car kit or home kit.
XM and Sirius are both very close in price, As with anything look for sales or check their websites for discounts as well.

XM radio has been around longer than Sirius and has proven to have superior sound in published studies.
Sirius has a better website and more helpful installation manuals.

Both have a free trial period, but you will need a receiver and docking kit which run about $100 so you really need to decide whether XM or Sirius is the way you are going to go or risk paying $100 twice.

You will want to study the different radio programming available. Both have over 100 channels, but the content varies. Do you listen for the music or the talk. XM has 15 sports channels. Sirius has

XM sends about 70 commercial-free music channels, while Sirius sends about 30. Sirius claims 23 rock stations, yet includes reggae and hip-hop in that category; XM lists 14 rock stations and 6 separately listed hip-hop channels.

Installation is easily done at home and a little harder in your car. You will have to decide whether to hire someone or do it yourself.

When Howard Stern left CBS for Sirius satellite radio he heightened the awareness of it. With millions of listeners and more joining everyday satellite radio is only going to get better and better. The question is whether it is right for you.