News and Reviews....

    Sirius to Merge with XM February 2007

    Robert Lieto      

    Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio are to merge in a $1.3 Billion deal that gives all subscribers to Oprah Winfrey and Howard Stern. The merger faces regulatory scrutiny and would create a company with 14 million paying customers. Under the terms, XM stockholders will get 4.6 shares in Sirius for each XM share held.

Comment .....  With the advent of HD radio ( See our reviews below ), I couldn't for the life of me, see a reason for someone to pay for a digital service. Unless, it is specifically for someone like Oprah or Howard, HD radio will provide a HD ready receiver with the meta data (artist name and song name, Genre, etc) and make FM sound like CD quality. It can also make AM sound like today's FM quality. HD Radio has not been promoted as strong and not many folks know it exists, coupled with the slow delivery of receivers from manufacturers. The weight of XM and Sirius against the HD format is not that different.  So, Custom AVS recommends that you upgrade your standard AM/FM car radio (Home HD receivers are also scarce.) and enjoy the better sound and choices the HD will offer. I believe the next step in Car radios will be a Wireless Downloader of MP3s. Park in your driveway and upgrade your selections in your auto from your home to your garage. Cool

HD Radio  October 2003

HD Radio..... Revisited   January 2006

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