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Choice is generally considered a plus, but as many of our readers note, when it comes to audio, a format war is the last thing consumers need. While the DVD-A/SACD conflict takes the center audio stage, other technology battles are being fought off in the wings, including the satellite radio format tussle 'twixt XM and Sirius.

Both competing services are now fully operational, offering a digital subscription alternative to traditional AM and FM radio. And so far, consumers have been forced to make a choice between the two systems when buying a new car—in the case of factory-installed satellite radio options, the choice has already been made for the buyer, since various automakers have lined up in one camp or the other.

OEM automotive radio supplier Visteon says it intends to change all that, using its expertise in radio electronics and the automobile business to bring "cost- effective choice" of satellite service providers to both automakers and consumers. The company announced last week that it has developed a satellite radio receiver technology to allow all automakers to provide access to XM and Sirius satellite radio options, regardless of consumer vehicle preference.

The company explains that its new receiver head-unit allows for reception of both XM and Sirius signals, and includes a single electronic "packaging solution" for the satellite radio downlink processors intended to please automotive designers. "This packaging design makes it easier and more cost-effective for automakers to provide the personalization features consumers demand. Consumers can identify their preference of satellite radio service providers at the point of purchase. Then, with the installation of a single design electronic module, the automaker can meet the consumer expectation."

Visteon says that the new system is especially effective for the growing segment of the market looking to purchase in-vehicle satellite radio services, since the new package is designed for integration with current automotive audio systems, "making the availability of preferred satellite provider as simple as plugging in one module for another and [the] installation of the proper antenna." The company adds that the single-solution receiver and downlink processor packaging is expected to be available as original equipment as early as the 2004 model year.