Satellite Radio About to Make Big Noise
If you haven't seen much in the mainstream press about the new satellite radio services from XM and Sirius, both poised to launch before the end of the year, you soon will. First out of the chute with the big media bucks, XM">http://www.xmradio.com">XM Satellite Radio unveiled last week its national advertising campaign called "Radio to the Power of X."
Satellite Radio and Toyota
The future is still bright for satellite radio. On December 8, XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. announced that it had signed a deal with Toyota Motor Corporation to begin factory-level installation of XM receivers in 2006. The most popular brand of automobile in the world, Toyota is the last large automaker to commit to either XM or its competitor, Sirius Satellite Radio.
Satellite Radio Choice
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.
Satellite Radio Companies Work for Unified Standard
Satellite radio got a boost toward wider market acceptance on February 16, when Sirius">http://www.siriusradio.com/">Sirius Satellite Radio and XM">http://www.xmradio.com/">XM Satellite Radio announced an agreement to develop a unified standard for satellite radios. The current batch of satellite receivers can pick up transmissions from one of the providers, but not both. The next generation of receivers will expand the technology's reach by enabling reception of both companies' broadcasts.
Satellite Radio Expands
Satellite radio is poised to become a dominant force in the 21st century. Both XM">http://www.xmradio.com">XM Radio and Sirius">http://www.siriusradio.com">Sirius Radio are now in full operation, with subscriptions booming and compatible electronics available at dealers nationwide.
Satellite Radio Faces Many Obstacles
Now that satellite radio services XM">http://www.xmradio.com">XM Radio and Sirius">http://www.siriusradio.com">Sirius Radio have their "birds" in position, they are encountering a slew of unexpected roadblocks here on earth. Among the problems: loss of signal in tunnels and urban canyons, interference with wireless communications, and a lighting technology that emits strong radio waves close to the broadcasters' assigned bands.
Satellite Radio Irks NAB
Once upon a time, business competitors relied on the quality of their products and services to hang onto their shares of the market. That's the myth, at least. Increasingly, it seems they rely on regulatory and judicial intervention to stay afloat.
Satellite Radio News
Satellite radio services Siriushttp://www.siriusradio.com">Sirius; and XMhttp://www.xmradio.com">XM; both appear headed for a healthy future. The companies both report robust growth in new subscribers. Sweetheart deals with automakers and car rental agencies will expose ever-increasing numbers of consumers to the benefits of commercial-free music.
Satellite Radio Subs Jump
Now is clearly crunch time for satellite radio. In the last year alone, over one million new subscribers have been added to front-runner XM">http://www.xmradio.com">XM Satellite Radio's service, bringing its total to approximately 1.4 million. The company projects that it will reach a total of 2.4 million subscribers by the end of 2004, thus ensuring its survival.
Satellite Radio: Deal or No Deal?
While both XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio have been growing their subscriber bases (almost 8 million for each), Wall Street has remained unimpressed. Both firms ended 2006 with stock prices that were approximately half their 2006 levels (Sirius at $3.54 and XM at $14.45).