Broadband Takes Hold
Sirius Radio offers an adapter that allows conventional car radios to receive satellite signals. Digital satellite systems also offer additional data about shows. Digital satellite systems have a number of advantages over traditional cable-television providers.
Unlike XM Radio, Sirius Radio does not use GEO satellites fro its satellite radio services. Digital satellite systems usually make use of a very small dish which can be installed anywhere on the consumer’s property with a line-of-sight to an orbiting satellite. XM Radio's headquarters, production studios, and high-end concert/recording studio are located in Washington D.C.
Cadillac is including XM enabled receivers in their high-end cars starting next year. There are several antenna configurations available to receive the XM signal. XM Satellite Radio provides digital programming directly from three satellites in geostationary orbit above the equator.
XM Canada said it will have shipped 100,000 receivers to Canadian retailers before Christmas. The satellite radio tuner must match the brand of in-dash stereo you own. A single cable connects the satellite radio to your stereo exactly the same way that it would a same-brand CD changer. If you plan on listening to satellite radio exclusively in your car, consider going with a dedicated car satellite radio tuner. Critics of satellite TV have indicated there are reception problems during heavy rains or snowfall. Terrestrial radio stations are unable to compete with the digital quality that satellite radio offered. Most portable radios let you store several hours of satellite radio programming in their internal memories.
| 