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Satellite Radio Receiver Buying Guide
You’ve either heard satellite radio or you’ve heard about it. Sick of the same 10 songs playing over and over again on local radio? Miss Howard Stern? Want to hear your local team’s games anywhere in the country? These are all good reasons to bring a satellite radio receiver home. Pronto’s Satellite Radio Receiver Buying Guide will take you through the choices available so you can make satellite radio a part of your daily life.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
XM? Are you Sirius?
There are two satellite radio providers: XM and Sirius. XM offers Major League Baseball, while Sirius has exclusive rights to Howard Stern and the NFL. You’ll need to decide on a provider before you buy a satellite radio receiver, so pick the one you like best and expect the two to merge in 2008, giving you a full range of programs.
Satellite radio for the home
Home satellite radios come in models that connect to an existing sound system or stand-alone units with a range of sound options. Home satellite radio units require antennas outdoors or near a south-facing window.
Satellite radio for the car
Replacing an existing in-dash radio with a satellite radio receiver will let you enjoy satellite and terrestrial radio with a single set of buttons. If this isn’t an option, look for a dash-mounted satellite radio receiver, but be sure to install it so that its buttons are easy to reach while you drive.
Plug and play
If you want to listen to your satellite radio both at home and in the car without additional subscription fees, a plug and play receiver is the perfect option. These units feature a single receiver that plugs into a base unit at home or connects to the car radio using a car kit.
Underground satellite radio
If you’re stuck underground on the subway or in a basement office, choose a satellite radio receiver that can store and play back your favorite programs when reception fades. For portable satellite radios that receive live programs on the go, look for headphones with a built-in antenna for the best reception.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
For a portable satellite radio device with great functionality and options, we like the Sirius STILETTO 100 (2 GB) MP3 Player. This satellite radio receiver stores and replays up to 2GB of MP3s or up to 10 hours of your favorite satellite radio shows. Featuring easy to use recording and downloading of purchased files, this powerful portable unit really does do everything. Programmable schedules...
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experts say
CNET—“I haven't had this much fun with a gadget in a while (and that includes the Zune). Much of my fun can be linked to the Stiletto 100's thoughtfully designed interface. Despite carrying myriad features—many of which intersect and could thus cause confusion—the device is incredibly simple to use.” Source: Cnet.com
PC Magazine— “The [Pioneer Inno] itself is extremely cool, and the service is top-notch and integrated beautifully with the XM + Napster client. But the Inno's price, which doesn't include XM service fees, may scare off those on a budget.” Source: Pcmag.com
Computer Shopper.com—“Out of the box, Delphi's XpressRC looks unexceptional. Like many other XM satellite-radio receivers, it has 10 preset buttons, a five-way control knob, and all the accessories you'll need to install it in your car. It wasn't until we powered up this unit that we noticed the XpressRC's real draw for channel-hoppers: Other receivers only display information for the station currently playing, but the XpressRC shows artist, track, and channel information for three additional stations, neatly displayed on a column on the right side of its screen.” Source: Computershopper.com
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of satellite radio receivers?
A company called AirGator has raised the bar for satellite radio receivers, creating a single unit that offers GPS functionality and weather and traffic updates in addition to satellite radio programming. Making full use of satellite technology, AirGator designs the units for both ground and in-air use, offering an additional kit to make the unit useable at altitudes over 10,000 feet.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Satellite Radio Receivers) |
| $ | Inexpensive satellite radio receivers are typically plug and play receivers designed to work with existing sound systems. Don’t forget to include the monthly fee for satellite radio service, and look for bright, high-contrast displays. |
Compare prices at 4 stores $40 - $65 |
| $$ | Midrange satellite radio receivers are available for the home and the car, or you can choose portable receivers or plug and play models with more features. Higher-quality sound in this range comes paired with fewer features. Look for features such as scheduled recording, built-in memory presets and wireless FM transmitters. |
Compare prices at 2 stores $145 - $163 |
| $$$ | High-end satellite radio receivers come built into other equipment, such as car stereos or home theater receivers. These receivers integrate satellite radio with other sound equipment, eliminating the need for a separate receiver. |
Compare prices at 2 stores $399 - $500 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Antenna
Satellite radio receivers require an antenna in order to receive satellite signals. Some units have a built-in antenna, but most include a separate wire that can be run outdoors or to a south-facing window.
Plug and play
A satellite radio that combines the receiver and the display into a pocket-sized unit that can be removed and used with several compatible base stations in the home, office and car.
Provider
A company that delivers satellite radio programming in exchange for a monthly fee. In the United States, Sirius and XM are the current satellite radio providers, though these companies are expected to merge into a single provider in 2008.
Receiver
The receiver is the unit that deciphers the satellite signal. A satellite radio receiver may be a stand alone unit, or it may have an integrated sound system.
Terrestrial
A radio signal that is broadcast from ground-based transmitters or repeaters. Satellite radio uses terrestrial repeaters in urban areas where buildings would interfere with clear reception of satellite signals.
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