XM has announced agreements with several regional consumer electronics vendors to distribute their satellite receivers. The businesses having agreements with XM include Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfields, Al and Ed's, CarToys, Good Guys, Mobile-One, Sound Advice, Tweeter, Ultimate, Cowboy Maloney's Electronic City in Mississippi, and Magnolia Hi-Fi in the Pacific Northwest. Panasonic has recently announced an agreement to produce XM receivers for installation in new vehicles.

Satellite receivers by Delphi were shown at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. They were installed in two Cadillac models and are offered as optional equipment on the Seville and DeVille models. Tweeter Home Entertainment began selling Alpine satellite receivers in Dallas and San Diego last year when XM debuted in those cities. These units sell for around $300. Although we don't know for certain, it's likely that Sony , Panasonic , Pioneer , and Sharp will manufacture car, home and portable systems. XM also has an agreement with General Motors to hide their monthly fee in the finance charges paid to GMAC for all vehicles purchased with XM-ready satellite radio receivers. Most systems should be capable of receiving standard AM and FM broadcasts as well as KU-band satellite signals.  XM receivers are now available as factory-installed items in most GM vehicles.

A recent development in XM receiver technology is the SKYFi "plug and play" radio.  It is a second-generation product that allows listeners to enjoy XM anywhere -- not just in the car or truck.  It's built by Delphi.

We invite all XM subscribers to comment on their equipment.  We'll be posting all germane criticisms below.

A satellite fan with both XM and Sirius says (posted 6 May 2003):

"I have had XM for one year now...and just added Sirius 1 week ago. the XM is the Sony PNP and Panasonic is for Sirius.  I much enjoy both but will say the audio quality of Sirius surpasses XM significantly.  If you enjoy lots of listening I would recommend the Sirius, but for versatility the XM is better since their PNP comes with boombox for use just about anywhere. "