News Articles From Days Gone ByXM is planning to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2003 financial results in a conference call on Thursday, 12 February at 10:00 AM (EST).
(30 January 2004)
Results are being posted to the corporate website prior to the call, which can be monitored at (800) 374-0551.
Despite a previous connection with Bill Murray, Groundhog Day is getting Sirius.
(30 January 2004)
It's also getting XM-rated. Emerald Asset Management has announced that both satellite radio providers will be presenting at the Eleventh Annual Emerald Groundhog Day Investment Forum on Tuesday, 3 February, at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel in Philadelphia. The Forum showcases investment opportunities in some of the Mid-Atlantic region's fastest growing companies.
At this year's National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention in Las Vegas, XM is showcasing its radio vehicle kits.
(28 January 2004)
The kits are designed to enable specific Ford and Chrysler vehicles with satellite-ready radios to receive the XM signal. XM veep Dan Murphy commented "XM Direct represents another important step in broadening the availability of XM Radio to auto dealers nationwide."
A new lineup of programming is becoming XM-rated as the satellite radio provider expands its news and talk programming.
(28 January 2004)
Among the programs being added are "Hardball" with Chris Matthews , "Countdown" with Keith Olbermann , and "The Savage Nation" with Michael Savage . Dennis MIller, Matt Drudge, "The Wall Street Journal This Morning," Ed Shultz, Laura Ingraham, Mike Gallagher, Dick Ramsey, Michael Reagan, Rusty Humphries, "Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline," Dennis Prager, "Car and Driver Radio with Alan Taylor," "John & Jeff," "The Handyman Show with Glenn Haege," "America's Car Show," "The Money Pit," and Rollye James round out the new offerings.
Despite having added 112,000 subscribers during the last quarter, Sirius was unable to please Wall Street.
(28 January 2004)
Its losses widened to $147.8 million as compared with $122.1 million during the same period a year ago. To make matters worse, the satellite broadcaster lost its favorite nightclub. New York's Bottom Line closed its doors for the last time last week. Sirius had been supporting the Greenwich Village venue. It was also the site of the Sirius program "Live at the Bottom Line."
Specialty automobile retailer UnitedAuto is getting Sirius about satellite radio.
(27 January 2004)
Under a new multi-year agreement vehicles ordered by UnitedAuto's 138 franchises will come with factory-installed, pre-activated Sirius radios. The radios will include a sampling of 16 streams for a three-month promotional complimentary period. The satellite radio provider and UnitedAuto also plan to launch extensive joint marketing activities under the five-year agreement.
Penske Truck Leasing is siriusly offering satellite radio on new class 5, 6, 7, and 8 trucks that it purchases for business.
(27 January 2004)
All Sirius radios are planned to be pre-activated with a sampling of programming. Penske President Brian Hard said of the agreement "Sirius Satellite Radio can provide additional value and comfort to drivers whether they are moving freight or moving their belongings across the country."
A special interim report on satellite radio has been issued by SkyWaves .
(26 January 2004)
The report offers new insights into developments in the industry including an examination of documents filed by XM with the Securities and Exchange Commission. XM's efforts to enhance its prospects of attracting advertising revenue, among other topics, is addressed. SkyWaves spokesman Bob Richards said "Though SkyWaves Research Report is a quarterly publication, we believe we found so much of significance that we felt an oblication to share it now with our subscribers."
XM says it expects to be "fully funded" in a prospectus filed at the SEC for an offering of 18 million shares of its Class A common stock.
(21 January 2004)
The company said there would be no need to raise additional financing "so long as we meet the revenue, expense and cash flow projections of our business plan." 7 million of the 18 million shares represent new financing, with shareholders selling the rest.
Digital radio is expected to grow to over 19 million unit shipments in 2007.
(21 January 2004)
That's the word from high-tech research firm In-Stat/MDR , which believes that new content and data services will drive consumer demand. The terrestrial service, a direct competitor with satellite radio, is expected to make sirius inroads in the marketplace. Said Michelle Abraham, an In-Stat/MDR senior analyst said "The conversion from analog radio to digital has been a long, slow process that will take many more years."
XM shareholders Hughes Electronics and Madison Dearborn Capital Partners are planning to sell 11 million shares of the satellite broadcaster, apparently to raise cash and pay debt.
(16 January 2004)
Said Hughes spokesman Richard Dore "It was not a strategic investment for us. It was an opportune time."
Just as Sirius and XM are getting into the traffic information business, local broadcasters are complaining about infringement.
(15 January 2004)
National Association of Broadcasters president Eddie Fritts called XM's plan for transmitting traffic and weather reports "an appalling backdoor attempt to bypass the FCC's intent to limit satellite radio to a national service only." The NAB may challenge XM before the Federal Communications Commission.
XM's SkyFi was the Last Gadget Standing at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
(14 January 2004)
The popular satellite boombox received 68% of the vote at the event. SkyFi shares the limelight with Zodiac, Tapwave's gaming console, champion of the on-site competition.
The XM Roady is going wireless thanks to technology from Aerielle .
(14 January 2004)
The Roady Audio Adaptor wirelessly transmits XM radio to existing automobile FM receivers. It plugs into a car's cigarette lighter or standard power outlet. It's distributed by Delphi.
In a sign that its financial prospects are improving, XM announced a quarterly dividend on its Series B preferred stock.
(13 January 2004)
The dividend of 8.25% is payable in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock.
XM is adding a traffic reports starting in March.
(12 January 2004)
Fifteen metropolitan areas are being serviced, despite opposition from the National Association of Broadcasters. The traffic reports will be about two minutes each, continuously updated.
Alpine is introducing a new line of in-dash head units, including the MP3/WMA , which includes the industry's first CD receiver with a built-in XM tuner.
(12 January 2004)
The unit is expected to retail for $230.
Creston is getting Sirius about satellite radio.
(12 January 2004)
The manufacturer of advanced control technology announced a partnership to incorporate Sirius capabilities in its home-based audio products. Said Sirius boss Joe Clayon "We are excited to bring innovative and quality products to the homeowner through our partnership with Creston."
TiVo may not be able to provide X-rated movies on demand, but it now provides on-demand XM-rated audio entertainment.
(12 January 2004)
New radio capabilities from XM and TiVo are expected to allow subscribers to enjoy satellite radio through their TiVo Series2 digital video recorder, via Home Media Option. The combined service allows XM Radio subscribers to connect their PC Radio device to the home network and access music on their TiVo Series2 DVR. XM boss Hugh Panero said "This is a great combination of two entertainment services that both of our subscribers say does more than just improve their entertainment experience, it changes their life."
Lynyrd Skynyrd got everyone siriusly rockin' at the Consumer Electronics Show last week in Las Vegas.
(12 January 2004)
Their concert, broadcast live in surround sound on Sirius, packed the aisles with convention attendees to the point that the event was threatened with shut down by authorities. The Skynyrd performance attracted the most attention in a series that included LeAnn Rimes, 3 Doors Down, Buddy Guy, Buddy Jewell, and Ricky Skaggs. "The Consumer Electronics Show has never seen an entertainment lineup like this ever," said Sirius boss Joe Clayton.
Not wanting to be Eclipsed by XM, Sirius is adding the retail specialist brand to its stable of partners.
(12 January 2004)
Eclipse , by Fujitsu Ten, is being added to the list of Sirius premier retail brands. Sirius boss Joe Clayton commented "We're thrilled to have Eclipse join us as a partner." Eclipse in-dash headunits will be Sirius compatible this year and the company will also manufacture a Sirius receiver.
There are now over 1,360,000 XM-rated listeners.
(9 January 2004)
Said XM boss Hugh Panero "XM delivered an outstanding performance in 2003 with more than 1 million new customers choosing our service this year for a total of more than 1.36 million subscribers overall. During the fourth quarter of 2003, XM added more than 430,000 customers -- our best quarter ever."
Data services are being added to the Sirius stable in the form of sports scores and financial information.
(9 January 2004)
Sirius radios capable of receiving artist and title information are also capable of receiving the new content. Sports score tickers are being broadcast on play-by-play streams and on the ESPN Radio stream.
261,061 happy consumers are finally getting Sirius.
(9 January 2004)
That's the number of subscribers "The Dog" was able to report at the end of 2003, a 772% increase over the previous year. Sirius boss Joe Clayton welcomed the news by saying "Satellite radio was clearly one of the outstanding items at retail this holiday selling season. Sirius products sold nearly as fast as stores could get them on the shelves, and our new transportable Plug & Play products sold exceptionally well."
Delphi has introduced an "all-in-one" audio package that allows listeners to hear XM SkyFi, AM/FM radio, and CDs.
(9 January 2004)
It retails for $199 and should be available at consumer electronics retailers later this month.
Tivoli Audio is joining forces with "The Dog" to bring Sirius radio to the home market.
(9 January 2004)
"When it comes to home radios, Tivoli has one of the finest reputations in the business," said Sirius boss Joe Clayton.
Sirius is launching eight new music streams and two new comedy streams this month.
(9 January 2004)
The new music streams are "Sirius Love," "Classic Vinyl," "Classic Rewind," "Buzzsaw," "Faction," "Chill," "Sirius Pops," "Tropical." The comedy offerings are "Cracked Up Comedy" and "Raw Dog."
Terk, the company that provides everything you thought you didn't need until you did, is introducing yet another product.
(9 January 2004)
It's an adapter for connecting the XM Universal Tuner Box to Kenwood aftermarket car stereo head units. Now any vehicle with a satellite-ready Kenwood head unit can be XM-rated.
Happy but Sirius commuters will be pleased to learn that "The Dog" is planning to offer real-time traffic information.
(9 January 2004)
The new service should be in a range of tiered service options and is to be compatible with all navigational systems currently in use. It is expected to be available in about 12 months.
Blaupunkt is finally getting Sirius.
(9 January 2004)
The mobile electronics division of the Robert Bosch Corporation announced that consumers should be able to purchase Sirius Plug & Play receivers and Sirius-ready radios starting in the spring of this year. Two products are being introduced, a Sirius tuner module with a dedicated connection to Blaupunkt's top-of-the-line audio/video entertainment system and a portable Plug & PLay Sirius receiver that provides satellite radio reception capability with a wireless interface.
Niles Audio Corporation, a leading manufacturer of audio/video custom installation products, announced a partnership to manufacture and market custom installation products that will include Sirius tuners.
(9 January 2004)
Niles plans to begin incorporating Sirius into its next generation of keypad-controlled multi-zone receivers and preamplifiers. Said Sirius veep Larry Pesce "We have made a firm commitment to bringing Sirius' commercial-free music and premium sports programming to the home by partnering with the best manufacturers in the business. Niles' stature in the custom install multi-zone marketplace makes it an ideal partner for us to further develop our leadership position in the home market."
Pana-Pacific announced that a boombox for the Sirius Streamer is going to be available this month at commercial truck dealers and truck stops across the country.
(9 January 2004)
Truckers may not always be truckin' but now they can always be Sirius. The portable boombox operates with the Streamer, which connects with any existing in-dash radio or home stereo.
Sirius has announced the addition of the EWTN Global Catholic Network to its system.
(9 January 2004)
There are two streams, one in English and one in Spanish. EWTN is in its 22nd year and is in more than 85 million television households in 110 countries.
Ford Trucks are getting Sirius via Delphi.
(9 January 2004)
The audio component manufacturer announced that it has added Ford as a new customer for its satellite radio units. Jeff Owens, president of Delphi Electronics & Safety, said "We are extremely excited that Ford has selected Delphi to supply their sophisticated and rugged truck platforms with our Sirius satellite audio systems."
Those wishing an alternative to XM's SkyFi can finally start getting Sirius.
(8 January 2004)
The Audiovox SIRBB1 Portable Boombox Audio System is now available. The new component works with the Audiovox SIR-PNP2 S.R.S. Satellite Radio Shuttle. Sirius veep Larry Pesce commented "The addition of the Audiovox Boombox, complied with ease-of-use and unique features of the Audiovox S.R.S., provides consumers with a compelling extension for their Audiovox Sirius Plug & Play receiver. The new device marks the next step in product development for Sirius." It's available at retailers for $99.99 and, yes, It's_ON. Not to be outdone by rival Audiovox, JVC announced the KT-SR1000, their first Plug & Play system for Sirius. Said Sirius boss Joe Clayton "We're excited to have JVC on the team and look forward to a wide range of Sirius compatible products from them in the future." JVC managed to beat Audiovox's price. Their unit sells for only $99.95. Both products were introduced at this years Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Delphi is getting Sirius about video.
(8 January 2004)
They're demonstrating the transmission of streaming video over the satellite radio provider's network at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. It should be available to car manufacturers within eighteen months.
Alpine Electronics is getting Sirius.
(8 January 2004)
They announced plans for developing Sirius products for the retail aftermarket. Joe Clayton commented "Over the past year, we have been focused on expanding our brand partnershps to provide consumers with the largest choice of satellite radio hardware at the retail level. Adding a world-class partner such as Alpine provides customers with the best choices in electronics to go along with the best choice in commercial-free music and sports programming in satellite radio."
Sirius is going wireless.
(8 January 2004)
The company is introducing a wireless distribution system for interior environments. It's expected to be available by July of this year and enables Sirius subscribers to receive service in their homes, offices, or retail environments with one wireless repeater. "The Dog" is also introducing the first surround sound capability using a matrix surround signal over one of their music streams. They've chosen he Dolby Pro Logic II as the encoding standard for the technology, which was introduced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.
Not to be outdone by Sirius, XM is introducing surround sound using the Spatial Environment Engine (SEE) from Neural Audio, Inc.
(8 January 2004)
They're demonstrating the technology at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. XM's Tony Masiello said "Prior to its national launch of America's first satellite radio service, XM Satellite Radio implemented a customized audio programming solution, using Neural Audio's broadcast processor, that provides sound remarkably close to Compact Disc."
They're demonstrating the technology at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.
(7 January 2004)
XM's Tony Masiello said "Prior to its national launch of America's first satellite radio service, XM Satellite Radio implemented a customized audio programming solution, using Neural Audio's broadcast processor, that provides sound remarkably close to Compact Disc."
AirTran Airways is getting XM-rated. The air carrier selected the satellite radio provider as its new in-flight entertainment system. Each AirTran Boeing 717 and 737 is being equipped with XM in every seat. Completion of the XM installation is planned by the end of the year. Said AirTran CEO Joe Leonard "AirTran Airways is proud to announce the addition of the latest in-flight entertainment technology to the most distinctive low-fare service in the industry."
Steven Van Zandt is getting Sirius.
(7 January 2004)
The musician, actor, and syndicated radio producer joined the staff at "The Dog" as Creative Advisor. He'll create and program "Underground Garage" and serve as producer, host, and advisor for other streams.
Not to be left out of the satellite scene, JetBlue Airways is offering XM to its in-flight entertainment menu.
(7 January 2004)
JetBlue exec David Neeleman said that it is becoming increasingly important to offer unique service, and that entertainment is one way to do that.
Move over satellite radio.
(7 January 2004)
Digital broadcasts by terrestrial radio stations are starting. Ibiquity Digital Corp. said the first receiver capable of receiving the digital signals are now being shipped to electronics stores in Iowa. About 300 of the nation's 13,450 radio stations are currently broadcasting both analog and digital signals.
Digital broadcasts by terrestrial radio stations are starting.
(6 January 2004)
Ibiquity Digital Corp. said the first receiver capable of receiving the digital signals are now being shipped to electronics stores in Iowa. About 300 of the nation's 13,450 radio stations are currently broadcasting both analog and digital signals. In an interview with Satellite News , Sirius boss Joe Clayton defended his company's decision to acquire "NFL Sunday Ticket." He said he believes that the NFL programming will boost subscriber sales at Sirius the way it did for DirecTV. Countering arguments that "The Dog" wasn't getting enough bite for its bucks, Clayton said that the NFL deal would raise the "tide" for Sirius. "We will be a force to be reckoned with," he said.
The first system designed to make multiple rooms Sirius listening spots is now shipping.
(6 January 2004)
That's the word from Antex Electronics, maker of the SRX-3 Triple Play , a satellite receiver designed for multi-room and multi-zone distributed audio systems.
Delphi announced a carrying case for the XM SkyFi and the Roady , and a Roady remote.
(6 January 2004)
The SkyFi is also getting a 12-Volt DC power adaptor, a 50-foot extension kit and six new colored speaker grill covers. The new accessories are the first to be added by the manufacturer since their satellite radio products made their debut in 2002.