News Articles From Days Gone ByToyota continues to be XM-rated.
(31 January 2007)
The automaker has extended its agreement with the satcaster as its factory-installed satrad provider. The new agreement extends the current partnership through 2017. Said XM prez Nate Davis, "We're pleased to extend our agreement with Toyota through 2017 making XM available as the sole provider of factory-installed satellite radio for one of the world's largest and most successful auto manufacturers." more>>
Accenture has extended its application outsourcing work with XM Canada.
(31 January 2007)
The company has signed a $11.6 million contract encompassing additional application management support for billing and customer care. Said Stephen Tapp, president and COO of XM Canada, "Our relationship with Accenture has driven business results and proven to be financially beneficial to XM Canada." more>>
The new Microsoft operating system, Vista, is certified XM-rated.
(30 January 2007)
The software giant has included XM Radio Online into its new flagship product. Users will have the opportunity to sign up for a free three-day trial followed by an unlimited wib-listening subscription for $7.99 a month. "Microsoft is pleased to be working closely with XM," said Mike Sievert, corporate vice president for Windows at Microsoft. "We are thrilled with XM's support and excitement for the launch of Windows VIsta and the 2007 Office system." more>>
Sirius super fans will be happy to know that the satcaster is spacing ten Super Bowl broadcasts in seven languages this year.
(29 January 2007)
Super Bowl XLI between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts is being provided with extensive coverage including team broadcasts (Colts on channel 125 and Bears on channel 123), Westwood One/CBS (channel 124), Westwood One Spanish (channel 181), Russian (channel 143), French (channel 110), Japanese (channel 107), Chinese (channel 119) and German (channel 130). The action starts this Sunday, 4 February from Miami. more>>
Researchers at Texas Instruments and the University of Arizona are working to make HD Radio receivers more compact and less expensive.
(29 January 2007)
The team envisions putting an HD receiver on a single microchip small enough to slip into an iPod. The chip is expected to be power efficient and contain everything from the antenna connection up to the digital signal processor. more>>
Sirius folk music fans may want to try listening to XM.
(26 January 2007)
The satcaster's "The Village" (channel 15) is apparently a big hit with an interesting blend of old and new folk songs featuring Judy Collins, Phil Ochs, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and others. more>>
This week's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) meeting in Washington featured several significant sessions on HD Radio.
(26 January 2007)
iBiquity Prez Bob Struble updated everyone on the rapid rollout of the new format and NAB Board Member Caroline Beasley discussed the technology. more>>
The European Space Agency (ESA) has a better idea for satellite radio.
(25 January 2007)
They're proposing a system that uses existing communications satellites together with radios equipped with hard disk drives similar those used in personal video recorders. Because the disk drives serve as high capacity buffers, the incoming signal can be assembled over a longer period of time. The overall effect, says the ESA, is a less expensive satellite radio system. Audio TiVo anyone? more>>
HD Radio continues to move forward, this time aided by a new advertising campaign spearheaded by Radio Shack.
(25 January 2007)
The Shack has placed 10,700 commercials for the new medium in strategic radio markets tracked by Media Motors, Inc. Radio Shack is followed closely in the race by Crutchfield and Circui City. more>>
This weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona is XM-rated.
(24 January 2007)
The satcaster and Vici Racing are teaming up with the #18 Porsche-Fabcar entry at the event which starts at 1:30 PM(ET) this Saturday (27 January). "We're delighted to be able to take part in the Role 24 this year in partnership with XM," says Vici Racing Commercial Manager Bill Coleman. more>>
Now purchasers of used cars can get satellite radio factory installed.
(23 January 2007)
Honda and XM have launched a satellite radio trial program for certified used cars. Under the program all certified pre-owned Honda models equipped with XM satrads will be available with three months of complimentary service and a waived activation fee. "XM's program for previously owned Honda models introduces XM to a new and growing category of car buyers, as more Honda vehicles are equipped with XM each year," said Marisa Uchin, Manager of Remarketing, Automotive for XM. more>>
Jamie Foxx is getting Sirius.
(23 January 2007)
The Academy Award-winning actor, Grammy-nominated artist and comedian is launching the Foxxhole, an exclusive urban comedy entertainment and lifestyle channel for the satcaster this spring on channel 106. "Jamie Foxx is a triple threat in the world of entertainment and we are thrilled to have him make his radio hone at Sirius," said Scott Greenstein, President, Entertainment and Sports for Sirius. more>>
Barbara Walters is as Sirius as ever.
(22 January 2007)
The famous interviewer is launching her "Best of the Very Best" program today with "Leading Ladies." The show features recorded interviews with Audrey Hepburn, Diane Keaton and Sophia Loren. Future shows are expected every Monday at 8:00 AM(ET). more>>
It's official.
(22 January 2007)
HD Radio has now launched its services in 85 markets and is capable of reaching 80% of the U.S. population. "With the addition of these 17 markets we have successfully launched HD Radio in 85 markets in just one year. That means there are now more than 600 new radio stations on the air with HD2 programming that is unique, diverse and local to each market," said Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. more>>
Congress and the recording industry is siriusly taking on the satellite radio industry.
(21 January 2007)
New legislation introduced in the Senate aims to restrict listeners' rights to record music from satcasts. The "Platform Equality and Remedies for Rights Holders in Music " (PERFORM) Act would mandate that all satellite, cable and Internet broadcasters incorporate content protection technology to prevent copying of songs. In addition, a ruling in a U.S District Court has opened the way for major record labels to proceed with a suit against XM over the recording of satellite radio streams. Said Judge Diane Batts, "It is manifestly apparent that the use of a radio-cassette player to record songs played over free radio does not threaten the market for copyrighted works as does the use of a recorder which stores songs from private radio broadcasts on a subscription fee basis." more>>
In a development that may be the most significant in the medium so far the Federal Communications Commission has nixed any plans for an eventual merger between XM and Sirius.
(19 January 2007)
Commission Chairman Kevin Martin said the FCC would not approve a merger saying "there is a prohibition on one entity owning both to these businesses." Most talk of a possible merger originated with Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin who has always believed that mergers were part of business in general. "I combined my radio company wth CBS and I combined CBS with Viacom," Said Mel. The stock price of both XM and Sirius plunged after the announcement. more>>
Bridge Ratings has upgraded its interest level in HD Radio.
(19 January 2007)
The ratings organization study in June 2006 indicated that 62% of those polled were aware of "HD Radio." That number has now increased to 72%. more>>
The first ever satellite radio golf instruction program is coming to XM.
(18 January 2007)
The satcaster is featuring PGA professionals as they provide tips and commentary targeted specifically at amateurs hoping to shave a few strokes off their scores. Hackers beware! more>>
CNN is getting more Sirius than ever.
(17 January 2007)
CNN is now part of the satcaster's online listening lineup. Subscribers can now hear American Morning, The Situation Room, Lou Dobbs Tonight, Paula Zahn Now, Andercon Cooper 360 and Larry King Live. more>>
WorldSpace is getting sirius about training.
(16 January 2007)
The international satcaster is starting to make its programming available on railroads in India. Apparently WorldSpace satrads can be installed relatively easily and will be so for Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains. According to a railway ministry source, "The satellite radio service coupled with ticket upgrade schemes, will make traveling in Shatabdi or Rajdhani a better proposition." more>>
Gentlemen, start your satrads!
(16 January 2007)
XM is the sponsor of the IndyCar Series opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Drivers at the event take the green flag at 8 PM(ET) on 24 March in a race spacecast on XM channel 145, making it the first time a major North American motorsports sanctioning body has opened its season at night .
XM has asked a federal judge to throw out a copyright lawsuit over the Inno.
(15 January 2007)
The satcaster claims that the 1992 Home Recording Audio act protects it from being sued over the $400 iPod-like device. The recording industry's lawsuit does not directly seek any payments from XM but accuses the satcaster of contributing to copyright violations. more>>
Griffin has announced radioSHARK HD, a digital table top radio for Mac and PC with a HD Radio interface.
(15 January 2007)
The new device is expected to house a radio tuner in a "shark fin" that connects to the USB port of a Mac or PC. It allows users to listen either to AM or FM stations and their associated HD Radio subcarriers. more>>
Students at George Washington University are sirius about policing satellite radio.
(12 January 2007)
They've formed a group called the "Consumer Coalition for Competition in Satellite Radio" ("C3SR"), a student-run organization created on behalf of the 13 million satellite radio subscribers. Specifically, they're out to fight the envisioned Sirius/XM merger. "The competitive duopoly in satellite radio created by the FCC in 1997 is clearly at risk," according to Chris Reale, one of C3SR's founding members.
Delphi has announced the introduction of a new sound system for sirius satheads.
(10 January 2007)
The Delphi Premium Sound System allows listeners to hear a SkyFi3, Roady XT, MyFi or Audiovox Xpress XM receiver through the same medium. Delphi's Max Rogers commented, "The Delphi Premium Sound System's sleek design makes it an excellent choice for use in the corporate office, and its premium sound allows listeners to enjoy digital audio throughout the day - even when away from the car."
The Delphi Premium Sound System allows listeners to hear a SkyFi3, Roady XT, MyFi or Audiovox Xpress XM receiver through the same medium.
(10 January 2007)
Delphi's Max Rogers commented, "The Delphi Premium Sound System's sleek design makes it an excellent choice for use in the corporate office, and its premium sound allows listeners to enjoy digital audio throughout the day - even when away from the car." Get ready for "Grammy Radio." XM has announced the launch of the new channel dedicated to providing complete coverage of Grammy Week events. It will commence on XM Live starting 9 February through 11 February, the evening of the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. more>>
"The Shark" is still Sirius.
(10 January 2007)
The satcaster has announced that legendary basketball coach Jerry "The Shark" Tarkanian is returning to host "The Shark Tank," his weekly college basketball show. The program makes its third-season debut on Friday, 12 January on Sirius Sports Action (channel 123). Said Sirius veep for sports programming Steve Cohen, "We're thrilled to have Coach Tarkanian back on Sirius for another season. His expertise, candor and sense of humor will keep college hoops fans informed and entertained every week." more>>
Visteon is launching its new transportable HD Radio receiver.
(10 January 2007)
The event has been announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The transportable HD Jump unit delivers new HD multicasts both in the car and at home. more>>
Despite the previous rumors as to his leaving the satcaster, Howard Stern is more Sirius than ever.
(9 January 2007)
The "King of All Media" has been issued nearly $83 million in stock for helping Sirius exceed its subscriber growth targets during his first year on the job. The 22 million shares represent a bonus for a subscriber estimate that exceeded expectations by over 2 million. more>>
Melyssa Ford is getting Sirius.
(9 January 2007)
The former BET personality is beginning a new gig as host for Sirius Hot Jamz (channel 50) on weekdays from 12 noon to 6 PM(ET). Her acting credits include roles on Showtime's "Soul Food" and "Platinum" on UPN. She has also modeled for XXL, Maxim and Black Men's Magazine. more>>
Software giant Microsoft is getting sirius about HD Radio.
(9 January 2007)
The company has announced an initiative branded MSN Direct HD. It will be an extension of Microsoft's existing service which transmits traffic, weather, movie times, sports and stock information. Financial terms have not been disclosed. more>>
Emerson Radio has been granted a non-exclusive technology license from iBiquity to produce HD Radio receivers.
(9 January 2007)
Said Eduard Will, Emerson President, "We are delighted at this opportunity to partner with iBiquity to address the rapidly growing market for HD Radio technology." more>>
XM may not be as sirius as had been hoped by the investment community.
(7 January 2007)
The satcaster came up short in its year-end subscriber tally, coming up with 7.63 million subscribers. The figure was up almost 1.7 million from the previous year but short of its most recent prediction of 7.7 to 7.9 million. A year ago XM had confidently predicted 9 million subscribers by the end of 2006. "Operationally, there's no way to put a positive spin on XMSR's subscriber results," said Sanford Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett in a note to investors. more>>
WorldSpace is ringing in 2007 with laughs and memories.
(7 January 2007)
The international satcaster has announced the addition of two new channels, "Retro Radio" and "Punchline," featuring oldies and comedy respectively. "It is our goal at WorldSpace to continually develop and deliver creative, unique programming," said WorldSpace veep for global programming William Sabatini. more>>
Forget satellite radio.
(7 January 2007)
BMW is now the first automaker to offer HD radio as an option across its product line. Beemer pilots will be able to enjoy the new technology in all 2007 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series models. more>>
XM is carrying its second consecutive ECHL all star game.
(7 January 2007)
"For the second year in a row, we're proud to deliver the ECHL All-Star Game to fans across North America," said Joe Thistel, Sports Programming Director for XM. "It's a great hockey tradition and we're thrilled that we are able to pass it along." more>>
XM is introducing numerous innovative technology items at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
(7 January 2007)
The developments include the Bushnell ONIX 400 Weather Tracker, the Delphi SkyFi3 and the award-winning XM2go/MP3 portable. more>>
More than six million listeners have gotten Sirius as of the end of last year.
(5 January 2007)
The satcaster has announced that it ended 2006 with approximately 6,024,000 subscribers. The figure represents an 82% increase of the subscriber base during the year or 2.7 million...a record. Based on preliminary data, Sirius also achieved its first ever quarter of positive free cash flow during the last quarter. more>>
XM Chairman of the Board Gary Parsons is scheduled to present at the Citigroup 17th Annual Entertainment Media & Telecommunications Conference at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
(5 January 2007)
The engagement takes place on Tuesday, 9 January from 2:30 to 3:05 PM(PT). A live webcast of the event is being made available at the satcaster's website. more>>
HD Radio is getting sirius about challenging the satcasters.
(5 January 2007)
The new technology is being promoted during this year''s North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Wednesday, 10 January. A 15-person HD radio street team is scheduled to canvas he convention floor at Cobo Hall to make as many of the participants as possible aware of what's available. more>>
More people than ever are sirius about satellite radio according to Delphi.
(4 January 2007)
The company just sold its 13 millionth satrad, setting a new milestone. The news is part of the preliminary activity leading to next week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Said Ken Erickson, Delphi Electronics Electronics & Safety general director, "Satellite radio has not only taken a long-time analog medium and made it digital but it has also opened a new world of offerings to customers." more>>
HD Radio is now legal in Canada.
(4 January 2007)
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has revised its policy to allow the new technology to enter Canada's digital radio radio broadcasting arena. more>>