News Articles From Days Gone ByDirected Electronics is Sirius about Best Buy.
(31 January 2008)
The Sirius partner (see RUsirius.com story dated 27 November 2007) has announced that products of its HD Radio subsidiary, Polk Audio, would soon be available at more than 900 Best Buy locations throughout the U.S. Directed Electronics prez Jim Minarik says, "We have been very pleased with the performance of Polk Audio since our acquisition of the company in 2006. This opportunity with Best Buy greatly expands the market presence of Polk's marquee brand through one of the most exciting retailers in the history of home entertainment." Polk's I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 is among the first to feature iTunes Tagging for HD Radio. more>>
The Sirius partner (see RUsirius.com story dated 27 November 2007) has announced that products of its HD Radio subsidiary, Polk Audio, would soon be available at more than 900 Best Buy locations throughout the U.
(31 January 2008)
S. Directed Electronics prez Jim Minarik says, "We have been very pleased with the performance of Polk Audio since our acquisition of the company in 2006. This opportunity with Best Buy greatly expands the market presence of Polk's marquee brand through one of the most exciting retailers in the history of home entertainment." Polk's I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 is among the first to feature iTunes Tagging for HD Radio. Saint Louis University is XM-rated, at least for a few hours. The university's radio station, KSLU , is being featured by the satcaster on 3 February from 3:00 - 5:00 PM(ET) on "The Student Exchange Program" on XMU (channel 43). KSLU's music director Christine Sanley will host the Indi Rock show at that time featuring new music from artists like Spoon, John Vanderslice and Animal Collective. more>>
Let the showdown begin.
(30 January 2008)
The HD Digital Radio Alliance has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission officially opposing the proposed merger between Sirius and XM. A letter sent to the commission last week says that the proposed deal would reduce consumer choices and that, at least at this point, HD Radio "cannot be considered a competitive alternative to satellite radio." The letter goes on to say that the merger would "make it more difficult for HD Radio to expand consumer choices" and decries the special relationship that the satcasters apparently have with the automotive industry. HD Radio developer iBiquity, in a separate filing with the FCC, has been requesting that the satcasters be required to include HD receivers in future satrads in exchange for the approval of the merger (see RUsirius.com story dated 28 December 2007). more>>
Georgetown Partners is still upset with the merger.
(30 January 2008)
After its previous filing with the Federal Communications Commission (see RUsirius.com story dated 21 November 2007), the high profile law firm is submitting an ex parte filing calling the proposed "A La Carte" option a "fairytale" with the potential of a very unhappy ending for consumers. The filing states, "The January 22 filing by Sirius-XM touting their so-called 'A La Carte' offerings is for the sole benefit of SIrius-XM and not the public. Not only is there no public benefit but, just as disturbingly, the public's interest could actually be substantially impaired." Georgetown's opinion contradicts the results of a survey conducted by Sirius and XM that apparently found support for a la carte programming packages among more than 70 percent of respondents (see RUsirius.com story dated 11 September 2007). more>>
Sirius got sirius last year.
(29 January 2008)
Now that the final numbers are available (see RUsirius.com story dated 4 January) it's clear that the satcaster added 561,493 subscribers during its second quarter. The total breaks down into 431,650 OEM subscribers and 129,843 aftermarket customers. The satcaster is expected to announce new products next month, including a new, wearable Stiletto 2. more>>
Grammy Radio is coming back to XM.
(29 January 2008)
The exclusive tribute to the Grammy Awards that began last year (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 10 January 2007) is back again for this year's 50th anniversary of the big event. As part of the programming, XM is spacing "Fifty Years of The Grammys," an exclusive 50-hour tribute to past winners since 1958. Grammy Radio is also offering special programming prior to the awards show including MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Aretha Franklin, a Salute to Jazz honoring Sonny Rollins and McCoy Tyner and a Grammy Salute to Classical Music honoring Lang Lang and Earl Wild. Says XM executive vice president of programming Eric Logan, "Grammy Radio will once again provide millions of XM subscribers the closest thing to red-carpet access and front-row seats at the music industry's most exclusive events." Starting on 2 February, Grammy Radio is featured on XM Channel 2. more>>
Sirius is coming out this election year.
(29 January 2008)
The satcaster has announced its first ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender presidential caucus on 31 January from 3:00 - 5:00 PM(ET) on OutQ (channel 109). Representatives and supporters for Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards will be available to field questions and engage in an open dialog with the audience. The caucus is featured on the Michelangelo Signorile Show. more>>
Haven't we seen this before?
(29 January 2008)
Automobile dealers in Detroit and Dallas (see RUsirius.com news archive story dated 17 July 2007) are jumping on the HD Radio bandwagon by offering special deals. Dick Genthe's Chevrolet in Detroit is promoting a free HD Radio with the purchase of a used car. Consumers can download a coupon from the dealership's website for the purpose. David McDavid in the Dallas area is actively promoting the new technology. No news regarding special offers is currently available. more>>
XM is introducing ESPN Xtra.
(29 January 2008)
That's the new name for XM Channel 141 (currently ESPNews) which will see its current schedule expanded to programming including new shows and specials. ESPN Xtra will also air content produced by ESPN exclusively for XM such as the X Games, the ESPY Awards and Bill Simmons' popular podcast from ESPN.com. Says XM executive veep for programing Eric Logan, "ESPN is the most popular brand name in sports, and XM is the nation's leading satellite radio company. ESPN has been an integral partner of XM since the day XM started broadcasting in 2001. Now we're going to be bringing some of the best sports talk shows from ESPN Radio stations to millions of new listeners across the country." more>>
RadioIO is expanding.
(28 January 2008)
The Internet radio pioneer is launching new, proprietary music channels, increasing its selection from 28 to 60 during a 30-day period. The new selection offers new musical genres such as Newgrass and Women in Rock. Says RadioIO founder Mike Roe, "Doubling our music channel offerings in just 30 days is an excellent demonstration of what is possible using this medium, and further accentuates our technical and economic advantages over both satellite and terrestrial radio." more>>
"Wake Up America" is no more.
(27 January 2008)
XM has decided to cancel the weekly political show (see RUsirius.com story dated 2 January) originating from Portsmouth New Hampshire and hosted by local residents. The reason for the cancellation of the POTUS'08 (channel 130) program? "It just wasn't the right fit," according to David Butler, XM's senior director of corporate affairs. more>>
The NCNW is against the merger.
(26 January 2008)
The National Council of Negro Women has contacted the Federal Communications Commission voicing opposition to the proposed merger of Sirius and XM saying it "poses a clear, present and unmitigated threat to decency and greater diversity of media ownership." In a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin the group goes on to say, "One only has to evaluate the current programing now offered by Sirius and XM to recognize that our concerns and fears are well founded. Programming such as Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony and Bubba the Love Sponge - which help to perpetuate racist and sexist stereotypes in our culture - drive the business of both companies." more>>
Baseball fans rejoice!
(26 January 2008)
Eastern Kentucky University ace Christian Friedrich is appearing on XM today in a program hosted by 18-year old sportscaster Grant Paulsen. Friedrich talks about himself, his team and the upcoming season. Named Rookie of the Year, Friedrich is ranked eighth among Major League Baseball prospects in college baseball. The program, Majors and Minors, is featured on Home Plate (channel 175).. more>>
It was coal for Christmas for satellite radio, especially XM.
(25 January 2008)
The big holiday rush turned into a bust for XM and Sirius satrad sales, down a combined 37.5% from the previous year. Sales for XM were down 41% and Sirius sales were down 36%. The bad numbers are generally being attributed to competition from MP3 players, HD Radio and the continuing uncertainty about the proposed merger. more>>
The big holiday rush turned into a bust for XM and Sirius satrad sales, down a combined 37.
(25 January 2008)
5% from the previous year. Sales for XM were down 41% and Sirius sales were down 36%. The bad numbers are generally being attributed to competition from MP3 players, HD Radio and the continuing uncertainty about the proposed merger. Michael Behm has reason to be Sirius. His latest single, "The Art of Letting Go" is getting ample spaceplay by the satcaster and it's helping to propel him into the public spotlight. The owner of the Voodoo Lounge in Vancouver, BC needs the money too. He's moving to a new home and welcoming his fourth child. Ever cognizant of the need to find additional outlets for his music, Behm says, "When Sirius started playing it, it opened up a lot of doors and these things build momentum." more>>
iBiquity is a little less sirius than usual.
(24 January 2008)
The HD Radio developer is experiencing slower than expected growth according to a "Media Trends" report focusing on this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Despite high hopes for the new medium, Barrington Research analyst Jim Goss says iBiquity "has developed more slowly than we might have expected." He added, however, that the terrestrial radio business "has put significant promotional effort behind the advancement of the HD Radio concept." What is disappointing, according to Goss, is receiver sales. After starting 2007 with the expectation that as many as a million HD Radios would be sold during the year, "our impression is that the actual unit sell-through was only about half that total," said Goss. Although Goss did not say so the trend may be due, in part, to the more concentrated HD rollout in smaller markets (see RUsirius.com story dated 18 January). Since these markets have fewer consumers the number of HD receivers sold can be expected to be lower. more>>
Mellow Mel Karmazin is Sirius but his son's not.
(23 January 2008)
Craig Karmazin's company, Good Karma Broadcasting, continues to add to its stable of terrestrial radio stations, in direct competition with his dad the satcaster. Karma's most recent acquisition is WRRD (AM 540) in Milwaukee. The station was purchased from Salem Communications and represents the younger Karmazin's second outlet on the Wisconsin waterfront. The other is WAUK (AM 1510). more>>
Forget the toilet paper, Sheryl Crow is Sirius.
(23 January 2008)
The satcaster is letting her take over The Spectrum (channel 18) for five days to discuss her new album "Detours." She'll be discussing "Lullaby for Wyatt," a song about her son that "really informed this album. There's an urgent feeling about what's going on in the world." She'll also be performing songs from Detours and some of her classic hits. The event kicks off on 4 February at 7 AM(ET). more>>
The Super Bowl is finally Sirius!
(22 January 2008)
Super Bowl XLII is coming to Glendale. And the satcaster plans to cover it with 12 live spacecasts featuring game calls in eight languages. Says Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, "The NFL is one of the cornerstones of Sirius programming and our Super Bowl broadcasts will provide fans unparalleled access to the year's biggest sporting event. Sirius NFL Radio will feature comprehensive coverage of Super Bowl Week and fans across the country can follow the game in several languages." The big game is being covered in two dialects of Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Flemish, Russian, Mandarin Chinese and English. The Patriots and Giants team broadcasts can be heard on channels 126 and 123 respectively. All the hype and other pre-game activities will be carried throughout Super Bowl Week on Sirius NFL Radio (channel 124). Unfortunately the new commercials are only available on television. more>>
Get ready for the Threat Matrix.
(21 January 2008)
XM debuted the new technology (see RUsirius.com story dated 6 January) at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Drivers can now see, for the first time, live, personalized weather forecasts and conditions on top of their exiting navigation displays. Threat Matrix, developed with Baron Services, provides immediate alerts on weather conditions, providing drivers with the option of viewing current or developing road conditions and multi-day forecasts. more>>
Pete Dominick is never Sirius.
(21 January 2008)
So how come he is? The nationally headlining comedian hosts two daily Sirius shows, both on Raw Dog (channel 104): the one-hour Comedy by Request and Getting Late. Both are based in New York, where Dominick hones his schtick at places like the Comedy Cellar and Comic Strip Live. He's also featured in the latest edition of Punch Line. more>>
Sirius is going skiing!
(19 January 2008)
The satcaster is providing comprehensive coverage of this weekend's World Cup alpine ski events in Kitzbuehl, Austria and Cortina, Italy featuring men and women competing in the super G, downhill and slalom events. The spacecast crew includes two-time Olympian Doug Lewis and his wife Kelly, a former World Cup downhiller herself. The action is being spaced on Sirius channel 127. more>>
HD Radio has been coming to more small markets than big ones.
(18 January 2008)
Continuing its media survey, the BIA Financial Network (see RUsirius.com story dated 22 October 2007) says that the number of big-market stations rolling-out HD Radio in the past year fell off but that the number of stations in the 51-100 market range held steady. 26 stations in the top 10 markets added HD Radio in 2007 compared with 118 in markets 51 through 100. One obvious reason for the disparity is that the HD Digital Radio Alliance concentrated more on the big markets during the initial rollout of the technology. more>>
Sirius is observing Martin Luther King Day with special programming.
(18 January 2008)
Make it Plain host Mark Thompson (see RUsirius.com story dated 11 October 2007) is welcoming Martin Luther King III, Chairman and CEO of Realizing the Dream, Inc. as his special guest today at 5:00 PM(ET). Thompson is also playing King's 16 August 1967 speech "Where Do We Go From Here?" at 5:00 PM(ET) on 21 January. Both special programs can be heard on Sirius Left (channel 146). more>>
Mercedes-Benz is getting Sirius in Canada.
(18 January 2008)
The automaker has announced that it will be offering the satcaster's equipment exclusively as a standard item on many of its vehicles sold in Canada. Sirius satrads will be offered as standard equipment on all E-Class, S-Class, CL-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class and GL-Class vehicles. Sirius is also being made available as a factory installed option on B-Class, C-Class, CLK-Class, SLK-Class and other models. "Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to make Sirius standard equipment on a wide range of models," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "For our customers, the Mercedes-Benz experience will be further enhanced by the unique programming and wide range of exclusive content that Sirius offers." more>>
Word on the merger should come before Spring.
(17 January 2008)
The Federal Communications Commission is expected to reach a decision as to the status of the Sirius/XM merger before the end of March, according to chairman Kevin Martin. Approval by the Department of Justice is still pending and will not affect the FCC decision. Martin would not commit to any specific date. more>>
Puckheads rejoice!
(17 January 2008)
Brendan Burke, voice of the Wheeling Nailers has been named to the radio broadcast team for the 2008 East Coast Hockey League All-Star game on 23 January from Stockton, CA. Burke is joined by Mike Benton of the Stockton Thunder and Leif Skodnick of the Mississippi Sea Wolves . The game is being spaced by XM on NHL Hockey Play-by-Play (channel 206) at 10 PM(ET). more>>
The royalties paid by XM and Sirius have been set.
(17 January 2008)
The Copyright Royalties Board (see RUsirius.com story dated 6 December 2007) has denied a petition from performance rights organization SoundExchange for a rehearing on the subject. "SoundExchange has not made a sufficient showing of clear error or manifest injustice with respect to the gross revenues definition or new evidence with respect to the proposed merger that would warrant a rehearing," according to the CRB ruling. SoundExchange had been hoping to raise the royalties paid by the satcasters because of the digital nature of their signals. Said SoundExchange executive John Simson in December , "This result once again highlights the inequity of a rate standard that forces creators of music to subsidize certain music services with below-market rates." more>>
Sangean has made numerous improvements in its latest HD Radio.
(17 January 2008)
The HDT-1X (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 12 June 2007) contains new features developed using feedback from customers. Improvements over the HDT-1 include a numeric keypad for presets or the direct entry of a frequency, three rocker switches for incremental tuning, seek tuning and seeking only for HD stations and a "band" button to cycle through two sets of FM presets and two sets of AM presets. The unit also features an optical digital output, the most significant improvement over the HDT-1. more>>
We will bury you.
(16 January 2008)
..sort of.That's the word from Canadian Satellite Radio on its subscription growth relative to the American market. "We believe the Canadian market will surpass the growth predicted for the U.S., given the U.S. is in the sixth year of business and we're still in our early stages of growth cycle here in Canada," said Michael Moskowitz, president of the Canadian XM affiliate. "The best years are to come because we're at an earlier stage in the whole development of satellite radio in Canada." He hopes to keep subscribers coming in by expanding partnerships with unconventional retailers like Shoppers Drug Mart and with automotive companies.
Leave it to the Germans.
(16 January 2008)
The folks at Atmel have developed a radio front-end integrated circuit capable of tuning in any broadcast signal anywhere in the world, including digital signals and HD Radio. The target market for the ATR4262 is car radios, in which it will enable the reception of FM from 70 to 166 HMz, AM from 150 kHz to 30 MHz, Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), the weather band and HD Radio. Those wishing to drive their Land Rovers from London to Capetown can finally relax knowing that at least their radio can handle it. more>>
Canadian Satellite Radio doubled its revenue during the last quarter.
(15 January 2008)
The XM affiliate, however, lost $16.2 million in the process or 34 cents per share for the three months ending 30 November 2007 compared with a loss of 50 cents per share the year before. Said prez Michael Moskowitz, "Our retail market share has improved significantly with the introduction of a new line of competitively priced and technologically superior products, the expansion of our distribution channels and the depth of our unrivaled programming." more>>
The Rev.
(15 January 2008)
Jesse Jackson is sounding out on the Sirius/XM merger. In a meeting with the Federal Communications Commission, Jackson urged Chairman Kevin Martin to require XM and Sirius to lease at least 20 percent of their channels to minority-controlled firms as a condition of the merger. His position is consistent with that of Georgetown Partners (see RUsirius.com story dated 21 November 2007), which wants to offer 50 to 70 channels that would compete with programming from a merged satellite company. A consumer with the appropriate tuner could receive the leased channels, regardless of whether or not they were satellite satellite subscribers, according to Georgetown attorney David Siddall. Neither the FCC nor Rainbow PUSH has commented on Martin's meeting with Jackson. more>>
Satellite Radio is continuing to enter the European market.
(15 January 2008)
This time it takes the form of a deal between Nissan and Ondas (see RUsirius story dated 10 December 2007). Ondas has agreed to install satrads in Nissan and Infiniti vehicles across Europe. "Satellite Radio has been hugely successful in the US and we believe that European consumers will also be attracted to the programing diversity, continuous coverage and superior sound quality that Ondas Media is developing," says Larry Haddad, General Manager, Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan Europe. more>>
Sony is sirius about HD Radio.
(15 January 2008)
At last week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas the consumer electronics giant hawked new HD Radio gear in the form of a component tuner and a tabletop system. The XDR-F1 HD Tuner connects to any home theater system. The XDR-S10HDIP HD Radio is a tabletop player that comes ready to go with speakers and an iPod dock. The former retails for $100, the latter for $180. more>>
Hyundai is ever more sirius about XM.
(15 January 2008)
In addition to adding the satcaster's equipment to the Tiburon, Accent and Tucson vehicles (see RUsirius.com story dated 31 October 2007) the automaker has announced that the Genesis would be the first Hyundai brand to offer XM NavTraffic . Says Hyundai veep Joe Verbrugge, "Nearly every new Hyundai sold today already comes equipped with XM Radio's 170 channels of music, news, sports and talk programming. Hyundai is now offering the additional convenience of XM NavTraffic, a real-time service that is certain to save Genesis drivers precious time and money." more>>
Culinary artists rejoice!
(14 January 2008)
Chef Susan Spicer of New Orleans' Bayona will be getting Sirius today on Martha Stewart Living Radio (channel 112). Spicer represents New Orleans in the domestic diva's review of "Taste of the NFL" during the weeks leading up to the the Super Bowl. more>>
Canadian Satellite Radio wants a marketing makeover.
(11 January 2008)
Just in time for reporting its quarterly results (see RUsirius.com story dated 8 January) the XM affiliate has named Janet Gillespie as the company's new vice president of marketing. "We are delighted to have someone with Janet's background and experience join XM Canada at a time when the company is poised to make a significant mark in the Canadian satellite radio industry," said Michael Moskowitz, XM Canada's president and chief executive officer. Gillespie has held similar positions at leading global technology firms, most recently Palm. more>>
Audio Design Associates is sirius about HD Radio.
(11 January 2008)
The firm has ben showcasing its newest HD products all week at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Its high-end HD stuff includes the HDM-1 HD Radio tuner, selling for $600. The tuner is designed to work with ADA's multi-room/multi-zone pre-amp/amplifier systems. Needless to say, the company says it "continues to support HD Radio broadcasting with enthusiasm." more>>
Things are shaking at the top of the HD Digital Radio Alliance.
(10 January 2008)
Diane Warren has been promoted to Executive Vice President. Instrumental in securing distribution deals with Wal-Mart and Radio Shack, Warren has also been directing the HD Radio advertising campaigns. "Much of the success of the HD DIgital Radio Alliance has garnered over the past two years is due to her hard work.," said HD Digital Radio Alliance Prez Peter Ferrara. more>>
Pardon the interruption but Tony Kornheiser is back on XM.
(10 January 2008)
"The Tony Kornheiser Show" returns on XM Sports Nation (channel 144) weekdays from 8:15 to 10:00 AM(ET) after an absence of seven months. "I'm thrilled to be back on the radio,' Kornheiser said. "The national audience that watches PTI and Monday Night Football and reads the columns in the Post can now listen to our show every weekday morning on XM Sports Nation." more>>
People are more sirius than ever about digital radio.
(9 January 2008)
According to Parks Associates, almost 70 million consumers will have either an HD or a satellite receiver by 2012 and there will be 39 million satellite radio subscribers. "The XM and Sirius merger, the emergence of HD radio, and the availability of online offerings will create new listening experiences for consumers," said Parks researcher Chris Roden. "To ensure future success, providers must align their products and services with the expectations and demands of the consumer." more>>
"Mellow Mel" is getting a little steamed.
(9 January 2008)
The Sirius boss made comments on the proposed merger between his company and rival XM saying the deal "is ripe to be granted." Speaking at the Citigroup Global Entertainment, Media & Telecommunications conference in Phoenix, Mel also expressed impatience with the length of time government officials are taking to complete their investigation. Apparently the Department of Justice is the culprit. The submission of "6 million pieces of paper" by Sirius to the DOJ doesn't make matters any better. According to Mel, if the DOJ tries to stop the merger, at least "we'd have our day in court." more>>
HD Radio is helping the hearing impaired.
(9 January 2008)
The new technology is being used to translate audio content into lines of text that viewers can read on special receivers developed by Harris Corporation and Towson University . Said Jim Burke, spokesman for Harris, "Our goal is to make the broadcast medium available to the broadest audience possible." more>>
Navteq is getting sirius about HD.
(9 January 2008)
The map content provider has announced a new service to provide real time traffic, weather and other information via HD Radio. Apparently the higher bandwidth available in an HD channel makes it possible for Navteq to deliver richer traffic information and other location based data. The new technology was introduced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. more>>
Canadian Satellite Radio is getting sirius about its numbers.
(8 January 2008)
The XM affiliate has announced that it will open its books and discuss its financial results for the last quarter on 15 January 2008. The big event takes place at the TSX Broadcast Centre in Toronto. Those with a financial interest or anybody just out for a cheap thrill can call the conference at 1-800-733-7571. It takes place at 10 AM(ET). more>>
The union between Starbucks and XM is no more.
(8 January 2008)
The relationship that started over three years ago (see RUsirius.com news archive story dated 26 July 2005) is being terminated. Both parties said the decision to end the pact was mutual. To get out of the deal, XM issued 1.85 million shares, worth about $22 million, to Starbucks, which has the right to sell them for at least $22 million. Should the coffeemeister fail to raise enough cash from the sale of the XM stock, the satcaster will be forced to issue even more shares. And we were hoping that blues and java would just go on forever. more>>
Clarion is more Sirius than ever.
(8 January 2008)
The manufacturer of mobile electronics has announced that its key mobile multimedia source units are now offering the satcaster's direct connection. The MAX385VD and the VRX485VD both allow users to plug in a satrad and start getting Srius. Says Clarion Senior Vice President of Retail Sales Ralf Engelbrecht, "We are very excited to introduce this new feature in 2008. The new Sirius direct connect feature increases the value of our products to customers by eliminating the need for a translator box." more>>
WorldSpace is getting more sirius about Europe.
(7 January 2008)
After bringing in new management (see RUsirius.com story dated 19 December 2007) the international satcaster is teaming with Delphi in announcing the development of agreements for European satrads. Designed by Delphi, the new European aftermarket receiver will receive the satellite signal from the WorldSpace satellite covering Europe. The core of the technology is the satellite digital radio (SDR) standard approved by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in November 2006. more>>
HD Radio is making a big splash at the Consumer Electronics Show .
(7 January 2008)
At this year's event in Las Vegas iBiquity is demonstrating the first batch of receivers to make use of HD Radio with iTunes tagging (see RUsirius.com story dated 12 September 2007).Tagging allows listeners to designate a particular song for purchase on an HD Radio and then to obtain the tune at the Apple store. more>>
Get ready to fly high.
(7 January 2008)
FlyTunes is demonstrating its new digital music service for the Apple iPhone and other portables at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas today. The service offers users a personalized radio-like experience with thousands of channels of digital music without a special receiver. Says FlyTunes Inc. CEO Sam Abadir, "FlyTunes bridges the massive disconnect that exists between the hundreds of millions of cell phones and portable media players people already own, and thousands of Internet radio stations that broadcast every type of music they could want." more>>
It's good to be on time.
(7 January 2008)
At least that what JBL thinks. The company is introducing its "On Time 400IHD" at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. The new alarm clock contains an HD Radio receiver and a docking station for an iPod or iPhone. It also supports iTunes tagging. more>>
XM is getting sirius at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.
(6 January 2008)
The satcaster has unveiled two new universal systems at the big event in Las Vegas. On display at the Audiovox booth are the XM Sound System and the XM Compact Sound System. The former system, priced at $99.99, allows XM subscribers to listen to their satrad anywhere through two woofers, two tweeters, bass boost and a 10 watt amplifier. The latter is a tabletop unit with an aluminum surface and black grill cloth design designed to fit into smaller spaces. It retails for $149.99. more>>
XM is getting sirius about weather.
(6 January 2008)
At this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the satcaster is expected to feature the "Threat Matrix." The new technology, which works with XM NavWeather, enables drivers to view personalized weather forecasts and conditions on top of their existing navigation display, providing immediate alerts on developing weather conditions such as hail, tornado and storm warnings. more>>
HD Radio is getting sirius in 2008.
(5 January 2008)
The HD Radio Alliance has tapped Omnicom for a year long creative project valued at $230 million. Omnicom Group's GSD&M Idea City is the focal point for a the production of about ten radio spots per quarter this year to promote HD Radio. The ads, featuring the voice of cartoon character SpongeBob (actor Tom Kenny), depict a conventional radio calling its owner and leaving messages saying, "You know, I could totally pick up those new extra HD stations if I hit the gym." The spots begin this month. more>>
2007 was a good year to be Sirius.
(4 January 2008)
The satcaster has announced that it ended the year with a subscriber base of more than 8.3 million, an increase of 38% for the period, and expects to post significantly greater positive free cash flow for the fourth quarter. The news was so good that Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin has been asked to be the keynote speaker at next Tuesday's Citi 18th Annual Global Entertainment, Media & Telecommunications Conference. more>>
Dan Patrick is XM-rated.
(4 January 2008)
The famed sportscaster is being spaced by the satcaster starting on 21 January when "The Dan Patrick Show" will appear on Sports Nation (channel 144) weekdays from 10 AM to 12 PM(ET). Said Patrick, "The Dan Patrick show has quickly developed a strong terrestrial radio affiliate network and we look forward to expanding our reach to XM's millions of subscribers from coast to coast." more>>
WorldSpace is getting more sirius about money.
(3 January 2008)
The international satcaster has recently secured $40 million in financing via a facility from Yenura Pte. Ltd., a company controlled by WorldSpace boss Noah Samara. The facility is being used to support the launch of WorldSpace's mobile service in Italy (see RUsirius.com story dated 19 December 2007) and business development activities in selected markets. more>>
XM quiere Espanol muy siriusly!
(3 January 2008)
The satcaster has announced the kickoff of Caricia (channel 93), showcasing Spanish-language hits from the '60s, '70s and '80s with artists like Julio Iglesias, Jose Feliciano, Roberto Carlos and Camilo Sesto. Says XM senior programming director Jesus Salas, "The Caricia channel will deliver 'musica del recuerdo,' or timeless music that is certain to bring listeners back" to the hits of the past 30 years. Bueno! more>>
Let's get Sirius about the Stiletto 2!
(3 January 2008)
The new Sirius satrad (see RUsirius.com news archive story dated 15 August 2007) can download or stream music from the Internet or a CD as well as receive a satcast. The Stiletto 2 contains a Wi-Fi receiver, a satrad and an MP3 player. more>>
XM and Radio One are finished!
(3 January 2008)
The satcaster is ending its relationship with the syndicated network (see RUsirius.com archive story dated 28 July 2007) because of advertising woes. Said Lee Michaels, national director for The Power (XM's black oriented channel 169), "It has nothing to do with the programming; it has nothing to do with the people that work here. It was strictly a business decision." more>>
POTUS '08 is going to New Hampshire.
(2 January 2008)
In preparation for the long-awaited New Hampshire Primary, XM's political channel (see RUsirius.com story dated 27 September 2007) is featuring "Wake Up America." The show from Portsmouth, NH hosted by "three real mothers" hits the spacewaves today on POTUS (XM channel 130) to provide a local angle on the election. Nancy Beach, Meg Middleton and Kathy Somssich have been described as "three deranged housewives spewing virulent liberalism." Says Beach, "Now, we're taking it national." more>>