News Articles From Days Gone ByFord has chosen M/A-COM to provide satellite antennas for its vehicle lines.
(28 May 2004)
The business unit of Tyco is extending its previous agreement to provide GPS antennas for leading-edge navigation systems. Said Dave Williams of M/A-COM, "This new agreement demonstrates our continued commitment to deliver low-cost antenna solutions with six sigma quality."
XM continues to expand its line of products into the high-end audio market, this time with an agreement with Antex .
(27 May 2004)
"Antex is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-end audio products, and we're glad to be working with them to develop new products," said XM's Director of Product Marketing Phil Whitworth. The first product, the XM-3000 multizone satellite receiver, will be introduced into the Antex TriplePlay later this year.
XM is going to the beach.
(26 May 2004)
Starting this summer the satellite broadcaster is introducing expanded instant traffic reports for weekend destinations. The areas covered are Cape Cod (210), Long Island and the North Jersey Shore (211), the South Jersey Shore (212), Maryland and Delaware (213, 214), and greater Los Angeles (222).
An XM-rated version of American Idol is about to premiere.
(25 May 2004)
Delphi has announced that it is providing its "all-in-one" CD audio system to all Idol finalists, he show's host, several celebrity guests and the judges. The gift package includes an XM SKYFi with one year of complimentary of XM Radio service.
Unable to make a sirius dent in XM's broadcast market, "The Dog" has decided to have its day in more conventional media.
(24 May 2004)
The nation's number two satellite radio provider is making its music service available to EchoStar Communications and its almost 10 million DISH Network customers. Said Sirius boss Joe Clayton "Beginning today, Sirius is now in front of more listeners than anyone in satellite radio." The company is hoping that the promotion will encourage DISH network customers to subscribe to Sirius in their cars, boats, and RVs.
Sirius investors may be pleased to know that the company has announced the filing of a resale registration statement on form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering $300 million of its 2.
(24 May 2004)
5% Convertible Notes due 2009 and the common stock underlying the notes.Sirius agreed to file the registration statement as part of the notes' initial offering.
Delphi is setting a lower standard for plug-and-play satellite receivers with the XM "Roady2," the smallest, lightest satellite radio to feature customizable stock quotes and a wireless FM adaptor.
(21 May 2004)
Delphi consumer electronics director Joe Damato said "Roady2 sets a new standard for small size and functionality -- making it the clear choice for consumers who want all the benefits of satellite radio without the bulk and complexity found in competitive designs."
High-end home audio systems can get XM-rated with a new component announced by Polk Audio .
(20 May 2004)
The premium consumer electronics developer signed a license and technology agreement with XM to collaborate on a high performance tuner for use with existing entertainment suites. Noting that both Polk and XM have an interest in high-quality sound, Polk President Jim Herd said "We are big fans of XM Radio. The audio quality is excellent and XM's content is outstanding."
Delphi is in the process of passing a significant milestone.
(18 May 2004)
The automotive and consumer products company expects to reach the one million mark in sales of portable satellite radio receivers next month, specifically the XM SKYFi and Roady products. Said Delphi President Frank Ordonez "This is a tremendous milestone for Delphi as we establish ourselves as a market leader in the plug-and-play satellite radio arena."
Panasonic is beginning the production of XM-rated stereo units for truckers.
(18 May 2004)
Two types of units are being marketed, one with a CD player and one with a cassette tape player. XM's Dan Murphy commented "XM Radio is a must-have for truck drivers, and Panasonic is famous for producing high-quality, affordably-priced stereos for the trucking industry. This is the ideal for both companies and the truckers who love XM."
XM is getting a partner in the broadcast of Quincy Jones' "We Are the Future" concert this Sunday in Rome.
(14 May 2004)
WorldSpace is providing coverage to areas of the globe that are not reached by either American satellite radio operation. "Quincy Jones' 'We Are the Future' concert is a perfect match for WorldSpace, which is dedicated to delivering education and entertainment to people across continents," said WorldSpace boss Noah Samara.
Once again XM is breaking new ground, this time in television.
(14 May 2004)
The satellite broadcaster has entered into an agreement with FX to sponsor the commercial-free premiere of Nip/Tuck's second season on 22 June. It marks the first time an advertiser has a sponsored a basic cable program without commercial interruption.
Audio manufacturer and retailer Cambridge SoundWorks and XM announced the PlayDock(TM)XM, the first-ever portable audio system for the Delphi XM Roady radio.
(13 May 2004)
The high-performance electronics platform is outfitted with a flexible docking station, allowing rapid connection or removal of the Roady. PlayDockXM has a built-in rechargeable battery that provides over ten hours of playtime between charges.
Sirius finally reached a big milestone, achieving a subscriber base of over 400,000.
(13 May 2004)
Said Sirius boss Joe Clayton "Reaching the 400,000 subscriber mark is another important milestone for Sirius as we continue to grow our business and move closer to our target of one million subscribers this year.
Some sirius new executives are being appointed by the nation's number two satellite radio broadcaster.
(10 May 2004)
Scott Greenstein is the new president of entertainment and sports. James E. Meyer has been named to the equivalent position in operations and sales. Both have been consultants to Sirius. Said Sirius boss Joe Clayton, "One of the major challenges for a company like Sirius in today's complex and ever-changing environment is to bring together entertainment and technology for the benefit of consumers. Scott Greenstein and Jim Meyer bring a breadth of knowledge , core competencies, and experience that will help us meet this challenge, and take us to the next level of our development."
XM added 320,657 subscribers in the first quarter, bringing their total to 1,681,903 as of 31 March.
(10 May 2004)
The number of listeners didn't make much of a dent in their bottom line, however. The company lost $170.1 million during the first quarter, compared with a net loss of $126.3 million during the same period last year.
Hoping that "We Are the Future" applies as much to satellite radio as to a concert in Rome, XM is sending a crew of six to cover the big event on 16 May.
(7 May 2004)
"We Are the Future" is being produced by Quincy Jones in Rome, Italy to launch a worldwide humanitarian effort to help children in war-ravaged cities. Performers include Norah Jones, Herbie Hancock, Take 6, and Andrea Bocelli. Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and Muhammad Ali are among the presenters. Said XM boss Hugh Panero "Our good friend Quincy Jones' contributions as a humanitarian are almost as legendary as his imprint on music and popular culture."
XM is getting a new partner.
(5 May 2004)
Dual Electronics has announced that it will offer car stereo products that are compatible with the satellite broadcaster's system. "The combination of XM Radio's extensive commercial-free programming, impeccable technology, and overall business model makes it the perfect partner for Dual," said Dual president Jim Braun.
Neural networks are finding their way into satellite radio.
(5 May 2004)
Neural Audio announced the completion of a new custom version of Neural Audio broadcast processors for XM. Neural's Robert Reams commented "XM was the first broadcaster to recognize the value in using our neural net based technology to address he potential opportunities of digital audio broadcast."
Beemer pilots can get Sirius for a little less than before.
(5 May 2004)
BMW announced price reductions for receiver kits at BMW centers and MINI dealers across the country. Center-installed Sirius kits for 3 Series, X5, MINI Cooper and Cooper S are being offered for $395 plus installation. Sirius is also offering an additional incentive to owners of the new X3 SUV. "We are committed to providing our loyal owners with added benefits and value at a competitive price," said BMW Veep for Aftersales, Marketing and Sales Alan Harris. Sirius hopes the announcement will help their bottom line more than their recent deal with Chrysler. After that announcement, according to market research firm NPD, XM remained the clear leader with 71% market share versus 29% for Sirius.
"This is very exciting for Sirius, and marks the first of our 2005 model year factory launches with Chrysler Group," said Sirius Veep Doug Wilsterman about the announcement that the automotive manufacturer is Sirius about the all-new 2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.
(4 May 2004)
Both vehicles will feature Sirius Satellite Radio as a factory-installed option, with an included one-year subscription, for $195.
Both satellite broadcasters are finally getting sirius about fighting the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).
(4 May 2004)
The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) plans to file comments with the FCC with regard to the NAB's complaint about satellite broadcasts of local weather and traffic reports. Said SBCA president Richard DalBello "The claim that satellite radio is violating FCC regulations is just plain wrong."