News Articles From Days Gone ByCell phone users will soon be able to get Sirius .
(31 October 2006)
.. or XM. Interoperable Technologies has filed a patent application for technology capable of controlling a satrad using a portable device. Users would apparently be able to "log on" to an XM or Sirius subscription through a cell phone and to listen on a "public" satellite receiver. The suggested use for such a technology? Bars, restaurants, hotels and coffee houses. more>>
HD Radio enthusiasts should find something interesting at this year's Specialty Equipment Markets Association (SEMA) Show .
(31 October 2006)
One of the show's stars is the extensively modified 2006 Scion xB on the Visteon stand. It incorporates the first transportable HD Radio receiver capable of operating as an in-car and at home device with separate docking stations. more>>
XM has announced the successful launch of its XM-4 satellite from the Sea Launch Odyssey Launch Platform in the open waters of the Pacific Ocean near the equator.
(31 October 2006)
The satellite has been inserted directly into a geosynchronous transfer orbit on its way to an orbital location for in-orbit testing prior to placement in its final orbital position at 115 degrees West Longitude. The satellite is the product of the Boeing Satellite Development Center and carries a high-power S-band Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) payload by Alcatel. more>>
Directed Electronics is now supplying HD Radio receivers to retailers across the United States.
(31 October 2006)
The initial products include the Directed HD Car Connect and the Directed HD Table Top. Prices are expected to be $249 and $299 respectively. more>>
Can't decide whether to listen to satellite radio or recorded music?
(31 October 2006)
Try listening to a Helix. It offers XM and MP3 music on the same device and offers the flexibility to record and play back in mid-stream. The Helix is a product of Samsung and XM. more>>
Bentley is getting Sirius.
(30 October 2006)
The luxury automaker and the satcaster have announced an exclusive agreement to put satrads in all Continental GT, Continental GTC and Continental Flying Spur vehicles beginning in the 2008 model year. Sirius is expected to be available in some select Bentley models beginning in mid-2007. "All vehicles equipped with Sirius will include a lifetime subscription to the service, which will enhance each Bentley's individual customization and give each customer a new vehicle experience," said Andrew Stuart, Bentley's CEO. more>>
Porsche pilots can look forward to listening to XM as they speed down the road, weaving between other vehicles.
(30 October 2006)
Porsche Cars of NOrth America and XM have announced a new long-term agreement beginning in 2007. "XM has the technology and content that is consistent with Porsche's commitment to providing our customers the best possible driving experience," said Porsche CEO Peter Schwarzenbauer. XM has been available as a factory-installed option for Porsche Cayenne models since 2005.
Hoops junkies rejoice!
(30 October 2006)
The National Basketball Association and Sirius have announced a new exclusive programming lineup for NBA Radio, channel 127. The new agreement calls for 24/7, year-round coverage devoted exclusively to the NBA with live talk shows hosted by Rick Barry, Kenny Smith, Ian Eagle, Frank Isola, Rich Ackerman and others. Live game coverage starts Tuesday, 31 October, with the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat hosting the Chicago Bulls at 8 PM(ET). "Sirius already provides fans with more live NBA games than any other radio outlet," said Steve Cohen, Sirius Vice President of Sports Programming. "Now Sirius and the NBA will supplement that live game coverage with expert talk radio every day." more>>
Interested in horse racing?
(21 October 2006)
It might be time to get Sirius. The satcaster is featuring the eight Breeders Crown finals for 2- and 3-year-olds on Saturday, 28 October. Color commentary is being provided by Dave Johnson, Bill Finley and Bob Heyden starting at 8 PM(ET). more>>
It seems that Apple may be getting sirius about satellite radio.
(20 October 2006)
A patent application originally filed in August of 2005 cites two methods of integrating the iPod with satellite services. The first describes the ability to tune "into a wireless signal." Further descriptions in the patent refer to how information would be shared between the iPod and external receivers. It is noteworthy that in December 2005 Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin had been reported as having spoken with Apple CEO Steve Jobs about the possibility of cooperation between their two enterprises (see RUsirius.com news archive story dated 14 December 2005). more>>
XM has been the premier satellite provider of hockey news and information ever since signing its big contract to cover the NHL.
(20 October 2006)
The satcaster is now expanding its coverage to the minor leagues with an interview with ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. Puckheads who are not satheads can even listen to the interview with XM's Scott Laughlin and Cam Stewart on the Internet. more>>
The ever expanding world of HD Radio is rapidly expanding into Brazil.
(20 October 2006)
Four of that country's top broadcast engineers have recently attended a training course on HD Radio sponsored by Broadcast Electronics . They're now certified to provide implementation, maintenance and troubleshooting support for BE's digital RF technology.
Get ready for SKYFi3, the latest offering from Delphi.
(19 October 2006)
The first micro satrad with pause-replay can store and manage up to 10 hours of XM programming as well as an unlimited number of MP3, WMA and WAV files. It can be stationed in a vehicle and has an internal 8-hour rechargeable battery. Take that, Stiletto! more>>
Sara Lee is getting Sirius.
(19 October 2006)
The frozen food phenom will benefit from the satcaster's two-day internet promotion on 25 and 26 October (see RUsirius.com story dated 16 October). As part of its agreement with Sirius, Sara Lee will promote "The Joy of Eating," its corporate tagline and the name of the contest it will promote in ads featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio through 10 November. more>>
Canadians have always appreciated the sharp wit of comic Mike Bullard but until now he's never been XM-rated.
(19 October 2006)
The former host of TV's Mike Bullard Show has announced his signing of a one-year contract to host a weekday morning talk show in XM Canada. "I'm making what Howard Stern's craft budget is (at Sirius Satellite Radio), so I'd kind of appreciate it if there were no comparisons," Bullard joked. Mike Bullard Uncensored starts Monday on Laugh Attack (XM 153).
The FCC's crackdown on leaky FM modulators ultimately means more complications and less convenience for satheads.
(17 October 2006)
In the case of both XM and Sirius the new FCC regulations mean the placement of more wires inside the vehicle. Professional installers should love it! more>>
HD Radio has hit a big milestone -- 1000 stations.
(17 October 2006)
Said iBiquity boss Robert Struble, "In just over a year, the number of HD Radio stations on the air has nearly doubled, and we expect to finish 2006 with 1,200 stations. Equally exciting is the corresponding growth in HD2 multicasting, which provides listeners with increased content and program choices, and the rapid influx of new HD Radio receivers, that expands the range of product categories and price points. From a consumer standpoint, there has never been a better time to experience HD Radio." more>>
The Toronto Raptors are getting Sirius.
(16 October 2006)
Sirius Canada has announced an exclusive multi-year sponsorship and marketing agreement that makes the satcaster the "Official Satellite Radio Partner" of the team. Part of the three-year agreement gives Sirius Canada exclusive rights to use the Toronto Raptors' logo in marketing and promotional activities. "As Canada's satellite radio sports leader, Sirius Canada is thrilled to work with the Toronto Raptors," said Christopher Brookbank, Vice President of Marketing for Sirius Canada. more>>
Want to get Stern without getting Sirius?
(16 October 2006)
Just wait. The satcaster is making the "King of All Media" available live online at no charge for two days, 25 and 26 October, to promote a new internet radio service. The new service offers more than 75 channels of Sirius programming over the internet for a monthly subscription of $12.95. more>>
Money coach Jean Chatzky is now officially XM-rated.
(16 October 2006)
Aside from being financial editor for NBC's Today show, a best-selling author and Editor-at-large for Money magazine, Ms. Chatzky is now the star of a new show for the satcaster., "This is a very exciting time for me," says Chatzky, whose show on the "Oprah & Friends" channel debut at the end of September. more>>
The popularity of HD Radio continues to rise.
(16 October 2006)
..at least if one is to believe the statistics reported by Google Trends .The service graphs the total amount of searching against chosen keywords. It indicates a steady rise in searches for HD Radio starting about a year ago. more>>
Not only is satcasting bringing back old-fashioned radio, it's bringing back old-fashioned radios.
(13 October 2006)
Crosley , a mainstay of stylish radios from the good ole days, is introducing the Explorer I. It incorporates an XM receiver with classic Crosley stylings. It also features AroundSound technology and three speakers. It connects with an XM home antenna and retails for $299.95. more>>
HD Radio is getting into the holiday season.
(13 October 2006)
A new Holiday Rebate Program has been announced that will reduce the price of a HD Radio receiver by up to $50. "This holiday shopping season is an excellent time to give friends and family the gift of HD Radio. More than 1,000 HD Radio stations are on the air with more than 400 offering multicasting channels. And during the past year, retail prices of HD Radio receivers have fallen substantially," said Robert Struble, president and CEO, iBiquity Digital Corporation. more>>
The guts behind a Sirius Stiletto 100 is a high-performance receiver IC made by Sirenza Microdevices .
(12 October 2006)
The company is now producing the chips in volume as the front end receiver for the latest Sirius offering. They have said that their engineering team closely collaborated with the satcaster during the development effort on the S520077 receiver, which uses IBM's advanced silicon germanium semiconductor process technology. more>>
He may no longer be on terrestrial radio but Internet users are still siriusly searching for him.
(12 October 2006)
"King of All Media" and Sirius star Howard Stern is the most popular talk show host of 2006 based on Web search activity. According to Lycos , Stern is the most-searched talk radio personality with web users, generating 232 percent more online interest than the number two personality, Adam Corolla. more>>
Used cars just ain't what they used to be.
(11 October 2006)
Thanks to XM and Acura, certified pre-owned vehicles can now be purchased with complimentary satellite radio. "Acura's CPO program will introduce XM Satellite Radio to a new and growing category of customers," said Steve Cook, XM's executive veep for automotive relations. Dan Crowe, Acura's remarketing manager commented, "With the expansion of XM Satellite Radio to our entire 2007 new model line, it's only fitting that we also offer the nation's leading satellite service to our Certified Pre-Owned customers." And to think that at one time all anyone had to do was kick the tires and blow the horn.
New York rock club CBGB is no longer Sirius about anything.
(11 October 2006)
It's closing its doors on 15 October with a concert being featured by the satcaster's music channel Sirius Disorder (channel 24) at 9 PM(ET). The concert features Patti Smith, who helps close the doors to the famed club that is going out of business following an unsuccessful rent negotiation with its landlord. more>>
In the murky world of satellite radio and Canadian politics Richard Mahoney has emerged as a key player.
(11 October 2006)
He has signed up as a lobbyist for XM partner Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR). A close friend of Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, Liberal candidate Mahoney is expected to run in the federal riding of Ottawa Centre and offered a cabinet post should he win.
It finally appears that satellite radio is ready for prime time.
(10 October 2006)
According to Mediaweek big advertisers such as Pfizer, Geico and Proctor & Gamble are now including the medium in their advertising budgets. XM's Scott Karnedy, senior veep for sales and marketing noted that XM has exceeded $30 million in sales already for 2006, blasting the $20 million XM saw in sales last year. He also noted that the new media will "never replace network radio." more>>
WorldSpace is getting ready for the season by presenting the "Soundtrack of Your Life," starting on 23 October and running through the end of the year.
(10 October 2006)
The program features music from some of the best movies from Bollywood to Hollywood. According to WorldSpace Vice President of Global Programming William Sabatini, "At WorldSpace, we are committed to presenting to our subscribers innovative new content unavailable anywhere else on radio." more>>
Integra is improving getting into the HD Radio business.
(10 October 2006)
According to TWICE , the company is launching its first HD Radio tuner as part of a multi-room, multi-zone system. The MZA-4.7 multi-zone amp/preamp is an eight-source, four-zone model that can be integrated into whole-house home-control systems. It retails for around $1500. more>>
"The Love Sponge" is being sued.
(9 October 2006)
Sirius' Bubba the Love Sponge is now a defendant thanks to porn star Brooke Skye, whose real name is Hope Miller. She's accusing Bubba of forcing her to perform a sex act on his show using a sex toy which, she alleges, was too big. more>>
Hoping to stave off a recent onslaught from Sirius, XM is offering its listeners what they seem to want most -- more Bob Dylan.
(9 October 2006)
The satcaster is planning to mark the 24th episode of Bob Dylan's "Theme Time Radio Hour" with the running of all 24 shows consecutively from midnight to midnight on channel 15. The latest episode is also being satcast during its regular 10 AM(ET) Wednesday spot on channel 40. more>>
XM's Hot Import Nights (HIN) is on the road again, this time to Phoenix.
(5 October 2006)
The show takes place on Saturday, 14 October between 4 and 11 PM(MT) at the Firebird International Raceway. Chamillionaire and Ak'Sent are slated to perform. Attendees are also going to be entertained by sportbike stunts, go-go dancing and drifting demos. more>>
More people than ever before are now getting Sirius.
(4 October 2006)
The satcaster has announced that its subscription total has topped 1.5 million. The total of 5,119,308 happy listeners represents a gain of 135% above the third quarter of 2005. Sirius is now the industry leader in net subscriber additions for the fourth consecutive quarter.
XM-rated listeners now number 7.
(4 October 2006)
285 million strong.The satcaster has announced the addition of more than 285,000 subscribers during the third quarter of 2006, a result consistent with the company's previously-stated guidance that it will end the year with a total of between 7.87 million and 8.2 million subscribers. more>>
The XM Board of Directors is a little smaller.
(4 October 2006)
George W. Haywood has resigned, it was announced by Gary Parsons, XM's Chairman of the Board. "On behalf of XM's Board of Directors, I'd like to thank George for his contributions to XM over the last few years," said Parsons. "It's been a true pleasure to work with someone as talented as George and we wish him well in his future endeavors." more>>
Manchester United is now Sirius.
(4 October 2006)
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has agreed to an interview with the satcaster as part of the weekly "The Football Show." The interviewer is former Lazio star Giorgio Chinaglia. more>>
Hyundai is now officially XM-rated.
(3 October 2006)
The automaker has announced production of its first vehicles with standard, factory-installed XM satrads. The first all-new Sante Fe equipped with standard XM was produced at Hyundai's manufacturing in Montgomery, Alabama. It is the first of four Hyundai models to add XM as a standard feature this year. Others include the Sonata, Azera and Elantra. more>>
The latest Bridge ratings indicate that satellite radio sales are "sluggish" at best.
(3 October 2006)
Satrad purchasing is currently flat and is down 29 percent from Labor Day weekend. The largest age group for satellite subscribers continues to be 35-54 year-olds with 18-21 year-olds interested but finding it too costly. more>>
XM's latest satellite is getting a new set of antennas.
(3 October 2006)
Harris Corporation has announced that it has successfully completed is design review for two 9-meter reflectors that will be used onboard the satcaster's latest satellite that is being manufactured by Space Systems/Loral. Each features a gold mesh reflective surface and stores like an umbrella for launch into space. more>>
Sirius is going Strait.
(2 October 2006)
The satcaster is devoting Prime Country (Sirius 61) to the music of George Strait until 3 October. The channel is featuring all the music of the country superstar, including his upcoming new album, "It Just Comes Natural." The new Strait effort debuts tomorrow. more>>