News Articles From Days Gone BySanyo is getting Sirius with the CRSR-10, the first Plug & Play satellite system including both home and car kits in one package.
(29 September 2004)
The whole package sells for a suggested retail price of $149.99 and will arrive at Wal-Marts later this month. Sirius boss Joe Clayton heralded the new product saying, "Consumers recognize the quality and reliability associated with the Sanyo brand, and they'll be getting a great deal with this new package that includes both car and home kits."
In an attempt to explain why its subscription rates are Siriusly higher than XM, "The Dog" to the unusual step of issuing a press release last week to spin up its explanation as to why listeners should pay more for its services.
(28 September 2004)
They pointed out that their sports programming is included with the monthly stipend. XM, on the other hand, charges a premium for certain channels in addition to its base price of $9.99 a month. Sirius also allows subscribers to listen on-line at no additional cost. Sirius boss Joe Clayton said Sirius was "proud" to be the only satellite radio company to make its lineup of commercial-free music channels available online at no additional cost.
Ann Arbor-based SkyWaves reports that satellite radio subscriptions are poised for spectacular growth this holiday season.
(27 September 2004)
SkyWaves' Steve Black said, "Our studies illustrate the enormous potential for accelerating subscriber gains. Among other things, we see three to four million new vehicles equipped with satellite radios annually and continually, beginning in the 2006 model year." XM is expected to reach a year-end total of 3.32 million to 3.37 million subscribers. It is estimated that Sirius will reach a year-end total of 955,000 to 980,000 listeners.
According to Twice , the in-car satellite TV market appears to be gaining momentum.
(24 September 2004)
Part of the enthusiasm for the technology is due to a price reduction by KVH , maker of the TracVision A5. The move resulted in sales tripling at KVH outlet Tweeter Home Entertainment, which dropped the price of the unit from $3,500 to $2,295 in July. Tweeter's Dan Jeancola said "It's a category that I think will continue to grow." Sirius and XM have both demonstrated to offer satellite TV. Sirius is in talks with automotive manufacturers about the technology. XM is waiting to see if the market for the technology continues to develop.
Canadian digital radio continues to move forward.
(23 September 2004)
Astral Media has now joined CHUM in bidding to offer a subscription-based digital radio service in urban areas. The CHUM service, initially 50 channels for $9.95 a month, is being presented to the CRTC in November. Satellite radio proposals are also being considered by the CRTC. Canadian Satellite Radio, a partnership of former NBA Raptors co-owner John Bitove and XM, is proposing to offer 101 channels for a monthly fee of $12.99. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Standard Radio, and Sirius intend to offer 78 channels, four of which would be produced in Canada, at the same monthly cost.
Satellite radio listeners may not know it but there is still a lot of bargaining going on over the issue of terrestrial repeaters.
(22 September 2004)
XM is continuing to expand its number of repeaters to improve its signal quality in urban areas, a program permitted under the special temporary authority (STA) granted by the FCC on 15 September. The STA granted both to XM and Sirius, however, continues to be contested by the WCS Coalition , which represents the interests of licensees in the Wireless Communications Services that operate in frequency bands adjacent those used by both satellite radio operators. Negotiations are ongoing.
Sirius investors will be pleased to know that the satellite broadcaster is participating in the Banc of America Investment Conference tomorrow, 22 September, in San Francisco.
(21 September 2004)
Executive Veep and CFO David Frear and Treasurer Andrew Gregor are scheduled to present at the event. A live audio webcast is being made available via the Investor Relations section of the Sirius website. A replay is available two hours afterwards.
Executive Veep and CFO David Frear and Treasurer Andrew Gregor are scheduled to present at the event.
(21 September 2004)
A live audio webcast is being made available via the Investor Relations section of the Sirius website. A replay is available two hours afterwards. Boeing Satellite Services of El Segundo, CA, is finally looking to rebound from flaws in its 702 model satellites, such as XM's "Rock" and "Roll." The problem, caused by solar-array concentrators used with the intent of making the satellites more efficient, may lead to insurance payouts of more then $1 billion. Because of the design flaw, the 702s have a reduced lifetime, forcing users to replace them sooner than expected.
XM is taking to the Internet, offering some of its stations to subscribers on the Web.
(16 September 2004)
The announcement comes on the heels of the company's discontinuation of a receiver for personal computers that had been used, in some cases, to circumvent the music industry's crackdown on illegal file sharing. Starting in early October XM is expected to charge $7.99 for a subscription to listen to 68 stations. Regular XM subscribers should be able to access the new service for an extra $3.99 a month.
The announcement comes on the heels of the company's discontinuation of a receiver for personal computers that had been used, in some cases, to circumvent the music industry's crackdown on illegal file sharing.
(15 September 2004)
Starting in early October XM is expected to charge $7.99 for a subscription to listen to 68 stations. Regular XM subscribers should be able to access the new service for an extra $3.99 a month. John Madden is either getting Sirius or going to "The Dog." In either case, the legendary NFL head coach and football analyst has signed with Sirius NFL Radio as commentator on the Sunday pre-game program "The Stadium Tailgate Show." "John Madden is one of the most respected authorities on football," said Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein. "The respect he commands among his peers in football is unrivaled, and the knowledge and expertise that he has demonstrated on the field and behind the microphone can only be matched by his passion for the game."
Just to show they're not just in it for the money, the folks at XM are launching a new channel dedicate to providing critical information during natural disasters, weather emergencies and other hazardous incidents.
(13 September 2004)
The XM Emergency Alert (channel 247) delivers key survival information such as evacuation routes, shelter locations and updated weather emergency information. XM boss Hugh Panero commented, "We are pleased to add XM Emergency Alert to our line up, especially during this extremely active hurricane season."
Monster Cable is getting Sirius.
(13 September 2004)
The company known for helping listeners get the most from their stereo systems is joining forces with the satellite broadcaster to market and distribute Sirius branded accessories for the home and mobile entertainment markets. The announcement was made at this year's Custom Electronics Design Industry Association (CEDIA) Expo . Sirius veep Bob Law said, "Monster Cable is a proven leader in training and marketing in the custom installation channel. Together, we will be able to expand the Sirius Satellite Radio experience to more consumers by providing new and improved options or he home and vehicle."
Hip-hop artist Nelly is personally presenting the world premiere of his two new albums, Sweat and Suit, tomorrow, 14 September, exclusively on Sirius.
(13 September 2004)
He'll take control of two commercial-free Sirius music channels as guest DJ, and will introduce each song on both of his new albums on the day of their U.S. release. Said Nelly, "Satellite radio is an important outlet for artists and I'm glad to have the opportunity to play my music personally for fans. I hope they enjoy it!"
The nation's leading satellite radio service has announced that its Fall 2004 original music series is now XM-rated.
(10 September 2004)
The season kicks off this Sunday, 12 September at 8 PM EDT with one-on-one interview and performance series "Artist Confidential." The debut program features nine-time Grammy-winner Bonnie Raitt. "XM's new exclusive music series again demonstrates why XM has been called the 'HBO of satellite radio,'" said XM boss Hugh Panero. In addition to "Artist Confidential," the XM fall line-up includes "Then...Again...Live," in which original artists are invited to re-create famous albums in a live setting, "From Be Bop to Hip-Hop with Quincy Jones," featuring personal reminiscences on the music industry by one of its most acclaimed leaders, "Welcome to Da Church with Big Snoop Dogg," a monthly 90-minute marathon of music and mayhem, and "Tom Petty's Buried Treasures," a set of little known musical delights and classic tracks with the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter.
Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) has announced the appointment of Stephen Tapp as President and Chief Operating Officer.
(9 September 2004)
CSR boss John Bitove commented, "I am delighted that Stephen has agreed to lead our team in obtaining a license for our proposed service to Canadian subscribers. Tapp comes to CSR from CHUM Limited , where he oversaw the company's television division.
Michelle McKinnon has been named Senior Director, Investor Relations by Sirius.
(8 September 2004)
The former investment banker is responsible for the communication of all investor-related matters. "As institutional and individual investors show greater interest in our company, it is important to have someone with Michelle's capital markets' experience to communicate our objectives to both of these important constituencies," said Sirius Chief Financial Officer David Frear. During the quarter ending 30 June, 2004, Sirius was the fourth most-active stock traded on NASDAQ.
Cable channel College Sports Television is getting Sirius.
(2 September 2004)
As part of an agreement with "The Dog," a comprehensive package of play-by-play sports programming will be featured, making Sirius the official satellite radio partner of top-ranked college football and basketball teams from 23 universities. Participants include Notre Dame, USC, UCLA, LSU, Oklahoma, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas, Ohio State, Florida, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, Auburn, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Syracuse, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.
Potential Audi drivers who can't make up their minds might be swayed by the automaker's decision to get Sirius (or XM-rated).
(1 September 2004)
Starting with the 2005 model year he Audi A8, TT Coupe and TT Roadster can be purchased with Sirius of XM as factory-installed options. Said Sirius veep Doug Wilsterman, "This will now allow more Audi customers to have access to our 65 channels of commercial-free music, and more than 50 channels of news, traffic, weather, and entertainment programming." Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "We are very pleased to announce that Audi is expanding the numbe of models that offer XM Radio."