News Articles From Days Gone BySatheads in waiting in Great Britain can finally start getting Sirius.
(29 September 2006)
Actually they'll probably be getting WorldSpace, one of two groups planning to launch a pan-European service of up to 250 channels within the next five years. Spanish group Ondas Media is planning a full European launch by 2010. "We'll have a mix of a wide variety of music genres," says Ondas chairman Torsten Freymark. WorldSpace says it has been licensed to offer satellite radio in Italy next year. more>>
Dalet Digital Media Systems says it has enhanced support for HD Radio and podcast distribution.
(29 September 2006)
Their products now support the the iBiquity encoder, enabling Program-Associated Data or Main Program Service data to be transmitted automatically during broadcast. more>>
As Dalet is helping broadcasters get sirius about HD Radio, LG Innotek is helping listeners do the same.
(29 September 2006)
They've been developing HD Radio modules to help receiver manufacturers produce lower-priced IBOC products. Two of their module designs for tabletop and home receivers have ben certified as compliant with iBiquity's Reference Design. They should provide a fast-track, less expensive path for getting HD Radio technology into AM and FM radio products. more>>
Thanks to an innovative peering arrangement DreamTank is getting Sirius.
(28 September 2006)
The entertainment and technology company will make Howard Stern and Sirius programming available to NYIIX and LAIIX members in New York and Los Angeles respectively using proprietary streaming broadband connections. Said DreamTank's Ammon Lisbona, "By having our broadband distribution of Sirius Satellite Radio and Howard Stern pass through the ports of metro New York's largest internet exchange, we immediately benefit from the NYIIX triple node's expansive accessibility to major providers." more>>
Satheads in the Houston area will be pleased to know that XM is taking them on a trip back to the 1960's, the heyday of rocker KILT.
(28 September 2006)
The satcaster is expected to use this Friday, 29 September 2006, to commemorate 29 September 1966 when the number one song was The Association's Cherish and the "Pick Hit of the Week" was Reach Out by the Four Tops. The event takes place on XM channel 6 between 3 and 8 PM(ET). Non-subscribers are advised to check it out on the XM website. more>>
Kicks just keep gettin' easier to find on Sirius.
(27 September 2006)
The satcaster has expanded its soccer coverage to include live matches from the UEFA Champions League under an agreement between Sirius and IMG Media . "With the addition of UEFA Champions League soccer to the Sirius sports lineup, listeners will have access to the matches that feature the best soccer talent in the world -- players like Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, Ronaldo and World Cup Star Fabio Cannavaro," said Scott Greenstein, Sirius President, Entertainment and Sports. Coverage begins today at 2:45 PM(ET) with live play-by-play of the match between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich on Sirius channel 125. more>>
Arbitron has postponed its reporting of individual satellite and HD radio channels pending further work to develop standards.
(27 September 2006)
The company says it will not set a firm date but hopes to include these channels at some point in 2007. Problems include ambiguities regarding exactly what programs listeners are hearing. For example, both Sirius and local terrestrial stations carry NFL football and Arbitron wants to make sure that survey diaries take this into account. It is possible, although unlikely, that Arbitron also wants to make sure that when someone says he's listening to Howard Stern he's not just getting some bleed through from the Sirius satrad in the adjacent car. more>>
After months of announcements, retractions, the wringing of hands and the gnashing of teeth the Stiletto is finally here.
(26 September 2006)
The first satrad that allows listeners to get Sirius while on the run, the Sirius Stiletto 100 is designed to compete with XM's Inno (see RUsirius.com story dated 11 September 2006). The small portable unit also has a short-range wireless Internet link that connects to Web radio. It is expected to sell for around $400. more>>
They may have lost in the Superbowl but Seattle at least can revel in the delights of XM's Hot Import Nights.
(26 September 2006)
The roving car and music show rolls into Qwest Field on 30 September at 5 PM(PT) and features former Seahawks SeaGal Amber Lancaster , now Miss HIN 2006. The show also features Cassie, Tami Chynn and DJ Miss Lisa.
HD radio is ready for prime time.
(26 September 2006)
The folks at iBiquity can take heart from the news that Arbitron is now counting them among the ranks of conventional and satellite radio. The company will begin collecting HD Radio information starting this winter. "Arbitron will continue to review diaries for early indications of how consumers will identify and report HD Radio," Arbitron stated. more>>
Jane Pratt is getting Sirius.
(25 September 2006)
The founder and former editor-in-chief of "Sassy" and "Jane" is slated to host "Jane Radio," a live, weekly talk show. Said Pratt, "Maybe it is all that experience I have talking to girl friends into the wee hours, but I can't wait to produce a show with Sirius that actually reflects in tone and content the way women talk to each other when their husbands and boyfriends aren't in the room." The three hour weekly show debuts this fall on Sirius channel 102. more>>
Oprah Winfrey may not be Sirius but she sure is XM-rated today.
(25 September 2006)
The talk show queen's XM channel, Oprah and Friends, launches this morning with shows hosted by her and personalities from her television show including Gayle King, Bob Greene and Maya Angelou. Guests are expected to include Annette Bening, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jon Bon Jovi and Donald Trump. more>>
Forget about football and baseball.
(25 September 2006)
WorldSpace, in keeping with its status as the only truly international satcaster, has announced that it has signed an exclusive broadcast license agreement with ESPN STAR Sports to provide subscribers with live audio coverage of cricket. Under the agreement, WorldSpace sports channel Play will have have exclusive broadcasting rights throughout South Asia for 12 tours and over 200 days of cricket comprising both test matches and one-day internationals.
Terrestrial radio fans rejoice!
(25 September 2006)
HD broadcasters across the country are beginning new promotions this winter by giving away thousands of new radios. In addition, iBiquity Digital is making a table top radio and component tuner for home audio systems available to HD radio stations for $99. "Now, more than ever, is the time to push listeners to retail stores to buy HD Radio products to truly appreciate the industry's digital creativity," said iBiquity Digital President Robert Struble. more>>
Delphi is releasing its third SkyFi radio, integrating the car XM system with a portable unit.
(22 September 2006)
The satrad is the same size as an MP3 player and features a 2.8-inch screen. It doesn't include a built-in antenna but does retail for $199. more>>
DJ Warrior finally got Sirius.
(22 September 2006)
The self-proclaimed "West Coast Mixtape King" debut Cali Untouchable Radio on 19 September, revealing that his main goal is to help the Left Coast's music scene. "There's gonna be real DJ's that do real sh--. It's like a Wake Up Show, but more grimy, more street." more>>
The Catholic Channel gets Sirius on Tuesday (26 September).
(22 September 2006)
The 24 hour Catholic network produced by the Archdiocese of New York is expected to feature live daily Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral, Notre Dame football and basketball games, and original programming covering numerous aspects of Catholic life. more>>
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is getting Sirius about signal bleed.
(22 September 2006)
NAB president David Rehr told the group's annual meeting in Dallas that the FM adapters used to relay the audio stream to a traditional FM radio are over-powered. Rehr said the problem includes decency issues related to programming such as Howard Stern's show bleeding into radios in nearby vehicles. more>>
Questions of public interest are apparently holding up the Federal Communications Commission's final adoption of HD Radio rules.
(22 September 2006)
During this week's NAB Radio Show FCC Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Robert McDowell both expressed a commitment, however, to seeing the FCC move quickly on the issue. Said Adelstein, "We want to be sure we've given the industry a chance to be heard on this important issue." more>>
All the talk of Howard Stern's return to terrestrial radio (see RUsirius.com story dated 19 September 2006) are apparently greatly exaggerated.
(21 September 2006)
"I moved to satellite and millions followed. And it will get bigger and bigger and bigger. I'm in a whole different universe. I'm not interested in going back to terrestrial radio. I don't know how many times I have to deny it," said the "King of All Media." more>>
Not satisfied only to be carrying NFL football, Sirius now wants an association with futbol -- the English way.
(21 September 2006)
The satcaster has entered into an agreement to become the exclusive satellite radio provider of Chelsea football. Starting this season Sirius plans to broadcast every Chelsea Premier League game live to the U.S. and Canada. The satcaster has been the official radio partner of the Barclays English Premier League. more>>
The popularity of HD radio continues to grow.
(21 September 2006)
At least 21 HD radio units are expected bo be available from 14 brands by November, according to suppliers and iBiquity. The latest home products include tabletop radios and component system attachments ranging in price from $199 to $299. more>>
As if anybody thought otherwise, New York's Metropolitan Opera is Sirius.
(20 September 2006)
They've now made it official be entering into an agreement with the satcaster to collaborate on a channel to broadcast four performances live each week. The channel, Sirius 85, will also carry 10 Met archival recordings weekly. The season starts this Monday, 25 September, with a performance with Puccini's "Madama Butterfly." more>>
Rush fans rejoice!
(20 September 2006)
Drummer Neil Peart has apparently been interviewed on Sirius yesterday in support of his new book, "Roadshow: Landscape With Drums." The interview, with topics including multi-show fans, intrusive fans, his motorcycle and more is available online. more>>
HD radio continues to roll on.
(20 September 2006)
Sangean is now offering the first HD component tuner to be priced under $200. The HDT-1 tuner plugs into any audio system using standard RCA cables. Don't like components? Sanegan also offers the HDR-1 tabletop radio for under $250. more>>
After almost a year on the spacewaves Howard Stern may finally decide that he's not really Sirius after all.
(19 September 2006)
The "King of All Media" has been dropping some thinly veiled hints that he's not happy with the small audience he's getting on satellite radio. Despite his $100 million contract the time may have come for him to move on. more>>
Not only is Niles Audio delivering state-of-the-art satellite radio systems (see RUsirius.com story dated 28 August 2006), they're now claiming to have an antenna that makes reception better than ever.
(19 September 2006)
The ANT-SAT antenna eliminates airborne interference, allowing listeners to hear every four-letter word in Howard Stern's vocabulary. The antenna is part of Niles' new satellite solutions line and is intended for high-end installations in homes and businesses. more>>
"Mellow Mel" et al.
(18 September 2006)
are remaining silent as to why they're not so Sirius about the Grand Ole Opry. The satcaster has dropped its broadcast of Nashville-based WSM-AM, home to the famous country music venue, from its line-up of radio programs. "We are disappointed out relationship has ended with Sirius but we will continue to explore a variety of other broadcast opportunities that complement our radio, television and Internet distribution," said Steve Buchanan, the Opry's senior veep for media and entertainment. more>>
International satcaster WorldSpace has announced that it would be broadcasting from the Virgin Festival at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore.
(18 September 2006)
UPop (channel 29) will be broadcasting live reports from the festival as well as exclusive backstage interviews all day Saturday, 23 September. more>>
Americans are listening to more radio, not less.
(18 September 2006)
That's the view of American Media Services via a survey they released late last week. Despite an onslaught from satellite radio and webcasting a surprising 20 percent of respondents say they're listening to more radio than they did five years ago. more>>
The Who are riding the Magic Bus to Sirius where the famous rock band will be hosting its own commercial free music channel.
(15 September 2006)
The satcaster announced the new channel during a press event in New York attended by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, the only remaining Who members. "The Who Channel" debuts on 21 September. more>>
This Friday (15 September) Mastodon is the featured guest on Sirius' Hard Attack.
(14 September 2006)
Brent Hinds and Brann Dailor are expected to explore the entrails of their major label debut, "Blood Mountain." They'll also discuss life on the road with host Jose Mangin. The show hits the spacewaves at 8:00 PM(ET). more>>
Maya Angelou is now XM-rated.
(13 September 2006)
The poet and novelist has agreed to host a weekly show for the satcaster's "Oprah & Friends" channel. Said Angelou, "I love Oprah a lot, and I'm excited with anything she's doing." The new program will be an hour long show called "Maya Angelou's America." more>>
Acura is expanding the availability of factory-installed XM radios throughout its entire 2007 model year line.
(13 September 2006)
The satcaster's systems will now be standard equipment on all Acura models. The automaker is also offering XM NavTraffic as part of the AcuraLink system available or an expanded line of four of its top-selling models including the 2007 Acura RL and TL luxury performance sedans. more>>
The National Lampoon is coming to XM.
(13 September 2006)
Starting 1 October the well known comedy brand is teaming with the satcaster to produce the "National Lampoon Comedy Radio," a 24-hour comedy channel. "The satellite delivery of the National Lampoon Comedy Network over our new XM channel has been a priority for the last couple of years; it is a milestone for our company and a testament to the vision of our partner, Kent Emmons," said Daniel Laikin, National Lampoon's Chief Executive Officer.
Danica Patrick is now XM-rated.
(13 September 2006)
The satcaster has signed a multi-year deal with Andretti Green Racing to be a major associate sponsor of the car driven by the celebrated racer. Said Howard Jacobs, XM senior veep for strategic partnership marketing, "XM is the home for racing's biggest stars, and Danica Patrick is a fantastic competitor who has become one of the biggest stars in all of sports." more>>
David Frear is getting Sirius about the Merrill Lynch Media & Entertainment Conference this year.
(12 September 2006)
The satcaster's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer is expected to present at the event in Pasadena, CA on Wednesday, 13 September at 2:50 PM(PT). A live audio webcast of the presentation will be made available at the Sirius website. more>>
XM beware!
(11 September 2006)
The competition is really sirius this time and it has a stiletto. The Sirius Stiletto allows listeners to download music in a fashion similar to that used by the Inno (see RUsirius.com story dated 14 July 2006). The satcaster is keeping quiet about the its newest offering but Crutchfield says it will retail for $349. more>>
Those thinking that satellite radio won't make it in the United States may want to consider what's going on in the rest of the world.
(11 September 2006)
WorldSpace is apparently being widely accepted in India where the international satcaster has seen a 50 percent increase in its subscriptions. Said WorldSpace managing director Shishir Lall, "The growth in subscriber base can be attributed to three factors,: an extensive communications campaign and a raising awareness for the concept of satellite radio, growing appreciation of the USP of the satellite radio medium in India and an aggressive promotional campaign." more>>
Grammy-award winning roots rock legend Dave Alvin is now officially XM-rated.
(1 September 2006)
He's joining the satcaster's stable of talent to host music show "9 Volt." The show, an hour-long exploration of American roots music, is named after his song dedicated to his transistor radio listening days, "Plastic Silver 9 Volt Heart." It premieres the week of 18 September on XM's Americana music channel X Country (XM 12). more>>
Anyone who wants to get sirius this Labor Day will have to forget it.
(1 September 2006)
Sirius has announced that it would broadcast a Labor Day Weekend marathon of Howard Stern's classic material culled from more than 23,000 hours and spanning two decades. The satcast is expected to mark the first time that the "King of All Media" will have his radio shtick aired unedited. Fans of Fartman, Lesbian Dial-a-Date and the Head Injury Club for Men stay tuned. more>>