Satelite Radio
#1
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Satelite Radio
I am thinking of putting satelite radio in my Z and have a few questions for you guys/girls....
- Which is better - Sirius or XM?
- Does the weather effect the reception at all?
- Can I still listen to local channels?
- Are all stations digital quality?
Any information on satelite radios would be great, since I know nothing about them.
Thanks,
- Which is better - Sirius or XM?
- Does the weather effect the reception at all?
- Can I still listen to local channels?
- Are all stations digital quality?
Any information on satelite radios would be great, since I know nothing about them.
Thanks,
#2
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"I am thinking of putting satelite radio in my Z and have a few questions for you guys/girls....
- Which is better - Sirius or XM?
- Does the weather effect the reception at all?
- Can I still listen to local channels?
- Are all stations digital quality?
Any information on satelite radios would be great, since I know nothing about them."
Do a search on the word Satellite Radio or XM radio and you'll see several threads on this. Mine has install photos as well.
I think XM is better and there are rumors that Sirius is in Serious financial trouble. My choice of XM is just my opinion however.
Weather so far has not effected my reception but I know that extremely heavy rainfall can drop out your signal on occasion. I have seen that with my home satellite (TV).
No local channels. These are not "real" stations that are available on regular radio. These are purely broadcast for XM listeners.
All the stations are digital and are chrystal clear.
Check out this website for more info: http://www.xmradio.com/index.html
- Which is better - Sirius or XM?
- Does the weather effect the reception at all?
- Can I still listen to local channels?
- Are all stations digital quality?
Any information on satelite radios would be great, since I know nothing about them."
Do a search on the word Satellite Radio or XM radio and you'll see several threads on this. Mine has install photos as well.
I think XM is better and there are rumors that Sirius is in Serious financial trouble. My choice of XM is just my opinion however.
Weather so far has not effected my reception but I know that extremely heavy rainfall can drop out your signal on occasion. I have seen that with my home satellite (TV).
No local channels. These are not "real" stations that are available on regular radio. These are purely broadcast for XM listeners.
All the stations are digital and are chrystal clear.
Check out this website for more info: http://www.xmradio.com/index.html
#3
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Again sirius just got big $$$ backing them and signed a deal with ford daimler chysler......and bmw to start installing.......xm has a contract but no $$$....... sirius will outlast xm
grogs
grogs
#5
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sat radio
I put the Delphi SkyFi radio in my nav'y spot. Like that it is portable and that it matches alum and light colors on instruments. We had problems because installer did not consider 6v vs. 12 v installation. Only a Delphi problem. Don't unplug anything you don't need to. Messes up system for a time. My wipers went on when with lights---crazy, but OK now.
I like to listen to lots of news so it works great. Lots of other great channels. Sirius has two sats and XM has one. Sirius has less commercial--like you will ever notice with 100 channels!
Not real compatible with Bose in my Touring. Had to install FM modulator. Sound quality OK but get some humming with high volume on some stations. Have to place antenna on roof--ouch. But looks OK.
Its difficult to deal with new model car with new model radio. I am happy with decision.
I like to listen to lots of news so it works great. Lots of other great channels. Sirius has two sats and XM has one. Sirius has less commercial--like you will ever notice with 100 channels!
Not real compatible with Bose in my Touring. Had to install FM modulator. Sound quality OK but get some humming with high volume on some stations. Have to place antenna on roof--ouch. But looks OK.
Its difficult to deal with new model car with new model radio. I am happy with decision.
#6
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Originally posted by Dr Bonz
One other difference between the two is that there is a monthly fee ($10) for the XM subscription and most of the channels are commercial free. Not sure ablut Sirius. I think it costs less a month but has fewer commercial free channels.
One other difference between the two is that there is a monthly fee ($10) for the XM subscription and most of the channels are commercial free. Not sure ablut Sirius. I think it costs less a month but has fewer commercial free channels.
Also, for installation, does anything physically hook up to your existing HU? I read on an XM site that the XM receiver rebroadcasts to a free FM station.
Thanks,
Todd
#7
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I don't think there is one commercial free and one with commercials. If there is, it isn't mentioned on their web site nor did the installer tell me about it.
The unit I use (a pioneer) uses and FM modulator and I have noticed no loss of quality at all. You tune your radio to 89.1 and it comes it chrystal clear. This isn't a function of XM however. It depends on what unit you buy. There are units that are "XM ready" and you hook up directly to them thus no modulator.
The unit I use (a pioneer) uses and FM modulator and I have noticed no loss of quality at all. You tune your radio to 89.1 and it comes it chrystal clear. This isn't a function of XM however. It depends on what unit you buy. There are units that are "XM ready" and you hook up directly to them thus no modulator.
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#8
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Originally posted by Dr Bonz
I don't think there is one commercial free and one with commercials. If there is, it isn't mentioned on their web site nor did the installer tell ne about it.
The unit I use (a pioneer) uses and FM modulator and I have noticed no loss of quality at all. You tune your radio to 89.1 and it comes it chrystal clear. This isn't a function of XM however. It depends on what unit you buy. There are units that are "XM ready" and you hook up directly to them thus no modulator.
I don't think there is one commercial free and one with commercials. If there is, it isn't mentioned on their web site nor did the installer tell ne about it.
The unit I use (a pioneer) uses and FM modulator and I have noticed no loss of quality at all. You tune your radio to 89.1 and it comes it chrystal clear. This isn't a function of XM however. It depends on what unit you buy. There are units that are "XM ready" and you hook up directly to them thus no modulator.
I am glad to hear about the 89.1. That is what I had heard. The good thing is that XM works with ANY FM stereo then.
Thanks,
Todd
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Can you hide the display in the sunglass storage
I was just wondering if the Pioneer xm display would fit in the sunglass storage. I never use it now for my glasses because the glasses rattles. Plus it would be an easy access to change channels without it being in the opening. So, what do you think?
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MF Smith
I believe that somewhere on this website someoone mounted their Satelite Radio antenna on the strut brace in the rear hatch area. Awesome idea if the reception is good. I will be doing that if I can get it to work.
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there are many misconceptions regarding satellite radio, and the foremost of these is antenna location. you absolutely can mount the antenna inside the car - where in the car depends on the car itself, but it will work 99 times out of 100. i've yet to run across a car we've installed XM or Sirius in that didn't work somewhere inside the car. there are many cars (such as the Z or my old S2000) that are difficult to mount an antenna to without looking awkward. inside works! don't let it hold you back!
seth
seth
#14
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This is correct. Mine is inside the car and is on the plastic part of the rear strut brace. When I told the installer that that was where I wanted it (after reading that someone had already done it), they told me they couldn't do it. They said something about it having to be applied to the metal of the car on the roof. I insisted they do it the way I asked and they were surprised that it worked just fine. I get a great signal. The only time it drops out is if the Southern sky (where the satellite is) is blocked by structures (buildings, trees with a bunch of leaves, overhead coverings like at gas stations) and even then, it doesn't always drop out with these. For example, INSIDE my garage with the door CLOSED it still comes in fine. I haven't figured that one out yet???
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I went with XM over Sirious
The main reason I chose XM is becuase they don't compress their music before broadcasting it, unlike the other company that does compress it. There was an article on this in the latest Car Audio and Electronics mag.
Mine will be done tomorow. I went with the Pioneer MP840 Head Unit and the Pioneer Module (not FM Modulator.)
Can this peice (that doesn't dial into FM) still be mounted inside the car? They told me 4 inches off the rear glass on the top of the car. I would like mine inside too if possible.
Mine will be done tomorow. I went with the Pioneer MP840 Head Unit and the Pioneer Module (not FM Modulator.)
Can this peice (that doesn't dial into FM) still be mounted inside the car? They told me 4 inches off the rear glass on the top of the car. I would like mine inside too if possible.
#17
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It doesn't matter what unit you have as to where you put the antenna, it just depends on the antenna. I used the Sony antenna. It is the smallest one out there as far as I know. It is a little smaller than an standard computer mouse. The installers will tell you that you HAVE to put it outside on metal, but trust me, you really don't have to. Mine is on the plastic part of the rear strut and I too have a Pioneer unit. Works just fine.
Here is my antenna:
Sony AN XM100 antenna
Here is my antenna:
Sony AN XM100 antenna
#18
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Thanks!
I think mine is the Pioneer. I am going to call them tomorow at 10am when they open and have mine put inside too.
Glad I read this, I was worried about someone snagging it.
Glad I read this, I was worried about someone snagging it.
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Thanks for the link
I will have pics up of my entire system Sunday including XM stuff.
This is the head unit I will be using.
http://store2.yimg.com/I/caraudiovideo_1715_430134
This is the head unit I will be using.
http://store2.yimg.com/I/caraudiovideo_1715_430134
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