Digital Radio (long)
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From: Memphis, TN
Digital Radio (long)
Here's an interesting excerpt from a consumers report article ( http://www.consumerreports.org/index.html ) .... quality radio listening may be just around the corner ....
"Digital radio
Satellite digital radio is finally a reality--sort of. Sirius Satellite Radio, one of two competing companies that will be offering the subscription service, has three satellites in orbit. The other company, XM Satellite Radio, expects to have its two satellites in orbit by early May. However, neither is expected to begin broadcasting programming until this summer. That's also about the time that compatible radio systems will become commercially available.
Broadcasting in a digital format means higher fidelity, CD-quality sound, and virtually no interference. Satellites allow the companies to provide coast-to-coast reception, which means that drivers will be able to travel anywhere within the lower 48 states--even in remote areas--and receive the same programming they would get at home. The subscription fee for either Sirius or XM service will be about $10 a month, for which subscribers will receive about 100 channels of various music genres (many commercial-free or with minimal commercial time), as well as existing news, sports, weather, talk radio, and other programming. To help ensure reliable reception in major metropolitan areas, where buildings could block the satellite signal, both companies are using a series of repeaters, which pick up the satellite signal and retransmit it around the local area.
Numerous audio-equipment manufacturers are expected to release compatible AM/FM/satellite-digital radios over the next several months. These include Alpine, Blaupunkt, Clarion, Delphi Delco, Jensen, Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, and Visteon. The lowest priced models are expected to begin at around $250. In addition, adapters designed to allow existing radios to receive the signal will be available for $250 to $400.
Several automakers will be also be offering compatible radios in selected 2002 models, although which car you buy may determine which service you'll be able to receive. BMW, Ford Motor Company, and DaimlerChrysler, for instance, will be installing Sirius-compatible radios, while GM and Honda have contracts with XM. According to Sirius, radios that are compatible with both services are about four years away. For more information, go to www.siriusradio.com or www.xmradio.com.
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2001 F-150 Super Crew Lariat 4x4
5.4 engine; Chestnut w/ gold trim; Captain's Chairs; Ford/ Duraliner bed insert; Access Roll-up bed cover; Six disc CD changer in '98/'99 Expedition center console; Fosgate FNP1614 component speakers (front); Pioneer TS-A6855 speakers (rear); 8 inch MTX subwoofer in custom built, center console, sealed enclosure; Zapco AG150 amplifier; DRL daytime running lights with Fog Lights (Mod)available at all times;
Bel 980 Radar detector; Moon roof; Bed extender; Class 3 trailer hitch; Factory splash guards (front & rear).
[This message has been edited by FedExPilot (edited 05-17-2001).]
"Digital radio
Satellite digital radio is finally a reality--sort of. Sirius Satellite Radio, one of two competing companies that will be offering the subscription service, has three satellites in orbit. The other company, XM Satellite Radio, expects to have its two satellites in orbit by early May. However, neither is expected to begin broadcasting programming until this summer. That's also about the time that compatible radio systems will become commercially available.
Broadcasting in a digital format means higher fidelity, CD-quality sound, and virtually no interference. Satellites allow the companies to provide coast-to-coast reception, which means that drivers will be able to travel anywhere within the lower 48 states--even in remote areas--and receive the same programming they would get at home. The subscription fee for either Sirius or XM service will be about $10 a month, for which subscribers will receive about 100 channels of various music genres (many commercial-free or with minimal commercial time), as well as existing news, sports, weather, talk radio, and other programming. To help ensure reliable reception in major metropolitan areas, where buildings could block the satellite signal, both companies are using a series of repeaters, which pick up the satellite signal and retransmit it around the local area.
Numerous audio-equipment manufacturers are expected to release compatible AM/FM/satellite-digital radios over the next several months. These include Alpine, Blaupunkt, Clarion, Delphi Delco, Jensen, Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, and Visteon. The lowest priced models are expected to begin at around $250. In addition, adapters designed to allow existing radios to receive the signal will be available for $250 to $400.
Several automakers will be also be offering compatible radios in selected 2002 models, although which car you buy may determine which service you'll be able to receive. BMW, Ford Motor Company, and DaimlerChrysler, for instance, will be installing Sirius-compatible radios, while GM and Honda have contracts with XM. According to Sirius, radios that are compatible with both services are about four years away. For more information, go to www.siriusradio.com or www.xmradio.com.
------------------
2001 F-150 Super Crew Lariat 4x4
5.4 engine; Chestnut w/ gold trim; Captain's Chairs; Ford/ Duraliner bed insert; Access Roll-up bed cover; Six disc CD changer in '98/'99 Expedition center console; Fosgate FNP1614 component speakers (front); Pioneer TS-A6855 speakers (rear); 8 inch MTX subwoofer in custom built, center console, sealed enclosure; Zapco AG150 amplifier; DRL daytime running lights with Fog Lights (Mod)available at all times;
Bel 980 Radar detector; Moon roof; Bed extender; Class 3 trailer hitch; Factory splash guards (front & rear).
[This message has been edited by FedExPilot (edited 05-17-2001).]