SIRIUS Satellite Radio's GLBT channel, Sirius OutQ (ch 106), will be providing live coverage of the Gay Games VII from July 15th through July 22nd.
OutQ will broadcast the entire event - from the Opening Ceremony from Soldier Field to the Closing Ceremony from Wrigley Field - with interviews, profiles and stories of the athletes, directors and performers along the way.
Look for Sirius OutQ hosts offering colorful commentary and... behind-the-scenes facts about the event as well.
It's always stinks when you have a typo, especially when it's on a printed piece. And it especially stinks when it's your phone number.
Like when XM Satellite Radio recently sent out 78,000 postcards asking subscribers to update their billing information... only to realize the number was off by one-digit. (doh!)
Unfortunately, the wrong number goes to a small business, who with only 8 employees fielded over 1,200 calls on Friday alone. And since it was sent out via a 3rd party, the calls may continue for another 2 weeks.
WorldSpace (you know, that other satellite radio provider) has inked a deal with Sodielec to develop terrestrial repeater prototypes across Western Europe, starting in Italy.
Valued at 800,000 Euros the contract includes prototype design and development as well as guaranteed pricing for subsequent large-scale production of at least one model.
The Sodielec prototypes in Q4 2006 with production and deployment slated for 2007.
The folks over at GSI got their hands on some new Sirius Plug-and-Play receiver photos. The first is of the upcoming Brix Streamer GT3 ST3TK1B, which is essentially Brix's version of the Sirius Starmate Replay. The second photo is of the Brix Streamer 3 SP3TK1B, which is the Brix version of the Sirius Sportster 4.
Streamer GT3: 
Streamer 3:
It's important to note that these are meant to be middle-tier units, so the Replay functions will not be available in either unit. The display is also an Amber display, rather than the cool blue. This gives a clear upgrade path for the consumer.
Both units will be compatable with the same docking connector. That will allow you to snap the unit into the SUPV1 Sirius Universal Vehicle Kit, the SUPH1 (Universal Home Kit) and the SUBX1 (Universal Boombox). Very nice.
UPDATE: Looks the new units are expected to be available November 2006. Also from this page, there will be support for "'Smart' Docks & Accessories" which I hope means there will be some universal portable systems for future plug-and-play receivers.
Looking for deals on the new Sirius Stiletto? Look no further than below:
UPDATE: Orbitcast is completely obsessed with the new Sirius Stiletto, so if you're part of the thousands looking for info on the upcoming device, check out all the links below:
Keep checking back with Orbitcast, because if there's any info or news involving the Stiletto, you know we'll be covering it.
Thanks to quick photo work by The Deal, we (finally) have a photo of the pre-release version of Sirius' fully-portable satellite radio/MP3 player as Mel Karmazin is holding up at the Convergence 2.0 conference earlier this week.
To your right you can see Mel holding the device while he's talking about it's live on-the-go features, and that he promises that it will come out by the end of this summer.
If that's not enough, the boys over at Tech Effect were nice enough to provide a monsterous close-up photo of the device (which we believe will be known as the SIRIUS Stiletto SL100-TK1).
So without further adeau, here's what we have:
Now, the only point of reference for size we have is Mel's hand (which isn't a very scientific unit of measurement) and the connector - which looks identical to the Sportster 4's connector. So... that would put the connector's dimensions at just over 1" wide and 1/4" high,which gives us a reference point for how thick and wide the device is. Then again, this could just be a prototype.
[via Tech Effect]
(Engadget, Gizmodo, GSI, SSG and Sirius Backstage found it too)
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
In Forbes today, Bear Stearns analyst Robert Peck noted that XM's website peaked around Father's Day at levels "significantly higher" than average, indicating a possible increase in interest around the holiday. By contrast, Sirius Satellite Radio's traffic stayed within the average range - spiking after Father's Day.
Curious. This peaked my interest. So I embarked onto good ol' Alexa to get a clearer picture:
Here's the Alexa graph showing the past month's worth of reach trending. I say "trending" because Alexa is great to determine exactly that - it's not an absolute measurement. Anyway.
So xmradio.com saw a significant spike in traffic just before Father's Day, yet sirius.com saw a spike after Father's Day. This could be translated in different ways as the post-Father's Day traffic could very well be from online activations (a good sign for Sirius). While the pre-Father's Day traffic for XM could be an indication that their TV spot made a difference. Ohh the speculation.
Whatever the causes, I'm pretty much convinced that the post-Father's Day traffic is from activations or from new subscribers checking out the service. Good news since this period is so important for consumer electronics sales.
But there's one thing that doesn't add up... Stern started streaming just before Father's Day.
Well well, looks like Willie's Place is going to XM afterall. XM Satellite Radio just announced that country music legend Willie Nelson will join XM, to launch "Willie's Place" (XM 13), formally known as "Hank's Place."
In his new role, Nelson will provide creative direction for the channel, as well as contribute exclusive programming to "Willie's Place" and other XM music channels.
"Willie's Place" will begin broadcasting July 10.
In addition to changing the channel name, XM is building new studios for "Willie's Place" in Carl's Corner, TX, located in the Willie Nelson's BioDiesel Truck Stop. "Willie's Place" will begin broadcasting live from Carl's Corner in 2007.
Willie Nelson is very popular with truckers (a key community for satellite radio). Peter Bell, a Texas biodiesel supplier said it perfectly to Wired News:
"What Willie brings to this is the ability to communicate directly with a truck driver. That kind of community is hard for people to get to. When he starts talking, these folks really listen to him.... It's like having Tiger Woods talk about golf clubs."
SIRIUS Satellite Radio has signed on Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductee Bill Gaither to host a new Souther Gospel music program.
The show, entitled Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Radio will feature classic as well as new southern gospel music, and will debut on Sunday, July 9th on SIRIUS ch 62, The Roadhouse.
The three-hour program will be broadcast at 9am ET and again at 9pm ET every Sunday.
XM Satellite Radio has inked a deal with the National Press Club to launch From the National Press Club - a news and current events program.
The hour-long, weekly show will feature broadcasts from international and national guest speakers, high-profile press conferences and other "newsworthy" events taking place at the National Press Club.
The show will debut on Saturday, July 1st @ 9pm ET on XM Public Radio (ch 133). The debut episode will feature remarks from special guest Vice President Dick Cheney made at the annual Gerald R. Ford Foundation's Journalism Awards luncheon.
[Press Release]
Starting this fall, SIRIUS Satellite Radio will launch Variety Radio News. Powered by reporters and editors of Variety magazine, Variety Radio News will deliver entertainment news multiple times each hour of every day.
Oddly enough, Variety Radio News will air on SIRIUS' Los Angeles channel (ch 150).
Bridge Ratings has released a survey that outlines the effect of digital media on terrestrial radio listening. The results are broken down on overall listenership, and then broken down by format. Overall, Internet radio caused the most amount of loss, with Satellite Radio coming in at #2. Here's the breakdown:
Satellite Radio caused 36% of respondants to listen to less traditional radio, while 23% actually listened to more radio and 41% said it had no effect. Overall, satellite radio caused a -12% loss in listening to traditional radio.
When broken down by format, here's how satellite radio listeners responded when compared to :
Time Spent with Various Media Persons 15-64
| Format Preference | % Listen |
Radio Hrs per wk |
Satellite Hrs per wk |
| Adult Contemp | 15.6% |
7.10 |
6.25 |
| Adult Hits | 2.1% |
7.15 |
5.25 |
| Alternative | 3.5% |
7. 25 |
7.75 |
| Contemporary Hits Radio | 12% |
6.50 |
6.00 |
| Country | 9.3% |
7.45 |
5.75 |
| New AC/Smooth Jazz | 2.5% |
8.25 |
7.25 |
| News/Talk | 19% |
5.75 |
6.50 |
| Oldies | 5% |
5.75 |
5.00 |
| Rock | 10% |
6.50 |
8.25 |
| Spanish | 12% |
7.75 |
4.75 |
| Urban | 11% |
6.25 |
5.50 |
This is pretty interesting. An article in today's Washington Times highlights the draw to Bob Dylan's show on XM Satellite Radio:
Rock legend Bob Dylan draws about 1.7 million listeners on XM Satellite Radio, making his weekly show one of the most popular that the subscription service offers, said XM President and Chief Executive Officer Hugh Panero.
Washington-based XM has more than 6 million subscribers. Mr. Panero would not tell us which programs draw the biggest audience on a daily basis, but he did say that "The Opie & Anthony Show," along with XM's comedy and news channels, tend to be the most popular.
Now, neither XM or SIRIUS expose the number of listeners for each of their channels. It's unfortunate because us fanboys would love to sit there and pick over any of these numbers - but then again, it's competitive intelligence. As long as no one is talking, why show your hand? (It would also serve as great market research for terrestrial radio.)
But XM has shown us a glimpse, here's the breakdown:
Total number of XM Radio Listeners* - 13.6 million
XM's The '70s - 2.1 million listeners
XM's The '80s - 1.9 million listeners
XM's 20-on-20 - 1.8 million listeners* Yes, "listeners" are different than "subscribers"
So... after seeing those numbers, knowing that Theme Time Radio Hour is bringing in about 1.7 million XM listeners is pretty damn impressive indeed.
Are you not getting your fix of Diamond Dave since he was fired from CBS Radio? Well, wipe away those precious tears because David Lee Roth is coming to SIRIUS Satellite Radio... but only for a little while.
DLR will be dropping by SIRIUS' Outlaw Country (ch 63) this Friday, June 30th @ 11am ET, to discuss his new album - Strummin’ with the Devil. And if you miss it, you'll be able to catch him again on Monday, July 3rd @ 11am ET for the replay.
[via Sirius Fan Network]
Thanks Todd!
Lots of rumors and speculation going around about the possible retail delays from Sirius. Here's a compilation of all the chatter (yes, some of it is conflicting):
And that's all so for now.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has added the "baseball" episode from Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour music show on XM Satellite Radio, to its archive.
The one-hour episode contains Dylan singing an a cappella rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," along with classic baseball calls, such as Curt Gowdy's legendary call of Ted Williams' home run in his final at-bat with the Boston Red Sox, and baseball original compositions, such as Buddy Johnson's "Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball" and "The Ball Game" by Sister Wynona Carr, among others.
The CD will be added to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library archive, which features more than 10,000 hours of recorded audio and video, and will be available for researchers to access.
The word on the street is that Sirius has halted shipments to all retail outlets. Requests for comment from Sirius have gone unanswered, but the rumor is coming in from various sources.
More details as they come in...
If you take a look at XACT's website, you'll notice that only the XACT Visor has a "buy" button next to it.
Similarly, on Directed Electronics' website the Sirius Starmate Replay, along with the Sirius One, are no longer available.
Combined with Audiovox removing both XM and Sirius radios from their website, and it definitely smells like something's up.
A couple days ago a loyal reader noticed that all Sirius plug-and-play units were being listed as "out of stock" on Sirius' online store. Not sure if this was a glitch or a restocking issue, I held back from jumping to any conclusions. Yesterday, GSI had gotten word that Sirius units were actually pulled because the radios are getting a retool over FCC transmitter issues. Following a possible FCC inquiry, Sirius will most likely be shipping receivers with weaker FM transmitters in the near future. (Interestingly enough, the NAB results contradict reports that the Sportster 4 has a weak FM transmitter.)
UPDATE: The NAB tested the previous generation Sportster Replay SPTK2, not the Sportster 4 as previously stated.
Even with a vehicle's insultating properties, the Sirius S50 still came in at an average of 56.7dBuV/m.
So what about the antennas? Apparently the supplied antenna is only a #20 guage wire (which is a no-no for some reason). Also the Sirius antenna connectors consist of a standard 2.5mm audio connector, and that violates the FCC requirement that the connector be a unique connector. The whole intent of this requirement is to prevent the use of an antenna that can be used to boost the signal beyond required emission levels.
[GSI]
[View the NAB Report] (PDF)
Thanks tim!
Here's a phenominal feature of Hugh Panero in the New York Times' "The Boss" (a weekly column featuring a first-person account by a corporate leader). It's extremely humanizing and has some incredibly personal information that I don't think has ever been published before.
It's truly a great read. View it here. (PDF)
SIRIUS Satellite Radio has inked a deal with Barbara Walters to air a weekly two-hour series that replays many of the interviews Walters has conducted since joining ABC in 1976. The two-hour series, entitled Barbara Walters' Best of the Very Best, will begin next year on SIRIUS Stars (ch 102).
Walters has also agreed to host "Ask Barbara Anything," a one-hour show where she will take calls from listeners. This show will air four-times a year.
"It is a wonderful way for them to be heard," Walters told The Associated Press. "So many of them are classics. It is everything from Lucille Ball and John Wayne and Bing Crosby and George Burns to Matthew McConaughey and Julia Roberts."
This is an old article about the Sirius and XM merger
Orbitcast has been relentlessly covering the satellite radio merger since the rumors began in early 2005. If you're researching the Sirius/XM merger, you may want to check the Merger tag, or the Merger Category which will give you a comprehensive listing of all articles involving the proceedings.
For the latest news, information and rumors on the Sirius-XM merger, just keep checking Orbitcast, or subscribe to the RSS feed.
Below is the archived article...
Reuters reports: SIRIUS Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin said today at a conference in New York that Sirius is definitely not up for sale. But when inevitably asked the question about an XM and SIRIUS merger, he had this to say:
"Regarding XM - would we like to buy them? Sure. We'd love to buy them. Price would matter, so that would be an issue ... (and) there would definitely be the regulatory issue," said Karmazin.
Mel was very clear about one thing regarding mergers, "If we do another deal, I'm gone." Referring to the stuggles he had with Summer Redstone after the CBS/Viacom merger.
It sure is headline material. "XM and SIRIUS merger?" Stuff that newspapers lap up. But I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I'm against the idea. I've put together a list of 5 reasons why I think XM and SIRIUS should not merge after the jump...
I'm not really sure if this is a big deal or not, but it appears that Audiovox has pulled all their satellite radios from their website. That includes both Sirius and XM units.
If you go to Audiovox's website and do a model number search on "sir" (for Sirius) or "xm" (for, uhm, XM) you'll find a few antennas, boomboxes, adapters, etc - but no plug-and-play receivers or anything manufactured by Audiovox. The Audiovox satellite radio landing page shows nothing either.
Very odd.
UPDATE: If you look at the archived version of Audiovox's website, you'll notice that both "Sirius Satellite Radio" and "XM Satellite Radio" are listed in the navbar under the MOBILE section. These are no longer there.
XM Satellite Radio will be featuring special Superman programming this week just as the movie Superman Returns is arriving in theaters across the country.
The cast of the movie, including Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Brandon Routh, Parker Posey and others, will descend upon Ethel (XM 47) this Wednesday starting at noon (Eastern) and continuing all day.
The director of Superman Returns, Bryan Singer, will appear on Cinemagic (XM 27) starting on Monday @ 2pm ET to talk about his latest project with Dave Z on Reel Time. They'll discuss the evolution of the project, the difficulties of writing a script on a superhero who is virtually indestructable, and the amazing score from composer John Ottman. Encores will be replayed all week.
Speaking of John Ottman, also on Cinemagic, the movie's composer will discuss the music behind the Superman Returns starting on Wednesday at Midnight ET and lasting all day long. Every hour will feature a cue with liner notes from Ottman and background behind each cue.
And then on Radio Classics (XM 164) tune in for a Man of Steel Marathon. Before he hit the big screen, Superman was a radio star and Radio Classics will feature the entire old time radio storyline that originally aired over a two week span in February 1948.
At Friday's Digital Media Conference, XM Satellite Radio President and CEO Hugh Panero showed no hesitation when discussing the battle between XM and the RIAA.
"As long as there are entrepreneurs trying to find new ways to make consumers happy, there have been people... who try to stifle change," said Panero. "This is just a normal cycle that occurs following an attack of paranoia."
Panero added that XM is currently negotiating with the RIAA to resolve industry concerns. "While I can't comment on the specifics, we've put very meaningful deals on the table. Our goal is to find a business solution to what's become a business issue."
With XM Satellite Radio and the RIAA going head-to-head against each other, XM is making sure that the Artist Community understands their commitment to them.
It's a smart move, and a necessary one, because music is the center of satellite radio. There's also, in my opinion, no better method for unsigned artists and back-album tracks to get airplay. Terrestrial radio has abandoned them.
Another point that is being brought up over and over again, and it's a key one for artists to consider: the satellite radio industry is the single largest contributor of sound recording performance royalties to artists and record labels.
And this is an industry arguably still in its infancy. Imagine 5 years from now. This is something that the RIAA isn't grasping for some reason, or perhaps they're a lil' too greedy and those tens of millions of dollars already being paid to them just isn't enough. Disgusting.
[XM Radio Open Letter to the Artist Community]
Thanks cb!
SIRIUS Satellite Radio will be featuring Gretchen Wilson in a special acoustic performance on SIRIUS New Country (ch 60). "The Redneck Woman" has hand picked a seven-piece acoustic band to play the popular hits you know and love.
The SIRIUS New Country Soundstage performance will play tonight, June 23rd @ 6pm ET and will be rebroadcast on Sunday, June 25th @ 12 pm ET.
And on July 4th, SIRIUS New Country will be turning off the electricity and will be playing 100% acoustic songs all day long.
SIRIUS Satellite Radio applied for 16 new repeaters today. Well actually, they filed two days ago, then withdrew it yesterday, and then re-submitted today (correcting some errors in the first app).
A majority of the new Sirius repeaters are in coastal cities. Here's a list of the cities applied for:
Here's the STA description:
Description: Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. herein requests a modification of its Special Temporary Authority to operate sixteen additional satellite digital audio radio service terrestrial repeaters.
[Download the STA Application] (PDF)
This is assumably in preparation for the upcoming Sirius Wearable.
Opie & Anthony were featured in Reuters yesterday, which is a testiment that O&A's exposure on terrestrial radio is driving their awareness levels - and media attention - and as a result the awareness of XM. It's an interesting approach for exposure for XM Satellite Radio, and one that always is under constant debate here in the comments. This directly addressed in the article:
XM called the deal a success as well. "We're getting enormous branding and exposure for XM," said executive vice president of programming Eric Logan.
"The benefit to XM subscribers is that they get the uncensored show. I think we're turning new people on to XM, which is translating into new subscribers," Cumia said.
The thought that giving something away for free, in order to get them to pay for more of it, isn't anything new in this world. Free samples and trial periods are something we've all experienced. A majority of people will opt to stay with the free - that's a given - but the increased exposure you get from giving it away ultimately adds to the bottom line.
It's in creating that desire in people to get more of the service that will truly make a difference.
[Reuters]
Just as we thought, the NAB stirred the FM Modulator pot with their own testing so they could go crying to the FCC. Surprise surprise. This from Billboard Radio Monitor:
[...] NAB spokesperson Dennis Wharton says, “Our tests showed that 13 of the 17 wireless devices (76%) exceeded field strength limits set by the FCC. Six of those devices exceeded the FCC field limit by 2,000%. One device transmitted a signal that was 20,000% stronger than allowed by FCC rules. Many of the devices also transmitted signals that were substantially wider in bandwidth than permitted by the FCC, resulting in potential interference to 1st and 2nd adjacent channels as well.”
The NAB has sent letters to both FCC chairman Kevin Martin as well as Senate Commerce Committee chairman Ted Stevens and co-chairman Daniel Inouye notifying them of the results.
If they spent this much time on creating innovative programming, they'd have masterpieces.
SIRIUS Satellite Radio has just announced Fangoria Radio, a new horror-themed entertainment radio show made in association with Fangoria Magazine. Hosted by non-other than Twisted Sister frontman and horror film producer/actor Dee Snider - Fangoria Radio will air for 3-hours every Friday nights from 10pm - 1am ET on SIRIUS Stars (ch 102).
Fangoria Radio will debut on Friday, June 23, 2006. That's tomorrow.
Dee Snider, along with his sidekick, the celebrated 'Scream Queen' and radio veteran Debbie Rochon, will conduct interviews with celebrities in the horror world, take listener call-ins, provide updates on horror movies, and even hold some special on-location visits to the biggest horror films in production.
Fangoria Magazine editor Tony Timpone will appear frequently on the program to provide his trademark insight and opinions on the latest horror news and happenings.
Interesting... looks like Mr. Willie Nelson may have a new satellite radio program in the works. Aside from talking about his BioWillie biodiesel stations, my guess would be that this will feature concerts from his Willie's Place Theater.
Willie's Place Theater is a sort of full service, year-round, live music venue; reminiscent of a Branson, Missouri Opry house, boasting an 80ft stage and an intimate 850 seats. It's meant specifically for truckers - which makes broadcasts from it perfect for satellite radio. Question is... which one?
UPDATE: Interesting. The Attorney of Record is Robert A. Rosenbloum... the same Attorney of Record for the Radio Margaritaville filing. Me thinks this'll be a new SIRIUS show.
Thanks Matt!
UPDATE 2: Looks like Willie Nelson is going to XM afterall.
| Word Mark | WILLIE'S PLACE |
| Goods and Services | IC 038. US 100 101 104. G & S: Satellite radio broadcasting services |
| Standard Characters Claimed | |
| Mark Drawing Code | (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK |
| Design Search Code | |
| Serial Number | 78906924 |
| Filing Date | June 13, 2006 |
| Current Filing Basis | 1B |
| Original Filing Basis | 1B |
| Owner | (APPLICANT) Nelson, Willie INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES c/o MR & Associates 36 Mill Plain Road, Room 406 Danbury CONNECTICUT 06811 |
| Attorney of Record | Robert A. Rosenbloum, Esq. and Kristen L. Fancher, Esq. |
| Type of Mark | SERVICE MARK |
| Register | PRINCIPAL |
| Other Data | The name(s), portrait(s), and/or signature(s) shown in the mark identifies Willie Nelson , whose consent(s) to register is submitted. |
| Live/Dead Indicator | LIVE |
AllAccess.com is reporting that the FCC is considering opening the 17/24 GHz bands to a new broadcasting satellite service.
Opening of this spectrum could bring "a new generation of innovative satellite services to American consumers -- providing a mix of video, audio, data and multimedia services to residential and business subscribers."
On June 25th, SIRIUS Satellite Radio's living-legend DJ Cousin Brucie will be inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall Of Fame.
The Cuz has already been inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and the Cable and Broadcast Hall of Fame, and is included in the pioneering rock radio DJ exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
You can hear Brucie on Wednesday Night with the Cuz and Cousin Brucie's Saturday Night Party on SIRIUS 60s Vibrations and Talkin' With the Cuz on SIRIUS Stars on Wednesdays.
[via SSG]
XM is bringing on the funny.
This July is Comedy Month, and XM Satellite Radio is celebrating by running "Laugh Out Loud Month" (el oh el!) with special comedy features that're sure to give you the ol' elbow jab in the ribs.
Check out xmradio.com for more details and a full schedule. (tee hee!)
I normally don't like covering anything about terrestrial radio ratings - mostly because I feel the Arbitron ratings system has more holes in it than swiss cheese. But for the XM folks, this news points to increased exposure on a highly targeted audience. Whether you're a fan of them or not, the fact is that O&A on terrestrial provides daily brand awareness to XM Satellite Radio as they have free reign to plug XM.
Anyway, back to the ratings.
In the just released Arbitrends:
WYSP/Philadelphia bumped up in Persons 12+ (from 1.5 to 2.4), Persons 18-34 (from 1.8 to 4.1), Persons 25-54 (from 1.9 to 3.2) and Men 18+ (from 2.3 to 3.9).
In WFNY (formally WXRK Krock) in New York City, the Opie & Anthony Show doubled the David Lee Roth's ratings - which admittedly wasn't too hard to do - with Persons 12+ (1.1 - 2.3), Persons 18-34 (1.4 - 4.2), Persons 25-54 (1.6 - 3.4) and Men 18-34 (1.9 - 4.0).
Keep in mind that these Arbitrend ratings are only for the first month of on terrestrial radio.
[via FMQB]
UPDATE: WBCN/Boston Arbitrends are in, and here's the breakdown:
Persons 12+ (from 1.6 to 3.4), Persons 18-34 (from 2.3 to 6.7), Persons 25-54 (from 1.5 to 4.1), and Men 18-34 (from 1.9 to 5.3).
With XM now in the good graces with the FCC over their radio FM transmittion capabilities, many have been wondering about how this affects the Pioneer Inno and Samsung Helix. What is going to happen to the FM transmitter on thse units?
As some are aware (and if not, you are now), the Inno's firmware was updated recently to disable the FM Modulator while you have the Inno in handheld mode or on the Home Dock. This new firmware was also included in all the latest Inno units being shipped out this month. Previously, you were able to plug in the headphones, or dock it in the Home Dock, and instantly you were a walking radio station.
As a refresher, the modifications that XM did to reduce FM transmission was the simply the addition of a ferrite bead. This lowers the FM transmissions just enough to pass the FCC's testing. Great, add a 25-cent part, and everyone's happy.
Now, here's the kicker. Keep in mind that the vehicle itself will actually lower the emissions levels of the FM modulator. But in handheld mode, you don't have the vehicle's insulating effects. So in order to get the emissions low enough to pass in handheld mode, it would compromise the reception you would have in the car. In other words, lowering the FM transmitter in the firmware would make vehicle levels useless.
And that's why it's only available while on the car dock. XM wanted it to work best where it was most needed by the average customer.
The CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) posted an advertisement in a Capitol Hill publication urging legislators to oppose restrictions on satellite radio. The ad pulls no punches, highlighting some of the self-benefitting dreck that the RIAA, MPAA and ASCAP have spouting over the past. century.
View the full ad here (PDF)
Let's hope this makes a difference. Emailing your local Congressmen will definitely help make a difference. And with mid-term elections right around the corner, perhaps we should keep a tally of those who supported anti-satellite radio (and anti-fair use) legislation?
[via Ars Technica]
The sleuths over at Sirius Backstage have discovered the Sirius SL100-TK1 radio listed in one of Crutchfield's company databases, along with new car/home kits, and antenna headphones.
The naming convention of "SL100" indicates that the Sirius Stiletto moniker will likely be the name of the device, and that it will have 100 hours worth of storage (or 2Gb disk space).
I spent some time trolling through Crutchfield's site swapping out image names wiith "SK100TK1" but to no avail (so don't bother).
UPDATE: The photo above is most definitely not a photo of the new Sirius Wearable unit. It was originally found on SIRIUS' homepage, and thought to be a leaked image... but lo-and-behold it's just a stock photo.
XM is running a promotion for the Pioneer Inno now, allowing for $100 off for a limited time. Sure there's the regular terms and conditions (such as a 6-month service commitment) but the deal is pretty damn good.
So anyway, to find this deal just go here and enter this coupon code:
XM Promo Code: 2PRK2S4UE
Offer good while supplies last.
Thanks Jonathan!
Looks like General Motors is up to something. In a recent U.S. Patent application, GM has spec'd out a method for "customized music delivery" to vehicles. Here's the abstract first:
A system and method for customized music delivery to a vehicle including determining a playlist, storing the playlist on a server, selecting content corresponding to the playlist, transmitting the content to the vehicle by satellite, and storing the content in a telematics unit.
The overall concept is that the user would be able to create a custom playlist that is stored remotely on a server, and access that playlist - via satellite - anywhere in your car. They specifically cite SDARS and give several examples of usage (including video). The integration could be with the 'telematics unit' either connected to the vehicle's satellite radio receiver, or embedded within.
It sounds like a great system. GM would be solving all the connection problem that people have had with iPods (to the point now that an iPod cord is considered a "feature" in some cars now). My only concern would be with how human's would interface with the system. Selecting a playlist while driving could be a pretty dangerous endeavor.
Unless... XM has already solved this problem.
Thanks Tim!
XM Radio is enlisting the help of their subscriber base in the war against anti-satellite radio legislation with an open letter to subscribers. In it XM states:
... the big record labels want more—so they are suing XM and pressuring Congress to pass legislation that would make it tougher for satellite radio to bring you new technology and more music choices. They are pressuring Congress to pass legislation that would prevent XM listeners like you from being able to use our new radios. These radios allow XM subscribers to record music you hear on XM for personal use so you can listen later—in the same way TiVo allows you to record TV shows for later viewing.
On this page, XM has set up an easy way for you to write to your Senators, and to spread the word to others. XM obviously is not going to take the RIAA's strong-arm tactics lying down. Good for them.
[via AllAccess]
Samsung has launched a neato product page about the Helix and Nexus portable receivers. On it they're running a sweepstakes to win an XM Ready Samsung digital home entertainment system that only requires an email address (hell, I entered).
(On a slightly related note: word has it that Samsung is advertising the Helix on Engadget, though I haven't seen the ad anywhere in rotation yet.)
Thanks cb!
XM Satellite Radio has asked the FCC for a special temporary authority (STA) to relocate the XM-1 satellite ("Roll") to 115.1 degrees West Longitude, to operate it at that location for a period of time, and then drift it to 85.2 degrees WL orbital location.
At it's new home, XM would stop transmitting on XM-1 and keep it as a convenient in-orbit spare for the XM-3 satellite ("Rhythm") currently operating at the nearby 85.1 degrees WL location.
XM Radio also requested a STA to test the upcoming XM-4 satellite ("Blues") at 110.7 degrees WL for 90 days following launch, and then drift it to the 115-degree WL orbital location once testing is completed. Launch of XM-4 is expected in September 2006.
[Radio World]
[FCC Report SAT-00368] (PDF)
Popular Branson-area radio DJ Bob Mitchell, will host Branson Coast to Coast starting on Sunday, July 2nd on SIRIUS Prime Country. Mitchell, who was named to the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2005, will welcome special guests each week, including such major country music artists as Pam Tillis, Ronnie Milsap, Oak Ridge Boys and many more who perform in Branson, Missouri regularly.
Branson - known as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World” - hosts up to 65,000 visitors per day and boasts 45 theatres. It's been a successful Midwestern family vacation destination for many years, and the music industry’s rapid expansion in the past decade has launched the Branson community into world-class tourism.
Mitchell will broadcast from Branson every Sunday from 12pm-3pm ET, with replays on Sunday 9pm-midnight ET and Tuesday 12-3am ET.
XM Satellite Radio recently applied for a U.S. Patent for transmitting the digital satellite radio signal over HD Radio. One of the inherit problems with the current FM modulator method is that while XM takes all this effort to broadcast digitally up to the satellites, and back down to the receivers, it then gets converted to an analog signal when transmitted over FM. It works great because FM radios are readily available, but at the cost of sound quality.
This new patent application would preserve the digital signal, but utilizing HD Radio. Instead of transmitting to traditional FM, XM will send the satellite radio signal over an IBOC (in-band over carrier) digital audio broadcast. The patent application further extends the capabilities of the Digital FM Modulator by allowing other mediums like MP3, CD or other alternatives to be re-transmitted onto an HD Radio.
You have to love the irony behind XM taking advantage of HD Radio for its own use.
[XM's Digital FM Modulator Patent Application] (PDF)
Mark Ramsey of Hear 2.0 is suggesting it just might be. He considers the fact that Howard Stern is now streaming online to be a pivotable moment for Sirius Satellite Radio as a company - transforming them from a company that sells radios to one that sells content.
Instead of the "pain" the customer feels of having to plunk down cash for a receiver, now subscribing to Sirius is "as easy as buying a book on Amazon." According to Ramsey, the online streaming alone will again re-ignite the subscription flame and send the hoards running towards Sirius with credit cards in hand.
Now, I'd love for Mark's scenario to come true though honestly I don't think it would happen. He's making it a bit bigger of a deal than it really is. But hey, he's trying to make a point here. Stern is online now and there's one less barrier of entry to listen to him. The Radio itself. Will it drive more Stern fans to subscribe? Maybe, but it's not like Sirius was advertising "Howard Stern is coming... all over America (but not online)." Instead I think it's an added benefit for current subscribers, and probably will drive WoM from subscribers to non-subscribers.
But back to the Radio itself. Is the satellite radio receiver yet another hurdle for adoption? Or maybe the receivers are still just too complicated (Bob Lefsetz's biggest complaint) for Joe Sixpack to give a shit about it?
One of the advantages that terrestrial has - other than being free to listen to - is that the AM/FM radio is ubiquitous. They're EVERYWHERE and for the most part are SIMPLE to use. Yet satellite radios need to be setup with suction cups and vent clips and long wires and antennas that need to be pointed in wacky directions. Imagine Joe Sixpack's surprise when he buys a "plug and play" receiver, only to realize that it has no speakers?
Yes, Mark's point here is that terrestrial needs to stop looking at HD Radio to solve their problems, and instead look at their weakness (content). But the message applies right back to satellite, only we should look at our own weakness (complexity). Because in order to listen to all that great content, the consumer still needs to know how to turn the radio on.
[Hear 2.0]
The boys over at Sirius Backstage caught this one. Today's channel update might be giving us a glimpse about things to come. The update has changed the names of some channels: PRI is now Talk, BBC News is now News, and BBC Mundo is now Spanish News.
With these being the three channels that are controlled by Public Radio International (BBC News/Mundo are distributed in the United States by PRI), could this be a sign that the PRI + Sirius agreement is coming to an end?
Noe, the channel name changes don't appear to be reflected on SIRIUS' Website (here and here), but that doesn't mean we can't speculate about it.Bridge Ratings has just released a graph that reflects their data since October:
Bridge does state that with the start of Stern streaming online, they'll continue to track and report on the affect this may have on Sirius subscriber adds. It'll be interesting to see if a change does in fact occur as the buzz about Howard is getting somewhat renewed as of late (streaming, the tapes have arrived, CBS Radio settlement, etc).
This past Friday, John McHugh and Maggie Lee got married, and rather than opting for a band or DJ, they chose Sirius Satellite Radio to spin the tunes at the reception.
Maggie Lee, 22, had contacted Sirius back in February and asked if they'd play a few songs for them, but she didn't expect that a whole broadcast would be dedicated to them. The couple's playlist was broadcast, along with added personalized dedications, were played on SIRIUS' Standard Time (ch 75).
Aside from the uber-cuteness/geeky factor here, this story (which the AP ate up) is an interesting case of people's perception of what satellite radio provides. The thought that an in-person DJ is easily substituted by a satellite stream says something. Sure, there have been people who've done the same things with iPods, but I wonder if anyone has attempted this with their local terrestrial radio station?
[MSNBC]
TWICE is reporting that Audiovox has pushed back the ship date for the XM Passport to sometime in August. The delay is because Audiovox, the supplier of the XM Passport and Connect-and-Play technology, is waiting to clear out inventory of the previous gen Connect-and-Play units - which is expected to occur in August.
The Passport tuner, which will retail at a incredibly cheap $29.99, will be accompanied by a whole entourage of XM Passport capable devices in the months that follow and will also get the time-table shift.
Goodies like a CD player and a CD/DVD player will ship in August, followed by a mini-system in September or October. Three mini-systems and a boombox are slated for Oct or Nov. In Sept or Oct, expect to see three under-cabinet LCD TVs as well.
Oh but wait, there's more. Audiovox also plans to have a half-DIN flat-panel controller with Passport slot to connect to XM-ready head units in August; and a portable DVD player with Passport slot for September.
Audiovox's Jensen brand will have a handheld navigation system with an XM Passport slot in September, which will include XM traffic-data reception, audio/video playback, and roughly 2.5-three hours of satellite-reception time on its rechargeable battery (whoa). Jensen will also have one of the first in-dash CD players to offer SecureDigital (SD), USB, iPod control and charging, and XM capability, bundled with an iPod charger.
Just in time for the Holidays. That's all I care about...
[TWICE]
