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:

• Jersey City, NJ
• Clearwater, FL
• Los Angeles, CA (4 repeaters)
• Valenca, CA
• Miami, FL
• New York, NY
• Hillside, NJ
• Rutherford, NJ
• Lake View, NJ
• Boca Raton, FL
• Dallas, TX
• Saint Petersburg, FL
• Norwalk, CT

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.

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 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)

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)

XM Satellite Radio has recently pitched the US Government on expanding their EAS (Emergency Alert System) broadcasts to include a crisis command and control initiative.

You'll recall during the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, XM enabled a dedicated channel (ch 248 - Red Cross Radio) and distributed satellite radio receivers out to relief workers, so they could receive updates and information while in the field. This is something that cell networks and terrestrial radio simply cannot provide.

Satellite Radio can provide many benefits to government agencies working in an emergency situation. As first reports come in during a crisis, instructions can be transmitted simultaneously to multiple resources - alleviating confusion on the field, and directing assests to where they are most needed.

The XM radios can be restricted to only receive only government selected channels (such as only news, and government channels). Further, since each individual receiver is assigned a unique Radio ID, XM has the ability to send a voice or data message to an individual radio or a select group of radios. Since the signal is encrypted, a secure message is sent to key decision-makers or field agents in the field through a robust network.

Very impressive stuff. As 9/11 and Katrina showed us, communication in the field should be a high priority, and the usage of an existing satellite-based, highly redundant system is pretty much a no-brainer.

We heard that for XM Satellite Radio to get back into the good graces, all that was needed was the addition of a 25-cent part. Well, lo-and-behold, here's the first modification applied to a Roady XT in the form of a ferrite bead. More than likely what you see here will be molded for production purposes... but you get the idea.

Check out more pics after the jump...

With Sirius' announcement to introduce a geostationary satellite to their entourage of birds, let's learn a little about this new satellite: SIRIUS FM-5.

According to the SS/L press release, SIRIUS FM-5 is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2008 and will carry an X-band uplink and S-band downlink payload. The satellite will be one of the most powerful ever constructed, with end-of-life power capability at more than 20 kilowatts.

SIRIUS FM-5 is based on SS/L's 1300 platform and will have a specified service life of 15 years. It will carry a range of technologies, including a 9-meter unfurlable reflector, which will allow for highly-concentrated transmissions to small, advanced devices.

Remember that XM's new satellite - XM-5 - will be built by SS/Loral as well. Also as part of SS/Loral's 1300 series, XM-5 will have an end-of-life power capability of over 18 kilowatts and will feature two large, unfurlable mesh antennas. XM-5 is scheduled for completion in 2007 and will be held as a ground spare (XM-4 will be launched later this year).

In SIRIUS Satellite Radio's 10-k filing this year, they had the following to say about augmentation of their satellite constellation:

We expect to augment or replace our satellite constellation by 2012. We may elect to augment our operating satellites with our fourth, spare satellite or with new satellites that we may purchase to meet our business needs. Decisions regarding our satellite constellation may affect the estimated useful life of our existing satellites, and we may modify the depreciable life accordingly.

With 140 terrestrial repeater towers under Sirius' belt, and a "significant number" of repeaters being added this year, it's obvious that Sirius feels that they need more redundancy in its signal. It also definitely seems like Sirius is working to improve reception for portable/wearable receivers. Great news for subscribers (really great), but none of this stuff is free either.

UPDATE: At a recent conference, SIRIUS Satellite Radio's David Frear stated that all satelllites will be replaced by 2012 (as per the 10-k statement above), at one year intervals starting by 2010 (or even sooner). Question is, are they replacing them all with geostationary satellites now?

SIRIUS Satellite Radio has entered into an agreement with Space Systems/Loral for the design and construction of a new satellite that will be one of the most advanced and powerful communications satellites ever built.

Construction of the satellite is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2008.

SIRIUS plans to launch the satellite on a Proton rocket under a contract previously announced between SIRIUS and International Launch Services (ILS). The satellite will be launched into a geostationary orbit to complement SIRIUS' existing three satellites currently operating in a highly elliptical geosynchronous orbit. This unique hybrid constellation will provide unparalleled redundancy, enhanced coverage and exceptional performance.

The aggregate cost of designing, building, launching and insuring the launch of the satellite will be approximately $260 million. As part of its commitment to SIRIUS, Loral has agreed to provide a $100 million vendor financing facility.

Agere Systems detailed today its new advanced system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip set for Sirius Satellite Radio manufacturers. This new Agere SoC will be incorporated into SIRIUS Satellite Radio receivers that are used in automotive, home, portable and navigation applications - scheduled for delivery to consumers next year.

Agere says its new chip set will be smaller in size as well as have new features, lower power consumption, improved audio performance and other fun enhancements.

That's all fine and dandy, but that's just all press release mumbo-jumbo. The fact that Agere filed for a Satellite Radio over WiFi patent is more interest to me and that this press release comes on the tails of the Zing-powered SIRIUS device being unveiled is just much more than sheer coincidence.

[Press Release]