Last week XM announced that they've received FCC approval for three key receivers. One concern (at least for me) is whether the signal now will be so weak that it becomes more or less useless. Many for instance have complained about the FM modulator strength on the Sirius Sportster 4.

But rather than reducing the signal, XM has setup a method to bring the signal closer to the antenna itself. XM's new FM modulator consists of an additional third wire that is installed in close proximity to the car's antenna (not attached to the car's antenna as previously reported). The wire simply can be attached to the glass or elsewhere inside the vehicle, and only needs to be near the car's antenna (say, 18" or so).

This fix protects the sound quality for a positive consumer experience, as well as satisfies the excessive emissions issue. The downside? It makes installation a lil' harder - especially for vehicles where the antenna is located in the rear.

XM Satellite Radio has received new grants of authority by the FCC for three XM radios with FM transmitters indicating that the radios are now in  full compliance with FCC regulations.

These XM plug-and-play radios - the Audiovox Xpress, Delphi RoadyXT, and XM Sportscaster - are three of XM's primary products at retail.

Manufacturers can now resume production of these devices, just in time to ensure receivers can be available at retail for the holiday shopping season.

Check out the Sportscaster Grant and the Roady XT Grant [via Satellite Radio TechWorld].

While SIRIUS has publically stated that the FCC has granted a re-certification of their receivers, after being under scrutiny for excess FM modulator emissions, it appears that we may not be out of the clear yet.

Thanks to Satellite Radio TechWorld's research, we find out that Sirius Sportster 3's certification (FCC ID P3HSP3) has since disappeared from the OET EAS web-database, after being certified on August 9, 2006. This is eerily similar to XM's situation when they had their certifications dismissed.

Following that, the FCC is asking one of SIRIUS' manufacturers, Wistron NeWeb, to provide further documentation for the SIRIUS Starmate, indicating that there is further processing to come. WNC has until September 6th to comply or may face a dismissal pursuant to Section 2.917(c).

[Satellite Radio TechWorld]

XM Satellite Radio has received, on August 7th 2006, yet another request for additional information from the Federal Communications Commission. This time the inquiry involves the Sportscaster, Roady XT, MyFi, Airware, Tao and the Roady 2 XM receivers.

XM has stated in their 8-k filing that they are working to respond to the FCC and have implemented a series of actions to bring the devices into full compliance.

[XM Form 8-k] (PDF)
Thanks Ken! 

UPDATE: Inside Radio adds:

"BofA analyst Jonathan Jacoby says "the FCC also seems to want to know 'whodunit'" - it's curious about the "chronology and circumstances leading to the non-compliance." Jacoby thinks it's likely the FCC made the same request of Sirius."

The CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) and the HRRC (Home Recording Rights Coalition) have both provided some very vocal support for XM Satellite Radio in their fight against the RIAA's lawsuit. Well, here's the CEA and HRRC's brief (PDF) in support of XM's motion to dismiss for your reading pleasure (it's 25 pages).

The main argument revolves around the AHRA - legislation that specially protects devices like the Pioneer Inno & Samsung Helix - but that the RIAA is incidently completely ignoring in their suit.

[CEA/HRRC Brief] (PDF) 

One of SIRIUS Satellite Radio's radio manufacturers - Kiryung Electronics - has resumed manufacturing and distribution of SIRIUS branded radios with FM transmitters.  Kiryung Electronics received new grants of authority from the FCC for the Xact Visor, SIRIUS One and Sportster Replay radios.

The grants were issued after the FCC's laboratory confirmed that the devices were compliant with applicable FCC rules. Kiryung also continues to manufacture the SIRIUS Sportster 4.