It looks like Wistron NeWeb has been given a FCC grant for a new SIRIUS Starmate Replay.
It appears that the only change (that I can see) is that they've done away from the internal FM antenna loop. XM did this as well a while back, using the antenna and power wiring instead. Looks like Wistron is doing the same. Remember that during the NAB's test report submitted to the FCC, the 20ga wire used for FM transmitting was considered non-compliant. It appears that this is a correction for FCC compliance.
Check out the before and after pics below.
Old SIRIUS Starmate:
New SIRIUS Starmate:
looks like the inner workings of a cruise ship
But only twice as big as one
An easy work around to this lower transmitting distance is use a Whole House FM Transmitter. Since you can go about 200 feet and still be FCC part 15 compliant this is a great solution to those Satellite Radios that now only transmit a few feet.
For those who are interested in the FM Transmitter the website URL is http://www.wholehousefmtransmitter.com