Out with the old, in with the new. While the all-new Audiovox XpressEZ and XpressR XM Satellite Radios are hitting the retail shelves, several fan-favorite receiver models are being discontinued.
Along with the product line changes, XM SureConnect - XM's wired FM-modulator solution - will be eliminated from receiver packaging.
Dan Murphy, XM's retail aftermarket distribution executive VP, told TWICE last week that the XM Sportscaster, Delphi SkyFi2, Samsung Helix and Samsung NeXus will all be discontinued by their manufacturers. While no one will shed a tear for the Sportscaster (AGT is now making ugly HD Radios instead), the Delphi SkyFi2 - as well as Sammy's Helix and NeXus - were beloved units by many. The good news, is that they'll be cheaper than ever now as retailers blow out stock.
The Pioneer Inno, which shares the exact same functionality as the Samsung Helix, will continue to be available through the holidays, Murphy said.
XM SureConnect, which has been bundled with plug-and-play receivers since last September (following the FCC crackdown on over-powered FM transmitters), will instead be sold separately as an accessory. XM SureConnect will MSRP for $19.99.
Here's an interesting figure for you: Less than 40 percent of consumers who bought an XM radio with SureConnect included even used the kit, Murphy said. The remainder used wired FM modulators professionally installed, while others would just connect the radios to a headunit's audio inputs, or use a cassette adapter. Hopefully all this won't matter when those highly anticipated Mini-Tuner enabled XM headunits hit the streets.
[TWICE]
Thanks Jeremy!
Some XM Radios, and SureConnect, get the boot
No TrackBacks
TrackBack URL: http://www.orbitcast.com/mt4/mt-tb.cgi/1270
Discontinuing the SkyFi2 to rely on the Audiovox lineup? Delphi has the image of being the XM brand, where Audiovox has the image of making crap. Why eliminate the SkyFi2? Is this simply a move to kill off the 6V power source?
The SKYFI2 Bowtie radio will go down in radio history as one of the coolest, prettiest,hottest & most innovative radios in modern radio. It will be a collector's piece.
Buy one now ... cheap !
I already have three :)
It's also interesting that FM Direct is now going to be getting a boost from this as a result... Now when you buy a receiver, you pick how you want it connected... cassette adapter, SureConnect, FM Direct, Line in, etc. If I remember correctly, the kiosks will now be selling the FM Direct module also... so you can buy all the hardware, and an InstallCard to get it installed.
CalGoldenBear, the Skyfi3 is replaceing the Skyfi2. The Skyfi3 has been out since December.
Mike, stores will never sell out of the Skyfi2's. they will be collecting dust for years. it is way too big compared to current radios on the market.
I have 2 SkyFi2's in our cars. This is a very good radio for the money. Unless XM & Delphi plan to bring out a much improved model, the elimination of the SkyFi2 seems to be a mistake.
At least the Pioneer inno will carry on....a great product....I have 3!
There getting rid of all the radios that everyone has come to love and recognize with XM. But i wont mind. I will be picking up some extra SkyFi2's if they go cheap near me!
I don't see the SkyFi3 as a SkyFi2 replacement. The SkyFi3 seems more like a SkyFi2 + MyFi + Nexus bundled together.
The SkyFi2 is very approachable from the consumer standpoint. Large buttons, large readout, simple to use with features you can learn to use as you're more experienced with the unit.
SkyFi3 is very cool, but not as simple. SkyFi2 fits perfectly between the Roady line and the more advanced PMP-esque receivers.
It seems that between refurbs and new units still out there that the SkyFi2 will still have considerable shelf life, I just don't see the point in retiring the unit.
The Sportscaster was always a joke. The Nexus was misunderstood (poor little guy). They both need to go.