XM's Use of Indoor Signal Boosters for "Establishments" Granted
Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Tags: 2, XM
XM Satellite Radio this week was granted a special authority by the FCC to operate 5,000 indoor signal boosters manufactured by Translight Video Systems (pictured).
The use of these indoor signal boosters is separate from in-store signal boosters, of which was also granted authority (for an additional 5,000) to both XM and Sirius this week. Instead, this indoor signal booster is meant for "inside stores and other establishments."
Similar in configuration to XM's currently authorized boosters, the antenna will be located on the roof or the outside of a store "or other structure" to receive the XM signal. The signal then is fed via a coaxial cable to an amplifier and antenna inside the establishment, will then amplifies the signal.
Interestingly enough, the inventor of Translight's Satellite Radio Repeater for In-Building Service, Dr. Mircho Davidov, was the Senior VP of Engineering and Chief Scientist responsible for the overall satellite system architecture at Sirius Satellite Radio.
The question remains: what "establishments" does XM intend on using these indoor mini-repeaters for?
Read XM's Application Letter (PDF)
[via Satellite Radio TechWorld]
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Comments
The answer to the question is: shopping malls, stadiums, cruise ships, gyms, hotel resorts......
Plenty of places to use your satellite radio while you're away from home.
Posted by: Max | January 20, 2007 11:03 AM
I want one of these for using my Inno around the house...
Posted by: waterwagen ? | January 20, 2007 2:42 PM
We use xm at my job this could be helpful
Posted by: STARTSOMETHING | January 20, 2007 4:15 PM
waterwagen......
http://shop.xmradio.com/detail.aspx?pid=97&cat=14
That repeater is for the home, while the receiver in this article is for commercial use. These would likely be more powerful(hence they needed separate permission) and will likely be 3 times more expensive.
Posted by: ahigee ? | January 20, 2007 9:26 PM
How about putting these in all Starbucks, per their XM partnership? It'd be neat for both to advertise this to their customers - something like "Enjoy XM 75, Hear Music? Now enjoy all 170 XM channels - bring your XM2go to your local Starbucks."
Posted by: Johnathan ? | January 21, 2007 1:59 AM
Dc based XM, suddenly, xm2go on the metro....
rhymes too.... just a thought...
they'd get great advertising, and great user base.... wouldn't be surprised if they try to expand to other mass transit options too....
Posted by: Tim | January 21, 2007 10:58 PM
Good thinking Johnathan! I've had the same thought many a times when I have been at my local Yarbucks since they already advertise XM Hear Music all over the place there.
Posted by: Jim ? | January 22, 2007 7:53 PM