Predictions for Satellite Radio?

[leolufse]

With the merger between Sirius and XM approaching, I speculate the best case scenario is the sound quality of Sirius combined with the reception of XM. For me the programming is a wash. Thoughts?

[SimonStern]

I predict, worse quality, more commercials, a higher monthly fee and somehow WORSE coverage.

Of course, I am an optimist.

[TheKomoman]

Originally Posted by leolufse

With the merger between Sirius and XM approaching, I speculate the best case scenario is the sound quality of Sirius combined with the reception of XM. For me the programming is a wash.

Thoughts?

Since the sound quality is just 2 different kinds of crap (muffled and compressed or tinny and compressed) I don't know that I care which way they go for that. But assuming it gets passed the lobbying in DC (I don't expect it to) my guess is they will use XM's system eventually. It's far more advanced, far better coverage therefore far fewer dropouts, a much wider terrestrial backup network, etc....

I have had both over the years. I prefer XM's programming approach for the music stations, but for the self-produced entertainment stuff, they kill XM.

[leolufse]

I had Sirius for a short time. I felt the sq was "tinny" and the reception was horrible. Lots of trees here in Atlanta. Perhaps other parts of the country it wouldn't be as bad.
I've had XM for years now and have been happy with them. I pased on satellite radio in my BMW because XM is not offered. I'm hoping if Sirius uses the XM terrestrial repeaters technology, I'll give them another try.

[boardroomjimmy]

Odds are little to nothing will change in the first year, remember, they're both maxed out on bandwidth, thats why they sound sooo bad. Anyone that had xm a couple of years ago (when they only had 110 channels) will attest to the fact that they (xm) used to sound as good as a cd. They even used to advertize "cd quality music channels" Then they got into this content battle with sirius and added 60 more channels, squeezing their bandwidth allocation per channel. It has been stated by sirius that you will need two recievers to "enjoy" any of the expanded offerings of both services. Eventually they will market recievers that will recieve both, but your factory xm reciever will only recieve xm. I'd bet mel will add commercials to xm, totally wrecking it, and make sirius a "premium" service living off xm's ad revenue. There is no love between these companies and xm will be destroyed, which really makes me sick.......

[SpasticGramps]

I doubt they are going to increase quality. the average joe in america has no idea that xm sounds like a poo and thinks their premium bose system is great . The emphasis will always being on making the most money. So they will continue to push their bandwidth to the max hoping to appeal to as many niches and people as possible. I do see commercials eventually coming. Its all about that $$ and eventually the original mission statement for satellite radio will be lost in the pursuit of expanding corporations.

[bogus]

We have Sirus and really enjoy it. So far commercials haven't invaded the regular channels.

The best part is the sports coverage. We can tune in just about any football game you want. NASCAR works, too, cause here in LA, we don't get NASCAR on the local radio.

I listen to Margaritaville pretty much all the time and the SQ isn't that bad. Then again, I am using the dedicate Alpine compatible reciever that plugs into the AINet port on my CDA7998. I have noticed a loss of highs, tho...

Margaritaville doesn't have commercials, per se. They have breaks, and will announce contests, concerts, schedules or new releases. It's not an ad in the direct sense of the word.

As for the merger... I hope they remove the dupes... We don't need two 80s channels, for example.

As it stands, I think there are enough channels... they don't need to start adding a station for every interest and fettish... I mean, do we really need to have a station for black-German-cross-dressing-women-with-a-limp? I don't think so, but that's the direction it's heading in.

As for SQ in general, it's fair, but it isn't great. The only thing that saves it is my system and the way I input the signal. You all are right, most consumers wouldn't know good sound if it kicked them in the ass, so they will continue to get away with too many marginal channels and poor SQ.

However, I can notice a huge difference when I listen to a CD... and if any of you are ever in the LA area, tune in Jack FM, 93.1. It isn't for the selection (a bit spastic) but for the signal strength and clarity.

[jarda]

Originally Posted by SpasticGramps

I doubt they are going to increase quality. the average joe in america has no idea that xm sounds like a poo and thinks their premium bose system is great . The emphasis will always being on making the most money. So they will continue to push their bandwidth to the max hoping to appeal to as many niches and people as possible. I do see commercials eventually coming. Its all about that $$ and eventually the original mission statement for satellite radio will be lost in the pursuit of expanding corporations.

Well said if there's a $$$$ let it be written