XM / Sirius / Neither ?

[[Dr. V]]

From my experience being in a car with one for about 2 weeks, Serius is amazing. Although I hadn't heard it for a long time, I've heard XM as well, and I do believe the reception and sound quality of Serius is noticeably better than XM - as little or as big the difference may be.

Also, as aforementioned by Capps, Serius has some more features that XM lacks.

If I had to choose one, I'd go with Serius - I don't however have a justifiable need for one as of yet.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by azianai

Not to mention with the normal radio stations pushing HD radio now, I dont see a reason to go with satellite. I have HD Radio receiver on my father's car, and it sounds absolutely stunning.

I don't buy this whole HD radio gimmick. Sure you can create and process digital audio, but as far as I know, you can't transmit radio waves in anything but a "wave" (also known as analog). So no matter where you try and do it digitally, you still have to send it through the air as an analog wave, right?

[Quakindude]

Originally Posted by onebxr

p.s. I voted neither, get an mp3 player and podcast!

Same here.

[Panda Man]

The two are merging, you're supposed to get channels from both of them after it happens. I don't see how they can merge though, if they do that will create a monopoly.

But to answer the question, I prefer Sirius. No real reason, the channels just appeal to me more, both offer great service.

[jonnyGURU]

I have XM. Came with my car and then I bought a second unit that I could put in my other car or my little Belkin XM Boom Box for listening to around the house.

I could really go either way, although XM does have the Schnitt Show and a lot of Hockey.

Honestly, the best part of XM is the online radio. :D I know a lot of people say that Internet Radio is "still good enough", and I used to be of that same opinion, but the variety and sound quality of XM online is hard to beat, and access is free as long as you're an XM customer. I just wish ALL of the stations were available online. Right now, they just have the music stations and none of the talk and sports. :(

[NoctisReitop]

Meh, I have XM. Came with the car. I don't think I would have gotten it, had it not been free for three months. It's nice, but not awesome. The channels are nice and clear (when not passing under obstacles), the tags are displayed for you to read (artist, title, etc), and you can really search out many genres. Anything from bluegrass, to comedy channels, sports (though I haven't payed any attention to those), jazz, Metal (which I don't get any of around here), etc. I don't really suppose that sets either of the two apart, though.

I think that if it had to boil down to my advice, it would be: Satellite radio will promote a new level of randomness to your car listening. You can search out a genre and listen to random artists/songs. I know I'm not very familiar with Jazz / classical music, but I know I can browse over to that station and hear something decent. I've found quite a few bands through XM that are great and I would have never found on my own. If you're only interested in what you like, an mp3 player would be better. You'd get to listen to what you wanted, when you wanted.

As far as Sirius vs XM, I think it'd boil down to user preference. I'm under the presumption that they are the exact same service (being they're soon to be merged). Don't quote me on that. Look through the channels and see which suits your style more.

So much for my two cents.

[jonnyGURU]

Originally Posted by NoctisReitop

Satellite radio will promote a new level of randomness to your car listening.

Exactly. I've had CD's, CD changers, MP3 disc, etc. in the car and I end up switching to radio just for the whole "randomness" of it. XM/Sirius just makes that randomness with more variety.

I have gigs and gigs of MP3's, but when I burn them or copy them over, I suddenly find myself not wanting to listen to them anymore after about a half an hour. :(

[azianai]

yeah i just listen to sports talk radio xP
ESPN Radio and WFAN NY