Radio Days: Abbreviated Version (Family Circle)
Satellite radio is becoming more popular every day—more than 13 million people tune into it. Here’s why it should be on your radar.
Satellite radio is similar to the AM/FM radio you’ve always listened to, but with a few added perks. First, it has far fewer commercials—only a few minutes per hour—compared to 15 minutes per hour on traditional radio. It also offers more than 150 stations, many more than available on the AM/FM signals. And, because of the variety of channels and non-Top 40 playlists, your family can hear a wider selection of music, interviews and talk shows. Channels like Discovery Channel Radio and Fox News Channel can make listening to the radio more educational—and more fun.
There are two satellite radio providers: Sirius and XM. Sirius has about 180 stations and specializes in talk radio and personality-driven content. XM has more than 200 stations and boasts a variety of music coverage and excellent national sports reporting.
The downside to satellite radio is that it’s not free: You have to buy special equipment (often pre-installed in new cars), as well as a subscription to the service. Sirius and XM subscriptions cost the same price: $12.95/month. Both providers offer free three-day trials through their websites, sirius.com and xmradio.com—and no special equipment is necessary for the tryout.
GETTING EQUIPPED
To listen to satellite radio, you must purchase at least one satellite radio unit (compatible with the provider you chose). The type of unit you buy depends on whether you want to listen in the car, around the house or on the go.
–CAR RADIOS: Two dozen car companies, including General Motors and Ford, now equip their standard vehicles with satellite radios. (XM and Sirius have exclusive agreements with certain manufacturers, so you may get a Sirius- or XM-enabled car without “choosing” one service or another.) Not in the market for a new vehicle? You have two options. You can have your car dealer install a high-end radio for a few hundred dollars (depending on your car’s make and model). Or, you can buy a low-cost unit and install it yourself. Basic units, such as the XM Delphi Roady XT and Sirius Starmate Replay, start at $79.99. Easy to set up, they are available at most electronic stores and can be played through your traditional car radio via a tiny, separate antenna that comes with the unit.
–HOME UNITS Satellite radios for the home are available as well, starting at around $250. The best reception, however, requires a small antenna (which cost $29.95 and up). While most people only need to purchase and place an antenna near a window, homeowners who live in a deep valley or a secluded area may require a professional to install a more sophisticated antenna on the roof or the side of the house. (Check with your local radio installation professional for pricing.) For maximum flexibility and minimal cost, “plug-and-play” units can be moved from the car to the house. These no-frills units are usually $100 or less, but have to be plugged into a traditional stereo system when at home.
–PORTABLE PLAYERS Most convenient but also most expensive, portable units come with headphones and go where you go. They have limited recording capability, and some play MP3s as well. XM has travel units from Pioneer and Samsung, while Sirius makes its own model, the Stiletto. From $129.99 to $349.99, they are cheaper than the average iPod and make a great gift for your teenager—or even for yourself.
PLAYING IT SAFE
While Sirius and XM have channels dedicated to kids and teenagers, both carry a handful of stations with adult language. Check online channel listings to see which stations have explicit content, then contact Sirius (888-539-SIRIUS) or XM (800-XM-RADIO) and request that a the station be removed from your radio signal. Alternatively, a handful of home satellite radio units, like the Sirius Conductor at $149.99, can block certain channels with the flip of a switch.
FC TIP:
If you only plan on listening at home—and you have a good pair of computer speakers—subscribe to an Internet-only version of XM radio for $7.99/month (xmradio.com).