Question about satellite radio

[Maduro_Scotty]

Evidently, the initial steps between a SIRIUS/XM merger has been approved. I hope that ultimately, this deal goes through. I'm a bit nervous as I understand that both companies utilize different technology and that a merger would mean present equipment would be worthless.:errrr:

So, if they merge, would I have to get a new radio? Would there be add ons or something that could remedy such a problem?

I'm technologically ignorant, so please bear with me on this.

[jitzy]

I have to say I dont think they would risk losing listeners by making us go out to buy a new radio they would probably lose 10 to 25% of there subscribers if they did that

[baboruger]

I read that they will carry each others stuff. SO they will just broadcast each others programing with their own way.

Originally Posted by Maduro_Scotty

Evidently, the initial steps between a SIRIUS/XM merger has been approved. I hope that ultimately, this deal goes through. I'm a bit nervous as I understand that both companies utilize different technology and that a merger would mean present equipment would be worthless.:errrr:

So, if they merge, would I have to get a new radio? Would there be add ons or something that could remedy such a problem?

I'm technologically ignorant, so please bear with me on this.

[cybervee-cl]

Ah - no. If the deal would have included making subscribers buy new equipment to continue the service they are paying for (or, in my case, have already paid for) it never would have been allowed by the Justice Department.

What will probably happen is that they will run both services for several years then phase out one technology.

[cybervee-cl]

U.S. satellite radio merger gets antitrust OK

Near the last paragraph in the article:

"In addition, Stifel Nicolaus said, the FCC also may require Sirius and XM to promise that all existing satellite radios will continue to work after the companies are combined."

[m69c44]

Great News

[aljrka]

SIRIUS IS KING!! Eventually you'll have to buy new equipment but not for a few years or so. Programming will change a bit but it will be better for everyone.

[mhlatke]

Great news! I have had my SIRIUS for over 2 years and love it! This should be a great financial relief for both companies - and hopefully even better program selections for the subscribers.

[JohnRider]

I enjoy XM. I listen to it everyday. I chose XM because at the time, they were carrying Fox News and Sirius was not. My girlfriend at the time had Sirius and it was good, too, and I liked the Margaritaville channel on Sirius. I am not overly thrilled with my hardware. The tuner seems to be kind of cheap and prone to problems and failure. After a year or so, my tuner died a sudden death, but I was able to get a new one off eBay for about $12. I have one DELPHI roadyxt and three docks/antennas. One for home, one for the truck, and one for the RV. The hardware was cheap, and I found all the docks/antennas on clearance for about $20 each.

[JohnRider]

My guess would be that eventually you will probably have broadband internet in the car and that will take the place of satellite radio. The FCC just auctioned off all that 700Mhz(?) band that is used by analog TV. Those frequencies will be used to provide very wide coverage wireless internet.

[aljrka]

I'm still waiting for the day when you can use your very own cell phone like a webcam and still be able to talk on the phone. I frequent Hong Kong and they got that shiznit! Better yet, maybe Walmart will form their very own satellite radio company and make/sell their own hardware. They already do everything else!

[Sea Jay]

Originally Posted by aljrka

I'm still waiting for the day when you can use your very own cell phone like a webcam and still be able to talk on the phone. I frequent Hong Kong and they got that shiznit! Better yet, maybe Walmart will form their very own satellite radio company and make/sell their own hardware. They already do everything else!

I wouldnt put it past walmart to do this. Very interesting...

[jim@mindofmen.com]

I suspect that the immediate benefit of the merger would be the ability to merge accounts across your devices. For example, I have XM in my car, but my Sonos music system offers Sirius. I am not paying for both, but perhaps when the merger happens, I can get the XM in my car and the Sirius at home by only having to pay for an extra receiver subscription as compared to two completely different subs.

[stlcards]

I just wish they would get rid of the commercials like they originally claimed.

[jim@mindofmen.com]

Well, some of the stations are commercial free while others carry commercials. You didn't think that the subscribers alone could pay for Howard Stern, did ya?:eeek: