MATRIX

Archive for the ‘satellite Radio’ Category

The introduction of satellite radio has been one of the biggest innovations in recent FM broadcasting history. This radio signal can be heard at a distances of thirty five thousand kilometers and beyond. That is more that twenty two miles with a clear reception, no static and more than one hundred stations to listen to. The inception of this concept was 1992 when the Federal Communications Commissions gave up the S band on the radio wave spectrum (2.3 GHz) to Digital Audio Radio Service. The companies that were initially given a license to broadcast on this spectrum were XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, there are three satellite radio services broadcasting around the world: XM and Sirius in North America and WorldSpace in Europe, Asia and Africa.

The three satellite radio companies each have a different system for broadcasting their signals. This means that a customer would end up buying specific equipment depending on what company they subscribe to. There are three parts to a satellite radio system: the ground repeaters, the satellites and the radio receivers. The XM satellite radio has satellites that are geographically located above the equator at all times. To combat the issue of obstacles such as hills, bridges and buildings, the XM radio service has a network of repeaters. These are antennas that get the signal from the satellites and transmit it to the subscriber’s radio. The Sirrus radio service is set up a little differently. The satellites are elliptical in structure and they orbit the Earth. Because these satellites are on a higher level, the signal is usually clear and there is no need to have quite as many repeaters.

The satellite radio programmers are able to choose what music or program to fill air time. Many use CD’s or have musicians come in to perform live. This sound is transmitted via a digital format. The signal is encoded by the satellite and then sent to the repeater antennae. The repeater moves it along to the subscriber’s radio which decodes the signal and plays the sound. Satellite radio also utilizes digital compression which is a method of reducing a set amount of information into a bandwidth using complex algorithms. If you are a subscriber, you will have to purchase the correct equipment to get the signal.

The amount of people who subscribe to satellite radio has grown due to the improvements made to the technology. The appeal of the radio station has always been the fact that the radio doesn’t depend on advertising to pay the bills, therefore the programs available are commercial free.

The best thing about the satellite radio is that you get about seventy channels of music, commercial free. The consumers keep the radio on air not commercials and the range of channels varies from opera to rap, from blues to dance music and much more.

Another great feature of this radio is the absence of static. From East coast to West Coast and all over the US, you will get a clear signal where ever you are.

In addition, if you have just heard a song and you want to know the name of it, simply look at the receiver display. It will tell you the name, the artist, what channel you are listening to, and what program it is.

Satellite radio is completely free from censors. Howard Stern can put a program on air as is, without interference. You can hear music like hip hop without any interruptions.

The radio service provides local weather and traffic conditions. In big cities, there are more detailed forecasts. In addition, if there is a national crisis, unlike regular radio stations that go blank, satellite radio will be able to provide information. You may listen to the radio on your computer.

Most people mistakenly think regular radio is free, but it isn’t. You are forced to listen to sections of annoying commercials in exchange for music. With a satellite radio subscription, of about thirteen dollars, you get a clear reception, you get channels of music you can listen to no matter where you are and you can listen to exactly what you want.

This is perfect for a person who travels throughout the US. You don’t have to worry about static and you don’t have to fiddle around with the radio every time you leave a specific area. Soon XM and Sirrus will provide the same service for Video Channels. Their subscribers would be able to enjoy great quality, a clear reception and commercial and censor free viewing.

If I am asked what the best present is that my husband ever gave me, I have absolutely no trouble answering the question. In November 2004, he surprised me with my very own Kenwood plug and play set complete with subscription to a year’s service with Sirius Satellite Radio. Since that time, there have only been two periods of time that I haven’t surrounded myself with beautiful sounds straight from the satellite. In 2005, I gave it up for Lent for 40 days because it was truly a sacrifice for me. The other experience that I’ve had with no Sirius was when I loaned my car to my daughters for their vacation, and I reluctantly allowed my radio to go with them.

After my husband realized how much I enjoyed my satellite radio, he bought speakers and installed them in my bathroom and kitchen and even on our back deck. For relaxation or inspiration when I work on my computer, I always listen online to Moving Easy, Standard Time, or Sirius Pops. Although they transmit well over 100 stations, I find myself tuning to about eight presets exclusively because I just cannot pull myself away from them. I simply never tire from listening to my radio.

When I think about what I like most about Sirius, one feature that especially impresses me is the commercial free airwaves. Because I don’t have to waste my time listening to companies promoting their goods, my enjoyment is not interrupted. Another great characteristic of this invention is the clarity of sound. I don’t have to deal with static and loss of service at certain times of the day. Perhaps one of its strongest selling points is the fact that wherever I go, Sirius goes with me. If I drive coast to coast, I can listen to the same station without changing the dials one time. On the other hand, if I need information about driving conditions or weather, Sirius provides stations with the data I desire for my location.

Sirius presents such a variety that there is something for every audience. Their offerings include music genres such as pop, rock, hip-hop, country, classical, Christian, jazz, blues, standards, and even a welcomed all Elvis station. Additionally, fans can find NFL, Howard Stern, talk radio, CNN, FOX, NPR, and Martha Stewart among several others. Coming soon Sirius will also proudly broadcast NASCAR for its loyal followers. For those who want to sample it, there is free trial period offered on their website.