Satellite Radio Basics
Coast to coast reception with hundreds of channels.
Satellite radio is a subscription-based service with hundreds of programming choices. Satellite technology travels easily in the car and can be enjoyed through an installed receiver or through a smartphone app.
Satellite radio is a subscription-based service with hundreds of programming choices. Satellite technology travels easily in the car and can be enjoyed through an installed receiver or through a smartphone app.
How Satellite Radio Works
Satellite radio uses Satellite Digital Auto Radio Services (SDARS), a satellite technology that delivers music, news, sports, weather, and other entertainment to a receiver or portable device. Ground antennas (called terrestrial repeaters) receive the satellite signal and rebroadcast it in metropolitan and mountainous areas where a direct line to a satellite signal may be difficult to achieve. Sirius XM is the sole provider of this service in the US. Originally separate companies, Sirius and XM merged in 2008 to form SiriusXM.
Satellite radio signals are delivered digitally for 135+ channels. The signal also includes text information such as the song title, artist, and album. Key points to keep in mind when considering satellite radio include:
• A monthly subscription and compatible equipment are required to receive the broadcast.
• Car and home satellite receiver units require a separate small antenna for reception.
• Satellite radio is available coast-to-coast and 200 miles off the coast of the lower 48 US states (Alaska and Hawaii are adding coverage areas in the future).
• With a paid subscription, you can also listen to satellite radio feeds over the internet on your computer, smartphone, or other portable devices.
Satellite radio signals are delivered digitally for 135+ channels. The signal also includes text information such as the song title, artist, and album. Key points to keep in mind when considering satellite radio include:
• A monthly subscription and compatible equipment are required to receive the broadcast.
• Car and home satellite receiver units require a separate small antenna for reception.
• Satellite radio is available coast-to-coast and 200 miles off the coast of the lower 48 US states (Alaska and Hawaii are adding coverage areas in the future).
• With a paid subscription, you can also listen to satellite radio feeds over the internet on your computer, smartphone, or other portable devices.
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Satellite Radio BenefitsSatellite radio offers many benefits over AM/FM radio:
• Wide Range of Content Choices – Satellite radio programming has over 135 channels, offering a variety of music choices, sports, news, comedy, and more. Many of these channels are commercial-free. • Universal Plug and Play Units – Installed plug and play satellite radio units function as stand-alone devices that are easily connected to an existing factory stereo or aftermarket receiver. The plug and play unit has its own antenna and display/control head. All that is needed is an audio connection with the vehicle’s sound system. • Up-to-the-Minute Traffic Information – Sirius or XM satellite radio feeds offer real-time traffic information in over 130 US markets. This information can be integrated with in-dash navigation systems to help drivers find the best route to a destination while avoiding traffic. http://www.siriusxm.com/siriusxmtraffic • Record and Playback – Many satellite radio tuners have pause and playback functionality, similar to a home DVR. Depending on the system, users can play back 20-30 minutes of prior content. This is a convenient feature to use when you receive an incoming phone call while listening to satellite programming. In many satellite radio products, pause and playback stays active even while the car is shut off for short periods of time. • Recreational Marine Users – Satellite radio provides excellent reception at recreational areas such as lakes, bays, and rivers. With coverage available up to 200 miles offshore, satellite radio programming delivers a viable entertainment option for commercial and recreational boats. • OnDemand and Personalized Radio – SiriusXM 2.0 delivers more content options through real-time broadcast or stored ‘OnDemand’ programming. Users can access thousands of hours of archived programming, as well as recently aired and exclusive shows at any time. • Smartphone and Tablet Subscription – In addition to traditional in-vehicle or at home satellite radio subscriptions, users can add an online subscription to listen to SiriusXM programming over the Internet or through the SiriusXM app on a smartphone or connected tablet device. Subscribers can move from the car to the desk or house with a seamless experience that does not require additional receivers. |
How to Get Satellite RadioThere are a few simple steps required to get SiriusXM satellite radio in the car:
• Your Car May Already be Satellite Radio Ready- Many vehicles come with built-in satellite radio tuners that simply require service activation. SiruisXM comes standard in many Chrysler, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota vehicles and is a factory option in many other makes. To activate, call SiriusXM, at 866-635-2349 or visit https://care.siriusxm.com to establish service. • Adding Satellite Radio to the Car – Adding satellite radio to a vehicle is easy. o Plug and Play Units (Separate Controller) – By installing a separate SiriusXM controller, satellite radio programming can be added to any vehicle. The controller provides channel selection, display of channel information, and all the necessary connections required to receive a satellite radio broadcast. The controller mounts to the dash or console with the supplied brackets. Power is provided by a cigarette lighter adapter or by hardwiring to the vehicle’s electrical system. With power supplied, the final step required is connecting the SiriusXM controller to the vehicle’s stereo system. -- Connecting via FM Channel – This is an easy option for adding satellite radio to your stereo system. The satellite signal can be ‘modulated,’ or sent, over an existing FM channel using the Plug and Play unit’s built-in wired or wireless FM transmitter. While the sound quality is limited to the quality of the existing FM radio, it provides a convenient method for connecting satellite radio programming with minimal installation difficulty or parts. -- Connecting via Preamp Level Input - Satellite radio offers near CD quality sound when connected directly to a preamp level input of the audio system (also called ‘line input’). If the factory stereo has an AUX input on the front panel, this is an ideal method for connecting the Plug and Play satellite radio unit. Aftermarket in-dash receivers often have preamp level AUX inputs on the front panel and/or the back of the receiver. o Add-on Tuner (In-Dash Receiver) – Many in-dash receivers come “Sirius XM Ready” or “Satellite Radio Ready.” This method provides the best audio signal quality. A dedicated satellite radio tuner (purchased separately) is required and provides a data connection between the tuner and receiver. This option also uses a preamp level audio connection for the best sound quality. Since the receiver provides controller functionality, no additional display or control panel is necessary. • Antenna Requirements – Regardless of the audio connection, in-vehicle satellite radio requires a satellite radio antenna. The antenna receives both satellite signal and land-based terrestrial repeater signal. o Small Size - Most satellite radio antennas are small, flat antennas similar in size to that of a business card and about 3/8” tall with an adhesive backing for installation. Some may use a magnet, rather than adhesive, for installation. o Clear Line of Sight - The antenna should be positioned to provide an unobstructed line of sight to the sky so that the antenna can receive signal from satellites and terrestrial repeaters. o Outside or Inside the Car - Most Plug and Play antennas should be installed on the outside of the vehicle, toward the rear of the roof. However, certain vehicles (like trucks, convertibles, or motorcycles) have other requirements. For antennas used with a separate tuner and in-dash receiver, follow the manufacturer’s recommended antenna placement instructions. • Activation - Once installed, select your service plan and activate SiriusXM service by calling 866-635-2349 or visiting https://care.siriusxm.com to create an account. |
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When to Consider Professional Installation
Vehicles are complex machines. Before attempting any DIY installation, assess your comfort level with the installation of electronics and mechanics of your vehicle.
Consider a professional installer if:
1) You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels.
2) You do not have a suitable work area available.
3) You do not have the recommended tools for the job.
Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs.
Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type.
Consider a professional installer if:
1) You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels.
2) You do not have a suitable work area available.
3) You do not have the recommended tools for the job.
Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs.
Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type.
THANKS: amazon.com