I know I want to get satellite radio for my car. I want to get one that I can also take with me on the go so I can continute to listen to music. I'm new to the satellite radio world, so I'm trying to figure out which company would be a better route for me. Any ideas?

Really depends on what your musical tastes are. I prefer Sirius 1) for the type of music & 2) for the sports.

If you want, check out sirius.com they have a trial where you can stream any channel. Not sure if XM has anything similar but its' worth checking out.

XM also has a free trial period where you can listen to some of their channels online to see if you like what they offer. If you sign up with their service by the end of Dec. you get 3 months free, I think.

We like XM because they carry MLB baseball games. Good stuff. Music selection's not bad either.

DK

The pioneer inno for XM blows away any sirius unit

Basically it just depends on personal preference. I would suggest doing the free online trials for each service.

Sirius tends to lean more towards hits and repetition in their music, where XM tends to lean towards depth and breadth (although less now than in the past). Some people listen to the radio for a limited amount of time each day and want to hear something they know every time they turn it on. These people will probably be better served by Sirius (or the hits channels on XM). Others might listen more often and want to hear hits, but also want to hear lesser played songs from the same CD's or artists they haven't heard before. These people would probably be better served by XM.

When it comes to talk, the services are fairly different. Sirius has Stern, NPR, Maxim, OutQ, Playboy, Cosmo, and Court TV. XM has Opie & Anthony, Air America, and XMPR (PRI, APM). Sports talk is pretty much the same on either service, with XM having Fox Sports Radio due to Clear Channel (Fox Sports doesn't actually run the ch). For the sports themselves, either you want MLB and/or the NHL, or you want the NFL and/or the NBA. The NFL, NHL, and MLB all have their own talk channels.

I don't really get into stuff like comedy channels or old time radio shows, so I can't really offer up much of an opinion there. From what I've heard the XM traffic & weather channels are much better than Sirius, but I can't really comment one way or the other.

Personally I've always liked XM a lot. I got my first receiver back in '01 and have had a sub ever since. Stuff like Cinemagic (movie soundtrack channel, no counterpart on Sirius), XMU, and The System really make the service worth it to me. I also like having MLB and NHL games and talk, as well as O&A occasionally. Also I think Pioneer makes better equipment than Kenwood. :p

As far as Content goes, Sirius is #1 to me..

I love Howard, and have discovered others that I don't feel anyone on XM can even start to compete with. Also, as far as sports go, NFL is king to me. I love being able to get my old hometown steeler broadcasters instead of listening to the TV talking heads. XM has baseball, but although I love playing the game, listening is even more boring than watching on tv.. 5 hours of "Low and outside for ball 2" puts me to sleep.

For music, I really like a few of the Sirius channels, while I like some of XMs too. It's a close call there, and I'll give XM the edge here, very slightly, as they do have less repetition.

XM, has had the better radios for many years, but the new Stiletto2 from Sirius just came out and is awesome. 1-button to store your favorite songs, TiVo-like software to record shows, WiFI connection to listen to internet radio, much inproved satellite reception for live satellite radio, on the go, like a satellite walkman, and also MP3 storage for your favorite music and downloads. Sirius finally has a top-notch radio..

As far as reception. In a car Sirius is better with the higher elliptical satellite orbits and 2-location tranmission. At home, XM may be better because once you tune in the geo-stationary XM sat, you'll always get it, where sirius will need you to have a view of more of the sky. In cities, XM is better becasue they have a much better network of ground repeaters.

For what I want, Sirius is my favorite by far, but each person has individual tastes and you should sample them both.

The ONLY time you should consider Sirius is if NFL or Howard Stern are must-haves for you (and if you are "on the fence" about Stern, trust me you will enjoy Ron and Fez and O&A better than Stern and Bubba anyway). For any other reason--hardware, software, other pro sports, ANY college sports, sound quality, reception, listening options (iTunes podcasts, Audible podcasts, their high-quality internet streams are free, and their stations are better represented on DirecTV than Sirius on Dish) and especially for ALL and ANY music, Sirius is in second place.

Obviously these are opinions, please treat them as such.

XM's online trial is now 14 days if you visit through http://www.xmradio.com/podcast as well due to the new iTunes partnership.

Siriusly Sinatra.

That's why I chose Sirius and why I wouldn't switch to XM.

The ONLY time you should consider Sirius is if NFL or Howard Stern are must-haves for you (and if you are "on the fence" about Stern, trust me you will enjoy Ron and Fez and O&A better than Stern and Bubba anyway). For any other reason--hardware, software, other pro sports, ANY college sports, sound quality, reception, listening options (iTunes podcasts, Audible podcasts, their high-quality internet streams are free, and their stations are better represented on DirecTV than Sirius on Dish) and especially for ALL and ANY music, Sirius is in second place.

Obviously these are opinions, please treat them as such.

XM's online trial is now 14 days if you visit through http://www.xmradio.com/podcast as well due to the new iTunes partnership.


except most consumers are choosing sirius 2.3 to 1........

best bet, listen to both services and decide for yourself!

except most consumers are choosing sirius 2.3 to 1........



Well the do have to catch up to the leader...:cool:

Well the do have to catch up to the leader...:cool:



good answer:D

The ONLY time you should consider Sirius is if NFL or Howard Stern are must-haves for you (and if you are "on the fence" about Stern, trust me you will enjoy Ron and Fez and O&A better than Stern and Bubba anyway). For any other reason--hardware, software, other pro sports, ANY college sports, sound quality, reception, listening options (iTunes podcasts, Audible podcasts, their high-quality internet streams are free, and their stations are better represented on DirecTV than Sirius on Dish) and especially for ALL and ANY music, Sirius is in second place.

Obviously these are opinions, please treat them as such.

XM's online trial is now 14 days if you visit through http://www.xmradio.com/podcast as well due to the new iTunes partnership.

I just found sound quality to be superior on Sirius in A/B tests I completed today. Using the same car's audio aux jack, I connected both Sirius (Sportster 5) and the newest XM (XPress RC) via the line out of both. Of course it's hard doing A/Bs since you aren't listening to the same song. One time I did get lucky and heard the same song on both systems. The three people that heard this comparison picked Sirus as sounding the best (I was one of those three). I found better midrange and a less compressed sound. The Sirius just sounded more 'musical'.

sample both and see what you like... i have to say i listen to sirius for nfl and howard stern....

We don't have XM or Sirius however, Sirius has CBC Radio One & Three (not sure why Radio Two is missing!) www.cbc.ca/radio/

We get Radio One & Two OTA in Halifax.

.....I have heard Canada 360 on XM & it is pathetic.

except most consumers are choosing sirius 2.3 to 1........

best bet, listen to both services and decide for yourself!

In retail, yes. XM still outsells Sirius in both GROSS adds, and OEM adds. They will never catch up to XM--certainly not before the merger.

In retail, yes. XM still outsells Sirius in both GROSS adds, and OEM adds. They will never catch up to XM--certainly not before the merger.



people who purchase retail usually stick with the service. OEM while important has a high turnover.

never. how about by Q 1 2009.....

Late to the party as usual, but here's my two cents worth.

I'm an OTR truck driver and could not live without my Sirius radio. I started with XM and moved to Sirius, mainly because XM canceled a talk show I really liked, and even more, because I found I liked the music better on Sirius. I found that out accidentally when Dish network started playing Sirius music. So I got a refund from my two year sub at XM and got a two year sub with Sirius.

Frankly, there's no point arguing about which is 'better', cuz it's all a matter of personal taste. Both are life changing experiences once you get one. And once you get one, you will wonder how you ever lived without it (no matter which one you get). :D

Oh, and if you like a little 'smut' in you life, the Afternoon Advice show with Tiffany Granath on the Playboy channel (on Sirius) will blow your socks off - ;)

people who purchase retail usually stick with the service. OEM while important has a high turnover.

never. how about by Q 1 2009.....

OEM only has high turnover if you're Sirius and count them as subscribers before they pay you. XM however offers promotions, but doesn't count them unless they subscribe. Using this method, they still outsell Sirius in OEM installs simply because they locked up the biggest sellers early, and continue to do a better job at making them standard installs rather then forcing the customer to request/pay to install it.

Not taking anything away from Sirius here, they do outsell XM overall in net adds--which is the most important. But they are still 2 million behind and even at this rate (or 2 years agos rates) it would take them til 2010 to catch up.

XM just hit 9 million this week.

One word, "Howard"!

Siriusly (ha!), I know people who started on XM and switched to Sirius. I know people who bought a Dodge instead of a GM because of Sirius. You can now swap the brain from GM's XM receivers to a Sirius brain (about $99).

We have both, Sirius and XM. But, the original poster said one thing that would tell me he would be better off with XM. On the go? Does that mean moving the receiver from car to house?

The one problem myself and other family members have had with Sirius, is that we can not get a signal inside of a house. An external antenna was the only way to get reception indoors with Sirius, at least here in SE Michigan. And we have tried in multiple houses and wood structured buildings. On the other hand, our XM units have never had a problem snagging a strong signal indoors with the regular supplied XM antenna.

Just something to think about. And I do prefer Sirius Radios music choices over XM.

wait til they merge and then you get both

wait til they merge and then you get both

For an additional price. The merger pricing plans don't give you a simple choice, like (for me) - Add NBA and NFL only to my XM -.

Rather, you get so many channels for a fixed fee. The exact mix is being worked out still and won't be available for 6-12 months from the official merge date.

I got XM for MLB, the sports shows, the college sports (lots of that!) and classical, easy-listening and show music. I'm sure Sirius has the music side covered. XM's traffic and weather (I'm in the Baltimore area) is very helpful.

But one thing for sure, Satellite Radio is great! Either one will end your use of regular radio, except for local news.

Rich N.

The exact mix is being worked out still and won't be available for 6-12 months from the official merge date.

It is true the exact mix is being worked out. What we DO know is this: http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-and-sirius-detail-their-a-la-carte-offering.html

That a la carte is a bit unclear to me. Does it mean you can have only 50 of the Sirius channels or 50 of the XM or can you do some of both?

That a la carte is a bit unclear to me. Does it mean you can have only 50 of the Sirius channels or 50 of the XM or can you do some of both?

It's kinda all of the above. There is still the $12.99 package... then there's a $16.99 that includes about 11 of the "other guys" channels without requiring a new radio and then there are cheaper packages for just music, or just sports/news/talk from either XM or Sirius, but not both.

Once the new radios come out, THEN you will see true a-la-carte where you can pick and choose 50 channels from either service--but not for a couple years. In the meantime (and with older radios) you will basically only be able to choose that $16.99 package and get 11 of the other guys channels channels (of their choosing, not yours) to get programming from the other service. You can also choose to continue to pay $12.99 and nothing will change, or you can pay $9.99 and get either just music, or just news/talk/sports.

The short--to take advantage of any of it, you'll need new radios that won't even be available for at least a year after the merger is completed (if it even ever is).

Unless the 11 include the NFL (no chance for that), I can't imagine getting anything out of this merger until I can get 50 channels from both (16 baseball, 16 football, 1 weather/traffic, 10 college sports, 7 music) would be ideal. But if someone from XM wanted Howard Stern I guess it would be great.

Even just picking 50 from XM for $6.99 would be great if it included sports.

So basically, for 2 years nothing changes, then we buy new radios and have fun. That's okay too.

Rich N.

What do you guys think about sound quality the AOL online music service? Somebody just tipped me off on XMFan.com forum, so I am listening to it now.

Sounds pretty decent decoded by my receiver, listening to the "Jazz Mix" channel.

What do you guys think about sound quality the AOL online music service? Somebody just tipped me off on XMFan.com forum, so I am listening to it now.

Sounds pretty decent decoded by my receiver, listening to the "Jazz Mix" channel.

AOL Radio you mean? I listen mostly through XM Online to the handful or so stations they offer and they are good. They are 64kbps Windows Media though.

With AOL Radio (if you are a subscriber) they are 128kbps AAC, and it sounds amazing though... and they also carry all the XM channels as well (again, if you are a subscriber).

Go with Sirius and I highly recommend the life time subscription which you can get right now for 399. When they merge it should save you some cash in the long run.

For me I listen to:

Stern, Maxim, Alt Nation, Octane, & then when traveling the NFL games.

O&A > Stern

XM ftw

I want NFL and MLB so I have no clue what to do :(

Kind of suckcs.

I am leaning towards XM right now

The Grateful Dead Channel 32, Sirius, end of discussion.

The Greatful Dead, XM channel 59 (at least it was there). Maybe we should open it up again.

Rich N.

Go with Sirius and I highly recommend the life time subscription which you can get right now for 399. When they merge it should save you some cash in the long run.



I would wait before doing that. There is a good chance the merger will not be approved. If it is not approved, there is an even better chance that Sirius will declare bankruptcy.

If you go with Sirius, I would recommend you get the shortest contract available.

I would wait before doing that. There is a good chance the merger will not be approved. If it is not approved, there is an even better chance that Sirius will declare bankruptcy.

If you go with Sirius, I would recommend you get the shortest contract available.

I'm afraid it is the other way around, XM would be the one declaring bankruptcy, thanks to their giving away the farm deals to Oprah and the like.
Say what you will about Howard's deal but at least he provides content to his channel.

I hope the merger goes through but if not, they both could go belly up.

Sattelite radio is the future but they are being run with 80s technology.
DirectTV was forced to upgrade their equipment, why not XM and Sirius?

There is no reason why OTA FM radio should sound better then Sirius. I'm guessing they are using the same codec that was developed 10 years ago if not longer.

I love the content and commercial free music but I'll hook up my 10,000 song iPod over listening to music that sounds like 32kps mp3s.

Yes, they're both pretty sick companies financially. I wouldn't recommend anyone get a long term contract with either company until their long term viability becomes clearer.

The funny thing about the government preventing the merger so as to "preserve competition", is that if they are not allowed to merge, at least one will surely go out of business. So there will be no competiton any way!

No Cinemagic, no Sirius for me...


Plus the Inno and the XPressRC (which I just bought for my wife) are fantastic products.

Just jumped on the XM bandwagon!

My reasons for XM over Sirius were pretty simple: Howard Stern doesn't do anything for me, I like the Rock selections on XM, I prefer a Zep Channel instead of the Dead, I prefer college basketball and football over professional, NHL, PGA Tour Network, Tom Petty's Burried Treasure, Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour... for me it was a no brainer.

I started out with Sirius for the first year and a half. however, I recently just switched to XM for two reasons. the first one is I bought my SKYFI3 for $30 (after a $40 mail in rebate) which included the home and car kit(s) as well.

the second reason is I was able to cash in on that 1 year subscription deal for $77. this totally blew away my $12.95/month Sirius subscription by a long shot. that's going to be a very nice monthly savings.

as for the content between the two? they're pretty much the same music wise. I could give .02 cents less about other stuff like Stern or NASCAR.

I have had both services and I chose XM.

Opie & Anthony > Howard Stern, but the best kept secret in all of Satellite Radio is Ron & Fez. An insanely hilarious show.

Ron and Fez are great. O and A used to be great on WNEW.

Howard has had some of his best shows ever....

If talk is your agenda then choose a side.

If music is your passion, then Sirius is better by a mile.

If you truly value diff types of music and deep cuts, and want to be surprised and moved in a new direction you can't go wrong with Sirius.

I own 1,000 plus albums and I can switch channels and find a song that I:
A; have not heard in 15 yrs
B. a new great artist
C. Can't believe they are playing this deep of a cut

Spectrum alone is worth $10 a month.

Try them both online and see what floats your boat.

Just jumped on the XM bandwagon!

My reasons for XM over Sirius were pretty simple: Howard Stern doesn't do anything for me, I like the Rock selections on XM, I prefer a Zep Channel instead of the Dead, I prefer college basketball and football over professional, NHL, PGA Tour Network, Tom Petty's Burried Treasure, Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour... for me it was a no brainer.

The later part of your post is very cool stuff, but Zep...

Come on we have heard their catalog on rock radio for 30 yrs. do you really want to hear The Crunge for the millionth time. Now I will say if they play rare outtakes and live cuts like the Springsteen channel then I could understand, but if its just album cuts then why?

Ron and Fez are great. O and A used to be great on WNEW.

Howard has had some of his best shows ever....

If talk is your agenda then choose a side.

If music is your passion, then Sirius is better by a mile.

If you truly value diff types of music and deep cuts, and want to be surprised and moved in a new direction you can't go wrong with Sirius.

I own 1,000 plus albums and I can switch channels and find a song that I:
A; have not heard in 15 yrs
B. a new great artist
C. Can't believe they are playing this deep of a cut

Spectrum alone is worth $10 a month.

Try them both online and see what floats your boat.
I think you are the only person in the world that thinks Sirius is better for deep cuts and non repeating variety.

The later part of your post is very cool stuff, but Zep...

Come on we have heard their catalog on rock radio for 30 yrs. do you really want to hear The Crunge for the millionth time. Now I will say if they play rare outtakes and live cuts like the Springsteen channel then I could understand, but if its just album cuts then why?

Uh... not sure what you mean. I only said that I prefer a Zep channel over a Dead. I never said that I think any station of one artist was a good idea just that "I" preferred zep over the dead.

And "The Crunge"? WTF? I own about every zep album and that's really not even on my radar of favorite tunes.... Now maybe a Jimi Hendrix Channel one week, Zeppelin Channel another, Stevie Ray Vaughn another and just rotate through all of the artists but I can do without the dead (my brother followed them for ten years) I've had enough.

Jerz,

I was just making a point on the Crunge. I was picking a deeper cut than say Stairway.

I took your Zep comment the wrong way. Sorry.

I find any artist only station is only good if it plays rarities, outtakes, and live shows.

Pat6366,

Can you give me some examples of deep cuts from XM? As I said I listened for a few hours several times and I didn't find anything I liked.

Now I am still for the merge cause it will be more stations and a greater talent pool to listen too, but I am just saying I didn't hear anything that moved me on XM>. Maybe I had the wrong station etc.

Here is my Drive home and drive in this morning.

Paul Simon-Under African Skies Spectrum
The Cars-Since your Gone Rewind
Brothers Johnson-I'll be good to you Soultown
Phish-Ghost 97' Jam ON
Alison Krauss & Plant-gone Spectrum
Ryan Adams-Everybody Spectrum
The Strokes- Someday Garage
Misfits-die die my darling Punk
Black Sabbath-Faries wear boots Buzzsaw
Toto- Gorgy Porgy- Strobe

I live in NY MEtro area. You tell me what FM stations I could find that would play these artists, and how likely it would be to hear these via surfing stations on a 40 min car ride to work.

And please provide an example of XM playlist created by surfing in a let's say 1 hr span that equals this variety and quality of choices in the artists catalog

The whole XM=deep and Sirius=FM is plain false.

I agree that some Sirius channels did have too much repetition, but you never hear anyone talk about how several of these channels greatly expanded their playlists in december.

There's a fine line between deep cuts and obscure stuff that few enjoy. When I listen to Sirius music, I hear songs that I LOVE. Many that I haven't heard in a really long time, and it's great to hear it again.

On the other hand, you can't be too FM station like and play "Stairway" every hour, or else who would pay for this?

Sirius' music is fairly deep, and the obscure stuff has certain channels that cater to that. I prefer that format. When I want the weird stuff, I can get it. When I want to sing along with every word of every song and anxiously anticipate what will play next, I can do that too.

XM, lately, has been cutting back on some of the obscure stuff. Which is what I guess they think is best for the majority of their subscribers. However this is upsetting the fans of the obscure stuff, and the forms are full of people whining becasue XM is become more "Sirius-like", and they blame Mel K.

So..... If these people are correct, then Sirius and XM music are getting much closer than you think.

I will concede that if you have either satellite provider you are still way better off than terrestrial radio which is painful. Any station in NY has been forced to lose any creative control in music programming.

I am happy with Sirius so much so that I keep Dish Network only to hear the music channels in higher quality ( due to higher bandwidth for tv satellites vs radio).

I wish quality in the car could be a little better for both, and if we get the merge maybe that can be done?

I will concede that if you have either satellite provider you are still way better off than terrestrial radio which is painful. Any station in NY has been forced to lose any creative control in music programming.

I am happy with Sirius so much so that I keep Dish Network only to hear the music channels in higher quality ( due to higher bandwidth for tv satellites vs radio).

I wish quality in the car could be a little better for both, and if we get the merge maybe that can be done?

Quality will improve, but not for several years. Mel has promised that all exisiting radios will still work after the merger, so they'll have to keep both of the Sirius and XM lineups.

However, a few years down the road, I'm sure they'll start merging similar stations, thus freeing up bandwidth. Remember, sat radio was once called CD Radio and was CD quality. Now they have 3 times as many channels and is more like FM quality at best.

People on XM/Sirius forums actually have both, and if you don't think it is a waste of money for both, go for it.

For me, I love all sports, but my #1 priority was NHL. Sometimes I would go in my car at lunch here in the SF Bay Area and listen to KNBR (local sports station) and there just isn't enough NHL coverage, so I went with XM so I could listen to NHL talk all the time. MLB talk, especially during the season (Trade deadline especially!), is quite nice too.

As a bonus, they now have a station called ATN Radio which plays Bollywood music. The audio quality is crap (it's produced in Canada and on xmfan.com they say the Canadian produced stations suck for AQ), but I'm in it for the content.

I listen to a ton of other stuff too, but I suspect there is a Sirius equivalent so it's really the things above that got into me into and keep me on, XM.

Sirius is the best.
There is no better on radio than Howard Stern, The King of all Media.
Sirius is going to own XM soon anyway.

Sirius is the best.
There is no better on radio than Howard Stern, The King of all Media.
Sirius is going to own XM soon anyway.

Howard? No thanks!

AALLOCA, I'm not going to keep a diary but here is a quick screen shot of typical programing.

Great forum! I've been an XM subscriber for 4 years (had it in my Avalanche) but I just purchased a new vehicle and think I want to try Sirius. My two favorite music channels on XM (Boneyard and Music Lab) are for the most part, no longer available. My issue is; which receiver to get. My new truck has a satellite ready receiver but it would cost me $500.00 for a factory installed unit. Also, I can't replace the receiver because of the design of the truck so plug and play is my only option. I'm thinking of getting a Starmate or a Starmate 4 and having it hard wired. I would appreciate any pertinent advice you guys could give me. Thanks!

Great forum! I've been an XM subscriber for 4 years (had it in my Avalanche) but I just purchased a new vehicle and think I want to try Sirius. My two favorite music channels on XM (Boneyard and Music Lab) are for the most part, no longer available. My issue is; which receiver to get. My new truck has a satellite ready receiver but it would cost me $500.00 for a factory installed unit. Also, I can't replace the receiver because of the design of the truck so plug and play is my only option. I'm thinking of getting a Starmate or a Starmate 4 and having it hard wired. I would appreciate any pertinent advice you guys could give me. Thanks!

Go sign up at www.siriusbackstage.com

I've been checking out the programming. I listen to maybe 6-8 channels on a regular basis. I like sports talk in the morning, which I can get on either service. From 12-2, its Foxnews with Bill O Reilly, also available on both and after that, its a combo of rock and jazz. Seems that Sirius has more choices for someone who likes classic and progressive rock from the 70's and early 80's.

I've been checking out the programming. I listen to maybe 6-8 channels on a regular basis. I like sports talk in the morning, which I can get on either service. From 12-2, its Foxnews with Bill O Reilly, also available on both and after that, its a combo of rock and jazz. Seems that Sirius has more choices for someone who likes classic and progressive rock from the 70's and early 80's.

+1

Is there any difference in sound quality between the Starmate and the Starmate 4?

neilpert61,

Since you purchased a NEW vehicle, i was wondering:

Does it have a 3.5mm direct input available?

Most of todays new cars(not all of course) have at least 1 of these inputs because FINALLY came to the realization that people like to connect Ipods and the like to there radio's. So they began to make these a standard feature on alot of new cars(2007 and now) and there factory installed radios.

If you do have one of these, this would be the best way to connect your Starmate to the vehicle's radio using the AUDIO OUT from the Starmate to the AUDIO INTPUT of the radio. No interference with wireless FM transmission(which is common to alot of people. Not all though).

Don't know enough about the Starmate to offer an opinion, but my guess would be the sound being ouputted is neglible in comparing older with newer.

I would just try to find the cheapest one I could find.

The whole XM=deep and Sirius=FM is plain false.

I agree that some Sirius channels did have too much repetition, but you never hear anyone talk about how several of these channels greatly expanded their playlists in december.

There's a fine line between deep cuts and obscure stuff that few enjoy. When I listen to Sirius music, I hear songs that I LOVE. Many that I haven't heard in a really long time, and it's great to hear it again.

On the other hand, you can't be too FM station like and play "Stairway" every hour, or else who would pay for this?

Sirius' music is fairly deep, and the obscure stuff has certain channels that cater to that. I prefer that format. When I want the weird stuff, I can get it. When I want to sing along with every word of every song and anxiously anticipate what will play next, I can do that too.

XM, lately, has been cutting back on some of the obscure stuff. Which is what I guess they think is best for the majority of their subscribers. However this is upsetting the fans of the obscure stuff, and the forms are full of people whining becasue XM is become more "Sirius-like", and they blame Mel K.

So..... If these people are correct, then Sirius and XM music are getting much closer than you think.

Sirius has expanded the playlists?? Im still hearing many of the same songs I was hearing on a daily basis several months ago. Please prove me wrong with proof. Sirius doesnt go deep(at least not the rock music channels I frequent, Octane, Lithium, Hair nation). Sadly, Ive noticed a rather FM like pattern on those channels. Predictable songs, the same playlists daily, and NEVER will you here a song that wasnt the released single. Octane is probably the worst for this. This is my observation. I do know XM does have a deeper playlist, which is how I prefer it.

Sirius has expanded the playlists?? Im still hearing many of the same songs I was hearing on a daily basis several months ago. Please prove me wrong with proof. Sirius doesnt go deep(at least not the rock music channels I frequent, Octane, Lithium, Hair nation). Sadly, Ive noticed a rather FM like pattern on those channels. Predictable songs, the same playlists daily, and NEVER will you here a song that wasnt the released single. Octane is probably the worst for this. This is my observation. I do know XM does have a deeper playlist, which is how I prefer it.

I think you may be right on 2 out of 3 channels. But don't take this as a personal attack, most, and I stress most, people who listen to those 3 stations I wouldn't consider the deepest cut listeners. Lithium is heavily based on KROCK NY's format which was take 10 artists and drive them down your throat. The Octane stuff is at least a little deeper... for Daughtry they play something other than home or whatever. I tend to not like new rock or about 99% of what octane plays.

I prefer Buzzsaw older rock like Dio, Sabbath,Old Metallica pre-Black album),e tc

Hair Nation I would have to argue is pretty obscure at times, an example. White Trash-Apple Pie a NYC based funk metal outfit that had 2 albums, and one radio mtv hit "apple pie. Another group Dangerous Toys early 90's metal band with no hits is being played. Will you hear your usual Def Leppard, Accept, etc yes. But I do find they do rotate more obscure artists.

I think Hair Nation- could and should go deeper than Dr. Feelgood and maybe try Going on with the Show.. if you are Motley Fan.... but overall most listeners are not going to like that.

Don't get me wrong I will always go with Track #8 vs Track #1.

I find Spectrum has the best programming for older stuff mixed with new.

I will say that no matter what I say, someone is always going to have a counterpoint that XM is better because of whatever reason.

I do want to point out that in my earlier post I listed what I heard on several stations, which in my opinion is how an open minded music fan would listen, and so far nothing from XM camp has matched in terms of diversity and deep cuts, and interesting artists. Someone offered me a screen shot of an XM playlist at one time on several stations. I have also listened to XM online and have not heard 1 song that made me say damn.... I can't believe they are playing this...

I am for the merge since maybe we won't have to argue anymore, and more stations will mean more chances to hear new or rare music.

Sirius has expanded the playlists?? Im still hearing many of the same songs I was hearing on a daily basis several months ago. Please prove me wrong with proof. Sirius doesnt go deep(at least not the rock music channels I frequent, Octane, Lithium, Hair nation). Sadly, Ive noticed a rather FM like pattern on those channels. Predictable songs, the same playlists daily, and NEVER will you here a song that wasnt the released single. Octane is probably the worst for this. This is my observation. I do know XM does have a deeper playlist, which is how I prefer it.

Lithium has greatly expanded. I'm not sure how you could have not noticed if you really were a listener of that channel before November 07.

I have Sirius in all my cars, and just recently I rented a car with XM in it. I was excited to finally hear XM. Boy was I disappointed. I like everything Sirius offers better. I thought the music stations sucked. The only thing I need was XM is MLB, NHL and the PGA Tour.

Also it looks like XM will be dead without the merger.

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-announces-3q07-results-revenue-continues-to-increase.html

Also it looks like XM will be dead without the merger.

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-announces-3q07-results-revenue-continues-to-increase.html


October 25, 2007 , you do know its March 2008....

They're both dead without the merger...

But word is they suppose to get the OK by the end of this month...

word is they were supposed to get the ok last 5 months... not sure if either win

I have Sirius in all my cars, and just recently I rented a car with XM in it. I was excited to finally hear XM. Boy was I disappointed. I like everything Sirius offers better. I thought the music stations sucked. The only thing I need was XM is MLB, NHL and the PGA Tour.

Also it looks like XM will be dead without the merger.

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-announces-3q07-results-revenue-continues-to-increase.html

Check out the comments at the end of the article, you gotta love that some moron jumps in a tries to make it a Stern vs O&A thing.

I stuck with XM all this time because I like the gear. The Inno is by far one of the finest units I've had yet. I love the recording feature (especially the ability to record something from the beginning if I've been listening for a few minutes and want to grab it), and I love the portability from the car to the house.

I have little interest in Howard Stern. And the whole music playlist arguement is simply one of preference. You're going to have people on both sides claiming their service has the better music selection.

But one question Sirius folks can answer because I don't know. During the holiday times, did Sirius have a Hanukkah station to go along with the 85 Christmas stations? I give XM radio a lot of credit for having a "Radio Hanukkah" the past 2 years where my family and I can listen and enjoy.

But one question Sirius folks can answer because I don't know. During the holiday times, did Sirius have a Hanukkah station to go along with the 85 Christmas stations?Not that I've ever heard.

But what's the difference, when many of the modern, popular Christmas tunes were written by people of the Jewish persuasion anyway? ;):)

I stuck with XM all this time because I like the gear. The Inno is by far one of the finest units I've had yet. I love the recording feature (especially the ability to record something from the beginning if I've been listening for a few minutes and want to grab it), and I love the portability from the car to the house.

I have little interest in Howard Stern. And the whole music playlist arguement is simply one of preference. You're going to have people on both sides claiming their service has the better music selection.

But one question Sirius folks can answer because I don't know. During the holiday times, did Sirius have a Hanukkah station to go along with the 85 Christmas stations? I give XM radio a lot of credit for having a "Radio Hanukkah" the past 2 years where my family and I can listen and enjoy.


85 Christmas stations.
not-

Hanukkah stations.
who cares!

85 Christmas stations.
not-

It was a figure of speech slick. :rolleyes:

Hanukkah stations.
who cares!

I do. I asked a simple question. Don't be a jerk.

Not that I've ever heard.

But what's the difference, when many of the modern, popular Christmas tunes were written by people of the Jewish persuasion anyway? ;):)

Doesn't mean I have to listen to it. Wow, some seriously insensitive Christians floating around this forum. That's good to know.

Doesn't mean I have to listen to it. Wow, some seriously insensitive Christians floating around this forum. That's good to know.


actually im not Christian or Jewish and could give two craps who is.(I judge people not religions)!

you are the one who found it necessary to take a shot at Chrstmas music(Christians) with your 85 station comment. then you made it known that you were Jewish!!! then you backed it up with this statement. "Doesn't mean I have to listen to it".

Doesn't mean I have to listen to it. Wow, some seriously insensitive Christians floating around this forum. That's good to know.It was a joke. But the best jokes always have some truth in them. ;)

Anyway, just what in the world does "Hanukkah music" sound like? I'm curious to know. One of my ex-sisters-in-law was Jewish, but I don't think they ever played any kind of specific holiday music on Hanukkah. 'Course, I wasn't there 24 hours a day.

It was a joke. But the best jokes always have some truth in them. ;)

I know. Irving Berlin says Hi. :) I forgot the smiley at the end of the post.

Anyway, just what in the world does "Hanukkah music" sound like? I'm curious to know. One of my ex-sisters-in-law was Jewish, but I don't think they ever played any kind of specific holiday music on Hanukkah. 'Course, I wasn't there 24 hours a day.

There are a lot of songs that are made just for Hanukkah. And they come in all types. And yes, beyond Adam Sandler's Chanukah songs.

The more traditional music is basically prayer. There are the kids songs like "I had a Little Dreydel".

There are also a growing number of contemporary Hanukkah songs written by pop musicians. The Barenaked Ladies do an real nice song called "Hanukkah Blessings". And there's more.

In all seriousness, it's a growing thing. And considering how hard it really is to be Jewish starting after Thanksgiving, it's been very nice to have that station on XM.

you are the one who found it necessary to take a shot at Chrstmas music(Christians) with your 85 station comment. then you made it known that you were Jewish!!! then you backed it up with this statement. "Doesn't mean I have to listen to it".


Dude, just shut up ok? I asked a question, you gave me a jerk-like answer that was unneccessary.

I can see you are the Sirius super-fanboy of the forum. So your pissy attitude itsn't a surprise to me.

Dude, just shut up ok?




lol...

Have a wonderful Easter!

Wow the guy asked a question and gets this !
I think mercury is way out of line !

There are a lot of songs that are made just for Hanukkah. And they come in all types. And yes, beyond Adam Sandler's Chanukah songs.Oh, OK. I thought maybe it was Klezmer or something. :D

85 Christmas stations.
not-

Hanukkah stations.
who cares!

Dangerous ground here. I too listen to the Hannukah channel ocassionally. My problem with the Christmas station is that they take Light Classical off in December and simulcast one of the 6 Christmans channels. I know...Light Classical, who cares? Well, some of us.

Rich N.

With or without the merger, I'm not sure sat radio is something that's going to be with us forever.

I bought a new car a few weeks ago that came with XM, and it's ok, but in no way shape or form is it worth $13 a month. I got an iPod interface as well, and it annihilates XM in sound quality. I wasn't expecting them to be equal, but I would have settled for FM quality sound out of the XM. It wasn't even that good, and it varied by station.

The decades channels were acceptable, though not fantastic. The Boneyard and Liquid Metal, the two channels that play my favorite music, both sound awful. It was like listening to free 64kbps radio over the web.

My wife has Sirius in her van, and the sound quality is roughly equivalent though I could swear Sirius sounded a bit more dynamic then the XM stuff (again, it varies by the channel, I think they compress them differently based on popularity?). As far as content, I like Sirius better as well, XM has a habit of playing weird obscure stuff that frankly sucks. Why do I want to listen to some horrible U2 b-side when they have dozens and dozens of great songs?

I have a 90 day trial of XM, but I can't see myself paying money for this. I'm glad I got the iPod interface.

Pretty soon it'll all be moot...the courts just approved the merger. News broke just a few minutes ago.

DGK

Pretty soon it'll all be moot...the courts just approved the merger. News broke just a few minutes ago.

DGK

OOo, nice. At the end of the day, if they can bring the sound quality up to at least 128kbps MP3 level, I'll pay for it. Otherwise I'll stick with the iPod.

yeah i have Sirius and i love it, i wouldn't choose XM its election is lousy!

I'd go with XiriusM, SiriuXM, or XMius

I Six Rums
I Xis Rums
Rim Six Us
Rim Xis Us
Rims Xi Us
Mix Sir Us
Sir Six Um
Sir Six Mu
Sir Xis Um
Sir Xis Mu
Sir Xi Sum
Sir Xi Mus
Sirs Xi Um
Sirs Xi Mu
Is Six Rum
Is Xis Rum
Is Xi Rums
Sis Xi Rum

yeah i have Sirius and i love it, i wouldn't choose XM its election is lousy!Me neither.

OOo, nice. At the end of the day, if they can bring the sound quality up to at least 128kbps MP3 level, I'll pay for it. Otherwise I'll stick with the iPod.

SQ is teh sukk, which is why Sirius went out of my car three years ago. XM is over Direct (well, maybe ;)) and that's OK for background. Although TBH I think that sounds far better than the underwater tin-can sound I got from Sirius' in-car solution.

you are the one who found it necessary to take a shot at Christmas music(Christians) with your 85 station comment. then you made it known that you were Jewish!!! then you backed it up with this statement. "Doesn't mean I have to listen to it".

I guess he figured that the "85 stations" were fine since they weren't expected by their target audience to be free.

JOKE

Everyone lighten up!

Wow, when did all the illiterates show up?

Siriusly Sinatra.

That's why I chose Sirius and why I wouldn't switch to XM.

I've had both services. There is no clear winner unless you're a die hard Stern fan or a fan of MLB, NFL etc. However, the standards station on XM with Jonathan Schwartz is so much way better than the Sirius version. Hitchfan, you're missing out.

yeah i think Sirius has a lot better content!

Which has LESS Talk on MUSIC channels?
I like that XM has folk and 40s (which it looks like Sirius lacks) but it also looks like they have alot of talk, "interviews", etc. which I don't like, especially on music stations. I'll be listening to mostly oldies (50s-60s) and bluegrass. Please advise...

Sirius has plenty of 50', 60's and Bluegrass music. They do play that other music on various channels, even if they don't have dedicated ones. For instance, "Disorder" plays every kind of style - and I do mean every kind. I've heard Folk on there before. And a lot of the 40's music is played on the Classic, Light Pop, Easy Listening, Jazz, Broadway, Big Band and etc. channels (and they do have a Sinatra channel, also).

I'd suggest trying out the free, 3-day online trial.

Which has LESS Talk on MUSIC channels?
I like that XM has folk and 40s (which it looks like Sirius lacks) but it also looks like they have alot of talk, "interviews", etc. which I don't like, especially on music stations. I'll be listening to mostly oldies (50s-60s) and bluegrass. Please advise...

I cannot speak for Sirius, but XM does not have a lot of talk. Certain stations run interviews and specials, but I would say the majority do not and there is very little DJ type chatter.

Very little of it on the Sirius music stations, too.

You can try them both out for free.

Very little of it on the Sirius music stations, too.

You can try them both out for free.

I disagree. Ive had both services and as far as DJ chatter Sirius has XM beat by a long shot. I prefer XM's approach which is usually very little DJ talk between songs. Sirius, on the other hand, has an "FM feel" to all of their channels with constant DJ chatter etc. You should definitely try the free trial.