XM or Sirius?

[Talus]

I want to get satelite radio and I think I will ask for some equipment for christmas, but I have tried both (through the online trials) but neither one has stood out as the one to get, and I cant decide on which has better recievers (I want plug and play)
I think I liked sirius' channels better, but XM seems to have about the same stuff, just spread onto different channels. I have heard that XM playes a greater variety. My preferences in music are pretty diverse (alt, classic rock, indy, retro, punk, hip-hop, folk, classical, hard rock, and everything else) The two fm stations I used to listen to most were classic rock (103.5 the fox) and college (90.5 kcsu) but now theres nothing because I live in Wyoming.
I could care less about sports, so those channels mean nothing to me. I still cant decide which one will be best for me.
What does everyone think of the two services?

[preludeshfan]

Dude, buy the XM i have it in 2 cars and in my office. i have not listened to a radio station in over a year. i looked at sirrus and honestly you get a much better selection with XM
also Xm has 3 times the listeners i think they are at somthing like 3 million now. i ask you who do you think is going to stay in business the longest?
and combines with the fact they have many many new cars comming out with XM. dont waste your money on Sirrus sooner or later they will be obsolete. not only that both are commercial free and i belive XM is less expensive.

[stu]

I've been thinking of getting that as well, my reception sucks major balls. Tobi has Sirrius, maybe he'll reply here.

[STIBungy]

XM is commercial free? I've heard otherwise. If I do decide to go with some satellite radio service, I'd have to get XM since my deck is XM-ready.

[preludeshfan]

if any of you are interested i can get the XM commander which i feel by far is the best value of tuner currently on the market. retail used to be 160.00 i dont know if they have come down much but last i checked my cost was like 120 a peice.
ill install it for you if you like. for 40 bucks

[preludeshfan]

XM is commercial free? I've heard otherwise. If I do decide to go with some satellite radio service, I'd have to get XM since my deck is XM-ready.

yes they are commercial free and have been for almost a year. they used to have adversisements for BOSE and state farm insurance. but they dont have commercials for advertising anymore. just the DJ's make station identification from time to time and announce whats new this week on XM.
i listen to 95% 80's and 90's
Heidi Selexa is awsome on the 80's

[STIBungy]

How are the stations in regards to repetition of the same songs during any given day?

[Talus]

http://www.sirius.com/servlet/MediaPlayerRegistration?stream=
www.xmradio.com
For those that havnt heard either of them, they each have a three day online trial.

I dont really think that I should just choose the more popular one, as each will still be operating in the forseeable future and sirius is just getting off the ground and still has a few larger companies lined up to become partners.
I have also heard that Clear Channel has a stake in xm which make me hesitant, because I do not want to deal with CC bullshit after getting away from it on fm.
XM is cheaper ($10/mo compared to sirius $13/mo) but you have to pay $3/mo for online which comes with sirius, so if you get both they cost the same.

[BluByU]

Plus XM has the new skyfi 2 which records and pauses like TiVo.

[Talus]

If I got a Commander could it be installed like it should? I already have a changer going into my aux. input

[HONDA GHANDI]

I have sirius and I like it a lot. They do have some repetition on some of the chanels that play new stuff. But there are lots of chanels that are good so I never get bored. I listen in the house, in two of my cars, in the shop, online. Sirius is even on Dish network, they add new chanels every month or so, I dont think they are going anywhere. I met a few truckers last year on some road trips and they all love sirius over XM. But thats probably because the old XM had commercials. Either way its the best invention since internet pron.

[STIBungy]

How's the reception during a snowstorm or just when it's snowing? I know that satellite tv goes out sometimes.

[HONDA GHANDI]

How's the reception during a snowstorm or just when it's snowing? I know that satellite tv goes out sometimes.


Fine. I only had my in home one lose signal once during a huge lightning storm once this summer. In the car going under bridges and Huge powerlines will interrupt it but thats about it.

[preludeshfan]

How's the reception during a snowstorm or just when it's snowing? I know that satellite tv goes out sometimes.

this answeres both your questions

repetition. for the most part i probly hear most songs 1 time daily. keep in mind i listen to the 80's all day every day for about 12 hours each day. sure i have heard the same song played 2 times in a single day but usually its a song i like. but you also hear some songs you havnt heard for weeks. i think it just depends on the DJ

as for reception, mine never fades out or cuts out under overpasses at highway speeds. if you park in the gas station or carwash or garage you will loose signal of course. but there is a 10 second buffer built in that takes care of most of the reception issues. for the most part you get 99.99% of the time unintrupted music. even in the worst weather i have never lost signal to the point that it cut out or had any dead time. not even for a second.

as for the programming i havnt played with sirrus but IMO there are by far more selections to choose from as for tuners on the market under XM
i also know many of the major cities have local weather and traffic broadcast on XM.
also if it helps any ACURA is releasing the new RL and it has XM traffic tied into the navigation system. supposedly it can alert you of an accident or traffic jamb along your route up ahead and tell you how to avoid it.
its brand new in fact i think pioneer has a unit that does the same thing. i dont know if sirrus has this ability yet but as for new and upcomming technology i have already in the 1 years time i have been using XM seen many new channels added and many new features added since i got mine.

both are good service i am sure. if they were that different i suppose that one would be out of business already.
i just have a funny feeling that since XM is like 3 million strong your going to see any new developing technology for Sat radio develop there first. so far that seems to be the case from what i know of it.

[Storm Girl]

I have Sirrius, and I love it. The only reason I picked it is because the Kenwood deck I got is Sirrius ready. I suggest doing that - getting a deck that's satelite ready so you don't have to pay extra for their receiver. Anyways, I listen to Sirrius online, and whenever we drive anywhere. I don't even touch the radio anymore - heck, I don't think that antanae is plugged in anymore. I have great reception, except for the occasional tunnel or big overhead bridge, but it comes right back as soon as you are out of it. I personally can't tell you to pick one over the other, but from personal experience, I have never had any problems with Sirrius. I also heard somewhere that Sirrius is cheaper....

Just my .02.

[STIBungy]

I think you mean a stereo that has either the Sirius or XM tuner built-in. My Alpine is XM ready but requires an outboard tuner.

[exciv2000]

How much can you get the (TUA-T020XM) Ai-Net for?

[preludeshfan]

How much can you get the (TUA-T020XM) Ai-Net for?

i have to check to be exact but i think 150 including a warranty

[Skaterkid]

I work at Radio Shack, so if you want Sirius you should talk to me, so I can earn a little commision. They were on sale where you could get all the recievers for 100 bucks.

[InRox01]

I think sirius kicks ass. I have it on dish. Listened to Xm after sirius, I preffered sirius.Sirius is even on Dish network

[Storm Girl]

I think you mean a stereo that has either the Sirius or XM tuner built-in. My Alpine is XM ready but requires an outboard tuner.

Yes, you're right - If you have a deck that's satelite ready - that means you don't need to get the satelite deck, just the tuner, the antanae, and the plug. It's extremely easy to install.

[STIBungy]

Even though Jason helped you with it? :D

Yes, you're right - If you have a deck that's satelite ready - that means you don't need to get the satelite deck, just the tuner, the antanae, and the plug. It's extremely easy to install.

[Storm Girl]

Actually - all he did was supply the tools so I could mount the tuner. But yes...he helped! Since he's smaller than I am, he fit very easily into my trunk - which is where the tuner is. It's great making a small person your slave! LOL

[Rorshack]

Even though Jason helped you with it? :D

I'll have you know I am capable of plugging in a few wires, it was a good thing that they were keyed though... ;NutKick;

[STIBungy]

Hi there, little guy! :rofl:

I'll have you know I am capable of plugging in a few wires, it was a good thing that they were keyed though... ;NutKick;

[floored4door]

I have Sirius and I love it. Its also cool because I can sit here and listen to it on my computer for free since I am subscribed. Pretty Cool. You can do a three day trial here:

http://siriusradio.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/CachedPage&c=Page&cid=1018209032790

Click listen. And follow the instructions.

[Rorshack]

As for Sirius vs XM, I have had XM for about 2 years now and really enjoy it.

When I originally made my selection of XM, Sirius at the time was $3 more expensive per month. That item has since been resolved. As for commercials, XM music channels are commercial free now but the news stations etc still have some advertising as they are simply a feed from their respective agencies.

As for the tuner issue, any XM or Sirius compatible tuner does require the corresponding satilite receiver in addition to the radio / CD tuner. Additonally, an antenna will need to be purchased as well.

As for coverage, it has been my experience that Sirius has a few less drops than XM, which I am told is due to the placement of the satilites in orbit. It is my understanding that the XM satilites are in a lower latitude orbit causing a issue when a large object (like a mountain) gets in the way.

I agree with the rest of the folks that the amount of time listening to actual radio now is drastically decreased.

[Kwando]

Sirius because i work for Dish!

[taikahn]

I never listen to normal radio. I am surprised anyone does, same 15 songs on repeat.

Ill have to try the sirius/xm online trials ... Im curious to see if they are really any better.

[BluByU]

I'm going to sample XM all day at work tomorrow. Then sign up for the 3 day thing for the weekend and leave it playing nonstop.

[taikahn]

Sirius is not bad so far. I found about 4-5 channels I like.

[Talus]

After comparing both of them, I compared every channel I liked and I found that for all 10 or so channels I figured I would listen to regularly on Sirius, I found a channel on XM that was comparable. I dont think either one has better programming at this point, so I might go with xm from what I have heard about their equipment plus the fact that it's 3 bucks cheaper a month.

[InRox01]

Is loveline on satellite radio? Their pretty freakin funny.

[V8SpankR]

Sirius is paying Howard Stern $100 mil a year for 5 years,Eminem's rap channel plus they snagged NFL and NBA games for the next 6;XM got MLB for the next 11 so the cool factor is going to Sirius so far.

I think both services will grow and get better but Sirius seems to be willing to spend more money to obtain diverse programming due to it's new CEO that I was just reading about in Newsweek.

[floored4door]

The other cool part about Sirius is that they have The Maxim Radio Station. Its channel 145 but its not up and running just yet. I don't know what will be on that but I'm sure it will be tight.

[MichaelB145]

Sirius may have had a slow start, changed CEO's a few times, ect...but they are comming on strong and will have a million subscribers by the end of the month. They signed Howard Stern, NASCAR, NFL, NHL, ect. The pricing is the same when you buy at least a years service at a time. They have channels such as NPR for the older folks and much better programming. Unless you like comedy...then XM is better. I sell both services and we easy sell 4-1 Sirius and I guarantee that the stock on Sirius is going to double in 1 year...watch it...If you want to make money invest in it. It has already doubled in just the last 6 months.

[Robert_K]

I had Sirius in two of my old cars. Wife and I loved it. Buddy of mine started w/ XM and change to Sirius. Says Sirius is a lot clearer and just sounds better. I suggest sirius. Also if you have a newer Alpine deck you can choose Sirius or XM.

[chrisbarnett01]

I've listened to both, as I have XM in most of our vehicles, but a truck I've been using down here in TX has Sirius.

They are pretty similar. XM has better techno stations, XM has a punk rock station, XM also has a death metal/speed metal station.

Sirius has a few more rap stations from what I can tell, and they have an all Elvis station.

I like XM better. XM's comedy 150 is also pretty funny most of the time, but I couldn't find the comedy station on Sirius, so I can't compare those.

[DC2]

Someone left a sirius antenna in my car.... How much would it cost to get everything I would need for sirius...

[MichaelB145]

If they left the sirius antenna, then they probably left the brain. You need to find it and see what brand it is and go buy a head unit that will interface with it. Other wise, if they took the brain, then any sirius dealer could look at it and tell you what it will plug into. They make ALC adapters to adapt old sirius product to new style.

Mike B

[MichaelB145]

It would probably cost only $50 for the brain but you would have to buy a headunit as well. If you have a factory deck then it would be $79 more for the FM mod display.

[STIBungy]

I just bought a used sirius setup and should be getting it by this weekend. Yay!

[Mario]

I just bought a used sirius setup and should be getting it by this weekend. Yay!

Funny, I just got everything I needed for my XM setup... we'll see how it goes. :Peace:

[STIBungy]

Does anyone have a sirius antenna for sale? The guy I'm getting the setup from pm'd me today and said the installer that remove his system cut the antenna wire. I told him to buy a new one for me. We'll see how that goes.

[MichaelB145]

Come by and I will sell you one cheap. I'm the Store Manager of the CarToys at 6th and Broadway. I will see what I can do. It will probably be about 1/2 price.

[MichaelB145]

Come by and I will sell you one cheap. I'm the Store Manager of the CarToys at 6th and Broadway. I will see what I can do. It will probably be about 1/2 price.

Mike B @ CarToys
6th and Broadway
303-813-1090

Call me first to make sure I am there...I usually work 9-5 but tomarrow I work 1-9pm.

[MichaelB145]

Call me first...303-813-1090 so I can make sure I am there. The antenna will probably be about $25.00

Mike B
Store Manager

[BluByU]

Can you get a good deal on the Xact tuner? That's the one I have my eye on.