A Brief Overview of Satellite Radio

Posted: May 05, 2010 |

Broadcasting digital radio via satellite is not something new and concepts of doings this have been with us for a few years. From the early days of satellite radio, companies like Dish Network have offered digital audio channels as part of their programs. The breakthrough in popularity of satellite radio, however, happened just recently, when the technology became more permissive. Satellite radio was very rare on moving locations, such as boats or cars, mostly because there was the need for some expensive equipment - a tracking dish. This was a strong deterrent which kept satellite radio quite unknown by the general public. Today, however,  one can receive digital audio satellite broadcasts by using a small, GPS-like antenna. This greatly increased the feasibility of the satellite radio systems and more and more vehicle owners began considering satellite radios as a good source of music and news.

The birth of satellite radio in the United States

When the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated a spectrum in the "S" band (2.3 GHz) for the broadcasting of digital radio services in 1992 no one thought the amplitude that the system would take in the future. From the initial Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) things progressed until two companies were given licenses to broadcast digital radio in 1997. These two were American Mobile Radio (today known as XM Satellite Radio) and CD Radio (presently called Sirius Satellite Radio). The fact that satellite radio is nationwide makes it a very attractive media channel, both for commercial and non-profit organizations. The two companies that initiated the development of satellite radio saw the huge potential it had, since it wasn't confined by the limitations of other terrestrial broadcasters.


Benefits of using satellite radio  

Here are some of the most noteworthy benefits of having a satellite radio system:

- No more geographical limitations - since the radio program is broadcast through a satellite you don't have to switch radio stations every time you leave a certain coverage area.
- The digital quality of the satellite radio has some amazing benefits on its own. There are no noise disturbances that were traditional to FM and AM broadcasts. The transmission is crystal clear and satellite radio receives some valuable points when broadcasting quality is concerned.
- Analog radio stations simply cannot broadcast the full range of sounds available through digital satellite radio.
- Both XM Radio and Sirius Radio can be picked up on all the US territory and they are also available in some parts of Canada and Mexico.

Satellite radio technology

Each of the major satellite radio services uses its own equipment to broadcast the signal to their clients. The competition is tight and customers have to "pick sides" in order to benefit from satellite radio broadcasting. You have to choose your preferred company and purchase adequate receivers for that particular company.  Both XM Radio and Sirius Radio provide their clients with different ways of receiving their services. The field where most competition takes place is in the negotiation with the major automobile manufacturers. Both XM Radio and Sirius Radio have deals with the auto industry giants in order to offer their services and equipment as optional on the car models they produce. Other partnerships were created with audio equipment manufacturers, who now offer satellite radio transceivers and matching headsets. The most recent shock in the satellite radio universe was caused by the production of portable MP3 player-like satellite radio receivers.

The future development of satellite radio

One of the main problems of satellite radio was addressed by the main satellite radio broadcasters. Since you need to be in the line of sight of the satellite to receive the transmission, different problems appeared with mobile satellite radio receivers, especially when different landscaping objects blocked the direct transmission. To solve this, land based devices were installed in order to eliminate the lack of direct satellite transmission. Another interesting aspect related to satellite radios is that they approached their service offers from a different perspective than traditional radio broadcasters. Instead of airing commercials they charge a subscription fee. For many people, this is actually the best alternative, since they get an almost 100% content broadcast (whether it's music or talk shows) without the 10-12 minutes per hour of annoying commercials. In most cases, the monthly subscription for satellite radio is of around $12.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/a-brief-overview-of-satellite-radio-2305408.html

    Article Tags:

    computer

    ,

    technologies

    ,

    satellite

    ,

    sound

    ,

    radio

    ,

    programing

    ,

    games

    The entertainment industry is one of the most dynamic and attractive ones, and satellite radio has recently captured a large share of it. Audio entertainment products are highly popular today and there is a wide variety of choices when it comes to having good music in your car: regular CD players,

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl May 05, 2010

    One of the great advantages of satellite radio is the fact that the programs are not interrupted by commercials. This is because the provider's income comes from listeners and not from advertisers. Satellite radio services offer around 70 programs of commercial fee music channels each and you have a great

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl Nov 13, 2009

    Any song you hear on satellite radio stars as a recording in a specific format on different recording mediums. IN most cases, the recording quality has to be maintained fairly high, usually around 384kb/s, while also being reasonably small enough to be transported on CDs and DVDs. The music tracks used in

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl May 05, 2010

    XM Satellite Radio Inc. is one of the major players in the satellite radio industry, with over 2 million subscribers and spreading all over the American territory. XM Satellite Radio Inc. deliver over 120 channels of radio to an ever expanding customer number. Here are some of the characteristics of XM

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl May 05, 2010

    As we can see, satellite radio is no longer a field reserved for a very small group - anyone with enough interest and financial power can participate in the digital radio revolution. Playboy Satellite Radio is one of the newest and most dynamic radio channels you can access on satellite broadcasting. Since it

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl May 05, 2010

    An in depth look at the new MMORPG from Blizzard Entertainment known as Diablo III, a long awaited release for Diablo fans.

    By: swtorman90l Computersl Jun 01, 2012

    Most small businesses take advantage of computer technology, and it certainly can make things a lot easier for everyone within the business when you do so properly. Unfortunately, there are also a number of different problems that can occur as a result of the technology that you are using.

    By: Jesus Mattsonl Computersl May 31, 2012

    The remote desktop software is quite an amazing type of software with plenty of features that can come in handy at work or even at home. The feature lets you obtain remote access to an assortment of other computers, directly from the computer that you are using at the moment. This software is often used by people who work in an office or business setting.

    By: jimtom705l Computersl May 29, 2012

    Remote desktop software is a type of software that allows users to get access to a remote computer. Basically, if you have this software, you will have the ability to view the remote computer and also control it with the mouse you are using. A number of these software programs will also enable you to send documents to and from one computer to another.

    By: jimtom705l Computersl May 29, 2012

    The second selection of pc ink cartridges is the compatible low-priced cartridges.

    By: simon colel Computersl May 29, 2012

    The idea of America's biggest two satellite-radio joining forces has been up in the air for almost four years. Although XM had a year's start, Sirius came back on the market, eventually with both companies sharing the market in half. So, what's to choose? XM or Sirius?

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl May 05, 2010

    XM Satellite Radio Inc. is one of the major players in the satellite radio industry, with over 2 million subscribers and spreading all over the American territory. XM Satellite Radio Inc. deliver over 120 channels of radio to an ever expanding customer number. Here are some of the characteristics of XM

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl May 05, 2010

    You've studied hard you've practiced your configurations you've used your flash cards over and over again and finally, the big day is here. Your first certification exam!

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl May 05, 2010

    Should it be cheap? Should it be elegant? Big? Small? Answer those questions by reading more.

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl May 05, 2010

    Any song you hear on satellite radio stars as a recording in a specific format on different recording mediums. IN most cases, the recording quality has to be maintained fairly high, usually around 384kb/s, while also being reasonably small enough to be transported on CDs and DVDs. The music tracks used in

    By: Galen Bassl Computersl May 05, 2010
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast