Satellite radio is the latest trend in the world of radio entertainment. It is also known as subscription radio and pay radio. This is due to the fact that a paid subscription is required in order to access it. The reason for the paid subscription is because it has programs that are not offered by traditional AM and FM stations.
How Does Satellite Radio Work?
As the name implies, satellite radio uses satellites to send the programs to listeners. The radio signal goes from the earth-based stations to the space satellites, then back down to the radio receivers. The signals reach a much larger area than regular radio antennas. Satellite radio is now available to most of the world.
What is Needed to Listen to Satellite Radio?
To begin enjoying this service, you will need the actual satellite radio. This is also known as a receiver or tuner. An antenna is also required. You will need a subscription to one of the providers in order to get the programming on your receiver. Three such providers are:
WorldSpace-available in Europe, Asia and Africa.
XM Radio-available in North America.
Sirius-also available in North America.
Because the providers have exclusive rights to the individual radio signals that they send out, each has different hardware that pick up these individual signals. Each receiver has a Radio ID, or serial number. Once you have a subscription, you will get an activation code that will allow you to begin receiving the radio signals.
What Types of Satellite Radios are there?
There are three types of satellite radios to choose from. They are:
Dedicated car or home radio. As the names imply, the signal is picked up by your car or home stereo systems.
Plug and Play Radio. With this system you can listen to the radio in either your home or your car, with just one subscription.
Portable radio. This radio features a rechargeable battery. The antenna is built in and you can listen to it with headphones. You can take this type of radio wherever you go.
What are the Benefits of Satellite Radio?
The benefits of satellite radio are many. These include:
Clear, static free reception
It's almost totally commercial free.
More than 100 programs that span different types of music.
Exclusive talk shows, news, sports, cultural and educational programs. From Howard Stern to Martha Stewart, there's something for everyone.
The data transmitted includes the name and artist of songs and programs, as well as the channel. With this feature you can easily choose what you want to listen to.
Although some may question why they should pay for radio when they can listen to free FM and AM stations, more and more people are choosing satellite radio subscriptions. With so many choices of music and programs to listen to and the virtual commercial free environment, they consider it well worth the price.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Some Of The Facts You Should Know About Satellite Radio
- Is The Delphi XM Receiver The Best Satellite Radio On The Market?
- Going On A Long Trip? Satellite Radio Is A Must
- Why Many People Are Turning To Satellite Radio For Their Music
- Your Options For Buying A Satellite Radio Player
- Everything You Need To Know About Portable Satellite Radio
- How Some Used Car Accessories Jack Up Price But Diminish Value
- How To Make The Decision Between XM And Sirius Satellite Radio




Chinese market provides huge potential for growth of Global Positioning System (GPS)
By: Bharat Book Bureau | 01/01/2010Bharatbook.com added a new report on "Global Positioning System (GPS) Market in China 2008-2012" provides insights about the market estimates of the GPS in China.
Finding Free Mp3 Downloads Legally
By: Fredrick Howard | 23/12/2009Looking for free mp3 downloads? Try eMusic! For a week free trial, you not only get free access to the eMusic catalog, for which you might otherwise need a special membership, but you get twenty five free songs just for taking eMusic for a spin. Not that you need the free music, since eMusic's songs are fifty cents or less per track! While iTunes is inflating preferred tracks from ninety nine cents to a $1.29, eMusic remains a superb deal. It' ...
Introducing Solid Foods to Babies
By: Edie Mindell | 18/12/2009How do we know that our baby is now ready for his first solid food? Some believe that babies aging between 4-6 months old should now be introduced to solid foods.
Recover Deleted Digital Photos
By: Best data recovery software | 16/12/2009Digital image recovery software easily restores corrupt photos and formatted picture files from removable memory card after accidental deletion, media corruption, virus attacks. Tool can recover erased image file formats like JPEG, GIF, BMP etc.
Space Shuttle Atlantis successfully launched
By: goyal.ishaa | 18/11/2009Atlantis space shuttle with a crew of six astronauts was launched successfully to deliver a load of spare parts to the International Space Station. Space Shuttle had a successful launch from Pad 39A at 2:28Pm Easter Time on Monday, November 16.
Advantages of Satellite Radio
By: George Sandler | 10/11/2009With satellite radio, you can now enjoy music without listening pleasure. When listeners pay income providers, there is no need to collect from advertisers. There are over 70 channels to choose the game, no matter where you are right now, at any time of day. There are static, with a radio service via satellite. You can expect to be a clear signal that digital technology is used.
SYVIO 1X8 HDMI Splitter Over Single Cat.5e/6 Cable
By: alicetang | 10/11/2009The Syvio 1x8 HDMI splitter is the perfect solution for those who want to display a single source on 8 or more displays using a Single Cat6 Cable for each display. It has 8 x RJ45 (Cat6), one for each display and 1 x HDMI output to be used for local monitoring or a loop-out for cascading multiple splitters. HSP0108AN-C6 is capable of HDTV resolutions up to: 1080p@130ft and 1080i@200ft
Use the Two Best Ab Exercises
By: Jenny | 19/10/2009While there are many exercises for abs out there, found in places from fitness magazines to the Internet, there only exists an upper-echelon of exercises for abs that are truly the most effective towards your rectus abdominis, otherwise known as the six pack. The best exercises for abs are fairly simply to do and require no gym membership, only dedication and time. So, without further ado, I would like to present to you two of the best exercises for abs out there today.
Car Cleaning-How To Clean Your Exterior And Interior The Right Way
By: Gregg Hall | 07/10/2008 | CarsThere are right and wrong ways to clean your car, here's a look at what you need to do.
Custom Fitted Car Covers-For The Best Exterior Protection
By: Gregg Hall | 07/10/2008 | CarsUse custom fitted car covers to keep your car's finish looking like new.
Professional Auto Detailing-Why You Should Consider It
By: Gregg Hall | 07/10/2008 | CarsWhy you should consider professional auto detailing.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells-The Next Great Step In Fuel Saving Technology
By: Gregg Hall | 07/10/2008 | CarsHydrogen fuel cells are the next great advance in fuel economy, here's a little more about them.
Auto Maintenance-The Key To Better Performance
By: Gregg Hall | 05/10/2008 | CarsThe key to better performance and fuel economy is regular maintenance.
Gas Mileage Boosters-How To Wade Through The Hype
By: Gregg Hall | 05/10/2008 | CarsThere are more and more ads for gas mileage boosters as gas prices increase, here's how to see whether they are for real or not.
Get Better Fuel Mileage By Controlling Excessive Speed
By: Gregg Hall | 05/10/2008 | CarsLearn to control your speeding and increase your gas mileage.
Tire Care-Tips To Prolong The Life Of Your Tires
By: Gregg Hall | 01/10/2008 | CarsThe proper care and maintenance of your tires will prolong their life as well as make your vehicle much safer.