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Satellite Radio - XM vs. Sirius?

Posted by Cliff on from the decisions-decisions dept.

wizman asks: "I am getting a new car tonight and will be upgrading the audio system. Now that satellite radio is available in most markets and becoming more affordable, I am definitely planning to take the plunge. Unfortunately, the 2 providers -- XM and Sirius -- both seem to have just as many strengths as weaknesses. There is a three dollar price difference, which is really not a concern for me."

"So far I have gathered that XM seems to have better audio quality, and a larger selection of music channels. Sirius has less music channels, but more "commercial free" music channels and more talk channels. Also, it scares me that Clear Channel has a stake in XM -- does this mean XM will eventually turn to utter crap like every Clear Channel station seems to have? Does Clear Channel have enough ownership to have a say in programming?

I'm looking for more strengths and weaknesses from people who have used one (or better yet, both!) of the services. I'm leaning towards XM right now, with the Clear Channel issue being my main fright. Sirius streams their stations online, giving me a good sample. So far I have been fairly impressed. But, I like the fact that XM carries Art Bell, more than one 80's station, and VH1 content. It's a toss up, so I'm looking forward to some info from the Slashdot community."

9 of 496 comments (clear)

  1. Insensitive Ask'er by rjamestaylor · · Score: 5, Funny
    How DARE you ask such an insensitive question in a time when the tech industry is in a slump and quality software engineers are begging in the streets after valiantly struggling in the dotCom wars of the late 1990's. You taunt us with the news of buying a new car and then insult us by needing help with your "delimma" as to which paid audio delivery service to choose to upgrade a perfectly fine AM/FM/Cassette player.

    This is a News for Nerds site, and Nerds everywhere are hurting, ravaged by the downturn in tech stocks and reduced spending by speculative investors everywhere. Instead we need articles on the proper techniques for dumpster diving and living on the "Second Harvest." That's the Stuff that Matters right now.

    (jj)

    --
    -- @rjamestaylor on Ello
  2. Re:Happy with XM by benzapp · · Score: 2, Funny

    Of course, the first selection he gives us is country music.

    --
    I don't read or respond to AC posts
  3. Another Option... by huckda · · Score: 2, Funny

    You could always hire your own private Mariachi Band to play for you in the back of your SUV whilst you drive down the road at a leisurely pace...and you can model your driving after the music being played...

    --
    "Just Smile and Nod." --Huck
  4. Re:watch what you buy. by morhoj · · Score: 5, Funny

    Holy crap! You actually BOUGHT an Aztek? I've made cars out of Lego's that look better than those!

  5. Re:About the satelites by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    But XM's satellites are named Rock and Roll. If they added, they'd have to add at LEAST another pair. You couldn't have satellite Sex without satellite Drugs.

  6. Re:watch what you buy. by dlb · · Score: 3, Funny

    An Aztec is not "fun to drive".

    No self-proclaimed hetero male would ever admit to driving, let along owning, one of those stiff horrid looking vehicles.

    You geeks can afford much better than that eyesore.

  7. Knitting Channel by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Where do I find this Knitting channel of which you speak?

  8. Re:watch what you buy. by drinkypoo · · Score: 4, Funny

    The commercial for the Aztek should read:

    Aztek. The bounding box for the Ford Focus.

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  9. Re:watch what you buy. by gad_zuki! · · Score: 3, Funny

    Aztek. For when you can't decide if you want a hatchback, SUV, sports car, truck, or minivan. The gremlin of today, but bigger!