Satellite Radio

[Homer_J]

Just wondering if anyone here uses Satellite Radio?

I've just started looking around for information, and have found very little regarding availablility in Canada. I don't know anyone personally that has it and I was hoping to hear from someone who has first hand experience with different products, plans and prices.

Anyone have any advice or info? Thanks.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

I was on a train from Toronto to Ottawa the year before last, and I was sitting with a truck driver that just raved about how great it was. So, I've heard nothing but good things, but I have no idea startup (he said it was expensive and told me the price but I don't recall) as well as packages, monthy charge, etc?

[BlackArcher101]

I believe you can't get it in Canada at this time. You can get it if you use an American address for billing though. However, signal strength is weak the further you are from the border.

The CRTC and the various satellite radio providers are battling it out right now. The CRTC says that the canadian content will not be up to the certain percentage that ground stations must follow, and it's an unfair advantage.

[Homer_J]

Originally posted by BlackArcher101@Nov 24 2004, 06:02 PM
I believe you can't get it in Canada at this time. You can get it if you use an American address for billing though. However, signal strength is weak the further you are from the border.

The CRTC and the various satellite radio providers are battling it out right now. The CRTC says that the canadian content will not be up to the certain percentage that ground stations must follow, and it's an unfair advantage.

Well that would explain the lack of information available. Hopefully they can figure out the situation soon, as it's something I'd be interested in getting, as long as the price is reasonable.

[browna]

There are a few XM and Sirius user forums..both have a Canadian section, and there's a fair amount of info there. Can't recall the sites...but, sounds like in Calgary and points south, you'll have no problems signal wise.

[Homer_J]

Thanks Browna. I don't know why I didn't think of that. I come directly to Calgary Puck for information (sports related or otherwise) these days it seems, forgetting that there are other forums out there.


Thanks again.

[BlackRedGold25]

Just because you can't buy it in Canada doesn't mean you can't get it.

For example, several etailers will ship you satellite radios. Namely, www.tigerdirect.ca, www.ecost.com, www.etronics.com.

I've been wanting to get it myself because I feel Ottawa radio is crap. There are tons of stations but none of them play what I want to hear. But on Sirius there are at least four stations far superior to anything I can get on FM. While on XM there are two stations that I'd prefer over anything on FM.

I'm leaning towards getting Sirius. It's about $3 more a month then XM but it has more stations that I would listen to. The general rule about the stations is that Sirius plays more hits while XM has plays a wider range of music. For example, there might be a dozen more different Pearl Jam songs played on XM during a month then Sirius.

[BlackArcher101]

Originally posted by BlackRedGold25@Nov 24 2004, 07:11 PM
Just because you can't buy it in Canada doesn't mean you can't get it.

Right, but how do you sign up with a Canadian address?

[BlackRedGold25]

Originally posted by BlackArcher101@Nov 25 2004, 12:29 AM
Right, but how do you sign up with a Canadian address?

From what I have heard, it doesn't matter what the address is. Just make one up or find one wherever you want. I'd recommend making one up in a state with no sales tax though.

They don't really care about the address. They care about a valid credit card.

It's like Priceline. You aren't supposed to be able to use it if you live in Canada but I've done so several times.

[Calgary Flames]

Originally posted by BlackArcher101@Nov 24 2004, 12:02 PM
The CRTC and the various satellite radio providers are battling it out right now. The CRTC says that the canadian content will not be up to the certain percentage that ground stations must follow, and it's an unfair advantage.

How about ###### the CRCT??? Canadian content is 90% crap anyways.... If the music is better play it, I don't care where it comes from.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

I am in the radio course at BCIT and we have had many talks about the satellite radio issue and the situation should be resolved in about a month or so as to whether or not it will be approved in Canada.

As far as money is concerned, in the USA, the sattelite receiver is about 100 bucks and you have to pay about 15 bucks a month for about 150 channels.

[Homer_J]

Originally posted by BlackRedGold25@Nov 25 2004, 12:11 AM
Just because you can't buy it in Canada doesn't mean you can't get it.

For example, several etailers will ship you satellite radios. Namely, www.tigerdirect.ca, www.ecost.com, www.etronics.com.

I've been wanting to get it myself because I feel Ottawa radio is crap. There are tons of stations but none of them play what I want to hear. But on Sirius there are at least four stations far superior to anything I can get on FM. While on XM there are two stations that I'd prefer over anything on FM.

I'm leaning towards getting Sirius. It's about $3 more a month then XM but it has more stations that I would listen to. The general rule about the stations is that Sirius plays more hits while XM has plays a wider range of music. For example, there might be a dozen more different Pearl Jam songs played on XM during a month then Sirius.

I also read that Sirius is the only network with NHL coverage. Not that it makes a difference right now, but that's one of the main reason's I'd go with sirius. I think I'd like the wider range of music on XM, but I've heard the talk/info/sports stations are better on Sirius.

Not sure what XM offers, but Sirius offers a life-time subscription for $499 US. You'd never have to pay another bill. So I guess that would be worth it if you're planning to subscribe for any longer than 3 years.... and you have $500 laying around.

[TimSJ]

I have xm and love it... i have have had it for about 6 months and have not listened to a radio or cd since...

xm comedy 150 is a great station to chekc out if you get it...

[arsenal]

What is the difference between satellite radio and regular radion? Is it pretty much the same difference between cable tv and satellite tv?

ie: More channels, more selection, etc.

[BlackArcher101]

Originally posted by arsenal@Nov 25 2004, 01:10 PM
What is the difference between satellite radio and regular radion? Is it pretty much the same difference between cable tv and satellite tv?

ie: More channels, more selection, etc.

You answered your own question. Another main point is that it's available wherever you drive, no fading stations.

[Neeper]

Originally posted by BlackArcher101+Nov 25 2004, 12:11 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (BlackArcher101 @ Nov 25 2004, 12:11 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-arsenal@Nov 25 2004, 01:10 PM
What is the difference between satellite radio and regular radion? Is it pretty much the same difference between cable tv and satellite tv?

ie: More channels, more selection, etc.

You answered your own question. Another main point is that it's available wherever you drive, no fading stations. [/b][/quote]
And digital crystal clear sound. I have been thinking about getting satellite radio for a while as well. I just don't know whether to go with Xm or Sirius. I would love to hear from more people that have either.

[MassFlames]

I have XM and it's pretty awesome. I listen mainly to Opie and Anthony, but also listen to around 7-10 music stations.

I have been very happy with everything about it so far, especially as far as portability goes. I can take it from my car to my home stereo with no problem. However, as I understand it, Sirius does not have any such capabilities because their radios are much larger.

Another good thing about XM is that their technology is about a year and a half ahead of Sirius's. XM just came out with the MyFi, which is the iPod of satellite radios. It has up to 4 hours of memory, as well as a rewind and pause feature. It's pretty small, and would fit in a normal sized pocket. Sirius however, has recently announced their own portable unit, but while it would be able to fit in your pocket, you need a BACKPACK to carry around the receiver and battery pack.

I can answer more questions as they come, but I will say that I bought XM because I love Opie and Anthony, but knowing what I know now, I would probably have gotten it anyway, even if they never signed there.

[Josh]

I have XM in my car, actually i just traveled up into BC and it worked great!!! Well worth the $10 a month I pay for it. XM has a much deeper playlist than Sirius, you are likely to find yourself saying "I haven't heard that song in a long time". My 10 hour drive from Oregon to BC was made much more bareable because of my XM radio. Here's some pictures of it installed on my BMW.