Satellite radio

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by FlamesKickAss

I heard that CBC said they wouldn't come aboard if stern was there or something to that tune.

You have the right idea. What happened is that CBC owns part of Sirius, as well as Stadard Radio (CJAY92, Vibe in Calgary.) The owners decided they didn't want him. Part of the reason is fear of censorship or fear of being turned down. Just a couple of months ago the "friends of broadcasting" attempted to get the federal gov't to intervene and shut down Canadian Satellite Radio. The arguement was to keep American filth out of Canada (to paraphrase.)

Like Stern or hate him; you do have to admit that some people find him offensive. And that would have been a great peice of amo for those trying to shut down satellite radio.

As far as sound quality; yes it is not great as nfotiu says. Most of the music stations come down in a 192 kb/s stream. Myself when I create my own MP3's I use 320 kb/s, however for space a lot of people use 128 kb/s. IMHO the sound is slightly better than FM radio. Your mileage may vary.

Best thing is have a listen. I didn't, but I also knew that I wanted this.

[soulchoice]

Originally Posted by jam26

I would suggest using the Canadian service simply because that money helps fund Canadian talent. XM Canada has to put a portion of their proceeds back into the Canadian music industry.
Also, XM Canada employs Canadian staff, rents Canadian office and studio space etc. The fact there are already thousands of Canadians subscribed to the US service is a huge obstacle for them. They are allowing those customers to switch to a Canadian account and waiving the activation fee.
The only stations removed from the Canadian channel lineup are U.S. weather and traffic stations.
Also, I believe the cost is the same, $12.99 so you're actually saving the exchange. Unless you are signed up on your American friend's account in which case you're probably getting a few bucks off (I believe secondary accounts are $9.99).

Like I have said before, I have both Sirius and XM from the US and when comparing it to the Canadian version, I must say stick with the American versions. I could care less about Canadian talent, music, etc. I am a music lover plain and simple. Its similar to comparing US satellite television to Bell or Starchoice, there is no comparison.

I just find the packages and channel selections for my type of preferred genre of music to be better on the American version, since there is the odd station that is not avail on the Cdn one, and its not just weather/traffic related stations.

On another note, if I was to purchase a Canadian receiver, does anyone know if I am able to activate it through the US service(I have a US address). Normally I would be in the US for business and buy one there, but I am not planning to head to the States for a few weeks, and would like to get a couple more receivers for family members.

[jam26]

I am floored that Sirius paid $100 million for the rights to Howard Stern. Crazy. Personally, I enjoy Opie and Anthony (XM's shock jocks) better than Stern anyways.
There are uncensored stations on XM including that one and some of the comedy channels.

[FlamesKickAss]

Ya the american version you get their full line-up as well as 5 canadian channels. I was in phoenix for x-mas last year and our rental car had sirius and after that I asked for it for x-mas and got it last year. My mom's boyfriend who is a trucker also already had it.

[Engine09]

Stern was the only reason I was considering Satellite Radio.

I'll pass.

[Buzzard]

I'm pretty interested in getting satt. radio. Are the plug and play units as versatile as they sound? If they are, I'd like to get one for work. I'd be taking it out every night though. Are they that easy? I could use it every day at work, then take it home and use it? I realize future shop would answer this, but havnt got that far yet.

[ken0042]

Until we get a terrestrial repeater here in Calgary you will need an external antenna to get signal. I was able top get a weak signal inside my house, but if I walked too close to it I lost the signal.

I'm just not sure how easy it would be for you to mount an antenna at work.

[metallicat]

I think I heard somewhere that Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Calgary ARE getting repeaters put in somewhere in the city, but I can't remember where I read that. I'll take a look.

[Flames_Gimp]

Originally Posted by [B

Kryzsky[/b] Can you get Howard Stern on XM, or is that only available on Sirius?

Originally Posted by ken0042

Nope. He's only on the US version of Sirius.

thats enough of a reason for me to subscribe to the US version.....

[BrownOne]

How do you get the US version?

[metallicat]

You can sign up for it online by using a fake US address, or you can get someone you know in the US to sign you up either under their account, or simply get a whole new account thrrough them.

[c.t.ner]

I've got some questions for those in the know with satellite radio.

I picked up a sirius reciever and was wondering if any body knew where i could get one of the sirius boom boxes and/or a place that has some good deals on sirius accessories? (oh yeah i'm looking for a location in Calgary)

[kermitology]

I would only consider it for the CBC Radio 3 station on Sirius.. Still wouldn't be enough for me though.

[zarrell]

I still can't understand why XM doesn't have their online activation working. Right at the launch of a new product in Canada and they seriously run the risk of losing customers to Sirius because of it.

Edit: It appears it's up and running today. About time.

[metallicat]

Originally Posted by c.t.ner

I've got some questions for those in the know with satellite radio.

I picked up a sirius reciever and was wondering if any body knew where i could get one of the sirius boom boxes and/or a place that has some good deals on sirius accessories? (oh yeah i'm looking for a location in Calgary)

Futureshop, BestBuy, The Source by CC...etc.

But check eBay. I bought my XM receiver for half price on there brand new.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by jam26

I would suggest using the Canadian service simply because that money helps fund Canadian talent. XM Canada has to put a portion of their proceeds back into the Canadian music industry.Also, XM Canada employs Canadian staff, rents Canadian office and studio space etc. The fact there are already thousands of Canadians subscribed to the US service is a huge obstacle for them. They are allowing those customers to switch to a Canadian account and waiving the activation fee.

If they had made it available in Canada at the same time as it was offered in the US, they probably wouldn't have that problem...

And don't get me started on Canadian "talent". Not too many bright stars there...

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

And don't get me started on Canadian "talent". Not too many bright stars there...

Oh.. NO!!!!!

You couldn't be more wrong. Band like the Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, The New Pornographers are great, but they're only the tip of the iceberg... Canada's music scene is thriving and if you turn off your crappy mainstream music to check some of it out it's amazing.

[flames_1987]

I'm having one crappy ass time trying to find a signal from my house. Was pumped to get Sattelite radio for Christmas (I got XM) but I can't find a signal worth crap to even get it started. Anybody have any advice?

[metallicat]

My XM receiver came with a home antenna that you have to have facing south. Try to keep things away from the immediate area surrounding the antenna as well.

You can also try satellite radio related message boards:

xm411.com
xmfan.com

[Neeper]

I just got XM, it's great!! Don't know how I lived without it. The 90's station rocks haha.

Merry Xmas by the way