Satellite Radio or HD Radio

[Von-Skipp]

So the other week something weird happened. While driving to Arizona on the 10 my antenna flew off my 4Runner. I was going 80 on the highway yes the antenna for the radio literally flew off.
I havnt gotten a quote to get it replaced yet, but I'm guessing probably $100-$200.

So I was thinking instead of replacing that, look into Satellite or HD radio.

What do you guys recommend?? I do ALOT of driving so I want something nice. I currently have an Alpine head unit and upgraded speakers and a 12'' inch JL.

Does someone make a headunit that has Satellite built right in. I heard XM and Sirrius are merging....

[nappyt]

You can get a cheap Alpine that does both for <$200. I've been thinking about upgrading to HD radio since most of my stations have an HD feed. Still not sure about paying for XM or Sirius. HD and Sat antenna's extra of course...

Here is one that does iPod/XM/Sirius/HD/etc. Alpine

[mntbiker12]

I have Sirius and love it - the reggae station is pretty good, but the main reason is Howard Stern of course. I've been told by friends that XM is better for music. If you're a sports junkie, then you might want to see what they each offer before deciding.

If Congress gets off their @ss about the merger, then it'll be a moot point.

I had the antenna malfunction on my 4Runner and if I recall, it was really expensive to fix. I ended up doing the job myself, but now my antenna doesn't retract, which really isn't a big deal. You'll need an antenna of some sort if you run your signal through your radio.

[2wheel_lee]

I've been debating the same. My truck came with a Sirius receiver and one year free subscription, which has since run out. The best deal for a subscription is life time, which was $400, I think it's more now (the pricing is a bit difficult to find on their site).

And who knows what the lifetime is of Sirius after it merges with XM. But I would hope that Sirius would get all the XM stations, since most of Sirius' channels suck a$$.

But heck, for about $400 I could buy an HD radio and get the channels for free.

Tough call. I don't know what to do either.

[allison]

We had a Chevy Tahoe antenna stolen. It was like $50. ?

[Von-Skipp]

Does the Sat radio come with it own antenna? I'm trying to do this without replacing my factory antenna as I know thats gona expensive?

What about HD, does that need the factory antenna?

Defintely listen to alot sports. Anyone know if XM or Sirrius is better for that?

[allison]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

Does the Sat radio come with it own antenna? I'm trying to do this without replacing my factory antenna as I know thats gona expensive?

What about HD, does that need the factory antenna?

Defintely listen to alot sports. Anyone know if XM or Sirrius is better for that?

Depends on the sports. If you like baseball and hockey go XM. If you care at all about football then XM isn't your best bet. When we had our free trial I just tuned into AM stations since at least I could get scores from the static

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by nappyt

You can get a cheap Alpine that does both for <$200. I've been thinking about upgrading to HD radio since most of my stations have an HD feed. Still not sure about paying for XM or Sirius. HD and Sat antenna's extra of course...

Here is one that does iPod/XM/Sirius/HD/etc. Alpine

it doesnt do those, it's "whatever ready"
the ipod cable is $45
the HD box is $200.
zero idea on the others. probably $200 each.

[thebush]

I have all 3 with Sirius and HD being in the same car.

HD = Same programming/crap but in HD. Maybe a few programming differences but not even close to the same league as the SDARS. Buy a HD receiver and you have HD radio assuming you can get a signal. Nothing additional required (no special antenna, subscription).

SDARS (XM / Sirius) = More choices and variety then you'll ever want. Each one has it's own specific content and they also overlap in some areas. Check out both sites and decide what content appeals to you the most and then shop for equipment from there. There are numerous equipment and integration options for both of these providers. Sound quality is subjective but isn't the greatest for either service, but the reason you subscribe to a SDARS is for the content.

[slowSSer]

after spending three days in a car recently on a business trip with sirius, i discovered that the programming occasionally repeats itself. anyone else notice this?

[allison]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

after spending three days in a car recently on a business trip with sirius, i discovered that the programming occasionally repeats itself. anyone else notice this?

XM is the same. We used to listen to the comedy channel and heard the same like 10 bits over and over again. They are funny. Once or twice

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by allison

XM is the same. We used to listen to the comedy channel and heard the same like 10 bits over and over again. They are funny. Once or twice

same thing with the three comedy channels on Sirius!!!! so annoying. a few of the music channels are this way as well.

ask andy aka rut- we spent several days in a truck with Sirius from here to Oregon and back and had LOTS of the same playlists.

[guero]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

Does the Sat radio come with it own antenna? I'

my tC has the sirius antenna stuck on the inside of my windshield behind the review mirror. ive been using sirius ever since i got my car and find myself NEVER listening to regular FM radio. i love the 80's, New Wave, 90's, Alt Nation, Faction (the Jason Ellis show is so rad!), Back Spin and Boombox stations. What did they change the reggae station to though? I noticed it got switched a few months back.

i really like it alot, i believe i pay $13 a month. the only downside is that it cuts out when going under freeway overpasses, going through tunnels, or even under a heavily lined street with big, bushy trees.

[Neccros]

Whats funny is the HD in HD radio doesnt even stand for High Definition.... I forgot what it does stand for though....

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by Neccros

Whats funny is the HD in HD radio doesnt even stand for High Definition.... I forgot what it does stand for though....

Hyper Drive?
Hooper Dooper?
Hot Damn?

(yes, I have no work)

[nappyt]

HD means Hybrid Digital.

They are doing the same thing with radio they are doing with TV. If they can get everyone over to HD radio it uses less bandwidth better than regular analog radio. Free's up the limited spectrum.

[mntbiker12]

NBA, PGA, and College are on Sirius.

I love the Game Alert feature on my Sirius Sportster - beep! Lakers are playing!

Originally Posted by allison

Depends on the sports. If you like baseball and hockey go XM. If you care at all about football then XM isn't your best bet. When we had our free trial I just tuned into AM stations since at least I could get scores from the static

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by nappyt

HD means Hybrid Digital.

They are doing the same thing with radio they are doing with TV. If they can get everyone over to HD radio it uses less bandwidth better than regular analog radio. Free's up the limited spectrum.

I heard that it means that traditional radio is freaked out by satellite, so they are trying to find a way to market themselves as 'new & improved'.
Basically no difference than what you can get now for free.

PS-As far as the merger - I am against it. Anytime businesses merge into a monopoly, it leads to higher prices for the consumer. Business 101.

[lmnop]

I don't think anybody need worry about the possibility that one day their Sirius or XM receiver won't work as a result of the merger, if the merger goes through...

According to Howard, one of the things going for the merger is the abiity to offer programming "packages", which would reduce the price for most consumers.

Lets hope it happens, I want to hear hockey again (XM has it right now).

[TooManyTacos]

Interesting topic, as I just set up my XM account yesterday! I got the Delphi Roady XT receiver with car kit at Staples for $29.50, plus a $20 rebate. It comes with a magnetic antenna that's pretty easy to wire up. It has an FM modulator and a 1/8" miniplug so you can connect it directly to your head unit if you have an AUX jack.

I'm in the car a lot, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Then I found a deal on another website where you can get a year's XM subscription for $77: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/xmradio.com

So far I'm liking it, but I've had it for less than 24 hours. But I figure that for $6.50 a month or whatever, it's no big loss if it sucks.