General Idea

Satellite radio is a subscribed radio service that provides a wide array of channels. These channels include talk shows, sports broadcasts, various music genres, weather updates, and others. Satellite radio is a digital signal so the clarity of the broadcast in unsurpassed and generally commercial free. Like many other audio components there are many places to find a great deal on a discount satellite radio.

Two Carriers

XM- Offers more than 170 channels with 69 channels of commercial-free music. It also includes sports entertainment channels that feature NCCA (PAC-10, ACC, and Big Ten) football and basketball along with the MLB, NHL, PGA tour, and others. An example of a XM personality is Opera.

Sirius- Offers over 130 channels with 69 channels of commercial-free music. Sirius provides sports entertainment channels covering the NBA, NHL, NASCAR, NCAA, and others. Howard Stern is a featured personality on Sirius.

Both carriers offer various elements like stock tickers, music information, and online streaming music. Types of Devices

Portable- There are portable devices that enable users to move their satellite radio to any location. Users can unplug their dash-mounted, portable radio and take into their home and plug it into their home stereo. Other portable devices can serve a multipurpose function. The radio can be removed from the in-car stereo bay and docked on a portable stereo. Portable satellite radios are known for their convenience and ease of connectivity.

In Dash- Fixed satellite radios come in two designs: an in-dash CD player with a subscription and hardwired satellite radio. The in-dash CD player with satellite radio subscription only offers a XM subscription. The hardwired satellite radio is just that: hardwired into the car. Neither of these devices can be removed from the vehicle without modifications.

A first-time satellite radio subscriber should consider what he or she prefers in programming before a purchase is made. XM and Sirius both offer similar services, but each has its own niche in the satellite radio market. Reviewing each provider's list of channels and on-air personalities will help decide on the more suitable provider. Shopping around for the best deal on a discount satellite radio is always encouraged. Many car dealerships may include a free trial subscription to a satellite radio provider with the purchase of a vehicle. This may be an easy alternative to solving a question in satellite radio provider preferences.