Satellite Radio

[Clinton]

no cassette

I have the Infinity system with in-dash single cd player, no cassette player. I added a JVC 12-disc changer that is an FM modulated unit. The changer is plugged into the antenna outlet. The changer plays the cd, converts the digital info to an FM signal and the Infinity broadcasts this over whatever FM frequency I pre-set. I'm wondering if I can have two devices hooked up this way. Despite what others report, I'm happy with the Infinty system and would love to have the XM along with the changer.

 

[Spooled-up]

Here's what I've learned..

I have investigated this a little. This is what the guy at Best Buy told me.



XM Radio uses multiple satellites for it's system. Sirius has one.



If you use one of the add on boxes that transmits to a station on your FM radio, there will be a volume loss. Kind of like listening to a far away station. (this is what he told me - not sure if it's true)



XM has some commercial free stations. Sirius has all comercial free music stations. They do run commercials on other stations though. I think this is why Sirius is a little more.



XM has NPR (National Public Radio). Sirius does not.



Sirius is cheaper to install right now with the rebates.



I'm probably going to go with the XM eventually.

 

[Rammin On]

The techno guy ay Best Buy is wrong - Sirius also has multiple satellites ... three in fact and they have a spare sat ... XM does not. If an XM sat fails ( which is one of the companies biggest worries) you will lose service - they (XM) don't have the funds to build another. Sirius on the other hand will only face temp loss of service until the spare is in orbit.

 

[kevincook]

THanks for all the info about both companys I will do some more checking at pick a system!



KC

 

[CAT 385]

I have the XM and I wouldn't be without it. Lately though I get no signal for as long as ten minutes then it will pick and play just fine. I don't know what the problem is. Has anyone else had this happen? It is all pioneer except for the terk antennae.

 

[kevincook]

I was able to get this info on line:



"Sirius uses three orbiting satellites and a network of 92 ground repeater transmitters to fill in signal gaps. XM has two satellites and more than 1,000 repeaters.



The Sirius service seemed to have fewer gaps -- especially on the Bay Bridge -- than XM and sounded slightly better. "



Also I found out that XM is lower in the sky than the Sirius system of satellites.



KC

 

[Spooled-up]

Just goes to show that the help at Best Buy isn't all it's cracked up to be.



Sorry for the bad info guys.

 

[C. Harlan]

Well, I got, and installed my XM today... . so far, I like! we will put it to the test real soon, when I make another regular road trip... I talked to a guy at the car audio store, and he has both. he told me that the XM sounds better, and comes in more places here. . Just a little more input.



-Chris-

 

[Big MAK]

There is some volume loss from the FM patch-in; but the signal is still clear as can be so it's not a problem. I bump the volume up about 3 clicks when I'm listening the the Satellite radio.

 

[redeye]

I found a setting in Sony's setup for volume. Which receiver do you have?

 

[Clinton]

Two FM modulated devices?...Oh yeah!

Just back from Circuit City and with good news. Found out I can run two FM modulated devices on different frequencies with no problem. This is good news to me and anyone else who may have or be planning on a FM modulated disc changer. Alpine has a unit that can be set up as either FM modulated or direct plug-in for an XM ready receiver. Anybody know about Alpine XM stuff. They are usually of the highest quality. Thanks.

 

[Big MAK]

I have a Kenwood. I have the gain set; but I think it could go higher.

 

[C. Harlan]

I have a 2001 model Kenwood Z919 AM/FM/MD/CD/MP3 player with the XM pioneer FM Modulator... I like it, and I ran the remote up so it sits in the console, and then when I want it, I just pull it out of the pocket in the upper left part under the lid, and pull out enough wire... when I park, it is out of sight, out of mind! That way, we deter thieves a little more... I would like to get the alpine setup for my next system, but the DVD screens are too high right now. . I see them coming down in price over the next few years... I will be selling my Kenwood deck soon, to get another one though. . I like to get new ones every year, for 2 reasons: to keep the warranty fresh, and to have the newest toys!!



-Chris-

 

[kevincook]

I bought a Delph XM radio, with a car kit. It was a great set up, do it your self with a large display. Well worth the money!



KC

 

[redneckdr]

XM radio

just added an Alpine FM modulated XM tuner to my infiniti OEM stereo yesterday. WOW! BTW, if anyone is running an Alpine "Ai ready" CD changer, it can be plugged into the XM system, then the XM radio and remote will control the CD changer. won't work with my old Sony CD changer, though. guess i'll have to "daisy chain" the two together in the FM antenna line to see if that will work.

XM is great!! with almost any music format you can think of, i now have TWO classic country channels to choose from... .....

 

[Greenfeld]

Originally posted by shendren

do they make xm radios with cd players all in one unit to replace the pos stock radio?

Installed the Pioneer DEP-3370XM reciever, AM/FM/XM/CD back in April. Bought it from Crutchfield, I would highly recomend them. They send you the wiring harness to plug right into the OEM and great self install instructions. Also using the Terk Glass mount antennae. I have been very pleased with XM, hardly ever listen to FM anymore. The only coverage problem I have had is when driving in a heavily wooded area, ie: entering some campgrounds and that is only for a second or two.



Just went out last week and purchased a second XM, Dlephi SKYFI with the Boom box option.

 

[kevincook]

Originally posted by Greenfeld

Installed the Pioneer DEP-3370XM reciever, AM/FM/XM/CD back in April. Bought it from Crutchfield, I would highly recomend them. They send you the wiring harness to plug right into the OEM and great self install instructions. Also using the Terk Glass mount antennae. I have been very pleased with XM, hardly ever listen to FM anymore. The only coverage problem I have had is when driving in a heavily wooded area, ie: entering some campgrounds and that is only for a second or two.



Just went out last week and purchased a second XM, Dlephi SKYFI with the Boom box option.

Do you have a photo of the boom box?



KC

 

[speedracer]

I got XM for the big truck a couple of months ago and I'm pleased with it. Definitely gives you more options when you're out on the road.



BTW, the Best Buy guy was wrong on the NPR thing too. Sirius has it XM does not, unfortuneately.