Beginner’s Guide to XM Satellite Radio

1.What is Satellite Radio?
Satellite Radio is a service whereby a radio signal (music, talk shows, sports events, weather and traffic reports, etc.) is broadcast via satellite to special receivers in your home, car or even handheld Satellite Radio receiver. Satellite radio is delivered with digital technology similar to that used by satellite TV services such as DirecTV and DishNet. Because the bandwidth requirements are smaller, you don’t need a huge dish like TV requires.

The service is digital and broadcast over the entire nation, therefore Satellite Radio does not have the same static and fading that traditional radio has. Since the same signal is broadcast nationwide, you can take a drive across the country and never have to change stations!

There are only two satellite radio providers; XM Satellite Radio and Sirius, which broadcast uniquely different programming.

2. Why pay for XM Satellite Radio when you can listen to regular FM for free?
The answer is content. With 170 digital channels, XM has the most commercial-free music, over 30 channels of national news, sports, talk/entertainment, regional news, talk and programming and over 20 dedicated channels of Traffic & Weather! Only XM offers: Oprah & Friends (Sept. 2006), FOX News, Opie & Anthony, The Bob Edwards Show, Bob Dylan's Exclusive XM Show, Willie Nelson’s “Willie’s Place’, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Exclusive NASCAR Programming with Dale Earnhardt Jr. & Jimmie Johnson, Play-by-play of ACC, PAC-10 & Big Ten football and men & women's basketball games + ALL of the Major League Baseball Games!

Many people asked the same question when Cable TV first came out. How many people do you know that don’t have Cable or Satellite TV now?

3. How much does the XM Satellite Radio subscription cost per month?
The basic rate is $12.95* per month. Less than the cost of one CD! If you pre-pay, you can save even more.

4. Do I have to sign a contract with XM Satellite Radio?
No contracts are necessary. Subscriptions are month to month. Even if you sign up for an annual program, you can cancel at anytime and receive a (prorated) refund. There is no risk in giving XM Satellite Radio a try.

5. How much does the XM Satellite Radio equipment cost?
Satellite radios can be purchased from $40 to $400. Every XM Satellite Receiver receives the same XM content; it just depends on your needs and the features you want. Many people are happy with the lower priced units; others want the latest and greatest features such as being able to record and create playlists for later playback. Some people want to move the radio from the car to the house. Others want to take it to the gym or on their bike. The equipment is made by quality manufacturers such as Pioneer, Samsung, Audiovox and Delphi. Many accessories are being manufactured by Belkin.

6. Can I install XM Satellite Radio myself?
Most XM Radios are Plug & Play and don’t require a great deal of skill or knowledge. If you are unfamiliar with basic audio installation, you can have a professional install the equipment for a nominal fee.

7. Where can I buy the XM Satellite Radio equipment?
You can purchase Satellite Radio equipment from us or other vendors on eBay and at many consumer electronics retailers and websites. Visit Our Store for some great deals!

8. Why would I want a XM Satellite Radio when I already have an IPOD or other MP3 Player? An iPod is only as good as the content that's on it. Even with 60 gigs of music, you still end up hearing the same songs over and over again; developing "iPod Attention Deficit Disorder" – the condition where you constantly hit “Next” after hearing the first 4 seconds of a song. XM Satellite Radio offers 170 channels of content, offering you a new play list everyday! Many previous IPOD users no longer use their IPOD after purchasing an XM Radio.

9. How do I activate my XM Satellite Radio?
Once you have your radio installed and are receiving the preview channel, you will need to contact XM to activate the Radio. You can call at XM’s toll-free number or visit The XM Radio website.

10. What if I want to add more than one Satellite Radio receiver to my account?
XM allows you to add up to 5 additional radios to your main account for $6.99*/each per month. This is called the “Friends and Family Plan”.

Please contact us if you have any other questions about XM Satellite Radio.

*Please note that pricing is subject to change without notice. Please check with XM Satellite Radio for current pricing.