"SR" wrote in message
...
Hello radio fans: I am interested in setting up a Satellite Radio
receiver at home such as XM radio for example.

I'm an XM Subscriber and have rented cars with Sirius.

I do not understand all of the things I need to buy to do this.

I'll try my best here. Most of my responses will be based on my XM
experience and the XM hardware.

Already, I have a digital stereo with speakers and a AUX. input.
(Philips Magnavox FW545C).

I would like to use this digital stereo and simply connect what I need
to connect so that I could enjoy and experience satellite radio.
Without buying unnecessary things. (I do not have a car!!!!!)

If you purchase an XM Roady2 you should be able to go directly into the home
stereo. You'll still need to connect the sat. ant. and power source. For
awhile XM was offering a free home kit for every Roady2 purchase.

There are a lot of hardware options available. Visit your local retailer or
the company's websites.

Which satellite Radio receiver offers more talk & less music?

In my opinion, I'd say Sirius offers more talk & sport. Go to each services
website and compare their station line up against the other service.

Are the satellites in the sky reliable? (I am in North America EST.)

Each service has it's drawbacks. XM's birds are stationary in the
South/Southwest. If you are indoors you will need a South facing window to
get reception. However, most large urban areas have ground repeaters which
will improve reception indoors, around large buildings, and in tunnels.

Sirius sats do a figure 8 pattern over North America. I've heard Sirius
people complain about having to constantly realign their ant. Not sure if
Sirius has repeaters.

Are their any interference?

Nope. About the only problem I've had is from tree leaves in the Summer in
my sub which block my reception momentarilily.

Where do I place the antenna? (I live in an apartment building)

For XM, south facing window. Sirius, not sure.

Are any of the stations coming from medium wave band?

Last I checked, Sirius had a channel that played different countries news
broadcasts. I think it was called World Radio. There's a website I believe
that broadcasts the stream as well.

Is satellite radio putting broadcast radio out of business?

Not in the near future. XM has about 2.3 million subscribers. Sirius
around 1 mil. When you consider how many people there are out there in the
U.S. this isn't even a blip on the screen.

Is Art Bell (Coast to Coast AM) on satellite radio?

He is on XM. Not sure about Sirius. Check the websites.

Will short-wave ever be on satellite radio?

See above response. Sirius offers that World Radio channel and BBC. XM has
just BBC.

Is the FCC involved with satellite radio?

Not right now but if you listen to the fear mongers they're trying to get
involved. Not sure of the whole story but I believe the FCC is either
involved or tried to get involved in stopping Sat. radio from broadcasting
local traffic and weather for selected cities.

Are their any commercials?

Music channels, no. Talk and sport channels, yes.

Is this new medium open to free speech?

XM has a few "uncensored" channels. But, what's your definition of "free
speech". I'm sure if some DJ on XM started saying something that was
against company policy he wouldn't be along for very long.

Are most people moving on to satellite radio?

That's a subjective term. A year and a half ago I was the only person I
knew that had Sat. radio. I know more and more people getting it. Stern
and the MLB have helped increase subscriptions. Still I know more people
who don't have Sat radio and have no plans on getting it.

Is your concern that the services will not be alive in the future? Judging
from the recent deals; Stern & MLB, I think Sat radio will be here for quite
a while.

What can we expect in the future from satellite radio?

Personally, I think we've only scratched the surface of what is possible.

For more information I would visit each service's website.

Also, XM has an unofficial BB at: www.xmfan.com

Otis