Satellite radio delivers clear sound in distant places
Not long ago the farther you drove your vehicle from civilization the less chance of dialing into a radio station. First you heard crackling, then poor reception and eventually the sound faded away altogether
Satellite radio has changed all that.
Today, drivers can travel across the country without ever switching channels. They also can listen to a wide variety of programming in clear digital sound.
The most important thing is content," said Steve Brown, Product Promotion Mangager for Alpine Eletronics. "Satellite radio offers so much variety—sports, talk shows, music. You're going to get more things than you ever hear on standard radio."
Satellite radio is a subscription-based service and the two providers—XM and Sirius—have distinctively different types of programming. Drivers should review both services to see what suits their taste, Brown said.
Early on, satellite radio subscribers sometimes encountered annoying reception problems while traveling through cities. Tall buildings blocked signals and created dead zones.
Satellite providers solved that problem by installing special receivers in most major cities, Brown said. As a result, drivers can tune into signals even if surrounded by the tallest skyscrapers in places like New York City or San Francisco.
Signals provide exceptionally clear audio because they are transmitted digitally like an iPod or MPS player. In contast, traditional radio stations send analog signals prone to cracking and poor reception. The farther you go from radio broadcast stations, the more static and reception difficulties.
Brown had the following suggestions for drivers investing in satellite radio for their vehicles:
- Review the content available on Sirius and XM. Their programming doesn't
always overlap. You can view programming lists on satellite provider websites.
- Decide how you want to use your satellite radio. In the vehicle? In your
house or on your bike? You can choose an in-dash unit or portable receiver.
- Investigate the types of stereo head unit connections available. For instance,
some vehicles have an auxiliary port that lets you plug a satellite receiver
directly into the stereo system.
- Discuss wiring options with service specialists.
Hardwiring the unit directly to the in-dash stereo provides the best sound.
Mobile units are convenient and play music by sending a signal to your vehicle's
FM stereo, but they may encounter signal interference. Older stereo systems
may accommodate an adapter that slides into the cassette slot.
- Use an authorized installer who understands today's sophisticated vehicles.
The stereo head unit often acts as a central station for functions such as climate control and security. A poor installation can keep your vehicle from starting.
"Once you're a satellite subscriber you also can listen to programming through an internet connection on your computer," Brown said.