XM Recievers

[Rick]

Anyone using the XM recievers yet or have you checked one out in another vehicle? I want to put one in our Dodge Ram tow vehicle for the long trips. It would be nice to never... or almost never lose a signal while traveling long distances.

 

[tbomb]

i dont really know much about them, but they seem like something that wont be around for too long. remember laser discs (looked like a cd but was the size of a record?) why not just invest in an mp3 playing HU or a cd changer? i can see how the XM would be easier than dealing with cds and burning mp3s all the time, but it might not be around too long.

just a passing thought

 

[Rick]

I get sick of the mix CDs I have and even sicker of the store bought CDs. At least with broadcast stations you never know what's coming up next...

I bet it takes off with people who travel long distances for a living or for vacations like we do.

 

[RFR2212]

I see XM stickin around fer awhile... I was gonna get it fer X-mas... but my amp died, and chose to replace that
Pete

 

[Jason_25]

This would be great for me also. But from what I've seen it looks like, that in their current stage of development, that they don't have cd players also. Just radios, so that's a little disappointing.

 

[aldive]

What do you guys think of the monthly fee?

 

[Jason_25]

For not having commercials I would be glad to pay 10 or 12 bucks a month!

 

[Rick]

Ten bucks a month isn't bad, but I'm sure it will go up.

I have seen HU with XM and CDs. I can get one for $400.00. I don't recall the manufacturer off the top of my head. I saw it in an ad.

 

[leebo]

Both my brother and I are looking into them as well. He's a trucker, and I'm looking into the business so most of the time will be driving long distances. I spend a-heck-of-alot more than $10 a month in getting new CD's, so the service charge is nothing. Plus with them coming out now with CD player's as well, you've got all worlds.

HOWEVER,
After I got to looking into them and thinking about them the thought of getting one cheaper came into mind. Just like all new "toys" in a few months' the $400 one you're looking at now will cost $200 and there will be better unit's out there. I think my brother is still very close to getting one for this 18wheeler, but I'm holding of for the time being. I do think they will take off and be around though.

 

[EO]

Reliability?

I'd still like someone who has used it for a long time, over lots of varied terrain, to speak to the reliability.

I have a GPS. It uses up to 12 satellites concurrently - the more signals, the better the accuracy. Sometimes in rural or obsured areas, I go down to 2 or 1 satellites, and the GPS loses its position.

With XM radio, does this mean silent gaps in your music when you lose reception? Has the XM industry invested the billions in satellite technology like GPS? I don't know, but I would have to think the inherent unreliability would make your music suffer.

 

[aldive]

Re: Reliability?

Originally posted by EO
I have a GPS. It uses up to 12 satellites concurrently - the more signals, the better the accuracy. Sometimes in rural or obsured areas, I go down to 2 or 1 satellites, and the GPS loses its position.

What is your reasoning for signal loss in "rural" areas? I can understand signal loss when the sky cannot be "seen" by the antenna, such as in deep woods. The above is referring to GPS.

 

[madmike]

hey Rick.

go here and check it out, they do sell a small unit that sits on your dash or where ever that connects to your existing cd player for around 300 bucks.
Dead Link Removedhttp://www.xmradio.com/programming/programming_main.html
I think it's gonna be the way to go for me , hate switching channels, and the talking from commercials too. hope this helps

 

[aldive]

Does anyone know the current coverage status?

Thanks.....

 

[mattadams]

Rick, a friend of mine has XM Radio in his F-150, says its top notch, really good stuff.
Al, if its satelites you should get coverage everywhere. i've never had a problem with my GPS in rural areas or anything.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by mattadams
i've never had a problem with my GPS in rural areas or anything.

Matt, I completely agree, thats why I was asking about the loss of signal in rural areas. The only time I have signal loss is in deep woods where the sky is obscured.

 

[aldive]

I am looking at this Sony unit from Crutchfield for $300.

 

[madmike]

That is the unit I am thinking about getting, it hard wires to your existing cd player, sounds like a cool deal to me.

 

[EO]

Re: Re: Reliability?

Originally posted by aldive


What is your reasoning for signal loss in "rural" areas? I can understand signal loss when the sky cannot be "seen" by the antenna, such as in deep woods. The above is referring to GPS.

Sorry, rural was a misnomer. I was thinking specifically about rural areas that are very hilly. At times, satellites are just above the horizon but are blocked by the geography. Also, I've lost the signal on a clear day in downtown Cleveland, as the only clear spot is STRAIGHT overhead, where there may be no satellites. Also lost it in parking garages, which is expected.

This is what I'm getting at...with FM radio, my signal is unchanged or maybe a little static-y in Cleveland/parking garages. With XM, I'd have to think you'd lose the entire signal. True?

Just some things to think about.

 

[EO]

Originally posted by aldive
I am looking at this Sony unit from Crutchfield for $300.

I saw that unit at Best Buy tonight. It's smaller than I thought!

 

[aldive]

What was he price at Best Buy?