XM/Sirius merger

[Gizzmonic]

Hey,

I dunno how many of you have XM or Sirius, but the merger finally went through.  I've been on XM since 2005, when I thought I would have to move to Atlanta. (Thank God that didn't happen).  Although I got it primarily to listen to baseball, I did enjoy the variety of music.  They killed one of my favorite stations almost immediately after I subscribed (XM Luna, Latin Jazz) and now they are killing the punk station (Fungus) and the old-school hip-hop station (the Rhyme), which were 2 of my favorite channels.

In their place are more and more single-artist channels.  All-Elvis, all-Beatles, all-AC/DC, all-Led Zep, all of the time.  I like all of those bands, but anyone who likes those artists can just turn on regular radio and hear them all of the time.  It's a cheap and lazy way to do business for a so-called premium service.

Does anyone else here have XM or Sirius?  What are your thoughts on the merger?  What are your favorite stations?

[Outlawscotty]

They also killed the Boneyard (41), among others.  The best thing about the merger is that you can now receive all MLB, NFL, NBA (oh Joy), NHL (Who Cares), NASCAR (Try and listen), and NCAA sports, and it appears to me that the bandwidth expanded, if that's possible.  The quality of the broadcast seems to have improved from pseudo stereo to stereo quality overnight.

[Taras Bulba]

I have XM.  It could be a whole lot better than it is, but tends to get dumbed down.

I end up listening to much of the same stuff: mornings the Bob Edwards show unless he's got a fellow traveller on which tends to become a shared hand job session.  The golf channel is pretty good.  The other sports shows are mostly shills for debt restructuring schemes and dick pills.

For a while last year, they had a channel that played nothing but old Larry King interviews and that was very good.  In fact, an "interview" channel that would feature interviews with political figures, entertainers, etc. would be good listening.

[HudsonHawk]

I had XM since 2003, and think the new stations will be a plus.  They didn't "kill" the Boneyard, they "merged" it with HairNation.  They didn't "kill" Fungus, they merged it the Faction.  These were essentially the same channels that existed on Sirius.  Frankly, there will be little change in the old stations and a few new pretty cool ones.  I just hope they don't start adding commercials.

[Gizzmonic]

They also killed the Boneyard (41), among others.  The best thing about the merger is that you can now receive all MLB, NFL, NBA (oh Joy), NHL (Who Cares), NASCAR (Try and listen), and NCAA sports, and it appears to me that the bandwidth expanded, if that's possible.  The quality of the broadcast seems to have improved from pseudo stereo to stereo quality overnight.

The Boneyard is coming back in January.  It will take the place of the AC/DC payola station, which was bought to promote their new album.  I am really disturbed at the number of all single-artist stations.   Like I said, it's just plain cheap-we're paying $13 a month, how about paying some DJs instead of loading up an iPod with music everyone has already heard 400 times before on regular radio.  And I *like* most of the bands they're playing.

 I'm seriously considering using MLB Gameday audio instead, it's much cheaper and I can listen to it from my cell phone.

[Outlawscotty]

I had XM since 2003, and think the new stations will be a plus.  They didn't "kill" the Boneyard, they "merged" it with HairNation.  They didn't "kill" Fungus, they merged it the Faction.  These were essentially the same channels that existed on Sirius.  Frankly, there will be little change in the old stations and a few new pretty cool ones.  I just hope they don't start adding commercials.

Whatever, it ain't the same.  However, the music varies slightly and I actually like it better, but the DJ's are just stupid.  The all AC/DC channel, while good for about ten minutes, is overkill unless you need to practice three chords.  I was wondering if maybe in the future they would change the artists on these 24/7 stations once a month or so.

[BizidyDizidy]

I drive between Houston and Dallas every week. I would kill myself if I didn't have Sirius. You can make your own judgment call on whether that means satellite radio is a net positive or negative for society.

[Gizzmonic]

I had XM since 2003, and think the new stations will be a plus.  They didn't "kill" the Boneyard, they "merged" it with HairNation.  They didn't "kill" Fungus, they merged it the Faction.  These were essentially the same channels that existed on Sirius.  Frankly, there will be little change in the old stations and a few new pretty cool ones.  I just hope they don't start adding commercials.

No, they definitely killed Fungus, and Sirius Punk.  The Faction plays mostly shitty nu-metal.  Gone are the cool psychobilly, ska, and surf shows.  They killed the Sirius old-school hip-hop channel as well, and the "replacement" is a mix of retarded modern rap and the good stuff, *and* it's censored.  Plus, there's already another modern rap station.  They are becoming more and more like terrestrial radio, except without commercials.  That's not a good enough reason to pay $13 in my book.

I'm going to give it a couple months to see how I adjust, maybe I'm just whining but those were the 2 stations I listened to most (besides baseball and BBC).

[JimR]

The Boneyard is coming back in January.  It will take the place of the AC/DC payola station, which was bought to promote their new album.  I am really disturbed at the number of all single-artist stations.   Like I said, it's just plain cheap-we're paying $13 a month, how about paying some DJs instead of loading up an iPod with music everyone has already heard 400 times before on regular radio.  And I *like* most of the bands they're playing.

 I'm seriously considering using MLB Gameday audio instead, it's much cheaper and I can listen to it from my cell phone.

if you do not like it, quit bitching and cancel.

WFW

[JackAstro]

No, they definitely killed Fungus, and Sirius Punk...

That's good to know, thanks. We had it a couple of years ago, and that was at least 50% of what my wife listened to. I was thinking about getting her a subscription for Christmas, but I guess not now.

[HudsonHawk]

No, they definitely killed Fungus, and Sirius Punk.  The Faction plays mostly shitty nu-metal.  Gone are the cool psychobilly, ska, and surf shows.  They killed the Sirius old-school hip-hop channel as well, and the "replacement" is a mix of retarded modern rap and the good stuff, *and* it's censored.  Plus, there's already another modern rap station.  They are becoming more and more like terrestrial radio, except without commercials.  That's not a good enough reason to pay $13 in my book.

I'm going to give it a couple months to see how I adjust, maybe I'm just whining but those were the 2 stations I listened to most (besides baseball and BBC).

Since it's only been one day, I'd suggest you may give it some time.

[HudsonHawk]

That's good to know, thanks. We had it a couple of years ago, and that was at least 50% of what my wife listened to. I was thinking about getting her a subscription for Christmas, but I guess not now.

I disagree.  It's only been a day, so it's hard to pigeonhole them yet.  You can't possibly have heard all that they're going to be playing yet.

[JackAstro]

I disagree.  It's only been a day, so it's hard to pigeonhole them yet.  You can't possibly have heard all that they're going to be playing yet.

Sure, but this is the description from XM: "Where heelflips, handplants, half-pipes and hard rock join hip-hop and the biggest names in skateboarding, surfing, freestyle skiing and more." That's not remotely what it was when we had it, so I'd rather not buy the missus a year of service, only to discover that she only likes every 3rd or 4th song on what was her favorite station.

[HudsonHawk]

Sure, but this is the description from XM: "Where heelflips, handplants, half-pipes and hard rock join hip-hop and the biggest names in skateboarding, surfing, freestyle skiing and more." That's not remotely what it was when we had it, so I'd rather not buy the missus a year of service, only to discover that she only likes every 3rd or 4th song on what was her favorite station.

I'd say give it more than 24 hours and listen for a while before making up your mind.

[Amy]

I've had XM for several years.  I mostly got it for baseball, but I listen to the music channels too and mostly enjoy it.  It's light years better than terrestrial radio, although admittedly that isn't saying a hell of a lot.  But I've noticed lately that my XM radio doesn't hold a signal worth a damn.  I finally called customer service last night and they "sent the signal to my radio" and told me I had to keep it on channel 1 for 20 minutes and that seemed to fix it.  But this morning it crapped out again.  Don't know if that has anything to do with the merger or not.

[Ron Brand]

I've had Sirius since the beginning and I'm very happy with it, especially since I really got it for Stern, but I've been happy with the other programming as well.  Since the merger went live this week the playlists seem to have been invigorated with quite a bit of music I hadn't been hearing.  The channels and styles of music I've been listening to have been upgraded significantly as far as I'm concerned, and now I get to hear Dylan's show, Tom Petty's show, the British version of King Biscuit, etc.  I'm still looking for the replays of the old National Lampoon Radio Hours that used to run on an XM comedy channel but I don't know if those will show up or not.

Sirius seems to be pretty receptive to audience feedback, so at the very least if you aren't happy with what has happened since the merger you ought to make it known to them.

And I agree with the comments about the artist-only channels ( I guess the Springsteen and Grateful Dead ones are permanent ) but the Zep and AC/DC ones are temporary and end either in December or January.

[HudsonHawk]

...now I get to hear Dylan's show, Tom Petty's show...

Tom Petty's show, Buried Treasure, is really cool.  For those who haven't heard it, tune in...he plays some really good stuff.

[homer]

They seem to have shaken up the comedy channels. Instead of just one uncensored and one family, there now seems to be 3 uncensored and the same family channel. The stuff on the XM 150 was getting kind of stale, but I have heard nothing but 'new stuff' (at least new to me) on 150 since yesterday.

[HudsonHawk]

They seem to have shaken up the comedy channels. Instead of just one uncensored and one family, there now seems to be 3 uncensored and the same family channel. The stuff on the XM 150 was getting kind of stale, but I have heard nothing but 'new stuff' (at least new to me) on 150 since yesterday.

Count me as one who likes the HairNation over the Boneyard.  Going out to lunch today, I heard Tesla, Motley Crue, Scorpions and King's X.  That's a solid block of driving tunes.

[otterjb]

Hey,

I dunno how many of you have XM or Sirius, but the merger finally went through.  I've been on XM since 2005, when I thought I would have to move to Atlanta. (Thank God that didn't happen).  Although I got it primarily to listen to baseball, I did enjoy the variety of music.  They killed one of my favorite stations almost immediately after I subscribed (XM Luna, Latin Jazz) and now they are killing the punk station (Fungus) and the old-school hip-hop station (the Rhyme), which were 2 of my favorite channels.

In their place are more and more single-artist channels.  All-Elvis, all-Beatles, all-AC/DC, all-Led Zep, all of the time.  I like all of those bands, but anyone who likes those artists can just turn on regular radio and hear them all of the time.  It's a cheap and lazy way to do business for a so-called premium service.

Does anyone else here have XM or Sirius?  What are your thoughts on the merger?  What are your favorite stations?

Seems okay so far. Over time, they're supposed to make it so that you pay for just the tiers that you want to pay for. More or less expensive, with more or less options, depending on what you want to pay for.

In terms of stations, 26 is channel I probably listen to most. It was called Left of Center, now it's Sirius/XM U. Good indie, college-type stuff, also they have music blog shows from 11am - 1pm cst then repeated at night.

[Outlawscotty]

Count me as one who likes the HairNation over the Boneyard.  Going out to lunch today, I heard Tesla, Motley Crue, Scorpions and King's X.  That's a solid block of driving tunes.

I agree except for the DJ's.  They seem to be trying too hard to be funny.  Maybe I should give them a little time, but I miss Kevin Cash in the PM drive.  I understand that the purpose of the format is not about the DJ's; far from it.  They still inject themselves into the format though.  Hopefully they get the same types of interviews as the XM folks did.  I'll be happy if they have an al la carte 'tier' in the future, especially if this means that the excluded channels are not even visible to your receiver.   

[Gizzmonic]

I've had XM for several years.  I mostly got it for baseball, but I listen to the music channels too and mostly enjoy it.  It's light years better than terrestrial radio, although admittedly that isn't saying a hell of a lot.  But I've noticed lately that my XM radio doesn't hold a signal worth a damn.  I finally called customer service last night and they "sent the signal to my radio" and told me I had to keep it on channel 1 for 20 minutes and that seemed to fix it.  But this morning it crapped out again.  Don't know if that has anything to do with the merger or not.

I have one of the detachable "roadie" units made by Delphi and it sometimes has problems keeping a signal when I first start it up.  I noticed that if I grab it tightly or tilt it back, it starts working again.  In my case, I think there is something loose on the motherboard.  Maybe yours is doing the same thing?  If you have a detachable unit, give it a shot.

[Andyzipp]

XM The Virus, Fred, Ethel and Lucy. 

Probably spend most of my time on the Virus.

[JimR]

I like XM 164 Old Time Radio

Let the jokes begin

[strosrays]

I've had XM four years.  If they ever kill Deep Tracks, I am toast.

[austro]

I've had XM four years.  If they ever kill Deep Tracks, I am toast.

That's where I spend my time, too. Fortunately, it appears to be relatively unchanged (for example, Petty's Buried Treasure came on at 7pm tonight, just like old times).

[strosrays]

That's where I spend my time, too. Fortunately, it appears to be relatively unchanged (for example, Petty's Buried Treasure came on at 7pm tonight, just like old times).

Using HH's criteria:  A few days ago I was driving to work at 5:30 A.M. and heard, in a row, the 'Stones "Monkey Man", Neil Young's "Drive Back", and Todd Rundgren's "Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel".  Fuck! I love that station.  None of those songs are anywhere near the top or even very well-known in the artist's catalogues, but they are all kick-ass.  I was so fired up after hearing them, it pissed me off I had to go to work.

When they get too far off into the Doors or the Dead or Peter Gabriel-era Genesis la-la land, I switch it over to 47.

[Noe]

I like XM 164 Old Time Radio

Let the jokes begin

Is that the year 164?

[JackAstro]

Is that the year 164?

Yes. B.C.

[DVauthrin]

I didn't really notice a major difference when I looked at the new channels.   I'm excited about getting the astros games to go with all the other sports provided.   Normally I listen to octane 20 when I'm in my car anyway.

[astrojo]

8, 24, 43, 44, 47, 54, 80, 81, 84

[JackAstro]

8, 24, 43, 44, 47, 54, 80, 81, 84

Keno! I just hit six of those on my card. What's the payout?

[Gizzmonic]

My new favorite station, 24 hours later, is channel 59, Underground Garage.

Thanks Gerry Sirius!

[austro]

My new favorite station, 24 hours later, is channel 59, Underground Garage.

Thanks Gerry Sirius!

Is that Little Steven's gig?

[HudsonHawk]

I agree except for the DJ's. 

That's like complaining about the quality of the articles in Hustler.

[HudsonHawk]

I've had XM four years.  If they ever kill Deep Tracks, I am toast.

I'm with you on the Deep Tracks.  I'm also unsure of the switch from X-Country to Outlaw Country.  I loved X-Country...channel 12...the only place where I could go from Hank Williams to Bela Fleck to Jason and the Scorchers.

[Ron Brand]

Is that Little Steven's gig?

Yes.  Handsome Dick Manitoba has an evening show that is great.

[chuck]

I like XM 164 Old Time Radio

Let the jokes begin

Do they play serial shows like Gunsmoke and Dragnet? I love that stuff.

[Limey]

Yes.  Handsome Dick Manitoba has an evening show that is great.

He sounds like he should be part of the Channel 5 News Team.

[JimR]

Do they play serial shows like Gunsmoke and Dragnet? I love that stuff.

yes, indeedy.

[Ron Brand]

I've also heard the Lone Ranger, Jack Benny and Lights Out on that channel. It's good.

[chuck]

He sounds like he should be part of the Channel 5 News Team.

I'm pretty sure Milo welcomed him and his group at a home game last year. I'd love to hear Milo welcome Lum Edwards and Abner Peabody, but surely he'd know exactly who they are and even poor Milo would realize that he was being had.

[loganck]

I'm with you on the Deep Tracks. 

Sirius had the same channel, they just called it The Vault

[JimR]

I've also heard the Lone Ranger, Jack Benny and Lights Out on that channel. It's good.

lots of great suspense/drama/mysteries too

[Outlawscotty]

Boneyard is back at 53; I guess AC/DC went away.

[HudsonHawk]

Boneyard is back at 53; I guess AC/DC went away.

Now if we can just get X-Country back.  Outlaw Country is just not the same thing.  I can only take so much Waylon Jennings and Johnny Paycheck. 

[Ty in Tampa]

Now if we can just get X-Country back.  Outlaw Country is just not the same thing.  I can only take so much Waylon Jennings and Johnny Paycheck. 

Man, I'm with you there. I can't listen to it anymore.

[HudsonHawk]

Man, I'm with you there. I can't listen to it anymore.

X-Country was "Americana", singer-songwriter, progressive country.  This Outlaw Country is nothing more than 70's Nashville.  It sucks.

[strosrays]

I was thinking about this subject the other day, and am glad this came back up.

I have had XM for 4-5 years now, and was generally neutral about the merger in the weeks after it happened.  90% of my non-baseball time is spent between Channels 43-55, and I probably only listen an hour or so a day, on average.  Mostly in my car - I forget to bring it up on the computer at work, which pisses me off when I remember.

Anyway, given my fairly narrow interests and limited listening time, I would now say I am not neutral anymore.  I seem to notice a "dumbing down" of the playlists post-merger.  I don't hear the variety I used to.  44 (80s alt) and 47 (current alt), two stations I listen to a lot, seem like mostly greatest hits/top hits stations now.  There used to be far more variety, and a greater number of songs in the rotation.  It also seems like I hear more DJ chatter now.  Of course, on Deep Tracks (40), DJ chatter has always been a part of it; although chatter isn't a good description, more like mellowed-out rambling.  This fits in with the sort of 1970s FM radio ambience I think they try and maintain.  Of all the channels I listen to, Deep Tracks seems to have changed the least, and I am thankful for that.

But I am a little worried about the other stuff (54, the 90s alt station I also listen to, is going through a similar thing as 44 & 47.)  The whole reason I got XM in the first place was that commercial radio had become unlistenable for me, with the endless commercial blocks, more and more piped-in segments, and very tight playlist rotations.  If XM/Sirius continues to move in the direction I sense it is, at some point I will have to decide if the excellent MLB coverage for half the year outweighs the fact I cannot listen to the music channels anymore.

Of course, I could be imagining all this.  I am curious what other subscribers think, and, if they agree with me, is this sort of thing happening up and down the dial, on the stations I don't listen to as well?

[austro]

Of course, I could be imagining all this.  I am curious what other subscribers think, and, if they agree with me, is this sort of thing happening up and down the dial, on the stations I don't listen to as well?

I listen mostly to 40 and 46. On 40, I'd say that it's a little different, although not necessarily narrower or worse. I think 46's scope has definitely gotten narrower, and the fact that Dusty whats-her-name seems to be on about 12 hrs/day is not a plus.

[MusicMan]

54 has become a trainwreck.  How in the blue hell does "Stand" show up on Lithium??

[Outlawscotty]

Boneyard picks up where it left off and replaces the 80's void left by Hair Nation.  Or vice-versa.  For the Country void, try 10 The Roadhouse.  Willie's Place is OK until it goes to the Grand Ole Opry live which sucks big time now since all the talent that used to be is now dead.

[Ty in Tampa]

For music, I listen mostly to the Verge and XMU and I've always been disappointed in the narrow playlists. Not as bad as terrestrial but not nearly what I expected of satellite.

[kevwun]

I miss Lucy also.  Lithium is not an equal replacement.

[HudsonHawk]

For the Country void, try 10 The Roadhouse.  Willie's Place is OK until it goes to the Grand Ole Opry live which sucks big time now since all the talent that used to be is now dead.

10 (The Roadhouse), 12 (Outlaw Country) and 13 (Willie's Place) have essentially all become the same.  In fact, the other day I heard the same song playing at the same time on two of them.  They're basicallly "classic honky tonk".  That's not what I'm looking for.  I actually like some of the Grand Ole' Opry stuff, and Bill Anderson's Visits With The Legends (on 10 now, I believe) is actually a great show if you appreciate music history.  There's just nowhere to find what was typically on X-Country.  And it was my favorite station.  As for stros-rays comment about 40, I agree.  I enjoy the sort of stream of consciousness chatter and I love Bob Dylan's Radio Theme Time and Tom Petty's Buried Treasure.  I'm kind of in the same boat with stros-rays, in that I've noticed the same "dumbing down" and homogenation of the entire lineup.  I especially enjoy satellite radio on the long drives through West Texas or New Mexico, where over the air radio is impossible.  But if it becomes the same crap, lowest common denominator, of commercial radio, I'll have to ask is it worth the cost.

[Ron Brand]

I've had Sirius since Howard Stern came on - that's the reason I got the service - and that's probably what I listen to 60-70% of the time.  I have jumped around the channels but most of what I listen to is rock, new wave, 60s-70s-80s stuff and the occasional old radio and comedy.  For me, I've noticed some of the opposite - there seems to have been a shift on the decade stations to replicate the listening experience of that decade.  I'm fine with that, even though it is more talk it's at least not bothersome because I don't listen to it all that much.

From a Sirius angle, I think the playlists have actually gotten better since the merger or at least they've injected some new songs we didn't get before.  Certainly the addition of Dylan's and Petty's shows have been great. I haven't noticed increased chatter on the other channels though.  At this point I think I would keep at least one subscription after Stern calls it quits, but probably not the three I have now (luckily, Mrs. Brand is a big Stern fan too).

[HudsonHawk]

I've had Sirius since Howard Stern came on - that's the reason I got the service - and that's probably what I listen to 60-70% of the time.  I have jumped around the channels but most of what I listen to is rock, new wave, 60s-70s-80s stuff and the occasional old radio and comedy.  For me, I've noticed some of the opposite - there seems to have been a shift on the decade stations to replicate the listening experience of that decade.  I'm fine with that, even though it is more talk it's at least not bothersome because I don't listen to it all that much.

From a Sirius angle, I think the playlists have actually gotten better since the merger or at least they've injected some new songs we didn't get before.  Certainly the addition of Dylan's and Petty's shows have been great. I haven't noticed increased chatter on the other channels though.  At this point I think I would keep at least one subscription after Stern calls it quits, but probably not the three I have now (luckily, Mrs. Brand is a big Stern fan too).

I think the general consensus from everyone I talk to is that mixing the two made Sirius better and XM worse.   

[BizidyDizidy]

I think the general consensus from everyone I talk to is that mixing the two made Sirius better and XM worse.   

The main wildcard is to what extent you are a fan of either's proprietary content; if you love Stern and had XM, it got made significantly better.

[HudsonHawk]

The main wildcard is to what extent you are a fan of either's proprietary content; if you love Stern and had XM, it got made significantly better.

Not really, as 1) if Stern was your critical decision driver, then you likely had Sirius in the first place, and 2) you still have to pay extra for Stern if you were a previous XM subscriber.  Stern doesn't factor into as much for previous XM subscribers as you might think.

[MusicMan]

I have never understood the appeal of Howard Stern.

[BizidyDizidy]

Not really, as 1) if Stern was your critical decision driver, then you likely had Sirius in the first place, and 2) you still have to pay extra for Stern if you were a previous XM subscriber.  Stern doesn't factor into as much for previous XM subscribers as you might think.

1) You're missing the fact that cars came with one or the other

2) Isn't it like 3 bucks or something?

[Rebel Jew]

I have never understood the appeal of Howard Stern.

i always thought it was pretty hilarious the way he would go on 90's talk shows to promote his book and totally deconstruct the light-hearted, casual chat, tv talk show artifice.  plus, the way his minions prank call live national news shows is pretty interesting too if you ask me.  but i've never seen a trace of this subversive humor in the handful of times i've listened to his radio show, seen that tv show he used to have, or that stupid sentimental bs movie he did.

[BizidyDizidy]

I like him (I had Sirius from the beginning for this reason, just like HH said). I think it's one of those things where if you just listen a few times you might not get it; listen for two weeks solid and there's a much higher chance you'll like it.

My brother and my dad both had XM and started listenting after the merger; they are both fans now.

[chuck]

I have never understood the appeal of Howard Stern.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I do not get that guy, not even a little bit. Of course, a lot of people apparently like Conan O'Brien, too.

[Duke]

I have never understood the appeal of Howard Stern.

Same here.  A transplanted New Yorker told me it reminded her of NY.  I still didn't get it.

[HudsonHawk]

1) You're missing the fact that cars came with one or the other

No I'm not, I'm saying if the reason you have XM over Sirius is because you got three free months with your car, then Stern was likely not a decision driver for you.

2) Isn't it like 3 bucks or something?

My regular XM subscriptionis $9.99/month.  To get stern, it's $16.99/month.  That's $7 or basically a 70% increase.  That's significant in my book.  Again, my point is that if you didn't really care if you had Stern or not in the first place, then suddenly getting the opportunity to purchase him for a slight discount while simultaneously having to give up quality in what attracted you to XM in the first place really isn't that great of a deal.

[BizidyDizidy]

No I'm not, I'm saying if the reason you have XM over Sirius is because you got three free months with your car, then Stern was likely not a decision driver for you.

Well, you also have to pay for a new radio. That's pretty significant.

[BatGirl]

...if it becomes the same crap, lowest common denominator, of commercial radio, I'll have to ask is it worth the cost.

if you decide it's not worth it anymore,
might i suggest you consider purchasing an hd radio receiver?

[HudsonHawk]

if you decide it's not worth it anymore,
might i suggest you consider purchasing an hd radio receiver?

To be honest, I'm not familiar with HD radio.  Do tell.

[Bench]

To be honest, I'm not familiar with HD radio.  Do tell.

It's where all the good NPR shit is on in Houston while the regular channel just plays crappy classical music all day.  I don't know anybody with HD radio.

[chuck]

It's where all the good NPR shit is on in Houston while the regular channel just plays crappy classical music all day.  I don't know anybody with HD radio.

That fucking funeral music that those fuckwits play all day is about to drive me to buy one. Public radio in Houston is the worst in the country.

[BatGirl]

To be honest, I'm not familiar with HD radio.  Do tell.

i'm waiting to see what happens this year before i invest in a receiver for myself
i do know several people that have hd radio and i can tell you the quality is fantastic

it would seem that it could conceivably rival subscription radio if it continues to move forward
but right now stations don't have permission from the fcc to transmit their digital signals
at a high enough wattage to reach outlying areas (where i spend most of my time)
but that hasn't stopped local fm's from programming some very cool digital options

you will never be able to talk me into paying $$ monthly to listen to my radio
so, for me, this is a very exciting possibility.  it may not suit your purposes at all

[HudsonHawk]

i'm waiting to see what happens this year before i invest in a receiver for myself
i do know several people that have hd radio and i can tell you the quality is fantastic

it would seem that it could conceivably rival subscription radio if it continues to move forward
but right now stations don't have permission from the fcc to transmit their digital signals
at a high enough wattage to reach outlying areas (where i spend most of my time)
but that hasn't stopped local fm's from programming some very cool digital options

you will never be able to talk me into paying $$ monthly to listen to my radio
so, for me, this is a very exciting possibility.  it may not suit your purposes at all

I meant what's the deal on programming.  My bitch with commerical radio is not the quality of signal, but the quality of programming.  How is the programming on HD radio different than what's already on commercial radio?

[chuck]

I meant what's the deal on programming.  My bitch with commerical radio is not the quality of signal, but the quality of programming.  How is the programming on HD radio different than what's already on commercial radio?

I have no idea if commercial stations offer different programming on an HD signal, but it's common for public radio stations to offer alternate programming in this manner. KUHF plays funeral music while the rest of the NPR world is offering informative news programs. These news programs are available on HD radio. The rest of the NPR world offers funeral music during the day on HD to anyone who doesn't want to listen to the news programs.

I don't see a commercial station saying, 'Hey, listen to our simulcast on HD - it's programming that ISN'T mind-numbingly repetitive, fucked-up and stupid!' By the way, is there a worse "classic rock" station in the US than the one in Houston? The Arrow or whatever it is? Fuck no is the answer. I just went to the site hoping for a playlist. I'd love to know how many times a day they play Dust in the Wind. Seven or eight, I imagine. Or Barracuda. You acid-wash goons will be happy to know that there are thousands of videos on demand offered through the site somehow, and the band pictured in the ad proclaiming this is none other than the legendary Def Leppard.

[BatGirl]

How is the programming on HD radio different than what's already on commercial radio?

that's difficult to answer because everyone is doing their own thing
but, maybe that's the answer to your question

some local stations seem to be using a format that's been provided by their parent company
for example, here in houston, cumulus' 104.1 hd is billed as a 'classic alternative jack'
clear channel's sunny 99.1 is doing smooth jazz. in my opinion, the buzz does it the best
with their 'free buzz' channel.  kilt is doing a 'strait country' on one of their hd's
i don't listen to the arrow, but their hd is triple-a and is so much better than 93.7

outside of music, i know that 90.1 has bbc news, and kuhf has a spanish npr channel

[subnuclear]

I meant what's the deal on programming.  My bitch with commerical radio is not the quality of signal, but the quality of programming.  How is the programming on HD radio different than what's already on commercial radio?

My sister in Philadelphia has HD radio so that her daughter can listen to the Disney channel, but I'm not sure how much of a Hannah Montana/Jonas Brothers fan you are. 

[Andyzipp]

The main wildcard is to what extent you are a fan of either's proprietary content; if you love Stern and had XM, it got made significantly better.

Or you were happy with Opie & Anthony and had no desire to listen to Howard Stern.

[Gizzmonic]

To be honest, I'm not familiar with HD radio.  Do tell.

HD radio also fucks with adjacent frequencies, especially on AM.  I hate it for this reason.  I wouldn't pay extra for the "privilege" of listening to a few alternate stations when XM/Sirius gives you so much more.

[BatGirl]

i must have missed this from the last dishnet charlie chat

[strosrays]

I noticed today that after March 11, listening to XM online will no longer be free (this had been a perk for anyone with a regular subscription.)

But - if you renew your subscription now, you can still listen free online for the duration of your renewed subscription.  Hmmm. . .

"On March 11, 2009, we will upgrade the online listening experience to near CD-quality digital audio. Satellite radio subscriptions will no longer include internet radio at no charge.*

If you renew your subscription now, you will continue to get online listening for FREE for the length of your subscription.

This is your chance to keep listening online at no charge. After March 11th premium online listening will cost $2.99** per month."

Their justification for the charge seems irrelevant to me.  What is "near CD-quality digital audio", exactly?  And is anyone going to be able to tell the difference listening on their laptop at work?

I don't like the way all this is trending.

[homer]

I noticed today that after March 11, listening to XM online will no longer be free (this had been a perk for anyone with a regular subscription.)

But - if you renew your subscription now, you can still listen free online for the duration of your renewed subscription.  Hmmm. . .

"On March 11, 2009, we will upgrade the online listening experience to near CD-quality digital audio. Satellite radio subscriptions will no longer include internet radio at no charge.*

If you renew your subscription now, you will continue to get online listening for FREE for the length of your subscription.

This is your chance to keep listening online at no charge. After March 11th premium online listening will cost $2.99** per month."

Their justification for the charge seems irrelevant to me.  What is "near CD-quality digital audio", exactly?  And is anyone going to be able to tell the difference listening on their laptop at work?

I don't like the way all this is trending.

The email also indicates a increase of $2/month on secondary radios. But, you can lock in now at the lower rate on a long term plan.

[Outlawscotty]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/technology/companies/11radio.html

[T. J.]

I noticed today that after March 11, listening to XM online will no longer be free (this had been a perk for anyone with a regular subscription.)

But - if you renew your subscription now, you can still listen free online for the duration of your renewed subscription.  Hmmm. . .

"On March 11, 2009, we will upgrade the online listening experience to near CD-quality digital audio. Satellite radio subscriptions will no longer include internet radio at no charge.*

If you renew your subscription now, you will continue to get online listening for FREE for the length of your subscription.

This is your chance to keep listening online at no charge. After March 11th premium online listening will cost $2.99** per month."


Their justification for the charge seems irrelevant to me.  What is "near CD-quality digital audio", exactly?  And is anyone going to be able to tell the difference listening on their laptop at work?

I don't like the way all this is trending.

They need money.  Or have you not noticed their stock is around 11 cents/share?