XM Question

[Taras Bulba]

I'm on the road a lot now, so just installed the XM doodad today.  Stupid question: are the Astros games on one particular channel, or do they differ by the day?  I'll hang up and listen.

[Ty in Tampa]

It varies but only slightly. I think it depends on whichever teams feed they are taking. I've heard them on 184-186 when I've listened so far this season.

[Phil Elliott]

Last year, the home games were always on the same channel.  This year, they move around a bit, but it is in a close range of channels, as noted.  You do have to hunt a bit more than last year, tho.

If it's an away game, you will have to hunt thru the entire range to find the home team's channel(s).

[jasonact]

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I'm on the road a lot now, so just installed the XM doodad today.  Stupid question: are the Astros games on one particular channel, or do they differ by the day?  I'll hang up and listen.

They are generally on the same channel for a particular series. For instance, tonight's game is on the same channel as Monday and Tuesday nights' games (XM 188). The games are usually arranged with games in the AL ballparks on the lower channels (176-182 or so) and games in the NL parks on the higher channels (183-189). Also, games being played further west are higher on the dial as well. Consequently, Astro home games are almost always on 186-188.

It is a little frustrating trying to find it sometimes, but XM has posted  the schedule with channels through the end of May. The rest of the schedule will eventually be posted on that page as well.

[Ryan in Houston]

It isn't really a problem for me because the headset (Delphi SkiFi 2) displays the names of the teams who are playing on each channel.  So when you start scrolling, you can see HOU on the channel listing.  

I guess it is only a big deal to know the channel # if your unit doesn't allow you to see what is on each channel.

by the way, isn't XM great during baseball season?

[jasonact]

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It isn't really a problem for me because the headset (Delphi SkiFi 2) displays the names of the teams who are playing on each channel.  So when you start scrolling, you can see HOU on the channel listing.  

I guess it is only a big deal to know the channel # if your unit doesn't allow you to see what is on each channel.

I have a Delphi MyFi, which I love, but I use it with the remote a lot, meaning that I can't see the display at a distance. Also, when you first turn it on, it takes a minute to register the details of each channel you aren't currently tuned to.

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by the way, isn't XM great during baseball season?

Abso-freakin-lutely! One of the best tech purchases I've ever made. I got it for baseball (and I love listening to other games, besides the Astros), but I've found that I really enjoy the other XM programming as well.

[strosrays]

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It isn't really a problem for me because the headset (Delphi SkiFi 2) displays the names of the teams who are playing on each channel.  So when you start scrolling, you can see HOU on the channel listing.  

I guess it is only a big deal to know the channel # if your unit doesn't allow you to see what is on each channel.

I have a Delphi MyFi, which I love, but I use it with the remote a lot, meaning that I can't see the display at a distance. Also, when you first turn it on, it takes a minute to register the details of each channel you aren't currently tuned to.

Quote:
by the way, isn't XM great during baseball season?

Abso-freakin-lutely! One of the best tech purchases I've ever made. I got it for baseball (and I love listening to other games, besides the Astros), but I've found that I really enjoy the other XM programming as well.

I like the variety as well -- as I already have said, I just can't wait to listen to golf -- but is it just me, or is there some subtle mind programming going on with that thing?

My kids make me put it on 44 when I am driving them to school in the morning, 'cos they like the '80's 'alternative' music thing.  Well, I kinda do, too; but I've noticed that for weeks at a time, whenever I turn it on it'll be playing something by The Smiths/Morrissey, or New Order.  Then, when I'm just about to go around the bend from that, it switches and for a few weeks its Depeche Mode.  WTF?  Isn't there an FCC regulation prohibiting Depeche Mode?

[NeilT]

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It isn't really a problem for me because the headset (Delphi SkiFi 2) displays the names of the teams who are playing on each channel.  So when you start scrolling, you can see HOU on the channel listing.  

I guess it is only a big deal to know the channel # if your unit doesn't allow you to see what is on each channel.

I have a Delphi MyFi, which I love, but I use it with the remote a lot, meaning that I can't see the display at a distance. Also, when you first turn it on, it takes a minute to register the details of each channel you aren't currently tuned to.

Quote:
by the way, isn't XM great during baseball season?

Abso-freakin-lutely! One of the best tech purchases I've ever made. I got it for baseball (and I love listening to other games, besides the Astros), but I've found that I really enjoy the other XM programming as well.

I like the variety as well -- as I already have said, I just can't wait to listen to golf -- but is it just me, or is there some subtle mind programming going on with that thing?

My kids make me put it on 44 when I am driving them to school in the morning, 'cos they like the '80's 'alternative' music thing.  Well, I kinda do, too; but I've noticed that for weeks at a time, whenever I turn it on it'll be playing something by The Smiths/Morrissey, or New Order.  Then, when I'm just about to go around the bend from that, it switches and for a few weeks its Depeche Mode.  WTF?  Isn't there an FCC regulation prohibiting Depeche Mode?

Yes, but satellite radio isn't subject to FCC regulation.

[Limey]

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My kids make me put it on 44 when I am driving them to school in the morning, 'cos they like the '80's 'alternative' music thing.  Well, I kinda do, too; but I've noticed that for weeks at a time, whenever I turn it on it'll be playing something by The Smiths/Morrissey, or New Order.  Then, when I'm just about to go around the bend from that, it switches and for a few weeks its Depeche Mode.  WTF?  Isn't there an FCC regulation prohibiting Depeche Mode?

I believe there are HSE regulations against any Smiths/Morrissey/Depeche montages in the workplace (legislation introduced after the catastrophic USPS music programming of the 1980's).  Dunno about in the home, but it may be a moving vehicle violation.

[David in Jackson]

I love XM.  Sometimes I just want to leave the wife and kids in the house and sit in the driveway.

The distinctions between music channels is always interesting.  80s alternative.  Early 90s alternative.  Classic alternative.  XMU (today's college alaternative).  It's lots of fun.  I think U2 can be on almost every channel they've got.

I also enjoy the two classic and old-time country stations (Lefty Frizzell and nothing post-George Strait).  

And I listen to the hockey stuff, too.  Maybe it's just because I don't know much about hockey, but I think their talk shows are much better than the baseball shows.  The MLB morning show delivers very little information.  Kevin Kennedy and, especially. Rob Dibble rarely have anything to say.  The best part is interviews with beat writers who cover the teams.

[homer]

 

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 The MLB morning show delivers very little information.

I like listening to Buck Martinez in the mornings. His knowledge of the game is impressive, and his opinions are usually well tempered. He points out little things that I don't hear anywhere else. Larry Bowa was good last year too, but his replacement Orestes Estrade is a chump. For instance, he wasn't sure if Texas was east or west of the Mississippi. Mark Patrick is also pretty annoying.

The show could be much better, but Buck saves it from being a total failure.

[rifraft]

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  Larry Bowa was good last year too, but his replacement Orestes Estrade is a chump. For instance, he wasn't sure if Texas was east or west of the Mississippi.  

Well, neither, its south of the Mississippi.

[David in Jackson]

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  Larry Bowa was good last year too, but his replacement Orestes Estrade is a chump. For instance, he wasn't sure if Texas was east or west of the Mississippi.  

Well, neither, its south of the Mississippi.

?

[jasonact]

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I love XM.  Sometimes I just want to leave the wife and kids in the house and sit in the driveway.

The distinctions between music channels is always interesting.  80s alternative.  Early 90s alternative.  Classic alternative.  XMU (today's college alaternative).  It's lots of fun.  I think U2 can be on almost every channel they've got.

I also enjoy the two classic and old-time country stations (Lefty Frizzell and nothing post-George Strait).  

And I listen to the hockey stuff, too.  Maybe it's just because I don't know much about hockey, but I think their talk shows are much better than the baseball shows.  The MLB morning show delivers very little information.  Kevin Kennedy and, especially. Rob Dibble rarely have anything to say.  The best part is interviews with beat writers who cover the teams.

About their baseball shows, you can tell they're still learning how to do an all-MLB radio station, but there are a few good shows. Charlie Steiner's show  in the afternoons is very good, but I don't get to listen very often. Also, "Minors & Majors" on Saturday mornings can be fairly informative at times, and they do talk some about minor league baseball.

You're right about Kennedy and Dibble, and the Ripkin show is painful to listen to. Most of the other stuff is crap too, but I'm hoping they improve as time goes on.