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[bigdog257]

Anybody hear about this? I'm just wondering how that will all work out. I have XM on Direct TV and they to me are a different animal than Sirius.


Bigdog

[twojay]

As I understand the companies have agreed to merge but they are awaiting the needed FCC approval. Don't know what the final product will be if approval is given but would guess that that info would be available soon.

[Ceej]

It will end up requiring new hardware that will recieve from both companies satellites. It will allow for a stronger company as a whole, to compete with various new media. When the 2 satellite licenses were issued there was no Ipods, digital radio, streaming internet  radio and such. Competing with these formats and eachother has strained both companies. I for one look forward to the merge, as I would like to get NASCAR back. XM has a much better music library because it has several record labels as investors. Sirius has spent big bucks on content and XM on Hardware - together it would be a very nice product.

[RJ749]

I for one look forward to the merge, as I would like to get NASCAR back.

I agree on NASCAR, I talked with the XM reps at a recent event and they put a spin on it like no one listens to NASCAR live they just watch it.

Not me, I love not being tied to my TV all day in the summer and don't mind listening to the broadcast while riding.

Hopefully they would broadcast "all" programing to both units for a period of transition rather than making hardware adaptation necessary.

[Twolanerider]

It will end up requiring new hardware that will recieve from both companies satellites. It will allow for a stronger company as a whole, to compete with various new media. When the 2 satellite licenses were issued there was no Ipods, digital radio, streaming internet  radio and such. Competing with these formats and eachother has strained both companies. I for one look forward to the merge, as I would like to get NASCAR back. XM has a much better music library because it has several record labels as investors. Sirius has spent big bucks on content and XM on Hardware - together it would be a very nice product.

It's ok so long as I don't have to mount a dish on the tour pak.  I ain't drillin' no holes in the tour pak.

[Ceej]

I ain't drillin' no holes in the tour pak.

...thats why I still have a brand new in the plastic luggage rack in the garage...I did drill for the spoiler but that took a year to work up the nerve, maybe a luggage rack this year

[Twolanerider]

...thats why I still have a brand new in the plastic luggage rack in the garage...I did drill for the spoiler but that took a year to work up the nerve, maybe a luggage rack this year

Oh crap, didn't think about that.  Drilled all over the place for all the spoilers.  Ok, but I ain't drillin' no more holes !

[Fired00d]

Oh crap, didn't think about that.  Drilled all over the place for all the spoilers.  Ok, but I ain't drillin' no more holes !

You could always get JR to attach a dish to your helmet like he did the camcorder.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

You could always get JR to attach a dish to your helmet like he did the camcorder.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

C'mon D00d, the helmet already receives bluetooth and whatever else gets plugged in to the other socket.  How much stuff can you pour in to one little lid.  And I'll bet the extra batteries would be a bitch.....

[RJ749]

It's ok so long as I don't have to mount a dish on the tour pak.  I ain't drillin' no holes in the tour pak.

That would be worse than dood's rubber duckie antenna.

[Twolanerider]

That would be worse than dood's rubber duckie antenna.

Rog, we may all be friends here.  And I know we've been chatting about D00d's rebuilt ass for months.  But a guy has to have limits.  I'm sorry, but I'm just not talking about his duckie  .

[Fired00d]

C'mon D00d, the helmet already receives bluetooth and whatever else gets plugged in to the other socket.  How much stuff can you pour in to one little lid.  And I'll bet the extra batteries would be a bitch.....

Just trying to save you from drilling holes JR used duct tape wonderfully on that helmet.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Fired00d]

Rog, we may all be friends here.  And I know we've been chatting about D00d's rebuilt ass for months.  But a guy has to have limits.  I'm sorry, but I'm just not talking about his duckie  .

Quack!!! Quack!!!

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

Quack!!! Quack!!!

OH MY GOD IT TALKS 

[RJ749]

Rog, we may all be friends here.  And I know we've been chatting about D00d's rebuilt ass for months.  But a guy has to have limits.  I'm sorry, but I'm just not talking about his duckie  .

[Fired00d]

Now I know where Roger disappeared to. He was searching for my "duckie".

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

Now I know where Roger disappeared to. He was searching for my "duckie".

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Oh lord, that'll give the mods something to talk about  !

[ccr]

Well I knew that FireD00d was in a lot of pain, every day, and that he was scheduled for hip replacement, but I missed all the talk about rebuilding his ass too.  And I truly missed the pic of the antennae on a duckie, so glad I found it here. Hilarious.

I love my XM, and so if we get some improvements - great. 

[HUBBARD]

I'll be glad to have access to Sirius.  XM is absent NASCAR, and thinks the BEATLES are Rockers.  Good riddance, IMO.  Later--HUBBARD

[The Mysterious Q!]

AFLAC!

[Twolanerider]

I honestly could care not one bit about the policy or economic implications that FTC and others will get all balled up over on this one.  After all, if they didn't merge sooner or later it was obvious they both would have gone under.  Now they'll at least have a chance.

Quite selfishly the only thing I'm concerned about is the incompatible technologies.  When it's all done with all the current Sirius users have to change receivers to the XM type, with the current XM users have to change out to Sirius receivers, or will they lose one of the biggest potential benefits of the merger (losing redundancies) and continue broadcasting over both systems?

[UltraPolecat]

I honestly could care not one bit about the policy or economic implications that FTC and others will get all balled up over on this one.  After all, if they didn't merge sooner or later it was obvious they both would have gone under.  Now they'll at least have a chance.

Quite selfishly the only thing I'm concerned about is the incompatible technologies.  When it's all done with all the current Sirius users have to change receivers to the XM type, with the current XM users have to change out to Sirius receivers, or will they lose one of the biggest potential benefits of the merger (losing redundancies) and continue broadcasting over both systems?

I am an avid Sirius listener.  Tried XM and it just didn't do it for me.  My biggest concern is having to buy new radios, docking stations, etc... That would pizz me off...

[naitram]

not sure how different the 2 technologies are, but its not like they can send a tech out to change the antenna on the satelite

[Twolanerider]

not sure how different the 2 technologies are, but its not like they can send a tech out to change the antenna on the satelite

If one believes the press both companies have historically released, and both the press and financial guidances that have been released since the merger news was released, the systems are completely incompatible for broadcast reception.  If that turns out to be true they either must maintain a lot of redundant hardware or a LOT of people have to be given new receivers and get them installed.

Sirius is reported as having the smaller subscriber base so it would seem likely all the Sirius users would be the group to have to get new receivers/antenna and radios (for those that the receiver and radio itself are combined).  I sure hope so anyway, because I don't want to have to change mine  .

[RJ749]

If one believes the press both companies have historically released, and both the press and financial guidances that have been released since the merger news was released, the systems are completely incompatible for broadcast reception.  If that turns out to be true they either must maintain a lot of redundant hardware or a LOT of people have to be given new receivers and get them installed.

Sirius is reported as having the smaller subscriber base so it would seem likely all the Sirius users would be the group to have to get new receivers/antenna and radios (for those that the receiver and radio itself are combined).  I sure hope so anyway, because I don't want to have to change mine  .

The odds of them giving anyone new receivers is about the same as a very hot place freezing over or the MoCo sending all of us $5,000.00 gift certificates toward anything we like.

The sats are already up, I imagine they would save millions simply in staff reductions.

[Twolanerider]

The sats are already up, I imagine they would save millions simply in staff reductions.

I agree.  Though they will migrate toward one technology or the other for new subscribers.  After all, if they can cast away from either one there is likely a significant chunk of change to be made for the available satellite time if someone could take advantage of the broadcast medium.

[naitram]

they will probally push dual mode recievers

[WFP]

Beta or VHS, Winner VHS, Loser US!
then
Blu-Ray or HD DVD, Winner TBD, Loser US!
now
XM vs Sirius, Winner NOT US!


/Bill

[Twolanerider]

Beta or VHS, Winner VHS, Loser US!
then
Blu-Ray or HD DVD, Winner TBD, Loser US!
now
XM vs Sirius, Winner NOT US!


/Bill

Bill, what if the continued competition ended up meaning the eventual choice was "neither" instead of "both?" 

[WFP]

I actually think I am already headed in that direction...I have XM, my 2-year stint is up un May...I may not renew.

Reasons:
1.  Cutting out (Tree Lines, Mountains Tunnels and even overpasses cause loss of signal)
2.  Price (the price has risen and will continue to rise)
3.  Transportability ( I am getting tired of moving the units (2) between vehicles...too expensive to maintain a unit for each vehicle until they come up with a SIM card design that can be moved as needed)

/Bill

Bill, what if the continued competition ended up meaning the eventual choice was "neither" instead of "both?" 

[Twolanerider]

I actually think I am already headed in that direction...I have XM, my 2-year stint is up un May...I may not renew.

Reasons:
1.  Cutting out (Tree Lines, Mountains Tunnels and even overpasses cause loss of signal)
2.  Price (the price has risen and will continue to rise)
3.  Transportability ( I am getting tired of moving the units (2) between vehicles...too expensive to maintain a unit for each vehicle until they come up with a SIM card design that can be moved as needed)

/Bill

As much as I like what it could be the things are a bit of a nuisance.  I've dropped one of the two receivers I had.  Now the only one active here is the one in the bike.

[WFP]

As much as I like what it could be the things are a bit of a nuisance.  I've dropped one of the two receivers I had.  Now the only one active here is the one in the bike.

Well said!  That is how I feel but failed to express.

/Bill

[cuthbertss]

not sure how different the 2 technologies are, but its not like they can send a tech out to change the antenna on the satelite

In the air force they are called "In Flight Missile Repairmen" 

[ultrafxr]

I actually think I am already headed in that direction...I have XM, my 2-year stint is up un May...I may not renew.

Reasons:
1.  Cutting out (Tree Lines, Mountains Tunnels and even overpasses cause loss of signal)
2.  Price (the price has risen and will continue to rise)
3.  Transportability ( I am getting tired of moving the units (2) between vehicles...too expensive to maintain a unit for each vehicle until they come up with a SIM card design that can be moved as needed)

/Bill

Bill & Don, agree with all you've said.  But I hate having to search for decent FM stations to listen to when on road trips.  And in some places there are few choices and reception may be limited.  With all the expense, problems and hassles I love my XM.  Have it on the bike and truck and on my computer all day at work.  Just being able to listen to what you like in my book is a huge benefit.  I know, I know, you can rip MP3 cd's, use I-pod, etc., but I just don't have time (well will not take time) to go to all that trouble.  That to me is a big hassle!

[Twolanerider]

Bill & Don, agree with all you've said.  But I hate having to search for decent FM stations to listen to when on road trips.  And in some places there are few choices and reception may be limited.  With all the expense, problems and hassles I love my XM.  Have it on the bike and truck and on my computer all day at work.  Just being able to listen to what you like in my book is a huge benefit.  I know, I know, you can rip MP3 cd's, use I-pod, etc., but I just don't have time (well will not take time) to go to all that trouble.  That to me is a big hassle!

Yeap, me too Jerry.  Don't know why but I HATE sitting down and going through the process of burning MP3s.  So, of course, I don't.  And hunting for radio stations when wandering the countryside annoys me too.  You can only listen to that Bob Seeger so many times and you finally stop noticing it is even there.  So I did keep the XM for the bike.  Anything else I've got palatable options for.  Just one of these "least hassle of the hassles" kind of things.

[Tbone]

I've got Sirius in the truck and XM on the bike.  The real pain is I didn't have a choice on either one so wind up paying full pop for service on both.  It would be nice, in a perfect world, if they would discount one or the other for current subscribers as part of the merger.  I prefer the Sirus programming and it would be nice if they made them both the same... again, in a perfect world...

[bigdog257]

I've got Sirius in the truck and XM on the bike.  The real pain is I didn't have a choice on either one so wind up paying full pop for service on both.  It would be nice, in a perfect world, if they would discount one or the other for current subscribers as part of the merger.  I prefer the Sirus programming and it would be nice if they made them both the same... again, in a perfect world...

I have Sirius in 2 vehicles (1 portable) and just ordered a new truck but it's has XM. I prefer Sirius also. My brother has XM and didn't call to renew after the 3 month trial, they called and he ended up getting service for 6.95 per month.

Bigdog

[Tbone]

I have Sirius in 2 vehicles (1 portable) and just ordered a new truck but it's has XM. I prefer Sirius also. My brother has XM and didn't call to renew after the 3 month trial, they called and he ended up getting service for 6.95 per month.

Bigdog

That's interesting Bigdog, maybe I'll give that a try for the bike after the dust settles.

[mr_magoo]

Have XM on the bike and the wifes car,  don't know anything about Sirus other tahn they have Howard Stern.

[Twolanerider]

 don't know anything about Sirus other tahn they have Howard Stern.

That'll be one channel I avoid if he gets merged on to standard XM programming when all this is done....

[Ceej]

The scoop is this...The equipment out now will not work with the other service, but they are working on new equipment that will receive both, its called interoperability or something like that ...here's a link to the new company that will offer a combined machine...http://www.selectsatelliteradio.com/     ....They say a modified chipset will allow one unit receive both systems, which is what they want in the future - and allow them to basically double the bandwidth they have available. But in the meantime...the services will combine content and reduce redundancies. This means for example, that they will pick one of the services 70's channels and broadcast that on both services, one CNN feed on both, one punk rock, and so forth. I gotta think this will mean elimination of some of the niche channels in order to make room on Sirius systems for example, for the MLB channels and on XM for NFL and NASCAR channels. On your XM for example you will soon get Martha Stewart next to your Oprah channel you lucky dogs! To add these though some others must be eliminated or reduced bandwidth per channel which hurts the already compressed audio quality. Eventually, new units will receive from both Birds, then there will be bandwidth galore for the extra channels and better sound quality. Also, this will allow for combined usage of terrestrial repeaters, giving you big city dwellers great reception, I have been in tunnels in NYC and got a signal. I have the portable INNO model that is also a MP3 player and records 50 hours of music, so when I do get deep in the mountains or woods I can switch to recorded music, heck its not often anyhow but if I had to depend on FM those areas wouldn't have anything to get regardless.

All in all, I look forward to getting NASCAR and NFL back......Ohh yeah - then there's that HOTTIE Martha Stewart!!!

[Jock]

Have XM on the bike and the wifes car,  don't know anything about Sirus other tahn they have Howard Stern.

Now here's a has been if there every was one...Think about it...Howard K. Stern has become the "King of All Media" (Stern's former title) as of late.  Perhaps he should take the show?

 

[BigShowff1]

I have Sirius in two of my cars.  They were talking about it on Howard 100, they said that all of the new technology for the merger will be backwards compatable.  They also said that they would broadcast the xm stations they decide to keep through the xm satellites and the Sirius satellites, and vice versa for the Sirius stations they decide to keep.  They make it sound like no new hardware will be required for existing customers.   It also sounds like they are going to take the best from both and get rid of the rest. 

[ronshood2000]

XM on Direct Tv and Sirius is on Dish Network.

Everything read to date indicates that this will be good for the consumer (so says XM and Sirius). The problem is the FCC and monopoly issues. If they don't merge, and you are a baseball fan as well as a hockey fan, you'll have to subscribe to both XM and Sirius to enjoy your fill of both. That's not the the only example, Stern, Martha Stewart, Oprah and many others have exclusive contract with one of these companies, not both.

It's plain to see that XM and Sirius have not progressed to the point that the cable networks and Sat networks have regarding the offering of basically the same service with virtually the same offerrings.

Both of these companies have never made a profit  in any quarter since they began service. Basic business 101 says you can't stay in business if you don't make a profit. I own stock in these companies and this was almost inevitable and I think it'll be a necessity if they are to survive the long haul.

[RJ749]

Just received a letter from XM relating to the merge.

Contrary to speculation the letter indicates that all equipment will continue to function and be supported.  Additionally the programing will continue and they are working on ways to offer the programming from one to the other service. 

DISH, Cable etc. do this with packages and I imagine it would be the same here.

Double click the letter to enlarge.

[jeffj]

I received the same letter as well and decided that I will stick with XM and bought a really kewl portable
Delphi SkyFi3      http://shopdelphi.com/consumers/satradio/       for my company vehicle
I also bought the SkyFi3 Home Kit, an additional SkyFi3 Vehicle Kit (Pearsonal vehicle) and and Premium Wearable Kit 
This way I have XM in all of my vehicles plus home and portable kit for just an additional $6.99 a month
Living in Iowa, sometimes it is really hard to find any decent FM or AM radio stations and I now have that issue resolved

The entire Delphi SkyFi3 kit was under $400 bucks and is about the size of a Palm Pilot


jeffj

[RedDevil]

I've got XM on the bike and in my Wife's car and Sirius in my truck.  I'll be glad when/if they merge because then I won't have to maintain two services and pay the premium price for the first radio on each service, which will be nice...plus it will be nice not to jump from the bike for baseball to the truck for football...
Cheers ,
 

[SixGun]

Bigshowoff has right, they will beam content to the current satellites and it will be transparent to all of us...you will continue to receive signal, it'll just be slightly different content.

I pay for 3 XM subscriptions and 4 Sirius subscriptions.  IMHO Sirius is the best.  I will probably put a Sirius receiver on my SEUC anyway cause I can't take XM anymore.  Trust me, sign up for a short stint of Sirius on line and you'll see what us Sirius lovers are talking about.  If your over 25 years old and don't like the HipHop scene and clubbin in em' then you'll love Sirius!

It's a win win for all off us in the short term as you will see no drop in service no matter what you have.  They'll have to make future equipment accessable to both satellites because it will enhance coverage nationwide.  You can thank all the MoCO's (Car & Bike) for not signing with both companies.  That'd be like having to buy two TV's to sit side-by-side to watch all the programs.

In the long term we could see pricing spiral out of control like the cable companies have because there'll be no alternative (monopoly) and that is the FTC's fear.  Free air radio is on the way out IMHO, the IMUS thing just pushed satellite even further into the spotlight.  I guarantee he will be on satellite in a year or so, they just don't want to make waves until the merger is approved or denied.

Plus just go for a ride between 7:00 and 9:00 without satellite and try and find a station with any music or with no commercials.

[Jock]

And to think that it took this long to happen...wow!  Our congress hard at work!

[Hugh Janis]

received an e-mail today from XM offering the "Best of Sirius" for an additional $4/mo.  Includes NFL, Stern, Playboy, Martha Stewart.  There's some promo if I I call I can get three months free.  Wow, put the bike in storage for 5 months and get three months of free limited Sirius!

[MUFFMAN]

XM is really digging for business. I purchased a  new vehicle recently and it came with a 3 month "trial" for XM. It runs out mid November. They have been calling constantly & upping the deals offered. They are willing to give me a year on the car dirt cheap . You can also put the motorcycle on the "marine" plan whereby you can temporarily suspend service for the winter months when the mc is sitting. THE MUFFMAN

[RJ749]

XM is really digging for business. I purchased a  new vehicle recently and it came with a 3 month "trial" for XM. It runs out mid November. They have been calling constantly & upping the deals offered. They are willing to give me a year on the car dirt cheap . You can also put the motorcycle on the "marine" plan whereby you can temporarily suspend service for the winter months when the mc is sitting. THE MUFFMAN

I should check on that, it would be perfect for the bike.

Also, NASCAR is on Sirius now and that's about all I listened to on the way to Cripple Creek when it was on XM.

[DCFIREMANN]

I have had both. When I replaced the radio on Punkin I went with XM. I have since bought the receiver for Sirius and replaced the XM pod.  BTW if you are looking to up grade your radio to XM I have the receiver for sale. It is complete with antenna and all wiring you need to hook it up. 50 bucks plus shipping.

Be Safe

THE DAWG