Satellite Radio Travels With You
(35-2)
Enjoy
a dizzying variety of great entertainment, minus the
commercials.
While
journeying across Canada, it’s common for a favourite
radio station to fade out as you drive. Northern regions
are especially known for their many miles of scarce
AM/FM reception. So, unless you’re stockpiled
with CDs or tapes, you’re without entertainment
of the musical kind, and other sorts while on the road.
The Launch
This year, the Canadian Radio & Television Commission
has authorized two companies to transmit programming
from satellites orbiting over Canada. This will supply
seamless coverage of 180 channels of music, talk, sports,
comedy, news, traffic conditions, and French language
programming. All of this will be available 24 hours
a day, seven days a week.
 The
two companies are SIRIUS Canada, with 100 channels,
and XM Radio, supplying 80 channels. XM is installed
in many new automobiles and trucks built by General
Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Nissan, Porsche, Suzuki,
Toyota, and Volkswagen. Majority owned, XM Canada is
operated by Canadian Satellite Radio, and works in partnership
with its American sister.
Some of the new Chrysler and Ford vehicles have SIRIUS
receivers integrated in the dash radio. Many of the
recent automobile radios can have adapters installed
to enable them to receive satellite programming.
Aftermarket Options
Of course, you don’t have to purchase a new vehicle
to have satellite radio reception in your RV or car.
Many aftermarket plug-and-play receivers are available
for play through your existing AM/FM radio system in
the dash by using an external antenna. For satellite
radio to function, the antenna must be able to see the
sky. If you’re in the canyons of a large downtown
area, this may not be possible.
Aftermarket satellite radio receivers can also be moved
from your car, to your RV, to your home, so you can
receive the benefits of ‘travelling’ audio.
And, you can even use a unit while engaging in activities
such as jogging.
How It Works
In order to receive subscription programming, you’re
required to pay a fee. Prices range from $13 to $15
per month, with deals for those who sign up for at least
a year. For an additional $10 each per month, XM has
a family plan that allows you to add up to four receivers.
...
(Read the full article in the magazine.) |
