who's got Satellite radio in there car?

[Brandoser]

You can still buy them in the states and get all the channels, I think the Canadian versions (good ol crtc) is blocking some channels

[Ruth]

I had an XM system which for some reason kept loosing the signal and service. I replaced it with a Sirius. I prepaid the service (after buying the equipment) for a year. It was something like $130.00. Service from Sirius is much better but I actually preferred the channels on XM. Both were American (shhh) systems and tied into their network. Reception north of 60 on the XM was not that great however seems to be pretty consistent with the Sirius. HTH

[golden69_ca]

Originally Posted by Ruth

I had an XM system which for some reason kept loosing the signal and service. I replaced it with a Sirius. I prepaid the service (after buying the equipment) for a year. It was something like $130.00. Service from Sirius is much better but I actually preferred the channels on XM. Both were American (shhh) systems and tied into their network. Reception north of 60 on the XM was not that great however seems to be pretty consistent with the Sirius. HTH

for using sat radio the farther north you get the weaker the signal becomes i think alaska cant get sat radio

[Gizmo]

I have Sirius, Got that cheapie unit for christmas (think its $45CAD at Best buy now) and I pay $14.50 a month. This is the greatest thing! I've been through the rockies, no problem. Back country and severe northern alberta, again no problem. Some commercials on the comedy and talk radio, but none on the music, and it works really well

[DanG]

All this bad stuff about XM makes me think I figured out why Kia is giving anyone who test drives one of their cars a free XM receiver and 2 months free service.

[Chaloupa]

We have Sirius radio....EXCELLENT radio system! I would highly recommend it...pay about 14 per month but you get offers on second systems for 1/2 the monthly subscription fees and stuff like that. Pretty good deal!

[Willow]

i have had xm since it launched in canada, i basically only listen to o&a while driving around. i broke my antenna a month ago so i haven’t used the service at all. i also can't get a replacement antenna in canada for some damn reason. i finally flipped out on xm and called them to let them know what i thought of their replacement parts deal with delphi and they told me to order an antenna from the states and they would reimburse me the cost of the antenna, shipping, duty and tax.. i think they were just hoping by the end of the conversion i wouldn’t end up at their office looking for a place to insert my broken antenna.

apart from that i love xm

[Beermaster]

I guess what i dont understand is, that your paying $14 a month to listen to music? personally it doesnt make any sence to me. there are radio stations that provide the music for free. Okay but you say "these are commercial free" and "I can listen to the radio in remote areas" well thats what a cd/mp3 player is for, personally i dont think i have ever loss a signal to my cd player out in the bush

[fortheloveofcrabs]

Hey all,

I hope I can shed some light on a misconception... The channel line up in Canada is the way it is (20% CDN content) for a very good reason that actually affects every one of us. It is NOT to support CBC radio - specifically.

The reason this was done is because the American XM and Sirius line ups have 0% CDN programming, so the CDN programming exposure is, obviously, 0%. Now, here is a little background first:

!!!WARNING HISTORICAL INFORMATION!!!

American business are known for 'crushing' Canadian business in Canada, so our government, with Canada in their minds, realized this and decided to protect them. We've seen this several times. Anyone ever have an AT&T cell phone? Ever wonder why you get a Rogers Wireless bill now? CRTC. AT&T was a big American carrier. They then merged with Rogers, and finally were forced to leave all together. Notice that StarChoice and ExpressVu are Canadian ONLY sat providers? American sat providers are not allowed in Canada because the competition would be 'fair'. This is done to protect Candaian business. If Dish-network was in Canada, the channels on it would be 100% American, none CDN. This a HUGH problem - not just for SC and ExV - for any CDN business that want's commercials.

So, when Sirius and XM wanted to come to Canada, there was a lot of debate (which is why it took so long) As there are no CDN sat radio providers, and there was a hugh demand, the CRTC wanted to let them in, but what about are businesses? That's where the 20% CND programming comes in to play!

It has NOTHING to do with controlling sex or profanity!!

That said, get Sirius !

Hope this helps...

[prosnow]

i have mp3/cd as well, but there amount of music on there is just amazing, stuff they dont even play in canada, i'll always have it now...IMO i think XM is better, i wish they had a few more punk/metal stations, but w.e. hopefully sometime they will add more.