XM Satellite Radio

This is part of the “How Satellite Radio Works” article written by Kevin Bonsor at “HowStuffWorks.com.” In this part of the article, Bonsor goes into detail about XM Satellite Radio and how it functions. According to Bonsor, XM Satellite Radio has two satellites, “Rock” and “Roll,” that are currently placed parallel in the Geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) located 22,223 miles above earth. He explains that when a signal is transmitted from the ground station to the two satellites, it bounces to ground radio receivers which “receive and unscramble the digital data signal.” In dense areas, ground transmitters act as reinforcements in case a signal is blocked by buildings. The signal not only transmits sound but also broadcasts information like the song title, name of artist and music genre which is then displayed on the radio.

Bonsor notes that XM Satellite has numerous partnerships with big named companies like Motorola and Pioneer to manufacture car radios. Car companies like GM and Honda have signed deals to use XM Satellite radios in their cars.

Subscribers pay $12.95 per month to receive up to 100 channels varying in news, talk and music, as well as, XM Radio online where subscribers can access up to 70 channels. These channels contain no commercials, and if they do, the commercials are limited to only 7 minutes of ads.

When I first read Bonsor’s description on how the XM radios work in cars, I was a bit loss. Although the consumer does very little, the technology seems complicated. However, there also seems to be some benefits about satellite radio like the variety of channels. Also, many consumers may be put off with the idea of paying for radio. Conventional radio is free and belongs to the public, so it might be tough to draw consumers into using something that they will have to pay extra for.

INTRODUCTION:

• XM Satellite Radio has two satellites: “Rock” and “Roll.”
  
• The satellites are placed in GEO 22,223 miles above the earth.
  
• XM Satellite Radio functions through the use of satellites, radio receivers and ground transmitters.
  
• Bonsor explains that radio receivers contain a chipset consisting of “two custom integrated circuits.”
  
• Radio receivers use small antennas to receive signals.

TRIALABILITY:

• The subscription fee for XM Satellite Radio is $12.95 per month. (398)