Sirius vs XM

[retread]

I signed up with Sirius on a yearly plan because they carried the complete Air America lineup. After they "lost" Air America I continued, making due with a scant hour of Thom Hartmann. I was pleasantly surprised by Bill Press. He was much better than I was led to believe from his TV appearances. Then Sirius came out with their new lineup. For whatever reason. they saw fit to eliminate Folk Town. Now it was Air America and folk music, still I have invested in equipment for two cars and my home.

I had an opportunity to buy a cheap XM and signed up for a month. The plan was to compare and see if I wanted to switch. I knew because of my investment in equipment XM could not be just equal to Sirius. They had to be better for me to change.

The first week I enjoyed Air America and folk music again, but wasn't sure if it was worth switching. Then I found The Power and Madison, the Black Eagle, on XM. The Power has voices, opinions and perspectives that I value and need. That was my tipping point; Sirius is out the door and XM is in.

[ReverendDeuce]

1. I tried listening to talk radio via sat...

And it just doesn't do it for me. I don't drive enough to actually sit and listen to a talker. Sirius has much better music choice, IMO. I wont be switching any time soon.

[retread]

5. Having listened to both, I would say, for me, the music choice

is roughly equal. But for someone with different tastes it may be different,

[Turd Ferguson]

2. I love Sirius

All the Redskins games, Big 12 and SEC football, Sirius Left, and Left of Center music are usually what I spend most of my time listening to.

Honestly, I think they are both probably really good and everyone just loves whichever one they have.

[retread]

10. I agree. I'm just saying that for me, the African-American talk

channel made the difference. Not only the hosts but the callers bring a perspective I have missed hearing.

[maryallen]

26. Sirius "LEFT???"

Left, as in liberal or progressive?

With "LEFT-leaning" radio hosts like:

Alex Bennet? Horrible.

Lynn Samuels? Embarrassing: How does she get away with the language?

Ed Schulz? Right of right of center?

Absolutely the worst.

If you want progressive radio, Sirius is not your baby.

[Coexist]

38. Sirius really pissed me off when they changed my TalkLeft preset

to ABC News and Talk. I figured, well, I'll keep ABC news on that preset and see what its like - so I leave the grocery store - some hypnotist commericial is on TalkLeft - I hit ABC preset ... and...

SEAN FUCKING HANNITY is on MY FUCKING RADIO.

Last straw - they now have 3 conservative stations (and that is not counting the "christian conservative" station) and ONE progressive station. They can kiss my ass.

[bridgit]

3. we had xm for a couple three months but ended up dumping it...

got tired of the music & talk blocks (the comedy blocks were best) they were putting together at the time which was almost a year ago now; a great technology in the opening pangs of a greater birth imo

[Ioo]

4. I dumped Sirius for XM

Sirius refused to pay for Air America, so I left. I will enjoy AAR more that stern.

I do not care for Ed or a few of the others...

[bridgit]

8. gee, well i bet you're right there...

i wonder if stern will be over on a satellite spinning through space still complaining about all the money that other people still owe him while he's making $600,000,000+ a year = yeah-yeah-yeah, the true liberal voice of america :shrug:

:rofl:

[TrueAmerican]

9. Ed is now on XM 165

and Randi Rhodes is carried in entirely on AAR XM 167.

[shenmue]

6. I'm torn

I love music but I also want Air America. So I guess I'll ask around and see if any of my friends have tried either system yet.

[leeroysphitz]

7. With the exception of Rachel Maddow I gave up on AAR

after they announced that Springer was coming on board. Al was great at first because of the novelty but his lack of any kind of focus was a real put off. I have 1/2 hour for lunch if I listened to Al all I would hear would be him talking for 1/2 hour about all the things "coming up" after I had to go back to work. LOL but if I listened to Hartman I'd get roughly 1/2 hour of information and insightful opinion.

I like my Sirius but I could be happier with the liberal talk choices available. I love Thom but can't get into "Big Ed" or Bill press.

So here's the embarrassing part. I will stick with Sirius because Howard Stern is (finally) starting soon. I need objective news from my radio, I need liberal talk and opinion from my radio, I need a wide variety of non corporate music choices from my radio and, I admit it, I need entertainment that is unapologetically geared toward an adult audience and hasn't been dumbed down by corporate censors or intimidated by rethug bullies at the FCC...


sp

[Turd Ferguson]

11. I really like the Young Turks

They have a pretty good show I listen to quite frequently, at least more than Schultz or Colmes.

[leeroysphitz]

13. I like young turks too... Colmes is worse than useless IMO... nt

[retread]

12. The African-American talk channel on XM made the difference for

me.

[leeroysphitz]

14. Does XM have any way to preveiw content online?

I'd at least like to check that out. What's the station called?

[retread]

15. It's called the Power. It's Channel 169. You can go to

http://www.xmradio.com/programming/channel_guide.jsp?ch=169 and see the lineup. I don't know if there is a way to actually listen.

[leeroysphitz]

16. Thanks, I'll give it a shot... nt

[Rosco T.]

17. You can preview the music online, but not the talk...

.. licensing restrictions. You can go to www.xmradio.com and sign up for a FREE, THREE DAYS streaming preview..

however, I posted this in another thread, you can sample XM for a VERY low cost if you want...

some XM deals for those interested....

ok, no referral links in any of this... just passing on some deals...

ITEM 1: XM currently has a $50 REBATE on selected radios, these include

- the three portable units, MyFi, Pioneer Airware, TAO XM ToGo
- Audiovox XR9/XRcs9
- SkyFi/SkyFi2

$50 rebate WITH NO SERVICE COMMITMENT. Say again, NO SERVICE COMMITMENT. Activate, get rebate, cancel if you want.

rebate form here... http://www.xmradio.com/pdf/llsb50.pdf

ITEM 2: the XMFAN store has some nice bundles...

Audiovox XR9 Receiver and Car Kit Bundle Package $69.98 ($19.98 After Rebate)

Delphi Roady2 "Everything" Car and Home Bundle $77.98

check there for some other good deals, they have pretty much the best prices on the new and execellent service www.xmfanstore.com

[Maat]

21. Hi, Rosco!

Just want to let you (and everyone) know that the MyFi is worth every penny. I love it!(*)

Hartmann is now on Air America on Sundays, and, hopefully, XM will expand his broadcasts.

I can carry the whole setup in a fanny-pack from car to car.

I only paid $215 - period.

http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=dlsa1011311p1&l=CNET .

Now, it is $50 cheaper!

(*)The only BIG problem is that Beloved Daughter (9) and I fight over whether or not I'm going to have to listen to Radio Disney for several hours (also XM Kids)(9-year-olds seldom appreciate good political talk for hours)!

[Garbo 2004]

37. In addition to $50 rebate, TAO XM2GO has a mail in offer for a free

home or car kit (costs about $70). XMfanstore.com also has a message board so if anyone's thinking about getting XM and the equipment that messageboard would be a good place to see what people are talking about in terms of service, programming, reception, hardware, etc.

My Tao was delivered yesterday, activated online within minutes. Amazed at the Tao's reception inside my house without an external antenna. (My area, downtown Sacramento, apparently has repeaters.) I quickly saw why some folks are into sat radio, regardless of whether it's XM or Sirius.

Anyway, if anyone's interested in trying XM, the current rebate helps.

[Rosco T.]

18. netlag dupe

delete

[Maat]

19. Hi, Retread.

I was a loyal Sirius listener - primarily Air America and Thom Hartmann on Sirius Left.

Then they lost Air America.

I told them I could not listen to Alex Bennett in the morning.

I emailed and called, repeatedly, asked for two channels of progressive talk.

They did nothing.

So, I researched XM. No more dominance by Clear Channel (Mays brothers).

I switched to XM. I really, really am happy.

[MazeRat7]

20. Speaking strictly from an "investment" perspective....

XM (XMSR for you home gamers) is the pick.

MZr7

[burythehatchet]

22. wow. You and I went down the same road

got Sirius lat Thanksgiving. Listened only to AAR and Folktown. I called them when Folktown disappeared and they said it was replaced by Coffee House. That channel is OK but it aint Folktown. I told them to cancel my plan as soon as the current 3-month subscription expires. I'm glad to hear about he additional channels on XM. Since we have roughly similar tastes I imagine I would enjoy them as well.

Here's what I think has happened: Sirius has gambled the entire company on Howard Stern. They are cutting back on quality programming because they can't afford anything after paying off Stern. Basically, Sirius will become the "Stern channel". That's not worth the 15 bucks a month.

XM, here I come.

[Maat]

27. That's how things went for me..

And I agree that they are gambling everything on Stern.

But not everyone is a 20-something male. I have money that I can give to Satellite Radio (and XM is now appreciating that) - and I'm a 47-year-old mom.

[bbgrunt]

48. me too. I was royally pissed with sirius and AAR when

AAR switched to XM because I had invested nearly $500 in getting all set with sirius. What a waste. Folk town and AAR were the only things I listened to and now they have even eviscerated Folk Town. I'm ready for the switch to XM but am waiting until they put Molloy on live instead of time delay

[burythehatchet]

23. dupe

[Jack Bone]

24. I love the XM..

I've had a XM2Go radio since mid April, and I couldn't be happier w/ the programming or content..

I listen to it while I work the graveyard shift in a factory...Mike Malloy's replay keeps me awake & gets my blood pumping..I shut it down thru Colmes hr and then power it back up for Rachel and the Morning Sedition guys....the battery charge lasts about 5 hrs which keeps me powered up w/ knowledge to confront the shurblovers that I have to work beside...

[cry baby]

25. I listen to The Power sometimes, too. I like it.

[Rosco T.]

28. go over to www.buyblue.org and put in both companies...

the numbers are small, but it's the thought that counts...

[lectrobyte]

29. I just saw that Delphi is declaring bankruptcy, don't they own XM?

Or am I thinking of something else?

[Rosco T.]

32. No, they don't own XM...

Delphi builds 'mobile electronics'... the made the SkyFi/SkyFi2.. they've been builting auto electronic for 40+years (IIRC). And it's a re-organization, so they aren't going under.

[lectrobyte]

34. Thanks!

[lectrobyte]

42. More than just a re-org, I'm sorry to say...

Delphi Corp., the nation’s largest automotive parts supplier and an employer of 14,700 people in Michigan, declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy Saturday after months of negotiations with General Motors Corp. and the UAW failed to produce a deal to stop the financially strapped company from bleeding money.

The bankruptcy, one of the largest ever in Michigan, will result in the closure, sale or consolidation of a substantial segment of Delphi's U.S. plants, threatening the livelihood of thousands of workers, while dealing another blow the to state's economy.

http://www.freep.com/news/latestnews/pm6555_20051008.htm

[Rosco T.]

43. Well, won't affect XM very much, Pioneer and others are now...

making the receivers.

However, that's sad.. but given that the significent portion of Delphi's business was in supplying the car makers, it's not suprising.

[tammywammy]

30. I have XM

and I love it. I work at a car dealership and I've listened to both, and I'll be sticking with XM.

[akarnitz]

31. NFL, NHL and NBA

were why I bought Sirius. AAR wasn't even running when I made the purchase. I can listen to AAR online anyhow.

Three guys I work with have XM. There doesn't seem to be a ton of difference in the music programming(does XM have anything like Little Steven's "Underground Garage"?) or the two comedy channels on either system. My pals bitch that they don't get the NFL, I'm bummed I don't get MLB, and we play hot potato w/NASCAR.

[Rosco T.]

33. Well, Tom Petty has his own show, as does Steve Earl.. and others...

check www.xmradio.com for all..

[Rosco T.]

35. Well, Tom Petty has his own show, as does Steve Earl.. and others...

check www.xmradio.com for all..

[confludemocrat]

36. Why Sirius? Alt Nation, Lime (organic stuff), Press in AM, BBC Radio 1

But otherwise, XM is very good and with full BBC world radio (not just news), Air America, they are getting hard to beat. Howard Stern coming may be reason to stay with Sirius.

BUT, I have a big problem with Alan Colmes, and Alex Bennett on Sirius left and the imbalance of 3 right wing talk channels vs 1/2 a left talk channel.

[peaches2003]

39. Mike vs. Alan

I love XM. but my big gripe is why do I have to hear Alan Colmes live from 10-1 and then Mike comes on tape from 1-4? So I fall asleep only hear him if I happen to wake up during the night.

Just a thought- could this only be in the Atlanta area as Mike is on live from an Atlanta station and they have sole rights in their listening area??? Surely somebody else in the Atlanta area can answer that question.

Or better yet- when do you non-Atlantans get Mike on XM- 10-1 live
or 1-4 taped?

[Rosco T.]

41. It's all contracts...

Colmes was there BEFORE AAR picked up Mike, so until the contracts come up for renewal (or another left channel comes on.. wink/wink), we're stuck the way it is. At least we HAVE Malloy.

and no, it's the same feed for everyone, everywhere on XM, Mike on a delay till after Colmes.

[peaches2003]

44. Thanks, Rosco

They both were on when I got my XM last March, so I didn't know who came first. Mike or Alan. Unless you are working at night or are an insomniac, it is almost impossible to listen to Mike on a regular basis and that is sad. I wish he were on a stronger Atlanta station, but they must turn their antenna because I am 10 miles north of midtown Atlanta and you can forget AAR locally at night.

[Rosco T.]

45. Well, there is a solution to the 'late night Malloy' problem on XM..

.. it becomes the 'middle of the morning Malloy'.

Either a) get the podcast/iPod or b) get a MyFi/Airwave/TAO...

I know both cost money.. but we are talking about Malloy here, he's worth it isn't he?? :)

[Maat]

46. As to the MyFi:

Remember, the MyFi comes with the unit, the complete car setup, the complete home setup, and a walking/jogging-around setup. AND, I can carry the car setup from car to car. I got the whole shebang for $215.

http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=dlsa1011311p1&l=CNET

AND, now, it is $50 cheaper - probably less than $175 total.

So, unless all of that adds up to less than this $175, don't buy another kind of unit (that's my advice).

[Rosco T.]

47. I found something really NICE for my MyFi...

I got tired of having to muck with the dock with a pair of speakers in the house, then I wanted to get an extra dock so I could put it in another room without moving the wires..

lookie what I found at BestBuy for $99

Altec Lansing XM3020



got one for the home work area, and one for the office (comes with an external antenna)... it's like a boom box for the MyFi!

(and yes, it fits the TAO and Pioneer also..)

[DancingBear]

40. How about that- it was Folktown and AAR for me as well

I still have Sirius in one car, but only because it is an Audi factory radio and it's going to cost a bit to change to XM. I'm going to do it, however.

The Coffehouse on Sirius is horrible - The Village on XM beats it to death, and plays real folk music in the process.

I wish XM could get Little Steven's Underground Garage, though - the ONLY redeeming feature still left on Sirius.