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Satellite
Radio
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Why should you even think of Satellite
Radio, let alone pay for something you already get for free? Well,
for basically the same reasons you’re currently paying for cable TV: better
quality and more of it.
Satellite radio has arrived and it’s revolutionizing radio. With unmatched
clarity from all-digital sound, satellite radio offers hundreds of music,
news, sports, and entertainment channels that can be heard continuously
from coast to coast. No more static or losing station signals as you drive.
It’s virtually unlimited programming at your fingertips. And don’t worry,
your local radio stations will still be just a button away.
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How it Works
Music and programs are generated and/or collected at a main studio
where they are beamed up to two or more geo-synchronous satellites
hovering above the Earth. These satellites then broadcast the signals
back to the Earth, spreading them across the entire continental United
States...
...Where a satellite antenna attached to your car (or boat, or truck,
or house…) receives the signal and transmits it to a satellite
radio tuner also in your car. The tuner then processes it
and sends it to your satellite radio-ready receiver to ultimately
deliver high-quality digital audio while you drive. also in your car.
The tuner then processes it and sends it to your satellite radio-ready
receiver to ultimately deliver high-quality digital audio while you
drive.
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What You Need
Satellite radio receivers work just like your existing AM/FM receiver
– it can fit into the same-sized, in-dash space and only requires
an additional fixed or detachable antenna and a small, remotely mounted
tuner box (mounted discreetly out of view).
You can receive
satellite radio by:
· Cassette Adapter. This consists
of a cassette-looking device that inserts into the cassette slot of
your car’s cassette player. A quick and easy way to add satellite radio without
getting rid of your current receiver.
· FR Modulator.
This "radio frequency" modulator is simply a satellite radio tuner
that receives the signal and converts it to an FM frequency so that
it can be “broadcast” to your FM radio for playback. These units can
be installed in-dash, under your seat, or even in your trunk.
· Auxiliary Input. If your existing receiver has an auxiliary
input, you can simply plug in an "add-on" satellite radio tuner that
will receive the signal and send it directly into your receiver for
crisp, clear sound.
· Satellite Radio-Ready Receiver.
If all else fails, or you just want the best connection possible,
there are numerous brand-name satellite
radio-ready receivers that directly connect to the satellite
radio tuner. Plus, these receivers will not only deliver your satellite
radio and AM/FM stations, but will also play CD’s, MP3’s, or even
DVD’s.
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Service Providers
Unlike those current AM and FM bands that you can pluck from the air
for free, satellite radio is a pay service (around $10 or so a month)
that requires a sign-up with one of two current satellite radio providers
– XM or Sirius.
XM Satellite: Based in Washington
DC, XM Satellite Radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels
– 71 music channels (rock to classical to hip-hop) and 29 channels
of sports, talk, children’s programming, and entertainment from
such diverse sources as NASCAR, Bloomberg, Discovery Channel, Sesame
Workshop, and CNN. Roughly a third of their channels are commercial
free and they broadcast across the contiguous United States from two
communication satellites.
Sirius: Based in New York
City, Sirius Satellite Radio delivers 60 original channels of commercial-free
music in virtually every genre and 40 world-class sports, news and
entertainment channels. They feature S>PLEX technology for superior
sound resolution and broadcast across the continental United States
from three communication satellites.
Note: a typical
service contract only allows you to receive the service on a single
satellite radio tuner (so if you have receivers/tuners in two
separate cars, you’ll have to pay for two separate service contracts).
However some tuners, such as Sony’s compact Plug-and-Play, allow you
to transfer the entire unit from your car to your home stereo system
– enabling you to listen to satellite radio anywhere with one subscription
fee.
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Installation
Installation couldn’t be easier.... at least for Car Toys’ MECP-certified
installers. See, while most satellite receivers can easily replace
your existing AM/FM receiver in a straightforward swap, you still
have to worry about where to place the tuner and antenna. And then
run all those wires.
Why not let our installers take care of all the hassles for you? They’ll
ensure your satellite system is installed properly with no distortion,
even tucking your satellite tuner discreetly away under your seat,
in your trunk, or even in your glovebox. Simply contact one of our
over 50 nearby Car Toys locations in WA, OR, CO or TX to schedule
a fast, professional installation today!
Click for Car Toys Store Locator
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