The two companies joined forces in February 2007. They believed that a merger would help them expand their offerings and keep prices low. Before the merger, both companies were in debt. In order to prevent raising prices, they agreed to certain concessions. However, they have not been able to completely integrate their services. This has been due to differences in hardware and software.
Originally, Sirius used three SS/L-1300 satellites. The first satellite launched on November 30, 2000, and the last satellite was installed in March 2006. Since then, the company has added a fourth satellite.
A network of terrestrial repeaters compensates for the fact that satellites do not always provide a clear signal. There are over 800 ground-based repeaters in the United States. Some of them are located in urban areas. Depending on the quality of the signal, the number of repeaters in a city can vary.
The satellites used by XM Radio are high-powered. They are designed to provide gap-free coverage in the contiguous U.S., but in Mexico, XM does not have a license for paid subscribers. Fortunately, a VPN is available to allow American ex-pats to stream SiriusXM abroad.
While Sirius XM may have its problems, it is a solid satellite radio service. In addition, Sirius is the only satellite radio provider that offers 100% commercial-free music channels. That is, it does not carry hockey or CBC, and its commercials are mostly for talk and sports channels.
With XM Radio, you can listen to the service on your computer or through Apple devices, such as the iPhone. You can also create your own personalized stations. Many of the stations you can listen to on the app are exclusive to SiriusXM. You can also watch videos of your favorite shows, listen to podcasts, and more.
The broadcasts are high-quality. Each Sirius satellite spends 16 hours a day over the continental United States. Because of this, you can listen to a variety of Sirius programs almost anywhere you are in the country. If you are in the car, the radio will turn on when you start the engine. But you need to make sure that your vehicle is equipped with a Sirius XM-compatible radio.
XM Radio has more than 170 digital audio channels. This includes more than one hundred ad-free Xtra channels. It can also be streamed to your home. Currently, you can listen to ad-free Pandora stations through the service. Another feature that XM has is a subscription model. If you are a member, you can purchase an aftermarket Sirius XM-ready radio. You can buy an adapter kit, too.
The XM PCR, or personal receiver, was a computer-controlled receiver that XM had developed to enable its subscribers to listen to its radio signals on their computers. Some third-party developers tried to build a PCR replacement, but the XM company sent them cease and desist letters.