satellite radio

From the early days of satellite radio, companies like Dish Network have offered digital audio channels as part of their programs. Satellite radio is actually composed of two Boeing HS 702 satellites orbiting our atmosphere and aptly named “Rock” and “Roll”. Satellite radio has a third HS-702 satellite on the ground ready to be launched in case one of the two orbiting satellites break down or fail.

This greatly increased the feasibility of the satellite radio systems and more and more vehicle owners began considering satellite radios as a good source of music and news.

Satellite radio’s station on earth transmits a signal to its two GEO Satellites, which bounce signals back down to the ground. The radio receivers are programmed to receive and unscramble the digital data signal, which contains up to 100 channels of digital audio. Satellite radio began delivering chipsets to its manufacturing partners in late September or early October of 2000. Satellite has partnered with Pioneer, Alpine, Clarion, Delphi Delco, Sony and Motorola to manufacture satellite capable car radios. Each radio receiver uses a tiny, car-phone-sized antenna to receive the digital signal. GM has invested about 100 million dollars in digital satellite radio, and Honda has also created a contract to use these same radios in its cars. General Motors first began installing satellite radio receivers in specific models in late 2000 and early 2001.

Each of the major satellite radio services uses its own equipment to broadcast the signal to their clients. The competition is tight and customers have to “pick sides” in order to benefit from satellite radio broadcasting. Both XM Radio and Sirius Radio provide their clients with different ways of receiving their services. Other partnerships were created with audio equipment manufacturers, who now offer satellite radio transceivers and matching headsets. The most recent shock in the satellite radio universe was caused by the production of portable MP3 player-like satellite radio receivers.

Satellite advertisers include USA Today, BBC, CNN/Sports Illustrated and The Weather Channel. Each of the major satellite radio services uses its own equipment to broadcast the signal to their clients. The future of satellite radio is clearly bright.