Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services
Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services ( SDARS ) is a satellite based radio system in North America.
providers
The two proprietary systems were built by the companies XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Radio . After Sirius Radio took over XM Satellite Radio in 2008, the newly formed Sirius XM continues to operate both systems. The reception area extends from the northern edge of Mexico to Canada. This is achieved via a total of 9 satellites and around 700 repeater stations in metropolitan areas with poor satellite reception.
A special radio device is required for reception, which costs from around 100 euros and is already installed in many new and rental cars. In addition, there are monthly subscription fees of approximately USD 15 (as of 2012).
Sirius XM has around 22 million subscribers in 2012.
The over 200 programs are ad-free and divided into the categories music, sport, talk and entertainment as well as news and information. Sports highlights include: NFL , MLB , NASCAR , NBA and NHL , as well as entertainment programs with famous people such as Howard Stern and Oprah Winfrey .
technology
Sirius XM operates a fleet of 9 satellites. Four of these are used for the Sirius system and five for the XM system. They are partly in geostationary , partly in geosynchronous orbits . Another satellite is to be launched in 2012.
A line of sight to a satellite is required for reception. To improve reception in areas with many high-rise buildings, Sirius XM operates over 700 earth-based relay stations .
Web links
- Website of SiriusXM (English)
- XM fansite (English)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Form 10-K ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF; 1.1 MB) Annual Report 2011. Accessed March 15, 2012.
