Lots of Content; Some Drawbacks
Written: Feb 07 '05 (Updated Aug 15 '05)
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*UPDATE - See Below*
CUSTOMER SERVICE
The process of ordering Sirius service is quite simple online, and is as smooth as just about any other online retailer. Their site is very user-friendly and walks you through the whole process, no matter what stage you're at (whether or not you've bought the necessary equipment to listen to Sirius on).
I've had only minor problems with accessing the online member account portion of my service and have found the rest of their site generally very helpful and easy to use. (They did, however, neglect to respond to one of my requests, which prompted a follow-up call - but the follow-up was handled up very well).
QUALITY OF CONTENT
Perhaps the strongest area for Sirius is their content; they have the most channels (182 compared with XM Radio's 150). (Update) Sirius now has the upper hand, as XM has bumped up its monthly fee to $12.95 (the same as Sirius) and carries slightly fewer channels. Sirius also offers a discounted rate if you purchase your subscription for a year up front.
There is a wide variety of content, from virtually all forms of music to News, Weather, Talk radio, Entertainment, Sports (including specialty programming; for example - during the Superbowl, Sirius carried four different broadcasts: one for Philadelphia fans, one for New England fans, one from ABC and one in Spanish), and Comedy (though unlike XM's comedy stations, the Sirius channels are quite poor in quality - each time I've listened to them they haven't even made me crack a grin).
I purchased Sirius primarily to listen to talk radio; and this is where Sirius shines. They carry the BBC, as well as two different NPR stations, Court TV, Discovery Channel Radio, E! Entertainment, and several more. Moreover, Sirius has 15 news stations. The other main reason I got Sirius was Howard Stern's departure to satellite radio (there were rumors that Stern's show would be 'premium' programming and charge an extra monthly fee - but these rumors are completely false and are addressed on Sirius' website).
QUALITY OF SERVICE
The execution of the service is where Sirius falters, and for a variety of reasons. Unlike analog radio where the signal fuzzes when it's not as strong - digital radio simply drops out.
DOWNSIDE OF STREAMING
One of the features of Sirius radio is that you can stream Sirius on any PC connected to the internet; HOWEVER, this is only the Sirius music channels - it does not include the talk or entertainment radio channels. I contacted Sirius and it turns out that, due to contractual obligations with each of the individual shows/networks, they're not permitted to stream the talk programming. This was a big disappointment.
FIDELITY
One notable downside of digital audio is the quality of the audio you receive; because it is digital - there is a noticeable tinny, metallic cast to it. On the talk stations, this isn't a big deal (it just sounds like everyone is calling in from a satellite phone). On the music channels, however, this is highly noticeable - especially for an audiophile.
The music sounds as though it were coming from an MP3 recorded at 128 kbps or lower; though the low-end audio sounds okay, there is noticeable tinny noise on any of the high-end sounds (especially cymbals and percussion). For music, any reasonably-powerful local FM station is going to sound MUCH better than Sirius. (I also verified this by listening to the streaming music online and not just in my vehicle with my receiver to make sure it wasn't my car's audio hookup that was causing this).
NOT COMMERCIAL FREE
First, not all of Sirius is "commercial free"; only the music channels qualify under this designation. The entertainment and talk radio stations all have the same commercials you'd hear listening to them on analog radio.
Another aspect of Sirius that angered me is that in spite of their claims to have "Commercial Free" music channels; it is not commercial free. In addition to having (sometimes annoying) DJs hosting the music programming, there are short, periodic commercials for Sirius's programming. In my book, any break in the music programming to hear Sirius promote itself constitutes a commercial.
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*UPDATE - 8/11/05
Due to the signing of an exclusive contract with XM Radio, Sirius no longer carries Air America Radio (the liberal talk radio station).
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Sirius Satellite Radio Service
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Epinions.com ID:
rollinggrenade
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Location: Michigan
Reviews written: 70
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
A guy who loves music, movies and technology.
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