jhacker's Full Review: Xact Communication Sirius XTR8CK Satellite Radio R...
This Xact XTR8CK Sirius Satellite Receiver was purchased shortly after Christmas 2005. I was ready to switch to Sirius because of the lack of variety from local radio stations. The receiver came with the car kit and a remote control. The reason I chose this receiver was because I'm addicted to the pause and skip functions on my satellite TV receiver and wanted the same capability on my satellite radio. For example, I pause a talk show when I arrive at a drive-thru window to place an order. After placing my order, I can resume a talk show where I left off and I don't miss a word. Also, when a song I really like comes on, I can 'skip back' to hear it again. How handy is that? Another feature is the alerts feature. You can enter a favorite sports team, artist, song, etc. The receiver then alerts you when any of these choices are playing so you can tune to the channel. Although I seldom use the feature, I can see that it would be handy to others. Also, the browse feature lets you look up channels by category. Some choices are pop, rock, country, entertainment, etc. On Sirius, there are multiple channels for each category.
The receiver itself has been trouble-free. However, there are some things I don't like about it. The sound quality coming from the FM modulator doesn't seem very good. I get better sound quality from my local FM stations. Also, it seems to respond to key presses from the remote control very slowly. Speaking of the remote, the range seems to be very limited. I'm talking 2 or 3 feet at most. Also, I'd rather be able to use the remote number keys to directly enter a channel number than a preset. That's minor though.
As for Sirius itself, I find myself listening every time I'm in the car. Part of the reason is that I want to get my $$ worth out of the $12.95 a month subscription. Still, there is such a variety of programming that I can always find something for my mood. The signal is only lost when I park underneath a cover, like at a gas station or car wash. Even then, the signal can sometimes come in from the back or the sides. Even in a parking deck, I was able to get reception some of the time. Like the previous reviewer noted, some channels have better sound quality than others.
My primary reason for choosing Sirius over XM was programming. Although I'm not a steadfast Howard Stern fan, I do like having the choice to listen when I want. Also, Sirius has more sports programming with even more on the way. Each person's choice between XM vs. Sirius is purely personal. Therefore, I can't recommend one over the other. Look at the channel listings carefully before making a decision.
UPDATE: July 14, 2006 - The FM modulator on this receiver started acting up. The receiver was sent for warranty replacement, but the company claims they have no stock available. Now I must wait at least 2 weeks before my replacement arrives. This is after I sent it 1-1/2 weeks ago.
Built-in wireless FM transmitter for easy car-to-car portability 5-line display with illuminated keypad and control buttons 45-minute buffer with inst...More at Amazon Marketplace
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