Satellite Radio Systems

Satellite radio systems are considered by many to be the most important adancement in broadcasting since the introduction of the FM band.

Satellite radio, which is also called subscription radio or pay-radio, is only available through subscription. The concept behind satellite radio is similar to that of cable television: charging a fee for providing a very wide range of programming choices, most of which are not available in the traditional format.

Satellite radio uses satellites to deliver radio programs to subscribers. The radio signal is broadcast from earth-based stations to communication satellites, which then redirect the signal to satellite radio receivers. The use of communication satellites enables the signal to be broadcast to a much larger area than traditional radio, which depends on terrestrial radio antennas.

Advantages of Satellite Radio

Standard radio stations are geographically limited in their coverage area, but satellite radio is available across whole continents. Services like WorldSpace provide coverage in Europe, Asia and Africa, while Sirius and XM Radio serve North America.

The signal is digital, which means that it is always clear and static-free.

Because the service is fee-based rather than advertiser-supported, programming is almost completely commercial-free.

Satellite Radio Equipment

The equipment that brings in standard radio will not work for digital broadcasting, so some special equipment is necessary. The crucial parts of a satellite radio system include the actual satellite radio itself (also known as tuner or receiver), a satellite radio antenna (which is often incorporated in the satellite radio) and a subscription to a service.

There are several types of satellite radio from which you can choose.

• The dedicated car or home radio, which plays through your car or home stereo.
• The plug-and-play radio, which can be used in your car, as well as in your home by paying a single subscription.
• The portable radio, which has rechargeable battery, a built-in antenna and you can listen to it wherever you go using headphones.

The radio signals offered by different satellite radio companies are proprietary, which means that you will need different hardware for receiving, decoding and playback, depending on your subscription. Each satellite radio receiver has its own serial number called Radio ID. When you get your subscription, you will also get an activation code for your receiver.

In addition to the actual programming, satellite radio transmits metadata that includes the name of the artist, the title of the song or program, as well as the name of the channel. This makes it easier for you to decide which channel to listen to and which program to choose.

Outstanding Array of Programming To Choose From

Satellite radio services provide the subscriber with scores of programming options that vary in content. There are programs dedicated to just about any musical style, but musical progrmming makes up only a part of satellite radio content.

Exclusive sports programs, cultural and educational shows, and in-depth news programming draw many users to satellite radio. In addition, uncensored talk-shows, many of which feature well-known but controversial hosts like Howard Stern, are satellite radio staples.