xm radio

[martini]

is it worth it?
looking for pros and cons of xm radio
thanks

[Steve - SanJose]

Yes it's worth it. I had my doubts at first but after using it for 30 days I paid for 3 years (to keep the monthly cost close to $10). If I sell the car before the end of 3 years XM will prorate a refund.

I've been using XM for 5 months now and rarely use AM or FM. The selection and sound quality is very good.

Note: I haven't even turned on my ONSTAR.

Steve
H3 white/ebony, auto, lux pkg, chrome pkg, chrome wheels, XM, sunroof, mudflaps, hitch, Hitchcam, RW chrome locking gas lid, etc.

[HummerNewbie]

I have XM in my current SUV and love it. My antenna went bad recently and I was without for a little over a week and really missed it. No having 150 channels of radio is like having tons of cable channels, sometime you still can't find anything to listen to.

[DeLeon]

I didn't want my H3 with XM but the dealer had already ordered with it and they could not take it out, and since I didn't want to order again I just took it... man, that's the best thing that could have happened!! I have not used anything else, not even my 6 cd changer, NO NEED FOR CDs when you have XM!!! I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[NM H3]

I, personally, think it's a waste. I feel that the music selection is terrible. I was really looking forward to it, thought it would be like Sirius that comes with my Dish Network. Boy, was I wrong. Sound quality is superb, but if it wasn't for the comedy channels I'd never use it.

[Anonymous]

I've been using Sirius for a while and the H3 I just got had XM so I switched (still have Sirius in my other vehicles). Either one is well worth the money, I like Sirius better but I like the XM built in already. Cable for the radio.

[HIHUMMER]

Just added my XM back yesterday! Plus we added it to the hubby's Dodge.

[DarthKarl]

I love XM nearly as much as I do the H3.

I'd never had it (or Sirius) before, but once I tried it I was hooked. I like to listen to a lot of different music styles and with satellite radio you have so many options. Out in our neck of the woods there just isn't much variety on FM/AM stations. The other great thing is that you can listen to CNN, Fox news and the Weather Channel while you are driving.

For long road trips it is mandatory equipment. My wife at 1st thought it was a bit of a waste of money, but an XM radio (for her car) went on her Xmas list after having listened to satellite radio.

As far as a comparison between XM and Sirius, I can't say which is better. I went with XM simply because it was OEM equipment offered by Hummer.

[Waxing]

I paid for XM for 4 years then I put the avn5435 nav. unit in. The installer told me nav. unit supports Sirius. So I called XM to cancel and switch to Sirius. XM refunded ne 425.00. It only cost me 499.00 for life time nenbership with Sirius. You could try it if you're not happy you can get a refund.

[bparker]

If you like pop and rap more stick with XM. If you like Rock more - go with SIRIUS - trust me.

[Waxing]

Sirius has NFL and Howard Stern is coming 1-9-06 XM dosen't offer either. XM offers MLB.

[Mike E]

So if I bought a OEM radio from GM would it just replace the standard radio and I would have XM? Are the connections in the back the same or is there a big conversion I need to do?

[NM H3]

Originally posted by bparker:
If you like pop and rap more stick with XM. If you like Rock more - go with SIRIUS - trust me.

Second that!

[Huck BB62]

I can THIRD the fact that Sirius has better rock stations. Either one kicks the dog snot out of CDs, AM, FM and Ipod. I like variety. I drive two hours each day and couldn't live without my XM.

[NJHummerGuy]

Ok..time for a XM/Sirius question that is probably one I know the answer too...but lets give it a shot.......being that the dash is so far out into the window, if I get one that is FM Mod to get to the speakers, can I run it without the antenna? A few people have said yes, but doesn't sound legit to me.

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by NJHummerGuy:
Ok..time for a XM/Sirius question that is probably one I know the answer too...but lets give it a shot.......being that the dash is so far out into the window, if I get one that is FM Mod to get to the speakers, can I run it without the antenna? A few people have said yes, but doesn't sound legit to me.

I know people who did this on Vettes, and their dash sticks farther forward with more window surface. Generally, they had good reception, but in some cases they had drop outs. I guess a lot will depend on where you are. XM's antennas are basically over GA or NM (give or take a few hundred miles).
On a friend's VUE, I ran the wire through the trim moldings, to the back opening, then out and placed it at the middle of the rear of the roof. I would guess you could do the same with the Hummer.

[NJHummerGuy]

Thanks F5......will give it a shot

[wannabeH3]

i like it! 66 raw beetches!

[H3CANE]

I have had it since they came out. I wouldn't own a care without it.

[TejasH3]

I have XM in my current new vehicle and my work truck. I love it! The unit in my work truck comes out and fits into a boombox I bought. Just right for the beach! starting to notice commercials now but not as bad as regular radio. Funny thing, I never listen to local regular radio anymore.

[bob hamilton]

I have to say XM is versitile. I can go straight from my hummer to my computer in my house and listen. I love it. XL202 is the best!

[bender]

XM rocks

[RDP145]

Originally posted by NM H3:
I, personally, think it's a waste. I feel that the music selection is terrible. I was really looking forward to it, thought it would be like Sirius that comes with my Dish Network. Boy, was I wrong. Sound quality is superb, but if it wasn't for the comedy channels I'd never use it. Why are the songs different on xm? I don't get it,you mean sirius and xm don't play the same bands. I've heard others say the same thing I just don't understand isn't u2 or the rolling stones being played on both?

[DarthKarl]

It's my understanding they both play generally all the same musical stuff. The music debate seems largely centered around playlists, repetition and channel types/selections.

When it comes to talk and sports, there are some things that are exclusives for XM or Sirius. For example Sirius has the NFL and Howard Stern, XM has MLB, NHL and some other shock jocks.

[bparker]

I agree and disagree. I couldnt stand XMs "playlist" and never felt like I was actually getting my "monies worth" - but with Sirius I would totally pay a few more bucks to have the GOOD MUSIC selection they offer 24/7.

XM plays music but very little "good music" (as in music and songs you have never heard of) - where as Sirius plays the top billboard favorites everyone knows.

Originally posted by DarthKarl:
It's my understanding they both play generally all the same musical stuff.

[bparker]

The only problem I have with Sirius is this; When you turn it on you always hear a good song so you turn it up a bit. You start jammin to it and then its over - but wait - omg here comes another great song and now your in the mood to jam so you crank it up more and hope you havent arrived to your destination just yet. So you keep listening and low and behold ANOTHER GREAT SONG! Fawk! Now You turn it up all the way and you and everyone around you are going deaf or lovin it - either or - but in any case I always run out of enough volume and time with Sirius radio.

And whats funny is that I was one of those "I will never pay for freakin radio" before I bought my H3. Now I can not live without Sirius in my cars.

[ckhagman]

Originally posted by DeLeon:
I didn't want my H3 with XM but the dealer had already ordered with it and they could not take it out, and since I didn't want to order again I just took it... man, that's the best thing that could have happened!! I have not used anything else, not even my 6 cd changer, NO NEED FOR CDs when you have XM!!! I would highly recommend it to anyone.

That sucks that they made you pay for something you did not want. My sales manager got XM in his minivan because that is the way that it came. He didn't have to pay for it but he still has the same radio and he could activate it if he wanted to.

[ckhagman]

Satellite radio Sucks. Both services Suck.

You know why, because there is not enough time in the day to listen to all of the great programming that is on sat rad.

But then again I am in Philadelphia. We have NO alternative rock station so the choice is clear.

Got to getsiriusinfo.com or orbitcast.com. They have terrestrial (sp?) radion adds that can make you laugh. Free radio is introuble and it shows.

[Bully13]

Hi all, I brought up this thread from a while back (before I was even here). I wanted to add my 2 cents and ask a question or 2.

I think that the quality of the sound on XM is not as great as people say. One thing about me is that I am a musician and I produce my own and others material. Believe me, I know that I am picky.

That being said, I would rather listen to a CD I created from itunes (yes, compressed format converted to CD format) than listen to XM. XM sounds to me like LOW BANDWIDTH.

Here's my question: Does anyone else agree with this and does anyone know if sirius is better with sound?

This has nothing to do with playlist or content, just the quality of the sound put out. And yes, I have tried all of the EQ adjustments.

[HummerNewbie]

I have never had Sirius but have heard from a nomber of people that the sound quality is not as good as XM.

[Huck BB62]

Originally posted by Bully13:
Hi all, I brought up this thread from a while back (before I was even here). I wanted to add my 2 cents and ask a question or 2.

I think that the quality of the sound on XM is not as great as people say. One thing about me is that I am a musician and I produce my own and others material. Believe me, I know that I am picky.

That being said, I would rather listen to a CD I created from itunes (yes, compressed format converted to CD format) than listen to XM. XM sounds to me like LOW BANDWIDTH.

Here's my question: Does anyone else agree with this and does anyone know if sirius is better with sound?

This has nothing to do with playlist or content, just the quality of the sound put out. And yes, I have tried all of the EQ adjustments.

I've had both, I can't tell any difference. I can't tell the difference between CD or XM either. I crank rock. Any differences are minor anyway. Unless you're parked, road noise is the main sound problem in any car. Seriously, consider the environment. It's an H3, not a Beemer 745. With the high frequency wind and tire noise, any smidgeon of difference between XM and top quality sound is of no importance, to me anyway. Sitting back in my recliner at home, I'd agree.

On the road, having the quantity of entertainment from comedy, talk, sports, and numerous music channels completely overwhelms any quality issues, particularly if you're out in the boonies where AM/FM reception is poor.

I sit in the H3 two hours a day. I'd go bonkers without XM. They recently shuffled their lineup and added great programming. 40, 50 and particularly 49 (where I'm usually listening) are awesome. I tried the ipod, just too much work and too limited, kinda like eating your own cooking so to speak. On long trips, or if you commute a lot like I do, being limited to the farm report, djs talking over the great opening riffs, endless furniture/car sales screaming ads or your own music looped is not an option anymore.

I've seen it over and over again. People think paying for XM is stupid, or it would be bad quality or content. Then, when they get a free shot at it, they think it's the best thing since talking movies. Go look at xmradio.com (http://www.xmradio.com/) and I bet there's something on there for everyone.

I like getting all the news and talk radio too. I don't like watching the news at home anymore because I've already heard it. The weather, got it on the way to work without listening to call letters being yelled at me every five seconds.

Yup, I'm a satellite radio junky. Git some!

[Bully13]

Thanks for that great responce. I apreciate all that you put into that. I have only had XM for 2 weeks, So I guess I should wait a month or so before I make a decision on it.

[Chip]

Originally posted by Huck BB62:
I can THIRD the fact that Sirius has better rock stations. Either one kicks the dog snot out of CDs, AM, FM and Ipod. I like variety. I drive two hours each day and couldn't live without my XM.

XM has better country. Siruis should bring back their folk channel which really was more non commerical country. The x country and folk channel on XM is a better combination for the Emmylou lovers.

[Scouts Out]

If I had a choice, knowing what I know now, I would have gone after market and got Sirius, but I do like the XM. I kow I drive from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg twice a month and after crossing the Allegheny mountians the radio choicies are the Bluegrass gosple channel, the Rapp-ing country channel, and All amish all the time channel. I will be driving to Kentucky tomorrow and be very glad I have the XM.

[bparker]

I have had both and I know this thread is old news since my last entry. But as of today many months later I still say Sirius wins hands down and has the best music by far. XM wins with talk radio by far on the other hand. Both have thier strengths.

[SteveRH]

LIQUID METAL returns to XM on April 17th...
The great equalizer, in my eyes, to Hard Attack on Sirius...

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by SteveRH:
LIQUID METAL returns to XM on April 17th...
The great equalizer, in my eyes, to Hard Attack on Sirius...

XM has quite a few new stations coming online later this month.
I still say, XM versus Sirius is as personal as Chevy versus Ford. I have had both, and prefer XM.

[bparker]

Gah, your always so level headed f5fstop. =P (But your right)

I think its also to remember and appreciate the fact that at least we have 2 pretty great choices considering how terrible public radio has become.

Originally posted by f5fstop:
I still say, XM versus Sirius is as personal as Chevy versus Ford. I have had both, and prefer XM.

[Kid Shyleen]

Ok, IMHO:

I have had both. Sat Radio is definitely a must! I had XM for three years and just recently switched to Sirius in my H3.

XM - Overall better sound quality on all stations. Programming is weak at best. It got too boring to listen to.

Sirius - MUCH better programming. Better text, song info. Some stations sound as good as XM, others sound worse than XM.

I enjoy Sirius a lot more. With XM I kept hearing the tapes roll over...the same programs over and over. I just couldn't take it anymore. With Sirius, the programming is much better. They play a wider variety of music, better music, and more stations geared toward my ear.

So, if you ask me, I'd say go Sirius. Either way Sat Radio is great! Hope this helps.

[Huck BB62]

Kid, they've just recently begun changing XM's programing drastically. I had Sirius in our Mini S, loved it. I hated XM until recently BUT XM was better than not having it. XM obviously realizes that it's a war with Sirius and they're being very responsive.

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by Huck BB62:
Kid, they've just recently begun changing XM's programing drastically. I had Sirius in our Mini S, loved it. I hated XM until recently BUT XM was better than not having it. XM obviously realizes that it's a war with Sirius and they're being very responsive.

Very true, XM has some interesting new stations being added next week (April 17).
I had more dropouts in the mountains when I had Sirius than I have had with XM. However, to be honest, that was a couple years ago, and Sirius had some serious problems with their receivers.
XM had the early advantage with the equipment being sold due to Delphi being big into XM (GM also owns a lot of XM stock), and that fact that Worldspace (the largest satellite provider in the world) owns part of XM and together they developed most of the receivers.
Now, it appears Sirius has comparable equipment.
I will say that as far as sound quality goes, my H3 (MP3/Monsoon) stereo has great quality, my Delphi SCIFI II I had in the Jeep had great sound, even though played through a decent, but nothing special Panasonic radio. (SCIFI II is being used in my house through the stereo and sound fantastic.) However, the Audiovox unit I had in my '03 Vette had terrible quality, even when directly wired into the Bose system.
So, the receivers appear to have a lot to do with sound quality in the system.

Have to make a note on sound quality; I'm 58, and the hearing isn't what it used to be (thanks partly to many years of firing rifles/handguns, etc., many times without ear protection), so I'm no audiophile. What I think is great may sound like sh*t to someone else. However, even to me, that Audiovox unit was terrible, or something didn't jive between the unit and the Vette's Bose system.)

Besides, XM has Oprah.... http://hometown.aol.com/f5fstop01/images/leaving.gif

[gc2488]

I'm thinking it will be better than XM to have
full-time Internet connectivity in the Hummer,
and use radio streams like those on iTunes
and those listed by:
http://www.radio-locator.com/

Not to mention using Google
(and Google Earth as navigation system).
Hopefully this is increasingly common
and offered by dealers someday.

[NEOCON1]

im very happy with XM , how many remember AM-radios and 8-tracks , we have it sooo goooood !!!!!

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by NEOCON1:
im very happy with XM , how many remember AM-radios and 8-tracks , we have it sooo goooood !!!!!

I can remember when AM was cool, and FM stood for "For Mothers." I can also remember the car installed 45 rpm players that skipped like crazy unless parked in the drive-in. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Steve - SanJose]

Yea I remember my father's 8 track in his car.

But after 9 months of using XM in my H3, I'm very happy with it. Just a few dropouts in the mountains for brief periods.

S.

[XM DUDE]

What's FM?

[DTHVLY]

If you're pay more than $3 a month for XM your getting ripped.

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/1726043161/m/6...341064561#6341064561 (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/1726043161/m/6341064561/r/6341064561#6341064561)

[HummerNewbie]

Originally posted by DTHVLY:
If you're pay more than $3 a month for XM your getting ripped.

Definitely wouldn't say it is a rip-off if your paying more than $3 but to each their own. I personally like XM but have not had Sirius to compare it to. I have talked to friends that have moved back and forth between the two and some prefer XM and some prefer Sirius. Both have their pluses and both have their minuses. I listen to the comedy channel a lot and XM is also adding a bunch of new channels. Do I care if they don't have as many sports channels, no, but that is me.

[f5fstop]

What I love is when they say XM is on the ropes. In January '06, in my financial news, XM had 6 million, Sirius has 4, and this includes the jump after Howard and Martha signed on. It also shows that Howard was a big feature, but his numbers have leveled off, and Oprah (as much as we all hate her, she is a big draw) has better numbers than Martha.
I believe the last I read was 9.8 million for Sirius in 2008 and 13 million for XM in 2008.
Too many major contributors own parts of XM such as Hughes, Clear Channel, GM, and Worldspace.
If for some reason XM goes under, Worldspace could take over since they share the same type of equipment, but don't hold your breathe for this to happen.
To say one sucks over the other is personal, and I will be the first to say Sirius sucks over XM, but that is my opinion and my likes are not with Howard or Martha (or Oprah).
However, like I said before, arguing over which is better is ludicrous, since it depends on the person's personally preferences, not on what someone else likes or dislikes.
I also would like to see someone prove that XM will drop to $3.00 per month if you cancel. I just love internet fantasies.

[DTHVLY]

Originally posted by f5fstop:
I also would like to see someone prove that XM will drop to $3.00 per month if you cancel. I just love internet fantasies.

My friend just renewed his XM contract at $3 a month. If you don't believe it, when your contract is up try telling them you want to cancel and switch to Sirius and see what they say, what do you have to lose, unless you like paying $13 when you could be paying $3. I would say XM is worth it at $3 a month, with O&A going back to FM, XM has no exclusive content.

[HummerNewbie]

Originally posted by DTHVLY:
I would say XM is worth it at $3 a month, with O&A going back to FM, XM has no exclusive content.

Since it is worth the $13 a month it certainly is worth $3 a month http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Never listened to O&A but even if they are going to FM, XM still has some exclusive content, just might not be content that you or I actually listen to. I'm with fstop, I love it when people say XM is on the ropes. Since Sirius has fewer subscribers and are trying everything to gain on XM so don't you think they will give discounts? This going back and forth about XM is better or Sirius is better is about as stupid as argue about who is better GM or Ford http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

It all comes down to what you prefer and that may not be the right choice for the next guy. So trying to say that one is better than the other for everyone because it is the one you like better just makes you sound like an idiot http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

BTW, that was not directed at anyone in particular, just a general statement so don't anyone get your panties in a wad.

[evldave]

Originally posted by DTHVLY:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by f5fstop:
I also would like to see someone prove that XM will drop to $3.00 per month if you cancel. I just love internet fantasies.

My friend just renewed his XM contract at $3 a month. If you don't believe it, when your contract is up try telling them you want to cancel and switch to Sirius and see what they say, what do you have to lose, unless you like paying $13 when you could be paying $3. I would say XM is worth it at $3 a month, with O&A going back to FM, XM has no exclusive content. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

My vote is for XM - I can listen to my Mariners lose from all over the country http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

As far as the $3, I wouldn't believe it except I went to cancel my Tivo (never have time to watch TV, too busy right now obsessing over my front ring gear). When I called Tivo to cancel, they offered to drop to $6/month forever! True to ther word, I'm now @ $6/month and still not watching Tivo (but @$6 it's worth keeping around).

[Bill1065]

I can't seem to be able to pay for XM over the net, I thought I did but they sent me a bill, and when I tried to call by phone the automated system would not accept my credit card probably because they are using my house zip code and not my billing zip code which is at my job. I think I'll just let it go; I don't listen to music that much, I can use the CD player if I do. Someone posted they havent even turned on Onstar; You will miss your 30 minutes of hands free free phone calls. I liked it so much I subscribed to more phone time; easy because I was able to talk to a real person using the Hummer Onstar device to communicate.

[Scouts Out]

I am having serious trouble with the $3 fairy tale. MY free time was up and I called and threatened to go to sirus, used the military discount approach, asked for level 2 support, tried emailing, called back another day and did it all over. Best they would do was the family plan which was not much of a savings at all. I do like it, I just hate another monthly bill.

[Dani]

I personally don't like XM radio. I had it until the 3 month trial period was up (in the Pilot) and never renewed it. I didn't find any stations that were worth listening to. Some would play decent stuff but for the majority of the time it was crap from groups I've never even heard of.

Kids did love it for Radio Disney though

[HummerNewbie]

Originally posted by Dani:
I personally don't like XM radio. I had it until the 3 month trial period was up (in the Pilot) and never renewed it. I didn't find any stations that were worth listening to. Some would play decent stuff but for the majority of the time it was crap from groups I've never even heard of.

Kids did love it for Radio Disney though

That statement nails it on the head. It is all about personal preference. One is not better than the other for everyone. There are always going to be people that prefer XM and those that prefer Sirius. Doesn't make one person right and the other wrong.

[DTHVLY]

Originally posted by NASCAR17:
if you love nascar get xm if you like howard stern get sirus

Nascar signed a five year exclusive satellite deal with Sirius that starts next season, 2007. So if you want to listen to Nascar races after this season you will need Sirius.

[DTHVLY]

No, you can use the stock stereo but you will need to get two things to convert to Sirius, see links below. You can try to do it yorself or just take it to Best Buy or Circuit City and have them do the conversion/install.

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundkngm1v3.html

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/kenwoodktcsr902.html