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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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?

Second that!

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.

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.

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

i like it! 66 raw beetches!

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

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.

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!

XM rocks

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.