Sirius

[jry]

Did you guys see the new "Subs" numbers. Last year, they added something like 1.4 million.

Not bad. I do wonder how long these gains will last.

[Larkin]

Jry-Aren't the Satellite Companies notorious for giving away free one year subscriptions with new cars and calling them new subs?

[Mike Austerman]

Jry-Aren't the Satellite Companies notorious for giving away free one year subscriptions with new cars and calling them new subs?

Indeed they are. But when you think about it, those numbers 'cascade'. There are as many freebies that would be expiring as there would be being added to new cars, give or take.

I don't know where they are getting all the new subs from - it's not like SatRad has anywhere near the buzz it did when it was first launching 8 or so years ago. Possibly there were a good number of people that didn't renew earlier in 2010 when Stern's contract renewal wasn't clear, then rejoined once they knew he'd be there?

I'm still a satisfied subscriber, but it's taken some adjustment for me to get used to the Sirius way of programming versus the XM way.

[turkeytop]

I’ve been with Sirius for about 5 years. At first I was disappointed. After one year I called and asked to cancel my subscription. The woman I spoke with offered me another 3 months free, to reconsider. I accepted her offer and during that three months the merger took place and some immediate improvements to their programming. I’m still with it and satisfied.

[Larkin]

I'm still a satisfied subscriber, but it's taken some adjustment for me to get used to the Sirius way of programming versus the XM way.

From the Sirius perspective, I wasn't too happy about the Merger either. I ended up letting our free year expire and not renewing it. Not so much out of dissatisfaction, but more out of not being able to justify the expense. I just didn't listen enough, between local radio, my Zune and streaming from my phone, it wasn't worth the added expense.

[Constant Listener]

When Sirius combined their music channels with XM, I immediately noticed a difference - tighter play-lists, a lot more repetition, no more "WOW" factor with songs. I was so pissed I actually gave a thought to canceling - something I NEVER thought I'd even consider. Pendulum has swung back, tho, and their play-lists have expanded more again, as it appears they realized they screwed up...

[jry]

Got them on all of the cars.

Sure, there are a lot of cars shipped with a radio and a free 6 months to a year. They'll hook many of those drivers.
The other thing to remember is that Sirius sells advertising. So even those free subs mean more revenue.

[turkeytop]

Sirius sells advertising.

They do? I haven't heard it. Possibly Sirius Canada is different.

[Jack Wolfman]

Sirius sells advertising.

They do? I haven't heard it. Possibly Sirius Canada is different.

The advertising happens on any non music station. If all you listen to is the music stations, then you won't have any

[turkeytop]

Yes, you're right. I forgot about that. I've had Bloomberg on and there was more advertizing than there was program

[cromartie]

Most of the talk stations have advertising. The Clear Channel programmed music stations also have advertising.

All in all, I'm alright with the programming. The Spectrum has improved considerably recently. I do remember the obscurity and diversity of programming of XM, however and would have gladly paid extra to have both services in one. But what can you do?

[Jack Wolfman]

I do remember the obscurity and diversity of programming of XM, however and would have gladly paid extra to have both services in one. But what can you do?

I think most people felt/feel this way. When I got my truck, it had a Sirius receiver, so I subscribed...and then put my portable XM in the truck as well. Best of both worlds. The cost gets to you after a while though.

[pbr]

I started with XM when I bought my current vehicle (before the merge) and have stuck with it. On the best of days, it takes me an hour+ each way to get to/from work, so I feel like I get my use out of it -- especially in the morning when I rarely hit a local station anymore. That's especially true the closer I get to the city and out of range of some of the less powerful stations I'd otherwise tune in.

[cromartie]

I do remember the obscurity and diversity of programming of XM, however and would have gladly paid extra to have both services in one. But what can you do?

I think most people felt/feel this way. When I got my truck, it had a Sirius receiver, so I subscribed...and then put my portable XM in the truck as well. Best of both worlds. The cost gets to you after a while though.

I had both receivers on my dashboard with a small switchbox for a period of time. Talk about distracted driving...

[RayQix]

I've thought about getting it.... but can't justify the expense.

I, too, have my iPhone..... for MP3 and streaming.

If I got it for free, i might consider going with it as a subscription.... just not sure cuz i've never heard it.

[cromartie]

I've thought about getting it.... but can't justify the expense.

I, too, have my iPhone..... for MP3 and streaming.

If I got it for free, i might consider going with it as a subscription.... just not sure cuz i've never heard it.

Find someone else who has an account, have them get you an online account so you can stream it through the iPhone. $3 per month. That would be a good start to get you acquainted.