Satellite radio making airwaves for a price

2005.12.15

Satellite radio has arrived in Canada just in time for Christmas, but because it's so new, we haven't heard a lot about how it works or the companies broadcasting the music.

Consumer Reports surveyed hundreds of satellite radio customers, both XM and Sirius subscribers, to see what they think.

Many customers weren't thrilled with the cost of the monthly subscription.

You'll pay $12.99 per month for XM and $14.99 per month for Sirius.

Of the two services, those surveyed thought Sirius was the better value for the money, but XM rated better when it came to sound quality and signal strength with fewer complaints about dropped service.

Both services offer a huge selection of programming, including dozens of music channels, as well as sports coverage, news programming, and lifestyle shows.

With XM, you get 80 channels, while Sirius gives you 100.

Most survey respondents say now that they have satellite radio, they plan to keep it.

Which service you intend to subscribe to determines which receiver you'll buy.

Receiver prices start as low as $70 for a Siruis compatible unit that goes in your car, to $400 for a XM compatible unit that goes from your car to your home, to a portable unit.

You plug headphones in here and you're ready to go.

If sports coverage is important to you, there are big differences between XM and Sirius you need to check out.

For example, XM has much more hockey and baseball coverage, both games and news, while Sirius has more football and basketball.