pay $500 and never have to pay again for Sirius radio. not sure if that's a good deal or not - but it's a limited time one. the thing is...the prices usually go down on new technology. so yeh, i'd go with sirius if i had money - just because of the sports and more rock stations.
On a somewhat related note, I'm looking to get a new CD player/radio/all the good stuff I can afford for my new car. I'm not a big car junkie, so I'm a bit in the dark which way I should go. I figure Kenwood, Alpine, and Pioneer are the "big 3" as it were but I'm looking for a bit more in-depth info on what models are best, etc. etc. I'm willing to spend a bit of money, but not go outlandish (i.e. nothing you'd see on The Fast and the Furious or anything of that ilk). Any advice is appreciated, no fighting please.
Also, I was having a discussion last night, and a friend didn't believe that XM is owned by Clear Channel. Does anyone know proof of this?
Im looking for something a little newer...but check this out http://www.xmradio.com/newsroom/screen/press_release_1999_06_08.html EDIT: http://www.xmradio.com/corporate_info/fast_facts_cons.html
http://www.xmradio.com/corporate_info/strategic_partners_category.jsp?category=investment Doesn't mention DirecTV on that one, so I'm not sure how much of a piece they own if any now.
Yeah, my friend's a broker, and he couldn't find anything on XM being owned by Clear Channel. Thanks for the help!
check my edit in my above post...it is from XM's own site. and it is recent. CC does still own part of XM....even if it is a small part...thats enough for me.
If you plan on having it for the rest of your life it probably is. That's the equivalent of paying for 3.2 years of service @ $13 a month. Even if the price drops a little, it probably won't drop all that much. They're going to make their money off of you.
Anyone have any guesses on the longterm viability of Sirius vs. XM Radio? We're not just looking at a fad here, are we? I really haven't researched satellite radio that much, so pardon me if I sound ignorant about it. If I get a car in the next few weeks, one of the options is either Sirius or XM... and that lifetime-of-the-radio-subscription-for-$500 is still valid for Sirius (and I like the stations more), I'd really consider going for it. My wife, of course, is less receptive to the idea of paying for radio, but she was asking the inevitable question: What happens if Sirius gets bought out/goes under in a few years? Anyone?
I doubt you'll get money back if Sirius or XM goes belly up. If Sirius or XM get bought out, you may get your money back (probably not likely) or be allowed to continue with your service. One thing I don't know about : is the lifetime subscription tied to the radio itself or is it tied to you? If it's to the radio, then consider that @ $13/month x 12 months per year, you would need to own the car for around 3.5 years to break even. There are people that like to get rid of their cars every 2 or 3 years... I don't know if you're in that bunch. Also, what if the radio in the car dies and you need to get a new factory one? Is the contract still good at that point? Maybe others can answer these questions.
The lifetime substription is set up throught the radio. Sirius, however, just started a new policy where you can transfer the lifetime subscription 3 times with a $75 transaction fee.
I liken it to a cell phone service contract. Your phone # is yours for life. You can change your phone in every year, but your # is still yours. At least that is how I understood it.
I was under the impression that the lifetime contract was tied to the unit. Thats what the sirius rep told us so we didn't do it. Theres no way you will use the same receiver for 5 years
That's what I thought from the wording on Sirius' site, too : "Subscribe for the lifetime of your radio!" Sounds like for the lifetime of that radio you have it tied to.
