Thread: XM or Sirius?

Originally Posted by ValleyFan

I purchased a lifetime subscription to Sirius back when they carried the NHL, which in retrospect wasn't a wise move by me. The major difference between the two is sports, and to a lesser extent the talk that they offer. Sirius has NFL, NBA, NASCAR, some soccer and collage. XM has the NHL, MLB, PGA, and collage. One thing I have heard (although can't confirm because I haven't listened to XM) is that XM tends to have a slightly deeper playlist, so if you are listening to a channel all day, you are less likely to hear the same song twice, while on Sirius, if you are listening all day, you might hear a song more than once.

The other difference between the two (and again, I don't know how it affects the XM side, so perhaps someone could jump in) is that XM uses satellites in geosynchronous orbit, while Sirius has 3 satellites in a closer, elliptical orbit so at any time a maximum of two will be over the US. While this is supposed to allow the satellites to be more directly overhead for most of the US, you will notice that the signal is better at some times than others. I believe in 2008 they are planning to launch a geosynchronous satellite to help coverage.

All that said, I really like Sirius, the music offerings are really good, and I like the talk that they offer and having NFL isn't bad.

XM plays the same stuff 3 times in 3 hours! I don't mind though because its just on in the background.
I've noticed that XM has started talking more. Less music, more talking. Between songs, they neve rused to talk a lot and now they do. Kind of annoying.
But I do keep it because of the NHL channels. I have this thing hooked up to the surroudn sound in my scrap room and I listen to the games at night when I'm being crafty.

Originally Posted by Kingsfan626

It won't really matter next year if the merger gets approved in December.

Winner.

I have XM and love it. My decision right now is Direct TV or Dish.

Originally Posted by johnmac44

XM plays the same stuff 3 times in 3 hours!

We must not listen to any of the same channels.

Originally Posted by johnmac44

XM plays the same stuff 3 times in 3 hours!

Originally Posted by Fooferah

We must not listen to any of the same channels.

Let's see if we can guess what johnmac listens to...

20 on 20
KISS (21)
Flight 26

I've got SIRIUS... Hockey isn't covered, but the Kings are on Local radio anyway, so I don't worry much about it. NHL playoffs are covered... and the music channels are really good. My dad has XM, and I like the way that Sirius categorized the channels better.

music wise they're about the same,now for NHL Sirius had it until last year and that stuff changes every few years when the contract comes up for renewal between the co's.Now me being a Howard Stern fan I needed sirius and the NHL was a bonus to me as was Bubba the Love Sponge.Sirius also has the NFL which is awesome when i'm driving around on sundays.All is expected to change as the merger is expected to go through at which the equipment,channels & pricing plans should change.I do know that with even a basic Sirius subscription you also get Sirius internet account on which I stream my Sirius over my co's connection and also at home.I don't know if XM offers that and those who have XM can say if that is given to you.

Personally you've been without it this long I would wait to see if the merger does go through and to see what new equipment will be available.No matter what you choose you should be happy with it as it KICKS FREE RADIO'S ASS.

Originally Posted by Subhuman15

I do know that with even a basic Sirius subscription you also get Sirius internet account on which I stream my Sirius over my co's connection and also at home.I don't know if XM offers that and those who have XM can say if that is given to you.

xm does, as well.

I got XM as a free trial with a new car purchase and got hooked on Home Ice and the comedy channels (especially Laugh Attack). I have become a subscriber since and purchased an additional receiver so I can listen to Home Ice at work.

I know nothing about Sirius.