xm radio vs. sirius

[abw]

I'm considering buying one of the two, and would be grateful to hear views on at least these issues:

(1) Which is better?
(2) Which is more likely to get some kind of soccer programming source in the future? (I know that Sirius broadcast one EPL game per week last season, and that XM has the BBC stream, but I'm thinking more about domestic soccer programming.)

And of course any other insights are welcome, too.

[I couldn't find an equivalent thread, but the mods should feel free to move this or merge it.]

[geordienation]

Good thread. I've been looking at the two, so I'd be interested if anybody else has any experience with them.

As for domestic radio, good luck.

[WorldSoccerWeekly]

If all goes well again, we will be airing the EPL next season on Sirius as we did last season (Soccer Weekly, Inc. has the US radio rights to the EPL).

World Soccer Weekend is already on Sirius and World Soccer Weekly will more than likely be joining it.

The MLS cup semis and final will also be on Sirius.

We are also hoping to bring more MLS and soccer in general to Sirius.

We are also talking to XM but have not as of yet airied any programming on XM which is slightly more mature in terms of subscriber base.

Nick

[abw]

I'd be very interested in hearing views on XM. To be honest, BBC World Service is a real draw for me, although I like the idea of being able to move the unit from car to house (which apparently you can do with Sirius).

I received the following message when I asked XM about their plans for soccer:
"We are actively involved with all of the major sports leagues for future clearance on XM. Many complicated issues involving rights, terrestrial stations, networks, and teams. Right now you can hear ESPN's Sunday Game Baseball of the Week and complete NBA Playoff play-by-play on ESPN Radio. Also, you will hear the Division Series, League Championship Series, the All-Star Game and the World Series as part of the Major League Baseball on ESPN Radio series. In December and January, look for complete BCS coverage. Thanks for writing XM and keep posted as we expand our sports offerings much further...it is a Top Priority and we are working very hard on it!

Best Regards,
Tim Kopper "The XM Answer Man"

[WorldSoccerWeekly]

You get BBC with both Sirius and XM.

Both services have portable units available.

Nick

[sachinag]

FWIW, Clear Channel has a substantial minority interest in XM.

[cjschlos]

Got XM last week and I love it, great programing...tons of live shows, DJ Mixes haven't come across any soccer though. I have the delphi unit which is amazing, i can easily use it both at home and in my car...i have zero complaints...a great service all the way around.

[abw]

Thanks for the info on both Sirius and XM.

I'm probably going to spring for Sirius - for the soccer programming, BBC, WRN (which is fantastic), NPR and other programming. The portable units are reasonably priced at Best Buy and other retailers right now.

Just for my information: what kind of sports programming comes on Sports 1-3? Do they carry many college football games during the fall?

[Revolt]

These services need a TIVO-like recorder so you can listen to your favorite shows when you want.

[Bill-DC]

For more info:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=93

[DeGregorus]

Would either XM or Sirius carry BBC Radio 5?, of Five Live Extra? These two broadcast a lot of EPL games.

[WorldSoccerWeekly]

The radio rights to the EPL in the US are owned by Soccer Weekly.

BBC world service is broadcast here in the US.

Nick

[abw]

I now own Sirius, and all I can say is that I see a potentially great future for soccer on radio in the US if someone can convince Sirius or XM or both to open streams. Satellite radio is sweet.

[abw]

I listened to a chunk of World Soccer Weekend on SB Radio on Sirius.

Will the EPL match(es) be on SB or on Sports 1-3?

[JaxxNate25]

I do not have either service but I do own stock in both companies...As of right now, XM has a significantly higher subscriber base than Sirius....by hundreds of thousands....Sirius has a significantly higher debt load, but they both have guaranteed financing until 2004. Out of the two, XM has a much greater chance of actually surviving, but they both have great potential...I love hearing that you guys like satellite radio so much, hopefully it will turn into more money in my pocket. If I had to choose between the two right now, I would pick XM. They seem to be on the ball as far as gaining new rights air quality programming, which hopefully means MLS games....

Good Luck...

Nate

[boffo]

Originally posted by sachinag
FWIW, Clear Channel has a substantial minority interest in XM.

If so, then this is a big turnoff for me. With the central role they've played in ruining broadcast radio, I really don't want them to have such a large hand in determining the fate of satellite radio as well.

[JaxxNate25]

Could someone please explain to me what a Substantial, minority interest is? Sounds like they contradict each other....I don't believe clear Channel as a significant stake....they would be hurt by satellite radio taking off....Not to mention XM is mostly owned by GM, Honda and I believe Nissan.

[JJ Mindset]

Originally posted by boffo
If so, then this is a big turnoff for me. With the central role they've played in ruining broadcast radio, I really don't want them to have such a large hand in determining the fate of satellite radio as well.

If you feel that strongly then buy Sirius.

[Warren Van Orden]

Originally posted by JaxxNate25
Sounds like they contradict each other....I don't believe clear Channel as a significant stake....they would be hurt by satellite radio taking off

Not if they own that too

[monster]

Resurrecting this because I am seriously looking into XM. Anyone have experience with installing XM in a car without a cassette player? Looking for the best option.