Satellite radio transmits strong signals from through geostationary satellites offering superior sound quality in comparison to older radio broadcasting.
XM radio, before its merger with Sirius, was the largest satellite radio company that used two Boeing HS 702 satellites placed in geostationary orbit. These satellites receive audio content aggregated from the incredibly large digital library that comprised of XM's created content as well as feeds from other media companies. The satellite would then emit the aggregated data to radio receivers on the ground that decode the signal, presenting subscribers with the song title, artist and genre of music being displayed. Because geostationary satellites transmit the digital signals, there is no regional disruption in radio service. AM & FM radio stations transmit their channels through various frequencies and require modulating (or interpretation) of said frequencies into useful signals. AM & FM radio frequencies are subject to noise interference, and can span as less as a 100 miles. This explains the change in radio stations that many listeners experience during travel. 92.3 FM in Baltimore, Maryland is a very different radio station than the 92.3 FM station in Detroit, Michigan. Satellite radio offers travelers access to sports and show commentary without location, or even being grounded (satellite radio works just as well on airplanes).
Channel variety and impressive sound quality have led to
increased growth in satellite radio subscribers despite subscription expense.
The limitations of AM
& FM radio in comparison to satellite radio services are seen in its
bounded number of stations, subjection to environmental interference and
geographical boundaries. However, because AM & FM stations are funded
primarily through commercial advertising, each station is free of charge.
Satellite radio on the other hand requires a monthly subscription that can run into over 100 dollars annually depending on the package
chosen. Funded by subscriptions, satellite radio companies such as Sirius XM
are able to provide commercial free stations as well as a large selection of music and premium content (Oprah Radio, Howard Stern, ESPN etc) unavailable to the limited number of
AM & FM radios. The primary difference between AM & FM radios with
satellite is thus quality and selection, and yearly growth in subscribers shows
consumers are willing to pay.
Increased growth in subscribers signals strong performance for satellite radio.
Through growing
profits and subscriptions, Sirius XM might be signaling the
overtake of satellite radio. With many cars coming equipped with XM radio
receivers and through free trial subscriptions, many users are realizing that
greater selection of what they listen to without any boundaries in regards to
location is worth the cost of some dollars. When analyzing this in comparison
to the Internet's effect on information and news, we are living in a society
where what we hear and listen to can be selectively chosen by the information's
consumer. Through the Internet, users can select news articles without having
to wait through a commercial on television to hear about the particular event.
Satellite radio provides the same convenience with a greater selection of
music, news and events and may signal why there is a large growth in
subscribers.
Hi Kris,
ReplyDeleteBefore reading your post, the headline gave me a general idea of what I was about to read. After I read your post, I felt your headline could have included additional information about the comparison between commercial radio stations and satellite radio. The video (SiriusXM) provided support to your position of satellite radio improving its technology and user base as well as list the benefits of satellite radio. The main points discussed were the benefits of satellite radio in detail; providing its user with a stronger signal which offers superior sound quality, granting its listeners with commercial free stations and monthly subscriptions that consumers are willing to pay. In the reference to monthly subscriptions for satellite radio, contributes to the reason for a $14 billion industry discussed in our reading. In addition to your post focusing on satellite radio growth it would be interesting to discover what am/fm radio stations are doing in response. Mostly everyone has a smart phone and it seems am/fm radio stations are taking advantage by creating a variety of radio apps. Some of the apps are purchasable such as TuneIn radio and YouTubeFM. Overall the points you mentioned were detailed enough for me to understand why satellite radio is growing and is force to be reckoned with.
http://appadvice.com/appguides/show/am-fm-radios
Kris,
ReplyDeleteBefore I read your post, I had a limited perception of satellite radio, and how it worked. After reading your headline, I could already tell what the article was going to be about. The structure of your post was very well done. Your use of descriptive paragraph headings, and informative well-spaced body paragraphs made for an easy, informative read. The way placement of your video was also very well done; I liked the way it was right after the first paragraph. Also, I enjoyed your use of a poll on the right side of the post, it was a great way to keep the reader engaged. Your embedded links were also very great, adding to the informative aspect of your article. Overall, your explanations of what XM radio is, and how it works, made for a well put together article that was very informative. The only thing I would add would be another picture, just to make it more interactive and attention-grabbing.