The History Of Portable Satellite Radios

The history of portable satellite radios is short compared to traditional over-the-air radio, but it has rapidly changed the face of radio listening like no other technology in recent memory. The two major satellite radio services, XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio, offer an impressive selection of programs and compete fiercely for customers.

Their popularity has a lot in the radio industry and stunned with the advent of new, smaller, cheaper portable satellite radiosSome veterans worry about the future viability of traditional broadcast radio.

How did satellite radio access, and what the future hold? Let's take a look.

The Beginnings of Satellite Radio

The history of satellite radio begins in 1992 when the Federal Communications Commission decided to create dedicated (FCC) to set aside a portion of the spectrum, the nationwide expansion of digital radio service via satellite. SIRIUS Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio bidhuge amounts of money (at least $ 80 million pcs) for licenses to use this new allocation of frequencies, which were eventually awarded to them by the FCC.

Have the right to use the spectrum, however, was only the first step. Even if they could start delivering satellite radio signals at once, there were no consumer-accessible portable satellite radios to receive the signal. Moreover, there was considerable debate within the radio industry about whether consumers would be willing toPay for new hardware and then pay a monthly fee for radio service. After all AM and FM radio broadcasts free of charge throughout the country.

Making a business of satellite radio

XM Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio is to overcome these obstacles and become a real business of portable satellite radio and satellite radio programming. They knew that most consumers, they need to attract a variety of hardware components thatcould be used in a variety of locations - home, work, and especially the car, where most radio listening occurs.

Working with electronics manufacturers already trusted and recognized by consumers (Sanyo, Panasonic, JVC, Kenwood, etc.), the hardware development in progress. The results included portable satellite radios, receivers, and "plug and play" components for virtually any consumer application. Manufacturers built satellite radio receivers for cars, houses, offices,Trucks, ships and even airplanes.

On the programming side XM and SIRUS put together an assortment of niche music stations that would have to offer something for consumers with almost every musical taste. Each station was programmed to a certain type of audience appeal, most commercial-free. Programming originated primarily from New York, but also from other places, and SIRIUS and XM entered into joint agreements, the popular musician, would allow entertainersPersonalities and others live from the original locations. This would gain the services of another unique selling point for consumers.

Dealing with resistance to a monthly fee, but a wider range of marketing necessary to public relations, communications and strategies, the benefits and advantages of portable satellite radios. XM and SIRIUS knew that would convince the key to their success, would lie to consumers about the value they receive and also the hardwarewidely available and affordable.

Spreading the Word

Portable satellite radios began to show itself in a variety of places where consumers would find it easy to use it. One of the most important places to win for XM and SIRIUS entry for the hardware had to be done in cars and trucks, in which consumers, the vast majority of their listening to the radio.

They worked with car and truck manufacturers for portable satellite radio standard in many high-end luxury vehicles to make, anda low-cost option on most other middle-class vehicles. For most of these consumers, the cost of a monthly would be prohibitive and by making it easy for them to offer their services, XM and SIRIUS access could tempt consumers to try it out and start spreading the word about his worth.

Portable satellite radios were placed in boats and campers, and standard receivers were marketed heavily for use in homes and businesses. Another innovation was introduced in November 2004, theHandheld version of XM Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio receiver. These devices are designed to want people who have access to satellite radio services in walking, hiking, or otherwise, will soon move in places other than their cars, trucks, homes or offices of appeal.

Another important component for the dissemination of the word was the creation of partnerships and marketing agreements with electronics retailers like Circuit City, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and other familiar names.In close cooperation with retailers, XM and SIRIUS have greatly increased their presence with consumers and revenues steadily increased.

Why pay more for radio?

But the bottom line question for most people, why pay for radio? The answer is received in the benefits with a subscription to satellite radio. Some of the most popular benefits are:

Multi-channel selection (to 150)
Commercial-free (background music)
Live audio streaming of sportingEvents
Weather and traffic information (in major markets)
The clear, digital signal
Signal is available, without fading in intercity --
Niche music stations meet all musical tastes
Range of sports, talk shows, news and stations

Coming Soon

Satellite radio service is still in its infancy, it is inevitable that will further develop the technology and features. XM Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio have dedicated resources, such asInnovations, if they win enough subscribers to become profitable.

For example, a feature that in the near future in some areas made available real-time traffic information via satellite directly to the navigation system supplied in the car. This information will appear as color coded to show the average speed of vehicles on certain roads, so that the driver for the travel route that is congested at a certain time to choose at least.

Other new options and ideas areinevitable in the coming years, it is likely that portable satellite radios will continue in popularity and more common in vehicles, homes, offices, boats, RVs, and just about any other place that you can imagine.