Over the years, many of our major household gizmos including: refrigerator, washer/dryers, and television have received some sort of technological makeover. Technology has transformed and dramatically improved the usability of these devices. But technology has seemingly left one household device relatively untouched – the radio.
Since the advent of the radio some 60 years ago, the only big advances in radio land were AM and FM. AM radio stations can broadcast their signals a good distant, especially on clear nights. The problem with AM radio signals is that they are not of really good quality. To solve this little problem, engineers invented FM radio. FM radio offered high quality stereo sound. But the only problem with FM signals is that it cannot be broadcast very far. Satellite radio, on the other hand, aims to solve both problems.
Starting this Christmas, the lowly radio will undergo a digital revolution. Billed as one of the “hottest” holiday gifts this Christmas season, Canadians will finally get their very own satellite radio service. According to statistics, some estimated 100,000 Canadians are currently subscribers to digital satellite radio services through the “grey market”. These are citizens that have subscribed to satellite radio services and purchased satellite receivers from the United States.
How it works
Instead of receiving signals from large antennas on the ground, digital radio signals are transmitted via satellite to your receiver (radio) wherever it may be. You would not miss any of your favourite programming even if you found yourself on a deserted island 300 kilometres away!
Advantages over traditional radio
Most Satellite Radio Services or Digital – Pay Radio services, for a nominal monthly subscription fee, offers:
- 24/7 CD quality digital broadcasts
- Live radio feeds and access to exclusive programming like: Martha Stewart or Major League Baseball
- Artist and song information, including lyrics, can be displayed
- Alerts – helps keep track of your favourite songs, artists, sports teams, and stocks
- Reliable and high quality coast to coast coverage
- A majority of Commercial free airtime
Disadvantages
There are a couple of disadvantages with Satellite Radio. Firstly, the cost of a digital receiver ranges from $80 – $400 to purchase. This does not include: any installation costs, initial activation fees, additional equipment (antenna), or accessories, etc. Secondly, the digital receivers you buy for one service does not necessarily work with the other one, thus making the switch to another service provider very difficult.
Digital Radio Receivers
There are two different varieties of digital receivers – vehicle and portable. The vehicle type can be installed like a regular cassette deck in your car, boat, or truck. A number of major car manufacturers, such as: GM, Honda, BMW, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota and others will preinstall receivers for you at the factory. So, if you are planning on buying a new vehicle soon, you can definitely choose that option. The portable versions are designed to go where you go. You can use it in the car, workplace, home, or on a quick workout. All digital radio receivers will be available at all major electronic retailers and department stores.
Canadian Service Providers
Three service providers have been approved by the CRTC to begin service in Canada beginning as early as December 2005 or early 2006.
- Sirius Radio Canada, offers about 100 channels including ten channels dedicated to Canadian content. Canada Radio One, CBC Radio 3, Iceberg Radio, Hardcore Sports Radio, Première Plus, Infoplus, Radio-Canada Bandeapart, Rock Velours, Energie(2), and RCI Plus. Subscription cost: $14.99/month.
- XM Radio Canada, offers about 80 channels including eight channels of Canadian content (English Music, French Music, Comedy, and Information/Talk). NHL will begin to broadcast all of its games exclusively beginning in 2007/2008 season. Subscription cost: $12.99/month (No Contract).
- CHUM Subscription Radio Canada, offers about 50 channels all produced in Canada including 40 English language/music channels, five French language/music channels, and five multicultural language channels. You can check out the complete channel offerings by clicking here. Subscription cost: $9.95/month. The service will only be available in larger cities at launch.
Prepaid subscription cards will also be available for some service providers from major retailers. This is a great option for individuals that plan on using the service sparingly.
Digital satellite radio services or pay-radio will probably not replace your favourite radio stations anytime soon. The digital satellite radio service offerings will definitely appease individuals who are (1) living in rural communities where channel choices are limited; or, (2) travelling and spending a lot of time in their automobiles. In the next couple of years, traditional radio stations will slowly make the transition from analog to digital broadcasts which will result in higher quality and distortion free radio programs. Now, that is definitely worth listening to!
Until next time,
Geekboy
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