Sirius-XM merger approved

FCC will not allow the new Sirius to turn off one of the two systems for many years. The two systems are not compatible. They transmit on different frequencies and use different coding methods.

They can not just merge the two systems together. They will have to make a dual band receiver at some point to satisfy the law but that may be many years down the road.

Turning the XM system off or the Sirius system off would render millions of receivers useless. The Commission will not allow that. The only reason they are allowing TV stations to discontinue analog service is because the majority of people receive TV via cable or satellite. Even then they are spending our tax dollars to provide vouchers so that people that claim they can only pick up TV off the air can buy a Digital TV tuner at a reduced cost.

It will be many years before existing radios are taken out of service.

They can not just transmit the same programming on both services. There is not enough bandwidth. There is not enough room on Sirius now to run all the ballgames they run without taking channels off the air. On a weekend when the NFL, the NBA, the NHL and NASCAR is going on at the same time they would have to start taking off music channels and that would make the majority of their customers mad.

XM has a little more flexibility. Their coding method allows for rate shaping. In other words they can shave some bandwidth from some other channels in order to run all of the MLB games at the same time. Sirius can't do that. With Sirius a music channel is so wide and a talk channel is so wide.

Test123

 

Test 123 knows his shit. Is there any chance this merger puts Phil Esposito's job in jeopardy?
Playa

 

Ah, I see what you're sayin.... That blows. Thanks for smashing my hopes.

 

Ace...

Sorry...

It is not all bad though...Things seem to be moving at breakneck speed. If the merger takes place they will have to make a dual band radio. Then you will be able to partake in their 'a la carte' plan. You will be able to choose the XM or Sirius programming you want. You may even save a few bucks.

The folks that are not going to be happy are those with satellite radios built in their cars. I think folks with XM radios now are being led to believe they will get the NFL or NASCAR a couple of days after the merger. Sirius owners think they will get MLB. I just don't think that is the way it is going to work.

Not far down the road WiMAX is coming. You will have a 'carputer' that will allow you to listen to streaming stations while you are driving down the road. You more than likely have to pay a subscription to do that but it does give you another option...

t123

 

You gonna have to get back to me on the Espo thing?

 

I have no idea what is going to happen as far as what they decide to keep.

I know a little about what they are talking about as far as NASCAR goes but that is about it...

t123

 

That is me, and that is what I am still hoping for. I just bought a GM with XM built in. I am hoping I get Sirius programming because I want NFL and NASCAR. Although I do enjoy listening to Opie and Anthony again on XM, as well.

But who knows. I may not even continue my subscription after my 3 months is up. $13/month is a lot of money to pay for radio.

 

may not even continue my subscription after my 3 months is up. $13/month is a lot of money to pay for radio.


I tried to cancel mine but after one day of listening to free radio I called them back.

 

30 XM stations are included in my DirecTV package[I just found out the other day.]. I hope the merger doesn't raise my rate.

 

Update...

FCC staff, chairman back XM-Sirius merger