The last Star Wars Celebration was held in 2008 and this month Star Wars Celebration VI will be held in Orlando Florida on August 22 through the 23rd. If you’re unable to travel to Orlando Florida but want to know what’s going on at the event Sirius XM satellite radio has announced that it will be airing a limited run channel that broadcasts live from the Star Wars Celebration VI show.

Star Wars Celebration Radio will launch on Thursday, August 23 at 6 PM Eastern time. It will continue to air through Monday, August 27 at 3 AM Eastern time on Sirius channel 123 and XM channel 142. Fans who use the Sirius XM Internet Radio App on smartphones and other mobile devices will be able to listen on channel 770.

Star Wars Celebration Radio will air interviews with cast members of the Star Wars films as well as insiders and key players from behind-the-scenes who contributed to the series. Listeners will also be able to hear live panel discussions from the event throughout the weekend along with commentary from celebrity fans and attendees of the show. The station will also air an interview with George Lucas conducted by Senator Bill Bradley for a special edition of his American Voices program.

It’s unclear how much of the bill Penske is picking up and how much SiriusXM is chipping it, but it’s safe to assume that both are pushing some money into this deal to draw people into Penske locations and to gain new customers to the world of satellite radio. “Providing a 3-month SiriusXM subscription is a fantastic benefit to Penske’s customers and we look forward to working with its dealers to seamlessly deliver our critically-acclaimed audio entertainment at the touch of a button,” said SiriusXM sales president Rob Kurnick.

SiriusXM is one of those tech companies that sort of just remains in stasis. It’s at the point where it has no competition for satellite radio, and no time soon will drivers stop wanting to listen to the radio in their cars and trucks. So it just keeps chugging along. New talk programs are added regularly, with celebrities like Naomi Judd among the latest to get their own satellite radio shows.

Unfortunately, the press release is pretty thin on the details. From what we can tell, all you need to do is plug the XM Snap! unit into your cigarette adapter, find a station on your FM radio that’s free to use (meaning, not already playing music and preferably not filled with static), and then adjust your XM Snap! to the right station. From there, you should be listening to your favorite satellite radio stations.

Of course, you’ll also need a Sirius XM subscription. The company says that the XM Snap! will drop into retail outlets beginning in October, and should have a retail price tag of about $59.99. Is this going to be the hot ticket on your holiday shopping list?

Press Release

SIRIUS XM RADIO INTRODUCES “XM SNAP!,” THE EASY-TO-USE, ANYWHERE-YOU-DRIVE SATELLITE RADIO
Latest satellite radio is a snap to install, a snap to set up, and a snap to use

NEW YORK – September 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ – SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today the introduction of XM Snap!, an easy to install, set up and use satellite radio for the vehicle.

XM Snap! will be available at retail nationwide and www.shop.xmradio.com in October 2010 for $59.99.

“XM Snap! is an attractive, easy-to-use radio that makes it easier than ever for more consumers to bring satellite radio into their vehicles,” said Bob Law, Group Vice President and General Manager, After Market Division, SIRIUS XM Radio. “Offering amazing value, the new XM Snap! also gives customers the opportunity to discover what makes SIRIUS XM the ultimate destination for the best in audio entertainment.”

XM Snap! comes with everything you need to listen to XM in the vehicle. Just plug it into the vehicle cigarette lighter or power adapter socket, connect the antenna and listen to XM through the existing vehicle radio with simple, do-it-yourself installation. The fully adjustable stalk allows for convenient placement in the vehicle, easy access to the radio controls and clear view of the high-contrast display. The simple controls make it a snap to use – the large arrow keys navigate through categories, the rotary knob changes channels, and the preset keys store favorite channels for one-touch access. Accessories include the Magnetic Mount Antenna and an Aux-In Cable to facilitate Aux-In connections in vehicles that support this capability.

XM Snap! delivers all channels currently available on XM, including commercial-free music from every genre, featuring a broad array of 24/7 artist-branded music channels such as The Grateful Dead Channel, Eminem’s Shade 45, Jimmy Buffett’s Radio Margaritaville, “Little Steven” Van Zandt’s Underground Garage and Outlaw Country channels, B.B. King’s Bluesville, Willie Nelson’s Willie’s Place, Elvis® Radio and Siriusly Sinatra; music channels playing all the hits from the ’40s to today; every Major League Baseball® game, play-by-play from the NHL® and NBA, PGA TOUR® events, auto racing, college sports and 24/7 Fantasy Sports Radio; the biggest names in entertainment, including Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O’Donnell, Barbara Walters, Jamie Foxx, Bob Edwards, and Opie & Anthony; news from Fox News, CNN, CNBC and the BBC; comedy and kids’ programming.

Customers can add the “Best of SIRIUS” to receive Howard Stern and his two channels, Martha Stewart Living Radio, every NFL game and NASCAR race, and Playboy Radio.

For more information on SIRIUS XM Radio, please visit www.siriusxm.com.

So, we’re basically looking at a Sirius XM radio that can squirt out audio either via an aux-out connection or via an FM transmitter.  No word on when it might launch, though Sirius XM has requested a 45 day confidentiality period on the user guide, test photos and the like, suggesting it’ll be here in less than two months.

[via Wireless Goodness]

Sirius XM has announced that the XM SkyDock is now available to purchase across the country. The device is available to purchase online at the Apple Store and in retail outlets like Best Buy, Radio Shack, and other places. Subscribers can use the SkyDock to get access to all available satellite radio content based on their subscription.

The SkyDock is compatible with the iPod touch first and second generation as well as all iPhone models that are running OS 3.0. The SkyDock uses PowerConnect technology for a simple installation and has an auxiliary output. The device sells for $119.99 and the associated app is free.

Both portrait and landscape screen orientations are supported, and there’s also a line-in port and a magnetic-mount antenna.  Both first and second generation iPod touch models are supported, together with all three versions of iPhone – original, 3G and 3GS – as long as each is running iPhone OS 3.0.

The XM SkyDock will be available in fall 2009, priced at $119.99, while the accompanying software will be released at the same time through the App Store.  You’ll obviously also need a subscription to Sirius XM radio.

Press Release:

SIRIUS XM RADIO INTRODUCES THE FIRST DEVICE TO RECEIVE LIVE SATELLITE RADIO CONTROLLED BY THE iPOD TOUCH AND iPHONE

XM SkyDock allows customers to enjoy live XM and “The Best of SIRIUS” in their vehicles using the iPod touch or iPhone

NEW YORK–August 26, 2009–SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today introduced XM SkyDock, the first satellite radio controlled by an iPod touch or iPhone. The XM SkyDock is also one of the first products to take advantage of the new hardware control capabilities of iPhone OS 3.0.

Designed for easy use through the existing vehicle audio system, SkyDock has a built-in XM tuner controlled by a free App that users download from the App Store. The App allows control of the XM tuner using the capabilities of the iPod touch or iPhone Multi-Touch user interface. SkyDock will also charge iPod touch and iPhone devices while listening to live satellite radio.

“XM SkyDock will allow millions of users to add live SIRIUS XM Radio capability to their iPod touch or iPhone while in their vehicle,” said Bob Law, Group Vice President and General Manager, After Market Division, SIRIUS XM Radio. “XM SkyDock makes their favorite programming from XM and ‘The Best of SIRIUS’ available to iPod touch and iPhone users anywhere they drive, coast to coast.”

Listeners can use their iPod touch and iPhone to listen to all their favorite sports, talk, news, entertainment and commercial-free music programming, including Oprah Radio, MLB Home Plate, the PGA TOUR Network, Opie & Anthony, Bob Edwards, Jamie Foxx and Blue Collar Comedy. For the first time, subscribers can also listen to the complete “Best of SIRIUS” package, including Howard Stern and his two 24/7 channels, Martha Stewart Living Radio, SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, sports play-by-play and the Playboy Radio channel, all controlled by the iPod touch and iPhone.

Listeners can also tag songs they hear on XM’s music channels for later purchase from the iTunes Store–including songs on XM’s 24/7 artist branded commercial-free channels such as Jimmy Buffett’s Radio Margaritaville, Elvis Radio, Eminem’s Shade 45, The Grateful Dead Channel, B.B. King’s Bluesville, Willie Nelson’s Willie’s Place, Siriusly Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Radio. Other features include game alerts and sports ticker, artist and song alerts as well as a stock ticker.

The XM SkyDock is a perfect companion to the SIRIUS XM Premium Online App, which allows subscribers to receive SIRIUS XM’s Premium Internet service on their iPhone and iPod touch when they are out of the vehicle and on-the-go, at home, or at the office.

XM SkyDock comes with SIRIUS XM’s patent-pending PowerConnect technology, which simplifies Do-It-Yourself vehicle installation, working through the existing vehicle radio and making it easy to move from vehicle to vehicle. An Aux In Cable is a standard in-box accessory to facilitate Aux In connections in vehicles with Aux In capability. SkyDock’s flexible stalk optimizes the iPod touch or iPhone placement in the vehicle. Customers can view the touch-screen interface in portrait or landscape modes. Accessories include Magnetic Mount Antenna and spacers to accommodate the various iPod touch and iPhone product generations.

XM SkyDock is compatible with iPod touch (1st generation), iPod touch (2nd generation), iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. All models require iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

XM SkyDock will be sold in stores and will also be available at www.shop.xmradio.com with an MSRP $119.99 in fall 2009. The XM SkyDock App will be available at the same time.

This device has been granted preliminary approval by the Federal Communications Commission but is still undergoing evaluation by the Commission.

For more information on XM, please visit www.xmradio.com

According to customer services, it’s possible to lock your current rates by subscribing for a full three years.  Of course, that could end up costing you more money in the long-run, as you’ll be tied to a significant contract.  It’s unclear whether any of the Sirius XM channels will be altered, or if new content will be added to reflect the price increases. 

Subscriptions for the Base, Best of, and A la Carte packages remain unchanged.  This is likely to be in an attempt to pacify the FCC, who have been watching Sirius XM closely since the two companies merged.

Navigation is via a rotary dial and basic buttons, and memory is courtesy of a microSD card; the XMp3 can handle cards up to 8GB in size, which would be enough for up to 100 hours of audio.  Both instant recording and scheduled recording is supported, as well as automatic recording of favorite channels.

A dock is provided, complete with remote control, meaning the XMp3 can be used as part of a home audio setup; the kit supplies a home antenna and cables.  It measures in at 3-3/5 x 2 x 3/5-inches, and weighs 3.2oz, and will be priced at $279.99 when it becomes available in an estimated 1-2 weeks.

[via Orbitcast]

The voice control is particularly clever.  Rather than rely on preset commands which a user must memorise, the three ICE units can recognise natural speech; therefore, you could say “I want to listen to some Britney Spears” and, after briefly laughing at you, the AVIC-F will locate some among its playback options – CD, DVD, iPod, connected USB storage or SD card.  The same technology is used for handsfree cellphone dialling, with the system giving verbal options for mobile, home or business numbers under the same contact.

Sound itself is handled via Pioneer’s Supertuner IIID AM/FM tuner, XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and HD Radio connectivity, three sets of RCA outputs and 50 Watts X 4 high power amplifier.

Of course, just as with the functionality, the pricing is high-end too.  Pioneer’s MRSP for the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT are $850, $1,100 and $1,200 respectively.  They’re expected to launch in June 2008.

Press Release

Pioneer Advances Beyond Navigation with Launch of AVIC-F Series

New Pioneer Products Offer Consumers Enhanced Navigation and Entertainment Features Paired with Sophisticated Voice Control

SAN DIEGO –(Business Wire)– Apr. 19, 2008 Pioneer’s commitment to providing consumers with the ultimate in-car entertainment experience has led to three new product offerings that go beyond the typical navigation system. The Pioneer AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and Premier branded AVIC-F90BT combine a multitude of functional entertainment capabilities with advanced navigation features that fit the lifestyle of today’s on-the-go consumers. The on-dash AVIC-F500BT, recently unveiled at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show, joins the same elite family of in-dash AVIC-F series navigation systems.

Each of the highly sophisticated in-dash navigation systems enable users to link and control their personal devices. Apple iPod(R) connectivity, Bluetooth(R), MSN(R) Direct, HD(R) radio, XM(R) and SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio, single CD, DVD video playback and compressed audio and video playback through USB and SD memory devices are among the players’ numerous capabilities. Additionally, each unit offers an advanced conversational voice recognition system for hands-free dialing of compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phones and control of an entire music collection on iPod players.

“Pioneer’s AVIC-F series navigation systems are the ideal solution for millions of drivers who want an in-car product that can be easily integrated with other mobile personal devices, whether it is an iPod or Bluetooth enabled cell phone,” said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile business group at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “These offerings create a higher level in-car experience with navigation, entertainment and voice recognition capabilities – beyond what anyone will find on almost all current standard navigation systems in the market.”

Beyond Voice Control

A focal feature of all three systems is the highly sophisticated voice recognition feature collaborated with VoiceBox Technologies, allowing users to control connected iPod players and compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phones by voice. In addition, the systems differentiate from others on the market with features including conversational commands and intent recognition.

The navigation systems analyze every day conversational commands to initiate music playback and phone calling functions. Users can simply say, “Let’s hear artist Usher” or “I want to listen to artist Chris Brown,” to play back songs from specified artists in their iPods. Users can request music using the artist name, album name, playlist name and music genre.

The AVIC-F Series systems also allow conversational elements from the user’s speech such as stumbles and pauses without failing the command. For example, when the user says, “I want to, ah, play artist, um, Black Eyed Peas,” the system distinguishes the command phrase from the extra unwanted words to perform the desired function.

In the hands-free phone mode with a compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phone, the system utilizes intent recognition. From a command such as, “Call Robert Smith,” the AVIC-F systems can identify the contact without specifying the category it is stored in the phone. These units will prompt users with additional information by responding, “I have three numbers for Robert Smith – home, mobile and office. Which would you like to call?” The user can then provide the additional information without restating the command.

Beyond Entertainment

The AVIC-F navigation systems simultaneously operate as high-end audio and video entertainment sources. Each unit feature a 5.8-inch high resolution WVGA touch panel display which users can easily access various forms of entertainment. The AVIC-F700BT starts with a single CD/CD-R/RW playback mechanism while the AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT are further equipped with CD/CD-R/RW/DVD/DVD-R/RW video playback, capable of reading MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC, Wave, DivX(1) and MPEG4(1) files.

Each unit also includes a USB interface for quick connection to iPod music players, portable media players and USB memory device. For extra convenience, SD memory filled with additional Points of Interest information or compressed audio and video, slides directly into the SD card slot located in front of each unit. When any external device is plugged in, the systems will instantly recognize the source allowing users access and control through the touch panel display and/or voice control (iPod only). Pioneer also added a mini-jack A/V input on the face of each unit for immediate connection to other portable devices, such as camcorders and video players.

As high-end source units, each system is equipped with its Pioneer’s unprecedented Supertuner IIID AM/FM tuner, XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and HD Radio connectivity, three sets of RCA outputs and 50 Watts X 4 high power amplifier.

Beyond Navigation

Each system utilizes flash memory to obtain quicker mapping information and allow an “always on” navigation state. The comprehensive map database from Tele Atlas(R) covers the entire United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii enabling users to route to millions of destinations. The database includes more than 12-million points of interest (POI), for destinations such as gas stations, ATMs, hotels and restaurants which can be easily searched either near a current location, or close to a specified destination. Categories of POIs can be overlaid onto the map for quick identification further enhancing the navigation experience. On the AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT model, specific landmarks are illustrated using 3-dimentional icons.

As an added benefit, each system employs a Text-to-Speech (TTS) function to further improve its assistance capabilities. Unlike some navigation systems, the AVIC-F models will announce street names in addition to turning instructions ensuring users are warned ahead of time. Drivers will hear, “turn right on Broadway,” instead of simply prompting, “Turn right ahead.”

The AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT products also feature MSN(R) Direct connectivity. With a paid MSN subscription(2), users will receive updated traffic, weather forecasts, gas prices and movie time information for more than 100 cities across the United States and Canada. At a glance, traffic incidents and traffic flow are displayed directly on the map indicated by different colored lines and traffic icons. The navigation systems automatically integrates with the MSN Direct data allowing users to route to gas stations and movie theaters of choice with a simple touch of the screen.

As an added benefit of the integrated SD card slot, Pioneer’s systems are ready for updates and additional POI information. Using a PC application from Pioneer, users with compatible PCs can create and store new points of interests onto an SD memory card for the navigation system to reference. This is especially helpful when users want to add their personalized POIs.

Beyond Integration

The Pioneer AVIC-F navigation systems can be fully integrated into nearly any car with a double DIN dash opening. With up to 32,768 customizable illumination colors, users can establish a refined factory OEM look and feel.

For safety and convenience, each unit is equipped with a camera input and back-up trigger. These systems will automatically display images from a separately purchased camera when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The feature is extremely useful in large automobiles where it can be difficult to see behind the vehicle.

The Pioneer AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and Premier AVIC-F90BT will be available in June 2008 for a suggested price of $850, $1,100 and $1,200 respectively.

Pioneer’s Mobile Entertainment Division is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, advanced connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier electronic products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is http://www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment(TM).

(1) DivX and MPEG4 playback not available through USB and SD card slot.

(2) MSN Direct is a subscription service that delivers traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather data, and more to personal navigation devices to over 100 cities in the United States and Canada. After the initial trial subscription included with the AVIC-900BT and AVIC-F90BT, an optional subscription service fee is required for MSN Direct services. -0-

               Pioneer AVIC-F Series Navigation Systems
----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Features                            AVIC-F700BT AVIC-F900BT  Premier
                                                            AVIC-F90BT
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3D Landmark Icon                         -                     Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Built-in MSN Direct Tuner                -          Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
5.8-inch WVGA LCD Touch Panel           Yes         Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Built-in Bluetooth Technology           Yes         Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conversational Voice Recognition        Yes         Yes        Yes
 for Bluetooth
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Audio/Video Direct Control for Ipod CD-IU230V   CD-IU230V     Cable
                                      required    required   Included
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conversational Voice Recognition        Yes         Yes        Yes
 for iPod
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DVD Video Playback                       -          Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback on DVD       -          Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback on CD       Yes         Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback from        Yes         Yes        Yes
 USB Memory Devices or SD Memory
 Card
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Back-Up Camera Ready                    Yes         Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XM and Satellite Radio Capability       Yes         Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
HD Radio Capability                     Yes         Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi-Voltage Preouts                       -           -         Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
50W x 4 High Power Amplifier            Yes         Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Availability                          June 08     June 08    June 08
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Suggested Price                        $850        $1100      $1200
----------------------------------------------------------------------

After the Justice Department decision the FCC has been getting a lot of pressure from the parties that are interested in seeing this merger fail as the FCC is the last stop for the merger before Sirius is allowed to buy XM for the estimated 4.59 billion dollars. The NAB has to be the biggest opposition to the merger with it backing the interests of just about every AM/FM station there is.

The concern is that the merger would drive costs of hardware so far down, and programming so far down that there wouldn’t be much of a reason to listen to the commercial-ridden mediocrity that is broadcast radio anymore. Of course that’s not how the NAB states it, but the honest truth of it is that if the AM/FM stations were offering up even remotely competitive content there’d be little to no reason to pay a monthly amount just for commercial free radio, but they aren’t and satellite radio is simply amazing. So, I personally hope this merger goes through and things are looking up for the two companies.

[via Reuters]

It has a 7.1 channel HD receivers, HD video distribution system, and can disperse music in up to 12 different zones. There is a Control4 system for home automation control, an in-wall iPod dock with content navigation and control, and a 400 disc DVD/CD changer with a management system.

There is also a Blu-Ray disc player and AM, FM, XM, and Sirius tuners. The confusing part is where it only has 160GB of storage space on the music server, everyone in the industry is trying to pack in as many terabytes as humanly possible to satiate their customers and Sony comes to the table with a 160GB, something I could find in my iPod. There is of course some customization available, base price for one of these rackmounted systems is $40k and tops out at about $85k, enjoy.

[via ubergizmo]

Basically the biggest issue is that up until now terrestrial radio services (AM/FM) haven’t really seen satellite radio as too much of a threat, but now they are worried that if the two companies merge they’ll actually have to earn their audience again. But Clear Channel isn’t dead set against the merger, in fact with some conditions they are more or less ok with it, those being as follows: first, the FCC should cut the amount of spectrum available to the new satellite radio giant that would be formed, second, they should bar them from getting into local broadcasting, so that at least local radio stations will still be needed for local news, traffic, and weather, and third, they require the company to start integrating HD Radio receivers into all of their receivers.

That last one is the one that interests me the most, because I’d love to see HD Radio get some widespread distribution and integrating it into satellite radio receivers would definitely get that done and would be a value added feature for the satellite receivers prompting current subscribers to upgrade and likely prompting a wave of new customers. That third point is also being backed by iBiquity Digital who develops HD Radios and the HD Radio Alliance who is obviously a major proponent of HD Radio.

[via ArsTechnica]

It is also looking like current receivers from either provider will be offering up both their initial provider’s channels and a few from the other company. So, for example, Sirius receivers should be able to play a few of XM’s channels after the merger. But receivers released after the merger should be able to play the full line from both providers.

I know the National Association of Broadcasters has been shedding a negative light on the whole matter, saying it’s bad for the consumer. But I think these concerns were echoed in the FCC meetings and has been the cause for plans for such a reasonable deal. Is $6.95 plus the initial hardware cost worth never having to hear a commercial on the radio again? I think so.

A la carte ordering coming to XM/Sirius [via autoblog]

It might, however, be a case of what’s not said being more important, as Gene Kimmelman of the Consumers Union suggests:

“The heads of XM and Sirius want consumers to believe that prices won’t rise after a merger, but that’s probably not the case. By highlighting a price freeze for the old package of services, they leave the impression that’s what consumers will pay for the new, combined offerings. But they haven’t really said what the new prices will be”

That points to a potential hike for anyone wanting to take advantage of whatever new features are rolled out post-merger.  Gene is also loathe to trust the satellite radio companies to fairly manage the situation of their own accord; having seen the evidence, I’d be reluctant too.

What I didn’t know was that two of the primary clauses from the initial licencing back in the late nineties was that XM and Sirius wouldn’t merge and that the standards they used would be interoperable.  Rather than the current situation where buyers of, say, an XM radio who want to swap to Sirius’ service are faced with redundant hardware and a big bill for new equipment, you were supposed to be able to continue using your radio and just switch subscriptions.

It makes for a poor comparison to the DMB Digital Radio service available here in the UK, and – on a broader level again – the wealth of internet radio stations as accessed via computers or standalone media players (such as the TerraTec NOXON iRadio I reviewed last week). 

The Consumers Union have called for a delay in the merger until these questions about consumer choice and value for money have been answered.

Consumers Beware [eHomeUpgrade]