XM Satellite Radio

In the spring of 2001, XM Radio launched two Boeing HS 702 satellites (one in March, the second in May) and placed them in a parallel geostationary orbit, which is about 22,223 miles above the earth, making xm satellite radio the first real provider of satellite radio programming. On the ground, xm satellite ground stations send a digital signal to the two GEO satellites, which in turn shoots the signals back to earth, to translate the digital signal into clear audible programming using a radio receiver. Each signal contains up to 100 channels of digitized audio. One distinct feature that sets xm satellite radio apart from standard ground airwaves, is the other information that is in embedded with sound. Information such as genre, artist, title and even concert information are displayed on the actual

radio receiver. XM satellite radio receivers start at about $120. Units are available that can be used in the home or car, allowing maximum portability. There is a monthly subscription rate of $9.99. Despite it being a monthly subscription, there are no contracts to sign. Your access gives you over one hundred channels of radio programming. Most of the music channels are commercial free and XM satellite radio has a playlist of over two million titles. The receivers also have presets that you can program, much like you would a car stereo, allowing you to access your favorite programming quickly. That seems like such a small price to pay, to have uncensored programming at your fingertips.