Unlike AM/FM radio, satellite radio requires specific equipment to receive its signal. Satellite radio receivers are the primary piece of equipment necessary to properly receive and listen to satellite radio programming. There are a variety of satellite radio receivers on the market for all kinds of applications.
Function
A satellite radio receiver is necessary to decode the programming signal sent from your satellite radio provider. The receiver garners the audio signal from the antenna, usually included with the receiver package, and processes it so that it can be heard. When you activate your satellite radio account, you unlock your receiver allowing it to decode the satellite programming signal.
Types
There have long been two North American satellite radio providers Sirius and XM. Traditionally, equipment was specific to one provider meaning that Sirius receivers were not compatible with XM and vice versa. As of July 2008, the satellite radio providers merged into Sirius XM Radio. Currently, equipment is still specific to each individual company; however, they have begun merging their programming offerings and fully compatible equipment/programming should be available in the future.
Significance
Satellite radio has long been linked to car audio where it provides a diverse selection of channels for the daily commute. Many vehicles come with satellite radio built in and a variety of aftermarket satellite radio receivers are designed with vehicles in mind. Several types of satellite radio receivers exist for vehicle use: plug and play receivers, which can be mounted to the dash or air vent and transfer between your vehicle and home; satellite ready receivers, which require a separate plug-in tuner like the XM mini-tuner but provide a built-in car stereo receiver for controlling the programming; and built-in satellite radio receivers which don't require extra equipment and operate just like any car tuner once activated. Plug and play receivers use various methods of connecting to your existing car stereo including FM modulator, cassette adaptor or auxiliary input.
Benefits
Outside of the car there are a number of other types of satellite radio receivers. Plug and play receivers of course work beyond the vehicle; however, they require an audio system with speakers to play music. Home kits allow for installation into an existing home audio system while docks or boomboxes allow a quick, portable connection. Portable satellite receivers like the Pioneer Inno allow the listener to travel anywhere and listen to satellite radio programming using a built-in antenna and headphones. Separate portable kits are available for older receivers for the same purpose. Home audio satellite receivers like the Polk XRt12 are component-style receivers that stack into your stereo system and provide the best audio. Receivers are even available for boats.
Misconceptions
XM-ready or Sirius-ready receivers require the purchase and connection of a separate tuner, such as the XM mini-tuner, for reception. These "ready" devices can be deceiving to consumers that believe all they need is activation. The advantage of a satellite-ready receiver is that you can use the same home audio or car receiver to control your satellite radio tuning, without having to install a separate receiver.
Tags: satellite radio, satellite radio, satellite radio receivers, radio receivers, play receivers
