Seeking an end to commercials and pint-size playlists, four-million-plus Americans have already embraced satellite radio. You should, too. Here’s a look at your options. — S.S.
SIRIUSPackage: More than 120 channels of music, news, and sports programming, ranging from all-Elvis stations to
English Premier League broadcasts.
Highlights: Full
NBA and
NFL coverage, plus contributions from BBC World Service, Court TV, Maxim, and NPR.
Celebrity Guests:Show hosts include
Eminem,
Lance Armstrong, Tony Hawk, “Little”
Steven Van Zandt, and, beginning in 2006, Howard Stern.
Pricing: $13/month buys unlimited access to broadcast/streaming audio and
Internet access. Prospective subscribers can access a complimentary three-day online trial.
Star Players: Groove on the move with the Stream Jockey ($139), or record favorite segments using the ReGo ($349).
Verdict: Solid service at an affordable price. Party on.
XMPackage:A whopping 152 channels of diverse entertainment, talk, and traffic selections, including live-band performances and
CNN En Español.
Highlights:Direct feed from
MLB and
NASCAR events, plus Starbucks-, MTV-, Roc-a-Fella Records-, and VH1-branded networks.
Celebrity Guests:Bob Edwards, Dr. Laura Schlesinger, Tom Petty, Opie & Anthony, and
Snoop Dogg (for rizz-eal).
Pricing:$13/month, and includes Internet access. Or, try an online-only plan for $8/month.
Star Players: Rock and roam with the wireless Delphi MyFi ($350), or pause/replay treasured tunes via the XM SKYFi2 ($120).
Verdict: Proves content is king. Long live XM.