I'm buying a Satelite radio tomorrow. What do I need to know?

[romantico]

I going to Best Buy tomorrow on my day off to buy a sateltie radio.Been thinking about it for a while but after hearing Air Amercia will be available on XM, I made up my mind. I know very little about satelite radio. Anyone know what kind of questions I should ask? Anyone here own a satelite radio? If I buy a satelite radio,I notice some come with a car kit.Does this have to be installed or can I just take it with me if I want to listen on the road.ANy tips would be appreciated.Thanks!

[GOPisEvil]

1. Two ways to get satellite radio in the car.

1. A radio (head unit) that is XM-ready. This necessitates an external antenna.

2. An adapter (RF modulator) that uses the existing radio and plays through an FM frequency.

The second is cheaper, and allows you to buy a unit that can go from car to house very easily.

I really want Sirius to carry Air America, because Clear Channel invests in XM, but...sometimes the bullet must be bitten.

[romantico]

2. Can I buy the adapter at Best Buy?

How much do they run?Thanks for the reply!

[romantico]

3. ALso, does anyone know

WIll it just be Al Franken's show available on XM or all shows.

[GOPisEvil]

4. I'm sure you can buy the whole shebang there at Best Buy.

:-)

[TriadLeftist]

5. XM & Air America?

That is the first I have heard of that. I went to xmradio.com and there is no mention of it. I hope it's true - got a link?

[GOPisEvil]

8. Here!

http://www.airamericaradio.com/

[mac56]

6. I believe Sirius is also planning to carry Air America.

Sirius is generally more progressive than XM.

[DancingBear]

9. Is this confirmed?

If so, I will definitely go with Sirius. Both companies have a three month free/free install program on selected new cars.

[mac56]

11. No, not confirmed.

The new Air America website confirms that they'll be on XM, though.

Add: I've also heard rumors that they'll be carried on the audio feed on Dish Network.

[DancingBear]

7. As long as you're going to bite the bullet

Check out the home adapter kit as well - this allows XM to be heard both in the car and at home, if you'd like. There is no additional charge for the XM service, but I think the adapter kit (home) sells for about $100 or so (really all it is is a mod/demod unit) and can used on just about any radio, as long as the radio a) has output jacks and b) uses RCA pin jacks. Almost all stereo receivers comply (even Bose Wave radios will work) - if there is a question bring the radio along with you, if you decide you want to hear Air America everywhere you go.

As a heads up, I got my XM free for three months when I bought my car (actually, I haven't gotten the car yet, but it will be free when I do!), but before that I talked quite a bit to the folks at Tweeter, and they were quite helpful. If there is one in your area you may want to stop in,

[TriadLeftist]

10. Had XM for about a year

And I love it. The only problem is that with the FM modulator I can't get any local radio stations - the only time I miss that is in football/basketball seasons (ACC). That is so cool that Air America will be on!