Compatibility tests aren't just for online dating and wine pairing. Electronics, too, earn "in-s... SMART HOME LIFESTYLES: S50
Compatibility tests aren't just for online dating and wine pairing. Electronics, too, earn "in-sync" ratings, now that "integration" is in and "proprietary" is out. Receivers offer built-in MP3 player docks, plasma TVs include TiVo-like commands and cell phones give a whole new dimension to multimedia options. And, if you thought iPods were the missing link between your home computer, office and car, wait until you meet Sirius' new S50, the ultimate in audio "on the go."
The S50 takes an MP3 player, adds a satellite radio receiver and throws in features like voice navigation and a full-color display. Like your TiVo? Then you'll love S50's pause, fast forward and rewind options for your downloaded MP3/WMA files plus your favorite satellite music. The S50's sleek styling measures less than 4 inches tall and an inch thick, with a price tag less than $400.
"The wearable Sirius S50 provides subscribers with extensive versatility when it comes to when, where and how they receive their favorite Sirius programming," said Jim Meyer, president of operations and sales for Sirius. "This small satellite radio is full of exciting, easy-to-navigate features for everyone from the least to the most tech-savvy consumer."
First, the voice navigation feature provides safety and simplicity. In the car, eyes stay safely on the road, and at the gym, workouts remain uninterrupted. Second, the S50 has superior recording options. Unlike standard MP3 players, the addition of the satellite receiver allows you to record your favorite satellite songs or programs - up to 50 hours worth. Finally, the S50 offers game alerts for your favorite teams, sports tickers for up-to-date scores and 30 preset channels.
Besides Star 104.3's morning show, it's rare that I listen to the radio or CDs now that I have Sirius in my car. With more than 120 channels and no commercials, my everyday commute just got a lot less boring. Satellite radio is great for out-of-town trips since the stations are the same everywhere you go, and strong signals mean fewer interruptions on mountainous roads. Plus once you've signed up for service, there is no extra charge to listen online from any computer in the world.
Currently two companies offer satellite radio in the United States, XM Radio and Sirius. Each company spent about $80 million for digital satellite transmission capability. XM uses two Boeing satellites named "Rock" and "Roll" for transmission, and Sirius uses a three-satellite constellation. With both services, programming is beamed to one of their satellites and then transmitted back to the ground where your radio receiver separates the channels within the signal. The receiver is responsible for breaking up the sound data plus encoded information like title, artist and genre from the signal. Just remember, satellite radio is just like satellite television - there has to be a clear path for the signal to get through.
XM Radio and Sirius each offer car radios and home entertainment systems plus kits for portable use. Both have a wide variety of programming options to suit just about any mood, and each run about $13 per month. So which is better? It depends on your taste in music and more likely your choice in cars. Sirius is available in BMW, Chrysler, Land Rover and Porsche vehicles, to name a few. And XM Radio comes standard in most new-car models of Acura, Isuzu, Buick, Porsche, Saab and Volkswagen, and as an option with models including Audi, Hummer, Lexus and Toyota.
Diana Kostigen is marketing and public relations director for COMTEC at 1900 Hendersonville Road, Suite 10, in Asheville. Contact her at 687-2888 or dianak@comtecati.com and visit www.theelectronichome.com .
This is cache, read story here