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03-24-2005, 01:02 AM
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#31 of 46 
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Member
Location: Los Angeles
Join Date: May 2001
Local Time: 12:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 905
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I'm sure no one in the universe cares whether or not I renew my XM subscription, but since I was the first person to respond to Ron's post, I thought I'd add an update.
Although I'm not thrilled with the price increase, XM saved a subscriber with two events over the past 10 days or so.
The Vox classical channel ran a historical recording in its entirety from the early 20th century. It had limited fidelity and, I understand, the XM engineers were plotzing over the thing. But the performance was absolutely remarkable. ONLY XM radio would do this. And THAT'S WHY I LOVE XM!!
Last Saturday, XM radio ran all 12-hours of a Stephen Sondheim tribute and did it LIVE from NYC. ONLY XM radio would do this! It was incredible, a genuine piece of music history.
I can't say no to great programming like that. So, until they add another three golf channels and more redneck auto racing and cancel the channels I enjoy to save bandwidth, I'm staying with XM.
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03-24-2005, 08:46 AM
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#32 of 46
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Member
Join Date: Oct 1999
Local Time: 04:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 398
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The Lifetime Plan is actually covered under factory warranty for the factory built units that are compatible (has a "SAT" button). It is also honored if you show a police report proving theft.
My point was mostly refering to pushing Satellite Radios with new vehicles as a future standard feature once XM and Sirius get *ahem* sirious about market penetration. A one time fee makes perfect sense.
In the case of PNP units I see where you are coming from and you are right, it would not apply as much. But let's face it, why would you want to switch a Lifetime Membership from a car kit to a PNP when you can add a PNP for $6.99 a month and have both? I don't think many would give up the clean install look of a car kit once you get used to it.
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03-24-2005, 11:10 AM
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#33 of 46
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Jason
Member
Join Date: May 2000
Local Time: 04:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 4,439
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Quote:
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My point was mostly refering to pushing Satellite Radios with new vehicles as a future standard feature once XM and Sirius get *ahem* sirious about market penetration. A one time fee makes perfect sense.
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Why do you say a one time fee makes sense? It may make sense for the consumer, but it doesn't make business sense for XM. Why do this when you don't have to? That's why when Sirius aquires more subscribers, I think their Lifetime plan will not be available to new subscribers eventually.
On the subject of cars, I test drove the new VW Jetta last month. Pretty nice car. The nice thing about the new factory radio is that it is compatible with both sat services. Pretty nice.
Jason
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03-27-2005, 09:29 PM
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#34 of 46
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Local Time: 03:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 16
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As a consumer, I am always leary of "lifetime" memberships as they usually represent a HUGE risk for the busiess offering them [one time cash inflow vs ongoing outflow]. That said, it would work for SAT radio if they work it into OEM units and charge the fees with the sale of a vechicle.
For now, I'll accept the increase as IMHO I'm still geting value for the money even at the new pricepoint. I've given them this one but they'll have to EARN the next one.
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04-01-2005, 05:51 PM
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#35 of 46
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2000
Local Time: 02:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 1,918
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just a reminder tomorrow 4/2 is the last day to lock in at the lower rates
5 years for me
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04-04-2005, 07:39 PM
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#36 of 46
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Member
Join Date: Mar 1999
Local Time: 02:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 2,106
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I have to say that it is nice to be able to listen to XM online now. (I didn't pay to subscribe to that service before.) My only minor complaint is that their interface only allows for eight "presets". That's kinda goofy. Also, be sure you click on "Settings" in the lower left-hand corner and change the bandwidth setting to "high" so that you get 64 kbps instead of 32 kpbs, because apparently it's set to 32 kpbs by default.
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04-05-2005, 07:46 AM
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#37 of 46
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Ronald Epstein
Owner
Join Date: Jul 1997
Local Time: 03:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 23,703
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I take it you can access XMOnline through
the main page?
Yeah, it's odd that an XM addict like me
hasn't checked it out yet, but realize I
have an XM optical connection in my office
so computer streaming is unecessary.
On the other hand, when I am on the road, I
would love to pump XM through my laptop.
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04-05-2005, 09:51 PM
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#38 of 46
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Member
Join Date: Mar 1999
Local Time: 02:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 2,106
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Quote:
I take it you can access XMOnline through
the main page?
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Yes, Ron. Click on the "Listen Now" link at the top right-hand corner of the page. If it's your first time to listen online you'll have to set up a user id and password (yes, for some silly reason it's separate from your other user id/password you use to manage your account). From that point it's fairly self-explanatory.
I also don't use it at work because I have my Delphi boombox there (plus they frown upon people listening to streaming media anyway). However, it is mighty convenient to have it when I'm sitting at one of my computers at home where an XM Radio isn't handy.
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04-06-2005, 12:55 AM
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#39 of 46
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Member
Location: Los Angeles
Join Date: May 2001
Local Time: 12:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 905
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If you want, you can also access XM Online through Windows Media Player 10.
Open up the player and in the top right corner, click the down triangle to open the dropdown menu. Select View > Online Stores > XM Radio Online. That will take you to the login page and, subsequently, to the channel selection interface.
Very handy (even though I'm not a WMP 10 fan particularly.)
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04-07-2005, 01:24 PM
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#40 of 46
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Local Time: 02:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 53
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I don't know about O & A but Howard Stern is garbage, always has been always will be.
As for the price increase I beleive it is just the start. Now that they have enough customers to make some money and everyone has spent $$$$ to have the equipment the price will continue to rise every year for the next 10. Happened with TV, Cable, Propane powered vehicles, natural gas and don't kid yourself now with XM and Sirius.
Don't get me wrong, I think Sat Radio is a great thing but how much are you willing to pay. They will (and you can quote me on this) raise prices until the market will bear no more. Until their subsciber base no longer grows or they see a downword decline in customers. Or somebody else undersells them with a similar service. Until then enjoy the system.
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04-07-2005, 01:47 PM
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#41 of 46
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Ronald Epstein
Owner
Join Date: Jul 1997
Local Time: 03:24 PM
Local Date: 11-18-2008
Posts: 23,703
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Dave,
I disagree.
I think satellite radio in its present
form is here to stay.
Satellite is definately taking a toll
on FM radio and I don't see anything out
there right now that's a real threat to
satellite.
As far as prices going up? I'm not sure
that will happen now that advertisers are
paying more attention to satellite. I think
satellite radio (at least XM) is getting
close to breaking even on their investments
and the fact that advertising is on the rise,
there's a new revenue source coming in.
The only thing that has bothered me about
satellite radio from day one is the bandwidth.
Though I am certainly happy with the quality
of satellite radio in my car and home, I can't
help but yearn for CD or HD quality. With these
services putting more emphasis into entertainment
and sports programming, I doubt the music
will ever get any more bandwidth than it
already has.
No, HD radio is not the answer. Why would
anyone want to go back to commercial-radio
and the awful programming it provides just
for the sake of High-Definition quality?
Just my thoughts.
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