Breaking News: XM to raise rates but include extras for subscribers (1 Viewer)

[Ronald Epstein]

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.

 

[DaveF]

XM had gone commercial-free. Have they abandoned that and brought back ads?

(I had XM for about 6 months with my new Honda. I enjoyed it, but I didn't listen enough to make it worth the $6 promo rate I was paying, let alone the new $13 / month.)

 

[Dave Lindhorst]

Ronald

The recent price increase is a direct cost added because of the crazy contract Howard got. I for one will not pay to feed hid ego or his pockets.

And for the record normal FM is anything but HD. FM is good but definately not HI FI by any stretch of the imagination.

Advertising will only get to be more and more. I remember when they were originally talking about pay TV. No Adds. Look at Satilite now. No different than regular broadcast television.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Some misunderstandings here...


Of course not!

I was referring to HD FM. You haven't heard of it?

 

[Dave Lindhorst]

Ron,

No I haven't really heard of it.

I am not sure but I don't believe we have it in this market yet.

Saskatoon Saskatchewan is not the test bed for new technology, unless its wireless internet.

Sorry for my ignorance of this concept.

 

[TheLongshot]

And on talk radio, comercials are a nessecity. The hosts need a break every once in a while. Might as well run comercials during that time.

Jason