First, has anyone had a sat radio installed in their G35c. I am scheduled for a Tues installation by my dealer. And I can't decide on XM or Sirius. I checked their programing out on their sites. One is commercial free, but XM seems to have more channels. Would appreciate additional advice on this.

 

well, I'm a bit late with this but here goes. XM in my opinion is too repetative in both content and hawking their wares. I listen to old time radio, sonic theater, and comedy. These channels are rife with self serving ads for old time radio and when radio was tapes. The comedy stuff is funny but looses it's luster about the 20th time you hear it. I really detest the ads for XM's other channels. I'm listening to sonic theater and I get ads for music channels. I just think it's in poor taste to flood a channel with what is on the others. If I wanted the others I'd be there.

<font color=blue>Coupe, CB, 5AT, Areo, Perf, Prem, Nav, Willow lthr, Sat?, Pedals, Grd, Bra.</font color=blue>

 

I'd be interesting in hearing what choice you ended up making.
I ordered my coupe with XM since I already have 2 subs, was thinking of changing to Sirius on this car just for variety but so far can find no compelling reason.

Sirius as a company worries me more than XM as management at Sirius seems not to have a good marketing direction in place. Their lack of subscriber growth and serious dilution over the past year looks omnious to me.

I guess the head unit works with either in the coupe so it comes down to a $400 receiver change if one company does not make it. Worth it?

 

I have Sirius and love it!!! No commercials and a wide variety of music from oldies to rock to hip-hop, etc. As far as the future of Sirius, I believe it will be around for some time, and if not, the equipment would probably not be obsolete if it were taken over by another company. ie: XM

 

I've ordered XM for the customer base strenght having your same concerns. I would suspect that if Sirius goes under, someone will pick up their subscriber base. Similar to the way cable and long distance companies come and go. You may be out for days or a couple of weeks but any good business group would jump at trying a new business plan with an established customer base. Maybe XM would pick up the Sirius folks and offer programming to satisfy those that wish it to be commercial free. ...dean

Seattle 'Eastside' area
'R' Order - IP/Graphite 6MT Coupe; Prem., Nav. & XM [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

 

is this an aftermarket radio that you ordered with satellite? The dealer where I am said they have no idea when the tuner is coming out for the G35.

 

Latest I hear is that its only a matter of weeks before the stock Sat will be available for installation in prewired vehicles. Actually, all the parts are available. Infinity dealers are really just waiting for official installation instructions.

 

Well actually, I'm expecting it to be factory installed. ...dean

Seattle 'Eastside' area
'R' Order - IP/Graphite 6MT Coupe; Prem., Nav. & XM [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

 

>>is this an aftermarket radio that you ordered with satellite? >>The dealer where I am said they have no idea when the >>tuner is coming out for the G35.

Its not the tuner thats the problem. The G35 has been coming from the factory with that... its the receiver that hooks to the tuner that everyone is/was waiting for.

 

It will just be a matter of time before all land-based radio stations go digital as well, to compete with satellite radio. Already heard about a few in the works.

PROS:
1. Land-based digital radio with have better quality.-- 95% of XM & Sirius receivers are only slightly better in quality then current FM broadcasts. Run it through an FM Modulator, and bye bye quality. Nowhere near CDs.

2. Less signal Loss -- Weather will not affect Land-based systems, nor will large buildings or other natural obstructions.

3. No Cost -- Speaks for itself.

4. Data Transmissions along same data stream -- This will allow song information and other stuff to be displayed while listening. This is also true for current Satellite Radio as well.

CONS
1. Will not be commercial free. -- The radio stations, even once gone to digital will still need to be paid. Goes hand in hand with PRO #3.

2. No National Coverage -- Stations will be independent, and localized. To me, this is one of Satellite Radio's best features. Land based systems are just that, land based. Hence, they will still have a range on their signal, just like current local OTA digital TV broadcasts and current FM broadcasts.

3. Less selection -- Since individual radio stations will be broadcasting their own signals, there will be no CNN, no ESPN, etc. You will tune to their station, and listen to whatever that station plays, just like you do now. Hopefully, due to the capacity a digital system opens up, different media CO.'s like CNN & ESPN will find it a little more feasible to broadcast their channels in specific metro areas across the US. since they will be able to broadcast multiple channels on one data stream. This could help eliminate this "CON" altogether.

Either way, both systems have their pros & cons. And who knows, if the FCC and broadcast companies handle digital radio the same way they do High Definition TV, it may be several years (or decades) before it becomes mainstream.

Point is, whenever this does become mainstream, both XM & Sirius will be in some trouble. Of course, thats what they said about DirecTV and Dish Network too, once Cable companies started rolling out digital cable. But it will happen. Its only a matter of time.

 

Don't forget the anti trust issues if Sirius goes under. Most definately there will be someone who picks it up and keeps subscribers happy. Since Sirius is already up and running, it will be very desirable for an aquiring company.

XM will also be put in a shitty position of Sirius craps out. The legal repurcussions would be interesting to say the least!

Guess what my occupation is? ;-)

He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.

 

i installed it and it's wonderful! Hooked up this Friday. I even mounted the antenna on the interior rear deck. Check it out. And yes, the reception is great!

http://www.cardomain.com/id/edretti

Edretti
2003 Nissan 350z Track Daytona Blue
2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe 6mt Loaded Brillant Silver