Reported on 6 July, for the first time this year, subscriptions for XM and Sirius are growing, through their partnerships with automakers including Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Honda.
Reported on 11 Jul, XM Satellite Radio is adding to its Xpress product line, and its partner Audiovox has introduced an in-dash car radio. At the same time, manufacturers of several XM radios plan to discontinue certain models. XM will stop including SureConnect, its wired-FM modulator solution, in packaging of plug-and-plays since the new Xpress models feature SureConnect. When the FCC looked into the problem of wireless FM modulators from satcasters and other products interfering with terrestrial radio stations last year, XM began including its wired FM modulator solution in radio packaging for plug-and-plays; it indicated a wired FM modulator would be the long-term solution for the issue as some customers were not correctly using the devices. The new Audiovox XpressEZ and XpressR XM plug-and-play satellite radios are shipping to retailers in July. XM manufacturing partners will discontinue the Sportscaster, Delphi SkyFi2, Samsung Helix and Samsung NeXus. The Pioneer Inno, which matches the Helix in features, will continue to be available through the holidays. ABU-DigitalRadio-Aug2007 Page 3 of 4
ABU Digital Radio Forum Sunday, 29th July 2007
Delphi will continue to offer the SKYFi3 and the RoadyXT. Audiovox will continue to offer the original Xpress radio.
Reported on 11 Jul, XM has introduced the XM CommanderMT from Audiovox, which is said to work with any AM/FM car stereo regardless of the vehicle’s make, brand or year. The unit will alert the user when a favorite song, artist or sports team is being played on another channel. The CommanderMT works with the portable XM Mini-Tuner, a removable cartridge containing the XM subscription that can be used to access XM Radio programming through other compatible car and home products. The unit will be shipped to stores in the USA in July and will list for US$179.99.
Reported on 20 Jul, Fiat has announced that it will be the first automaker to install and distribute WorldSpace radios when the satellite digital radio company begins broadcasting in Italy, likely in late 2008. WorldSpace reported that Fraunhofer has a radio in development and testing. Beginning in late 2009, Fiat will introduce factory-installed WorldSpace satellite radios as optional equipment on some Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia models. Fiat will also sell aftermarket WorldSpace satellite radios. Under a marketing agreement reached between the two companies, WorldSpace will carry a dedicated Fiat channel.
(Source: ABU Digital Radio/Aug 07)