It looks like the big retail stores are getting ready for the growth in SatRad over this next year.

With SIRIUS coming out with new units like the Sportster 4, the upcoming live portable, and the new SIRIUS home connect units fromEton RCA and GE.

The AP did a little story about how SIRIUS and XM need more space in retail stores.. Just some more good news for Sat Rad fans...

"The satellite radio market is changing, and retailers' displays are changing with them.

Marketers cite the growing number of home and portable satellite radio options and the growing convergence of satellite radio tuners for home, portable and in-car use."

"Sirius is also getting into the satellite-ready home audio products, with the first products in its Sirius Connect Home program due in May, a spokeswoman said. The products will include three RCA- and GE-branded products.

Sirius also began March shipments of its first shelf-system docking station for its S50 MP3 player, which time shifts satellite radio songs when docked with a home docking station. The S50 plays the time-shifted songs and stored MP3 files through included headphones. The Sirius-branded S50 Executive System retails for a suggested $249."

more via the AP

GSI is told that "Go to bed with Cosmo" will launch Monday June 5th from 7pm-11pm EST.
SIRIUS Cosmo Radio is on SIRIUS 111

Thanks Jason!

Satellite standard Group is reporting that Home depot is now carrying Sirius Satellite Radio.

A few weeks back, Home depot announced that they would be beginning to carry automotive accessories in some of their stores.

Sirius satellite radio is now available at select home depoot stores, and this happens just in time for the Father's Day push.

Hopefully we will see an expansion of sirius availability at Home Depot, especially with Tony Stewart of NASCAR, who drives the Home Depot #20 car, beginning a show on Sirius.

more via our Alliance Partner SSG

As WE 1st Reported Here!

Debuting in January 2007, Tony Stewart Live will air on SIRIUS' upcoming 24/7 NASCAR channel. The weekly, two-hour show will feature Stewart taking calls from listeners, talking with prominent guests and covering the spectrum of motorsports -- from NASCAR to open-wheel racing and beyond. Matt Yocum, who is a pit reporter for the NASCAR broadcasts on FOX/FX and NBC/TNT, will be Stewart's co-host on Tony Stewart Live.Preview editions of Tony Stewart Live, hosted by Stewart, will begin airing on SIRIUS in October

More

A 2nd NEW SIRIUS commercial is now posted at Sirius.com, entitled "Trunk"
You can watch the latest commercial by visiting Sirius .

Sirius Satellite Radio’s Chris Rathaus, 63, died of Cancer in Hospice in New York this week.

Rathaus was best known for his audio production skills. He was awarded the IRTS Worldwide Gold Metal for best audio production in 1998.

More via Radio Ink

Our Inside Sirius Alliance Partner The Sirius Fan Network is reporting:

NASCAR driver Tony Stewart is expected to announce Friday that he will be joining Sirius Satellite Radio to host his own weekly radio show next year. Stewart hinted at the possibility that he would pursue a broadcasting career during a short stint as a co-host on an Atlanta radio station in earlier this year.

More

Sirius Satellite Radio is launching a daily music show hosted by some of America’s top music bloggers.

Dubbed Blog Radio, the show debuts on May 29 on Left of Center, the satcaster’s college, indie and alt.rock channel 26.

Airing weeknights at 10 p.m. ET, the show will be hosted by a blogger who will showcase his or her favorite music and provide views and insights into the indie rock music scene.

“Blog Radio further solidifies Sirius’ position as the leader in the discovery of new music and demonstrates our commitment to providing a vehicle for independent musicians and opinion makers to be heard,” said Sirius senior VP of music programming Steve Blatter.

UPDATED Below...
RUMOR:
An email tipster, tells Get Sirius Info that yet again a new SIRIUS item that has been announced by Xact Communications will never happen, or be significantly delayed. The XS088 aka the Power Pod II for the Xact Replay Unit (and Starmate Replay) has been scraped. The tipster tells us that they contacted Xact about the XS088 and was told the Power Pod II is a “no go” We at GSI are working to confirm this tip, but we fell it is important to report this. As you know Xact has a habit of announcing new SIRIUS units, and accessories that never happen. Like in infamous REGO that is still a big NOGO. Xact also talked about their own Spotster Replay like packaged unit. The odd thing is that Xact.com has the Rego STILL on its web page, two years after it was it come out. GSI is treating this as a rumor and will follow this news.

(Thanks TK09443)

UPDATE: We have gotten some more emails on this.. Someone has emailed us that they know that this unit has tested well, and was working just fine. They also said that was the case with the Rego as well. The units work just fine.... They do not know anything about this unit getting cut, but they do know it has been working just fine in testing....

Again GSI is working to get more info on this and to check on the Power Pod II ...

Breaking news.. All the Major record compaines are gowing after XM over the new Inno.. As you know SIRIUS made some deals over the S50.. SIRIUS also made comment that the new SIRIUS unit coming soon, will not fall under that deal, and they do not think the need to make a deal.. So what is all this mean?!?!? XM is getting hit right now.. but what will SIRIUS do for this new unit coming soon?!??! We are told the new SIRIUS unit will only have a buy it button and will not work like the S50.. GSI is working to get more info on that and will get that to you ASAP...

Here is more on Record Industry V XM via the AP:

WASHINGTON (AP) - The recording industry sued XM Satellite Radio on Tuesday over its new iPod-like device that can store up to 50 hours of music for a monthly fee, sending to the courts a roiling dispute over how consumers can legally record songs using next-generation radio services.

The federal lawsuit, filed in New York by the largest labels, accuses XM Satellite of ``massive wholesale infringement'' because its $400 handheld ``Inno'' device can record hours of music and automatically parse recordings by song and artist. The device is sold under the slogan, ``Hear it, click it, save it.''

The lawsuit seeks $150,000 in damages for every song copied by XM Satellite customers using the devices, which went on sale weeks ago. The company said it plays 160,000 different songs every month.

XM Satellite has balked at the industry's efforts to collect expensive distribution licenses similar to those required for Internet downloading services, such as Apple Inc.'s iTunes. Its chief rival, Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., has already agreed to pay for such licenses to cover similar gadgets for its service.

SIRIUS has updated the Howard 100 page.

Also Howard 100 has cut the Howard 100 News at Noon and Six.

Now you can get Hourly updates from Howard 100 during the replay hours.


So check it all out here...

SIRIUS has launched their new slogan with the launch of a new TV Spot and more. Listen for radio spots with the new tag line ,"SIRIUS Satellite Radio, The Best Radio on Radio".. Also it will be added to print ads, store displays and much more!

Morgan Stanley increased its estimate for SIRIUS penetration of total Ford production from 17% to 28% in 2007, also some chatter that the figure could increase further in 2008.

"We remain bullish on the long-term model for satellite radio," Swinburne said.

More via Forbes.com

SIRIUS.com has posted the New TV Spot, "Sunroof" Check it out here..

As we know the NEW SIRIUS Live Portable is due out this summer. GSI can now confirm that Directed Electronics (The Maker of the S50) will make this new unit...

On the Directed Electronics conference call today they slipped out that a live portable unit that is based on the S50 platform is coming out this summer.

They said the price point has not been set.

GSI told you about it here...

Now we are told by TSS RADIO, that they now have this Item in stock!

- This unit is compatible with the XTR3, XTR7, and XTR8 Sirius Satellite Radio's for Xact as well as the SIRIUS One, Starmate, Starmate Replay, Streamer GTR and Streamer GT



- Digital AM/FM Radio Tuner with 10 Preset
- CD Player Capable of Playing CDRW and MP3 Playback
- 4" Full Range Speakers 5w Per Channel Features

- Top Load CD Player with 45 Second ESP
- Digital AM/FM Radio Tuner with 10 Presets
- Rotary Volume Knob
- Receiver Eject Button
- Auxiliary Line Level Input/Output
- Stereo Headphone Jack
- 4" Full Range Speakers 5w Per Channel
- Extended Outdoor Play with 8 'D' Batteries (batteries not included)
- AC Adapter Included

Get this NEW Item from TSS Radio for only $139.99 with free shipping.
Here is the User Manual for this unit (pdf)

Directed Electronics makes many SIRIUS branded units, like the Sirius S50, SIRIUS Sportster, Sportster Replay and Starmate receivers reported net sales in the first quarter of 2006 increased by 42.7% to $74.3 million, an increase of $52.1 million over the prior year first quarter net sales.

James E. Minarik, Directed's President and Chief Executive Officer said... "Our SIRIUS satellite radio products experienced significant growth during the quarter, and we believe we are well positioned for continued record performance fueled by solid subscriber growth and the introduction of new products expected this summer and fall."

* Net Sales Increase 43% to $74.3 Million
* GAAP Net Income Increases 182% to $4.0 Million, or $0.16 per Diluted Share
* Excluding One-Time Income Tax Benefit, Pro Forma Net Income Increases 134% to $3.6 Million, or $0.14 per Diluted Share
* Excluding One-Time Income Tax Benefit, Company Raises 2006 Earnings Outlook to $1.00 - $1.03 per Diluted Share

More here

Sirius will broadcast the NBA's Toshiba Vegas Summer League games from July 6-14th. 40 Games will be played over the 9 days and players will include the rookie from the upcoming NBA draft in June (which I suspect will also be broadcasted on Sirius even though no formal announcement has been made). No schedule has been released yet, but Sirius is confirmed signed on to broadcast a select number of games.


Check out more information at NBA.com

As many GM owers wait for the SIRIUS GM connect to hit the market here is something that will work now and for only $199.99 it is not a bad deal.

This Combination of the Soundgate "Kenwood to General Motors" KNGM1 Vehicle Interface along with the SIR-KEN1 SiriusConnect Tuner will allow specific GM Models to allow AND control SIRIUS using the GM OEM (factory) radio controls.

It's very important to check this product's manual above to clarify that your GM will allow the use of this package.

Please take the time to thoroughly read all information on this page prior to placing an order!
Radio Must have a "Band" Button
If the vehicle is equipped with a factory XM Satellite Radio tuner, the factory tuner must be disconnected.
Features Include
Sirius text-messaging on certain GM radios with Kenwood Sirius tuner
Full digital protocol translation
Ultra-reliable SMT construction (surface mount technology)
Controls Sirius tuner with the factory radio.
Factory-match connectors for ultimate reliability
Installation Overview
Plugs in at back of radio
Requires 12V+ battery and 12V- ground
May require splicing into factory wiring

Works with the following Vehicles

Buick
2004-2006 Rainier
2003-2006 Rendezvous

Cadillac
2003-2006 Escalade

Chevrolet
2003-2006 Avalanche
2004-2005 Blazer
2003-2005 Cavalier
2005-2006 Colorado
2005-2006 Equinox
2003-2005 Express Van
2003-2005 Impala
2003-2005 Monte Carlo
2004 S-10
2003-2006 Silverado/HD
2004-2005 SSR
2003-2006 Suburban
2003-2006 Tahoe
2003-2005 Trailblazer w/o Factory Video System
2003-2005 Venture w/o Factory Video System

GMC
2005-2006 Canyon
2003-2006 Denali/Denali XL
2003-2005 Envoy w/o Factory Video System
2004 Jimmy
2004 S-15/Sonoma
2003-2005 Savana Van
2003-2006 Sierra/Sierra Denali
2003-2006 Yukon/Yukon XL

Hummer
2003-2006 H2
2006 H3

Isuzu
2003-2005 Ascender

Oldsmobile
2003-2004 Alero
2003-2004 Bravada
2003-2004 Silhouette w/o factory video system

Pontiac
2003-2005 Aztek
2003-2005 Grand Am
2004-2005 Grand Prix
2003-2005 Montana w/o factory video system
2003-2005 Sunfire
2004-2005 Vibe

Get more info and buy it today from TSS Radio for $199.99 with free shipping

Radio Ink reports that during a Question and Answer with investors, Sirius Satellite Radio Executive VP/CFO David Frear said he's encouraged by XM's conversion rate. Frear said that there are 11-million satellite radio subscriptions in the country which is about five percent penetration of the core target which is the car universe.

"When you consider the fact that at most of XM's OEM partners, the build rate is about in 35% of the production and they're converting 54%. That's saying that 20% of the people that are going to dealers every day want satellite radio in their cars. So when you look at that in comparison to the five percent overall penetration now, you've got to take that as an incredibly bullish sign for satellite radio."

VIA Radio Ink

TSS RADIO is now talking Pre-Orders for the New SIRIUS Sportster.

TSS Radio tells us that they are expecting the Units to come in and ship out in Late May/June. Email sales@tss-radio.com to pre-order, no payment info needed until the item ships to to them form SIRIUS. Pre order here

In his first ever "Live AM Drive visit" back to terrestrial FM radio, Howard Stern along with crew from the Howard Stern Show called in to wish BOOKER (an old co-worker a K-Rock) well on first day on Philly's Q102.

Many of you got to hear the call live on the Stern Show today, GSI Has gotten a copy of the call as it was on Q102 in Philly... The funny thing is Howard was able to do a free AD for SIRIUS on the Air owned by Clear Channel...

Listen to is Here

Lawyers on both sides of the CBS Corp. and Howard Stern breach of contract lawsuit said Wednesday they are close to a settlement.

CBS lawyer Irvin Nathan told Judicial Hearing Officer Ira Gammerman, "We have an agreement, but there are details that have to be worked out." He added that the parties were "very close" to a settlement.

Stern's lawyer, Peter Parcher, confirmed Nathan's report but refused to elaborate.

This all started back on Feb 28
More via the AP

The new SIRIUS Sportster pops up in Summer 2006 Crutchfield Catalog twice:
GSI was the First to tell you about the new Sportster Unit!

Howard 101 and Playboy also head up north!
SIRIUS Canada Gets Updated Web PageWith 110 full-time channels, SIRIUS Canada offers the most commercial-free music, dedicated sports, news and exclusive entertainment programming in Canada.

SIRIUS Canada Inc. announced today that it has achieved a key milestone in its performance to-date having surpassed 100,000 subscribers nationwide. With the best content and programming, SIRIUS Canada is the country's leading satellite radio service and is the number one choice among Canadian satellite radio subscribers.

"In just over five months we have reached 100,000 subscribers exceeding all of our expectations, and our growth continues to climb," said Mark Redmond, President and CEO, SIRIUS Canada Inc. "SIRIUS fans are loving the wide range of commercial-free music, leading news and sports programming, and exclusive content from Howard Stern, Lance Armstrong, Martha Stewart Living Radio, the CFL and the NFL."

"I would also like to thank all of our customers, our many distribution partners and the entire SIRIUS Canada team for this amazing achievement. We look forward to introducing more Canadians to the SIRIUS Satellite Radio phenomenon as we continue to add new content, hardware and distribution agreements in the near future."

n celebration of reaching this important milestone, the company also announced that it will take its premium satellite radio offering to 110 channels with the addition of 10 new full-time channels to its lineup. SIRIUS Canada will add three commercial-free music and seven news and entertainment channels including the tremendously popular Howard 101, Lime, CNN Headline News, FOX News Talk, and from Canada's leading weather information provider, The Weather Network Satellite Radio Service. Now with 65 commercial-free music channels, SIRIUS Canada offers the most commercial-free music choice among satellite radio providers in Canada. The additional channels will be available within the next four weeks.

The latest additions include:

Entertainment and Talk

Howard 101: (Channel 101) - The sister station to Howard Stern's "Howard 100", "Howard 101" features the west coast morning feed of Howard Stern, plus Bubba The Love Sponge^®, Scott Ferrall and many weekly specials from the world of Howard Stern.

Playboy Radio: (Channel 198) - Playboy Radio features a full range of original live programming created for SIRIUS, including a new morning show featuring segments with Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, live call-in shows and broadcasts from the Playboy Mansion -- sexy, smart and refined adult programming.

Music Channels

SIRIUS Love: (Channel 3) - For the true romantic, light the candles, turn the lights down low, and feel the emotion. It's nothing but love songs-romantic music for you and the one you love. Features music from superstars such as Celine Dion, Barry White, Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, Elton John and many more.

BackSpin: (Channel 43) - Put on your Adidas and your Kangol hat and join the party-you'll hear nothing but the early days of hip-hop. Tune in to one of the original pioneers of old skool rap, Kurtis Blow, every weeknight.

Hot Jamz: (Channel 50) - The best hip-hop and R&B. From unadulterated crunk to smooth R&B, if it's hot right now, it's on Hot Jamz.

Lifestyle

Lime: (Channel 114) - Lime Radio is healthy living with a twist, connecting listeners with leading experts about a range of topics from personal transformation to the environment, from corporate responsibility to building better relationships, from the intuitive arts to alternative healthcare. Lime Radio has everything you need to bring balance to your life.

News and Weather

CNN Headline News: (Channel 133) -- Your "need to know" network featuring Prime News Tonight, Showbiz Tonight, Nancy Grace and Robin & Co.

Fox News Talk: (Channel 145) -- Opinions, news, analysts and listener call-ins with hosts Bill O'Reilly, Tony Snow, Alan Colmes, Neil Cavuto and John Gibson.

PRI: (Channel 136) - Public Radio International offers programs like PRI's The World, To the Point, Odyssey, To the Best of Our Knowledge, The Sunday Edition, The Newshour with Jim Lehrer and many more programs from North America's finest public radio stations, independent producers, and others.

The Weather Network Radio Service: (Channel 185) - Delivering national and regional Canadian weather information to listeners, including severe weather coverage, to our listeners 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

As with all SIRIUS programming information, the new SIRIUS channel lineup will be posted online at www.siriuscanada.ca

Via Orbitcast.com
At the CIBC Conference today, David Frear, SIRIUS Satellite EVP and CFO, said this about their upcoming live wearable satellite radio:

"You can expect it to have not only to be a live wearable, but you can expect it to have a great form factor, a great battery life and also some storage and playback capabilities. And the full functionality of that device will be unveiled in the course of the next several weeks."

He then continued to shine a bit more light on SIRIUS' beliefs behind the wearable market:

"Providing the option of wearability to consumers is an important option to provide them with. We don't believe that there's anything about live wearable that really is category changing. We don't think it's going to change the trajectory of growth [and] doesn't alter the guidance that we've given you.

For 50 years, 5% of radio listening has been done in a wearable mode. We don't think these products change that because we don't think that a product can really change consumer behavior. But we do think it's an important option to offer.

The MP3-like functionality that [we have] offered since October, in the S50, is something that our subscribers like. They like the ability to have a single device where they can listen to their radio in the car or home and they can take content with them as they go. So you want to offer the functionality, and you want to offer the option."

More via Orbitcast.com

GSI is told that this unit will be something that will out shine any thing on the market.

SIRIUS will launch “The Catholic Channel,” in cooperation with the Archdiocese of New York. The lifestyle radio channel will air 24/7, featuring contemporary talk, music programming and live daily masses from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York.When it launches in the fall, the channel “will feature a modern format with an open dialogue focused on Catholicism in the 21st Century, especially as it is lived in today’s world,” Sirius said in a release. “Listeners will be encouraged to call in to talk about the issues that are on their mind and in the news, everything from what’s happening in the church today, to the headline stories of current events and politics, and the latest in the world of entertainment, the arts and sports.”

Daily program hosts and guests will include members of the clergy and laity around the world. Regular and previously unavailable content from the Vatican will also be a part of the channel, including programming from Vatican Radio.

A prominent contributor to The Catholic Channel will be His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York, who will periodically appear exclusively on the channel.

The Catholic Channel will join other religious-themed programming on Sirius, including EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network , which features talk shows, news, daily devotions and teaching series; and Christian Talk, faith-based programming provided by FamilyNet, the broadcast arm of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, which features programs such as Pat Robertson’s “The 700 Club.” Sirius also offers Christian and gospel-themed music channels, including Spirit contemporary Christian pop music, Revolution, dedicated to Christian rock, and Praise, featuring Gospel hits.

UPDATE: Just to remind everyone SIRIUS and The NY Archdiocese has worked together in the past, first at Christmas and a few weeks back on Easter.
More via Billboard Radio Monitor

Today I got a Starmate Replay Boom Cube from TSS Radio. I have had a few hours to play with it, and over all this is a much better "boom box" then the Sportster one. The sound quality is much much better. It has a deeper sound, and also is very crisp. The shape of the Boom Cube us just that a cube. It is a very sold unit, and also feels and looks to be much better quality then the Sportster Boombox. The Starmate replay is not a docking unit but the cube has a plug that just hangs around when the receiver is not in the cube. You just plug the wire harness into the Starmate Replay unit, and you are all set. Sure the Sportster units dock into its boom box a lot easier, but this works just fine. My only concern is the plastic clips that hold the unit in the cube. How much stress can these clips take? They feel ok to me but only time will tell on that. You can see in the photo that you can pop the unit out with two fingers. The only cheep feeling part is the pop up handle, it works just fine, but it feels a little cheaper then the rest of the unit. I put the 8 D batteries in the cube and that sure did add to the weight, not that bad, but it will load down anyone running to the beach with their hands already full. (The Boom Cube also works off the AC power cable provided) I will do more testing on battery life this weekend. On the front of the unit the buttons light up to match the Starmate Replay blue lights, this looks very nice. There is also a headphone and aux in jack on the front of the unit. Headphones sound good coming out of the cube. I have not done much with the aux in yet. Over all so far so good! This looks to be some steps ahead of the Sportsters Boom Box. I will post updates as I have more time with the unit. Is it worth the 100 bucks, Sure! If you want to take SIRIUS out by the pool ,to the beach or with you when working outside. I think it is also worth it to get the Boom Cube as your home dock. TSS Radio has them in stock as of now but GSI is told that they are moving fast, you can also get some package deals and save check them out here..

Not really big news to all of us but today SIRIUS announced the newest generation of its popular "Plug & Play" radios, the Sportster4.

At just 4.5" x 2.5" x .6" and weighing 4.2 ounces, the Sportster4 is 40 percent smaller than the Sportster Replay, while still maintaining a large, easy-to-read 6-line scrolling display and rotary tuning knob.

With an MSRP of $169.99, the Sportster4 is scheduled to be available later this month.

"The new Sportster4 includes all of the key features that helped make the Sportster series the best selling Plug & Play in satellite radio, only now in a smaller, sleeker package," said Bob Law, Senior Vice President and General Manager Consumer Electronics Division for SIRIUS.

The Sportster4, conveniently transportable between home and car, is very easy to use and comes with a smaller dock for attractive installation. Special features include:

* A replay feature that allows users to pause, rewind and replay up to 44
minutes of live SIRIUS programming, and play back individual selections
from the buffer

* SIRIUS Game Zone(TM) that lets users select favorite teams from each of
the sports leagues, including NFL, NBA and NHL, and view scores on one
screen

* SIRIUS Game Alert(TM) that advises users when their favorite teams begin
playing and when scores change

* MEMO with S-Seek Alert stores names of favorite artists, songs and
programs, and alerts users when playing on any channel

* Program alert that allows users to program the Sportster4 to switch to a
selected channel at a specific time

* One-touch Jump(TM) that takes users to and from their local SIRIUS
traffic and weather broadcast or any favorite SIRIUS music, sports or
talk channel with the touch of a button

* A new vehicle dock with an auxiliary input for MP3 players

Sportster4 also boasts 30 presets, parental controls, a real-time satellite updated clock with 7 times zones, auto shutdown and sleep timer. Sportster4 includes the receiver, remote control, vehicle docking station, suction cup and vent clip mounting options featuring a standard AMPS bolt pattern and auxiliary input for MP3 players, vehicle power adapter and magnetic ultra low profile antenna. A boombox and other new accessories will be available this summer.

This new Xact Boom Box is just hitting the market. We have gotten some email reports of this unit at Target Stores and a Sams Club. This unit is compatible with the XTR7, XTR8 and XTR3 Sirius Satellite Radio's. (Also the Starmate Replay, Streamer GTR, The Org Starmate.)
Also this unit has:
Digital AM/FM Radio Tuner with 10 Preset
CD Player Capable of Playing CDRW and MP3 Playback
4" Full Range Speakers 5w Per Channel
Read the Manual here
This Unit will retail for $149.95
Full Details here

Looks like Visteon is making a play in the portable satellite radio market and has filed a patent (application # 20060094349) for a Dockable portable satellite receiver. Via Orbitcast.com

Here is clip from the patent info:
A portable satellite receiver includes a tuner, an antenna, and an amplifier. The portable satellite receiver has a protective housing enclosing the tuner, antenna, and amplifier. The portable satellite receiver is configured to interface with an accessory device through a communication link such that the accessory device receives audio signals from the portable satellite receiver over the communication link.

The portable satellite receiver includes a satellite antenna, and a "protective housing" which encloses the satellite tuner and a "media player." That media player is essentially a MP3 player, that also has the ability to record the satellite radio signal. On top of that, the media player will interface - wirelessly - with a docking station (or what appears to be called the "satellite entertainment system"). The "protective housing" also has a plug to interface with this docking station. There is no word if this is for XM or SIRIUS or both... That is the big question..

So, they're essentially applying for a patent on a live satellite radio/MP3 player.

One thing to note about Visteon they make head units that are sat ready, for both SIRIUS and XM. Visteon also won the deal with Hyundai to provide radios with XM.

[US Patent Application: 20060094349]
More via Orbitcast.com

The Directed Electronics earnings conference call will take place on Monday, May 15, after the market close. Directed is the manufacturer of many Sirius Satellite products, including :

The S50, SIRIUS Sportster™ Replay and Starmate™, SiriusConnect™ for Alpine®, Kenwood®; JVC®, Panasonic, Sony® aftermarket head units, the new SIR-ALP10T (the first live traffic tuner providing real-time updates on traffic disruptions) , SiriusConnect™ receivers, etc.

This conference call will provide further insight into demand for Sirius products and service.

For further information on Direct Electronics: www.directed.com
via Satellite Standard

Now with the new SIRIUS rebate, GSI just wanted to pass on this gift Idea for Mom or Dad or even a grad. For only $144.95 you can get the SIRIUS Starmate replay and the new boomcube package. This will get you 1 Starmate Replay unit, 1Car Kit and 1 Boomcube for the home. Plus it is free shipping from TSS Radio. They also have some very good package deals..

GSI first told you about this new rebate on May 1.
Here is the deal: Get up to $50.00 off SIRIUS units
$50.00 Rebate - For The S50
$30.00 Rebate - For Sportsters and others
$20.00 Rebare - For Starmates and others
Click on this chart to get all the details:Fathers day rebate runs to 5/27/06.
Activate by credit card or SIRIUS prepaid card no later than 06/10/2006.
More info here
Offer valid only on a purchase of any eligible Sirius receiver at participating retailers from 05/07/2006 through 05/27/2006. Sirius receivers purchased from from BJ's, Costco store locations; Sam's Club, Target and Wal-Mart store locations and Wal-Mart.com are not eligible for this offer. Offer open only to residents of the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) who are at least 18 years old. A subscription, paid by credit card (which may be combined with SIRIUS prepaid card), must be activated no later than 06/10/2006. After completion of the initial subscription period, service will renew automatically for additional periods of the same length on SIRIUS’ standard Terms & Conditions. Requires submission of receipt (either original or photocopy) for the purchase of the eligible SIRIUS hardware, the original UPC code from the hardware packaging, the electronic serial number of the hardware (either original cut from the box or photocopy) and a fully completed redemption form sent to: Dept 4239, SIRIUS Rock Stars & All-Stars #6641, PO Box 72922 Detroit, MI 48272-4239. Must be postmarked on or before June 27, 2006. Customers may prequalify for rebates at www.web-rebates.com/sirius. No reproductions of rebate offer or proof of purchase accepted. Once the necessary documentation has been submitted, SIRIUS will verify that the required subscription has been activated and remains active and that the account is active and in good standing and mail a check for the appropriate amount to the name and address on the redemption form within 8 to 10 weeks. If rebate is not received within 10 weeks, check status at www.web-rebates.com/sirius or call SIRIUS at 1-888-539-SIRIUS. Activation fee and taxes may apply. Limit one rebate per ESN. Service cannot be assigned or transferred. SIRIUS makes no warranties with respect to SIRIUS-compatible hardware. Subscription to service is sold separately from hardware and is supplied in accordance with SIRIUS' standard Terms & Conditions. Service may not be available in all areas. Cannot be combined with any other gift or rebate offer. Cannot be sold or transferred. SIRIUS reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time. All fees and programming are subject to change. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Rebate fraud will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. ©2006 SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. "SIRIUS," the SIRIUS dog logo and related marks are trademarks of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc.

On May 5th Sirius Backstage hit the 20,000 member mark. The 20,000th member was The Toilet. What a shitty name to be the 20,000 member but still a big milestone for SBS and SIRIUS Fans. I think this shows how SIRIUS fans are growing by the day. GSI and all of our alliance partners are seeing more and more visitors a day. SIRIUS Fans and Subs love the service and love to get and give all the info they can. Congrats SBS!

Satellite Standard Group our Inside Sirius Alliance partner has this real photo of a Sportster 4 from Sirius Satellite Radio. To date we have all seen the airbrushed pictures of the unit, and while they present a nice image, they simply are not the real deal.

The unit is both FCC and Canadian ICES-003 compliant, so it looks like those North of the border will get to enjoy this unit as well.

There still seems to be some question about whether the screen on the unit will be color. The documentation that we have reviewed indicates that the screen is NOT color. (GSI and others got reports of new SIRIUS PNP units with color screens, most were thinking the new sportster could/would have one. Many still think there will be a PNP unit out this year with a color display, but the Sportster 4 will not be in color.)

It should be noted that there was correspondence between the FCC and the manufacturer of the unit regarding rule 15.21(b). As many are aware, this is the rule that limits what frequencies fm modulators can transmit on, or what levels those transmission can be. the FCC requested additional information on April 25, 2006. The engineers from the manufacturer answered the questions on May 3, 2006.

Despite the question and answer session, this unit should be hitting stores soon.

Get more info on the New Sportster Here

via Satellite Standard Group

As you know we and others reported that SIRIUS was likely to show off its new units during Tuesday’s conference call. We are told that SIRIUS is now holding back on new product announcements to prevent what happened with the S50. As you may recall last year the S50 was shown off in August then the speculation started to fly. Some SIRIUS fan pages were filled with false information about the unit. Mostly about what people were thinking the S50 would and would not do. These falsehoods posted on some SIRIUS forums about the S50 caused disappointment for the first users of the product. This bad information lead to negative press about the unit, and other repercussions. SIRIUS has locked down information about all the new units to prevent mostly uninformed kids from posting information about the new units possible causing the damage they did last year. SIRIUS also wants to have a date set in stone, so they do not have release dates slip like they did with the S50. The only information about this new unit is that it is due this summer, and will be a wearable SIRIUS/Mp3 unit with a buy button. We will follow this..

The SIRIUS Starmate Boomcube has been out in a few markets and stores around the USA! Now TSS (aka The Sirius Store) has them in stock and shipping right now, not only to the USA but also to Canada! This is a wonderful mothers day or fathers day gift. Get yours today for only $99.99 with FREE shipping (USA Only)! Now TSS radio also has a wonderful package deal, you get the Starmate Replay with car kit and the Boomcube, for only $169.99 to your door (free shipping to USA Only). WHAT A DEAL!
Here is more on the Boomcube:
* Compatible with the Starmate Replay, Streamer GTR and Xact XTR8
* Take your Starmate Replay to the park, beach, work, or wherever
* 4 microdrivers plus a subwoofer for full-range sound
* Advanced circuitry for enhanced sound
* Front panel Aux in and headphone jack
* Antenna with built in storage
* Works with 8 “D” batteries or AC adapter
* AC Adapter and Antenna included

Ok sure its just for a weekend, but Jamie Foxx is hitting the SIRIUS Air this weekend. Straight off of his visit on today's Morning Mash Up, R&B star/actor/comedian Jamie Foxx will be extending his stay on SIRIUS Hits 1 this weekend: he's counting down the top 45 songs in North America. That's right, he's In Control of the SIRIUS Hits 1 Weekend Countdown! Catch it at 11 am, 6 pm and 12 am ET Saturday, and 7 am, 3 pm and 8 pm Sunday.

The guys over at Satellite Standard Group has been following the OEM channel at SIRIUS for some time, and has noted that the Ford ramp up in factory installs can be a big boost to SIRIUS' OEM subscriber numbers.

An reader found this interesting promotion on the Mercury website. Looks like buyers not only get 0% for 5 years, but also get a three year SIRIUS subscription to boot.

Visit Mercury HERE

SIRIUS will launch a weekly show hosted by lifestyle guru Deepak Chopra, The best-selling author and leader in the field of health and wellness, will host a live, weekly three-hour call-in talk show.

Chopra said the show, his first on radio, will start in July from New York and will often feature in-studio guests.

"I think this show extends my reach," he told Reuters in an interview. "Even though I have sold more than 30 million books worldwide, not everybody reads books. (This) is a whole different audience, from truck drivers and people on the highway to housewives."

More

UPDATED
Today on the Howard Stern Show there was a news teaser about a story that Howard 100 was working on about Whatever with Alexis & Jennifer.

"Those stories plus Alexis Stewart's and Jennifer Koppelman's show, Whatever, on the Martha channel has to find a new home. Seems the content of the show apparently a bit too racy for the Martha Stewart channel. All coming up on the Howard 100 news. Next news 12 noon eastern time, the midday news, I'm George Flowers, I'll see you then."

Now now this story did not run on the Noon news or 6pm newscast. (Howard 100 news jumping the gun?!?!?) GSI has been looking it to this, and there could be some truth to this story. Some of Martha's people and share holders are worried about the content on the Whatever show. SIRIUS is very happy with the show. Mel called it a "break out hit" yesterday.

GSI is told that there could be a new station in the works that looks to be the new home for Whatever. We are told this new station will be "hot" talk station for woman. Look for talent like April Winchell and other female host. This station sounds like talk by woman for woman with an edge.

You can read more on the buzz of this story on the "Whatever Fan Network"
Whatever just moved from a midday slot to PM Drive time


UPDATE: A Note from Jennifer:
Everyone,
If (when) alexis and i move channels, we will do our best to make sure we are still able to be heard on the internet.
we recognize that many of our listeners stream the show and know how important that capability is.
thank you again for all your support.
alexis and i are convinced we have the smartest and best listeners of all.
xo
jennifer
(end update)

We at GSI, and our Inside Sirius Alliance partners, are still covering yesterday conference call with the most in-depth reporting on SIRIUS. Satellite Standard is reporting on the SIRIUS OEM metrics. Satellite Standard Group thought it would be important to cover some of the OEM metrics for Sirius. The list below simply lays out the deals, how long they last, and any expected installation rates:

Daimler Chrysler
* The exclusive deal runs through 2012
* Available as an option in nearly every model
* Target of 750,000 installs for 2006 model year - 30% penetration

Mercedes
* Exclusive deal through 2012
* target of 50% of production over next 2 years
* Sirius available in nearly every model
* Standard on 2007 SL Class, CL Class, AMG, and 600 model
* Standard feature in the premium PI package

Ford
* Exclusive deal through 2011 with option to extend to 2013
* Deal covers all ford brands
* Beginning May 2006 Sirius will be factory installed option on 8 lines. This includes the F-150, Explorer, Ford Sport Trac, Mercury Mountaineer, Lincoln Mark LT, Ford 500, Ford Freestyle, and Mercury Montego
* 19 Ford vehicle lines to have factory installed option by the end of 2006
* 21 Ford vehicle lines to have factory installed option for the 2006/2007 model years
* Ford expected to generate about 1,000,000 subscribers

BMW
* Exclusive agreement has been renewed
* Four model lines currently have Sirius available as factory and dealer option. Models include the 3,5,6, and 7 series.
* Sirius available as a dealer option on X3, X5, and Z4
* Sirius available as a dealer install on select selected Mini lines

Rolls Royce
* Exclusive agreement
* Sirius is standard
* Liftime subscription is standard

Toyota
* Sirius is available as a port and dealer installed option
* Model lines include Camry, Solera, Avalon, and Land Cruiser.
* Sirius also available on Lexus LS430, ES330, GS, LX470
* Sirius available in three Scion lines
* Availability in the 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Prius, and IS will be happening over the coming weeks

Volkswagen and Audi
* Exclusive deal through 2012
* Program begins with 2007 model year vehicles
* Volkswagen is targetting Sirius in 80% of their vehicles

Kia
* Exclusive agreement through 2014 with option through 2017
* Kia targets 100% penetration of Sirius in 2009 model year

Subaru
* Sirius will be exclusively available as a factory install on Subaru Forester beginning in June.
* Sirius will be exclusively available as a factory install on Subaru Impreza beginning in September
* It is anticipated that Subaru will be expanding Sirius availablity into other models in the future

Get the full story here

Via our Inside Sirius Alliance Partner, Sirius Fan Network..
This has to be the ultimate outdoor entertainment system, and it just happens to be Sirius compatible.

Frontgate teamed up with Cal Spas, a leading manufacturers of quality Home Resort products, for the introduction of this new Outdoor Entertainment Island.

Crafted with galvanized steel framing, the stucco and ceramic tile finish provide no hint of what's to come. With the touch of a button, the impressive large-screen JVC 42" Plasma TV rises from within the island.

The system also includes:
Four 6" Clarion surround-sound speakers; Built-in subwoofer; DVD/CDplayer with AM/FM tuner; Sirius satellite radio compatibility; A/V coaxial input for satellite receiver or cable TV

Designed utilizing marine technology to withstand adverse conditions of saltwater, sun, wind and cold. Hose down to clean.

The price? $16,995.00
more

Mel Karmazin is in negotiating mode, during Tuesday 's earnings conference call he suggested the agreement reached between SIRIUS and the four major record labels for payments to the latter involving a specific portable receiver could be a one-time deal that won’t be repeated. Sirius is planning to introduce a new portable receiver this year..

“There’s nothing that says we have to come up with a deal,” Karmazin said, responding to a question today about new negotiations with the labels. “We decided to do a deal on the S50,” Karmazin said, “not to be bogged down” and to move the new device into the marketplace more quickly.

Karmazin said one tactic his firm might take is to adopt the notion that their portable device “adheres to the law” and should be considered a legitimate consumer device with recording and playback capabilities.

more via Billboard Radio Monitor

Today SIRIUS talked about Rolling Stone Radio.. It will be on the air to the end of the year.
It was only to last 30 days.. As we reported here the Stones are not going any place for a long time..

Via our Alliance Partner The Satellite Standard Group.

Sirius Satellite Radio has been showing strong growth in the OEM channel. They have solidified long term exclusive deals with DCX, Ford, Mercedes, BMW, Volkwagen, Audi, Kia, and Rolls Royce. All of these exclusive partners are ramping up factory installation programs.

In today's Q1 Conference Call, there were some interesting mentions regarding the OEM's that Sirius has dealer and port install programs with.

Sirius expects the consumer to be the determining factor in what satellite radio service they want. Sirius is seen as more than a commodity, and Sirius has compelling content that consumers are seeking out. People don't just want satellite radio, they want Sirius Satellite Radio.

Sirius stated that they anticipate that the split in these OEM's that offer both services will likely mirror what is happening at retail. This comment was specific to Toyota, which has a factory program with XM. A Sirius executive stated that he recently had dinner with another OEM partner that offers both, and was informed that Sirius had 60% of the installs in the past 4 months. Sirius did not offer up which OEM partner it is, but Nissan is a likely candidate in the opinion of SSG (we have heard speculation to this effect back in December).

The key point with Sirius and OEM's seems to be that with the exception of GM and Honda that Sirius is widely available. For those with GM and Hondas that desire Sirius, there are products in the pipe-line to satisfy that need.

via Satellite Standard Group

SIRIUS today said, they will have Stern online by Fathers day. You can get all the news out for the 1Q 2006 report here here and here.

We have been reporting all this Stern online news over the past few weeks. We will keep you updated on a date..
Also might be online at www.howardstern.com
Stern wants this to be FREE to Subs.. and it will be

Updated info from the SIRIUS 1Q 2006 Conference Call, updated during the call live.
- More Ad revenue in 1Q then all of 2005
- Revenue gave $.65 per month to sub revenue
- SIRIUS will remain AD free on MUSIC STATIONS
- SIRIUS added more net subs and Ad revenue then XM
- Stern will be ONLINE BY Fathers Day
- SIRIUS Canada is #1 over XM Canada and growing faster.. .
- New PNP in time for fathers day
- The new sportster 4 in production will be in stores in late may.
- New live portable with more memory, buy button, MP3 functionality, and more
- 400,000 opt in to Playboy radio
- Rolling Stone Radio to go to the end of the year?!?
- SIRIUS.COM is way up..
- Radio China still on the way. .(Oh.. Thank God, now I can sleep)
- Price bump? SIRIUS cost more in Canada, and yes in the future there will be a increase from SIRIUS in the US.
- SIRIUS has new blue chip advertisers , like "Verizon and Subaru".
- Unique Programing will cut cost on marketing and save
- Developing chipsets in cell phones.. but need to find the right market
- SIRIUS has $715 million in cash, equivalents, and marketable securities
- SIRIUS and XM working down in DC over any new laws on digital music..
- SIRIUS has good relationships with music industry.. (but they still want more money for SIRIUS)
- SIRIUS wants to get subs, and not sell or share content with non-satradio..
- Howard wants online streaming show to be free for his fans
- SIRIUS likes to have exclusive content, and they see no need to sell it.
- Looking at enhancing repeater network
- New wearable unit, lots of money and time to get it right, spending money on antenna.
- SIRIUS has better satellite footprint then XM. This get better coverage without as many repeater.
- SIRIUS S50 is the only unit under the deal with music industry.
- Mel added if SIRIUS feels that it falls under the law, no deal may be needed..
END 0904et

During 2006, SIRIUS reached new exclusive agreements with Kia, Volkswagen, Audi, and Rolls-Royce. SIRIUS will be a standard feature in all 2009 model year Kia vehicles. In the 2007 model year, Volkswagen is expected to include SIRIUS in 80% of its production. SIRIUS is now a standard feature in all Rolls-Royce vehicles sold in the United States.

SIRIUS enhanced its strong programming line-up during the first quarter with new additions including the Howard Stern channels, Playboy Radio, Cosmo Radio, Blue Collar Comedy Radio, FOX News Channels, and a new morning call-in show from Court TV. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music.

4,077,747 subscribers at end of 1q 2006

New guidance set to 6.2 million subs for 2006
Subscriber Acquisition Costs was $113 per new sub
Revenue up to $126 million

During the first quarter, SIRIUS added 534,958 net subscribers from the company's retail channel, a 169% increase from 198,558 net retail subscriber additions in the year-ago quarter. The company also added 225,343 net subscribers from its automotive OEM channel, 109% more than the 107,855 net automotive OEM subscriber additions in the year-ago quarter.

first quarter 2006 revenue was up 193% to $126.7 million from $43.2 million in the year-ago quarter.

SIRIUS reported a net loss of $458.5 million, or $0.33 per share, for the first quarter of 2006, compared to a net loss of $193.6 million, or $0.15 per share, in the first quarter of 2005.

The adjusted net loss per share, or net loss per share excluding equity charges, was $0.13 in the first quarter 2006 as compared to an adjusted net loss per share of $0.12 in the first quarter of 2005.

Here is a quick recap:

Full Year 2006:
* Over 6.2 million subscribers at year-end
* Average monthly churn of approximately 1.8%
* SAC per gross addition approaching $110
* Total revenue to exceed $600 million
* Adjusted loss from operations of approximately ($565) million,
reflecting the impact on total SAC of more robust subscriber growth
than previously expected
* SIRIUS' first quarter of positive free cash flow, after capital
expenditures, could be reached as early as the fourth quarter of 2006

Longer Term:
* Total revenue for 2007 of approximately $1 billion
* SAC per gross addition for 2007 to decline further from the 2006 level
* Positive free cash flow, after capital expenditures, for full-year 2007
* Total revenue for 2010 of approximately $3 billion
* Free cash flow for 2010, after capital expenditures, of approximately
$1 billion

more in PR

FIRST ON GSI:SIRIUS will kick off its Fathers day rebate 5/7/06 and run to 5/27/06.
Click on Images to make larger..

GSI VIDEO: View Here
Rita Cosby from MSNBC was at the Howard Stern Film festival, and she ran an interview from the red carpet. Once more Stern getting SIRIUS some free national coverage!

Here is what Rita wrote on her MSNBC Blog:
"I've just come back from talking to the always outspoken Howard Stern. The "King of All Media" is now venturing into another arena, creating the Howard Stern Film Festival to showcase Howard Stern-themed short films.

This was my first time meeting the rowdy radio host and I found him to be surprisingly quite charming. The man always known as being so rebellious was very personable, passionate, and also thoughtful. He seemed equally at ease giving me witty remarks about Angelina and Brad as talking about "United 93" the doomed 9-11 flight which is now profiled in a major motion picture.

After meeting him, I can see why he inspires such deep loyalty among his colleagues like Robin Quivers and his producer Gary Dell'Abate, but also among his many fans. He laughed with me about his ego, and I could tell he's genuinely someone who cares about his fans and the world around him." via MSNBC

You can watch the interview here (save target as)

Communications General Corp. said it has filed a formal complaint with the FCC against Sirius Satellite. CGC says the complaint is "for incorporating 87.7 and 87.9 MHz into the intentional radiator mini-transmitters built into many of Sirius' satellite receivers."

"CGC reasoned that if the FCC ultimately fined Sirius for the use of prohibited frequencies, that action would send a powerful message to other manufacturers of mini-transmitters that they, too, should abandon the use of the prohibited 'below 88 MHz' frequencies," the company wrote in its newsletter.

I have to say in the Washington/Baltimore area many SIRUIS Subs are using 87.7FM and 87.9FM to get a clean sound. Many car radios do not go under 88.1FM, but some do.


To: Mr. Jim Collins
Corporate Communications
Sirius Satellite Radio
jcollins@siriusradio.com

cc: Rebecca Schnall
Media Relations
Sirius Satellite Radio
rschnall@siriusradio.com

cc: FCC (Per E-Mail Header Above)

From: Robert Gonsett, E.E.
Editor, The CGC Communicator
Communications General Corp.
r.gonsett(at)ieee.org or
cgc333(at)cgc333.connectnet.com

Date: March 29, 2006

Re: Impermissible Use of 87.7 and 87.9 MHz in Sirius Satellite Consumer Products


Confirming and expanding on my voice mail message of March 27, 2006, my company, Communications General Corporation, provides consultant radio engineering services for a number of radio and television stations on the west coast and we also publish the CGC Communicator newsletter for broadcast engineers. The CGC Communicator has been in continuous publication for over 30 years.

As editor of that newsletter, I have been following a number of radio and television interference complaints where the FM modulators inside various Sirius Satellite receivers are suspected of causing interference to authorized over-the-air FM and TV Channel 6 signals. Usually the interference is transient in nature, and usually audio from Howard Stern is reported.

Our current focus is on one particular question: Does Sirius (or its satellite receiver manufacturers) have an FCC waiver letter permitting the sale to consumers of "intentional radiator" FM modulators that are capable of transmitting on 87.7 and/or 87.9 MHz? These two frequencies are close to TV Channel 6's aural carrier, and are barred for use in intentional radiator FM modulators by FCC Rule 15.209(a).

On March 26, 2006 at Circuit City in Escondido, CA, I found five models of Sirius receivers on display with built-in intentional radiator FM modulators, and four of those had modulators capable of being tuned to 87.7 and 87.9 MHz. Those receivers are as follows: Sirius Sportster Replay (model DEI SPTK2), Sirius Starmate, Sirius DEI SCFM1 and Sirius Plug N Play Receiver Kit (XAT XTR3CK). The only Sirius satellite receiver on display at Circuit City that appeared to be frequency-compliant with Rule 15.209(a) was the JVC Sirius Satellite Tuner.

FYI, all seven XM Satellite receivers on display at Circuit City appeared to be frequency-compliant with Rule 15.209(a). None of the mini-transmitters built into XM receivers could be programmed to transmit on either 87.7 or 87.9 MHz.

For your convenience, I have copied below a response that I received from [# an FCC source] stating unequivocally with respect to intentional radiators that primary transmissions at 87.9 MHz would violate FCC rules. Rules 15.209(a) and 15.239 also ban the use of 87.7 MHz in the same context.

Our next newsletter is scheduled for publication on Tuesday of this coming week.* If Sirius (or its satellite receiver manufacturers) has an FCC waiver letter allowing the use of 87.7 and/or 87.9 MHz, I would appreciate receiving a pdf copy of that document by Monday of next week at the latest.

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this inquiry.

Time has the "Time 100: The People Who Shape Our World" SIRIUS' Howard Stern makes the list of Artists & Entertainers.. You can read the write up on Stern here

We will have full coverage of the SIRIUS conference call Tuesday May 2nd. The call kicks off at 8am, earning reports will be out in the 7am Hour. You can listen to the call on SIRIUS//125 or listen live online here. Get Sirius Info, along with our alliance partners will provide the best and most powerful coverage. Look for new programing news, new hardware news (like the new Sportster) and much more. SIRIUS may also talk about the Stern Show online..

UPDATE: Thanks to JR who emailed a photo of his Pizza Box...
It appears that Sirius and Papa John's pizza have teamed up."Try Sirius Online for 10 days Free"-Sirius Satellite Radio offers over 125 channels of the best music,sports, news, and entertainment. And right now, you can get a taste ofall we offer with this limited-time free 10-day online trial. Go to www.papajohns.com/sirius and start listening to all the SIRIUS musicchannels -- 100% commercial-free.An interesting promotion to say the least. Also some SIRIUS promotional papers are coming with the Pizza Box to your door!

There is also some promo codes here

via our Alliance Partner, Satellite Standard Group

It is always nice to see SIRIUS fan pages pop up.
This one is all about The Jay Thomas Show on SIRIUS Stars//102 weekdays 2-5p (live) 1a-2a (1h Replay) & 6a-9a (Full Replay). Check out Jaythomasfans.com for a fan forum of his show. You can also get more info on The Jay Thomas Show here
(photo of The Jay Thomas Show Broadcasting live from the 2006 NYC Auto Show)

It looks like the Globe is gone for good, or really never will start. All the Globe pages and listings are gone from the new SIRIUS.com. Also more and more marketing has the Rolling Stones 24/7 station listed. The Globe never did hit the air. Rolling Stones Radio kicked started on SIRIUS//99 back on 8/23/05 and was only to run until 9/29/05 when the Globe was to start on SIRIUS//98 at that time Rolling Stones Radio moved to SIRIUS//98. It has been extended many times.. Who knows what the deal is with the Globe?? But it looks like it is gone for good, for now..

CBS Radio's WJFK-FM (Washington, DC) lost a significant portion of its market share in the first ratings period since Howard Stern left for satellite radio, according to Arbitron Inc. ratings released yesterday. Now a COLLEGE radio station is #1 in DC.. WOW!

"Coming off of Howard's best book last year, there was a decline of only 30 percent," and the numbers grew month over month during the winter quarter, Mr. Hughes said. "I'm real excited about the base for the Junkies." Michael Hughes, general manager of CBS Radio in Washington.

Read the full story here

GSI: VIDEO
It all started with this headline:
"Mixed signals: If you hear Howard Stern instead of NPR, bad satellite radio equipment is to blame"

Not only did the Baltimore Sun.. start this BS news story calling SIRIUS PNP units "bad"
Not only did the AP pick up this BS story
But tonight, both FOX News, MSNBC, and others ran this story on their air..

You can watch the MSNBC story here

This morning when the new SIRIUS.com was first launched, there was something that looks like it could be a new SIRIUS unit. Thanks to Tim who emailed this from around 5am this morning. This image is now gone... As GSI has reported, look for the new SIRIUS portable unit to be shown off this Tuesday during the 1Q conference call.

UPDATE: You can read the full story be Joan Lappin here (without a Subscription) thanks Luke!

As XM's share price has fallen, it has pulled Sirius down with it. Howard Stern drove Sirius' subscriber growth into the lead. Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin controls costs and drives advertising growth.

TheStreet.com has an article about how XM's problems and mismanagement is pulling SIRIUS stock down also.. They add that, good news should come out of the SIRIUS camp on Tuesday... There is also praise for Mel Karmazin in the story..

The full story by Joan Lappin is here by subscription only.

Some commuters hoping to ease into their day with National Public Radio or Christian broadcasts are instead hearing shock jock Howard Stern.

Baltimore Sun FRONT PAGE Headline: "Mixed signals: If you hear Howard Stern instead of NPR, bad satellite radio equipment is to blame"Looks like in some big cities like Baltimore and even small ones like Bethlehem, Pa... People are getting SIRIUS, and are using the FM mod to get SIRIUS on their radios.. The Baltimore Sun, who gets shit wrong all the time reports that this is because, "Normal car radios can't pick up signals from satellite-based subscription services such as Sirius, which carries Howard Stern's show. Instead, engineers blame badly installed, intentionally altered or defective equipment that transmits signals from Sirius receivers into their owners' car radios on FM frequencies." It is not defective equipment when the FCC puts its little sticker on it.. It is because SIRIUS and XM subs just keep the FM freq at the factory default. A good paper would report how Satrad subs can change the settings on their plug and play units.. But that would be too much work for the fine minds at the Baltimore Sun... Can you tell I do not like the Sun?!?! If you need to know how to change the freq your plug and play broadcasts on check this out.. Oh here is one more clip form the Sun, "six small radio stations have reported broadcast interference from Sirius Satellite Radio, with Stern and his potty-mouth" Oh they said potty-mouth.. F**K You! Baltimore sun..

Oh one more thing... take a look by clicking on the diagram to the right, made by the Baltimore Sun.. Look at number 4.. They say if you do not have a relay on your plug and play it is an illegal FM transmitter.. Once more WRONG.. Read up on FCC rule 15.239 you can own a personal FM transmitter in the 88-108 band as long as it is 250 microvolts/meter at 3 meters.. All SIRIUS and aftermarket personal FM transmitters follow that rule, and ARE NOT ILLEGAL.. (ok sorry done my little rant)

here is more of the story that the AP also picked up..

The General manager at 88.1 WYPR, a NPR affiliate in Baltimore, said he has sent 60 complaint letters to the Federal Communications Commission, which says it is investigating.

Neil Hever, PD for 88.1 WDIY, an NPR affiliate in Bethlehem, Pa., said he has forwarded 38 letters to the FCC.

Mike Starling, chief technology officer at NPR, said Sirius' chief competitor - XM Satellite Radio - can also be an offender. He said NPR has been speaking to Sirius and XM about the issue, and "they've offered their full support to look into the problem."

read it all here from the Sun and here via the AP

Today SIRIUS.COM has got a face lift ...Still no updated online player.. BUT check out only on SIRIUS part..
It looks like there is still some changes to be made.. But over all a very nice page...
Check it out..

Our alliance partner Satellitestandard has a wrap up of today's XM Conference call. SIRIUS will have a 1Q conference call on Tuesday and we will have full coverage of that event right here..

You can also get more: like news on the 2 federal probes looking at XM here via Reuters

According to industry and congressional sources, with satellite radio services now becoming distribution services, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has presented legislation that would require satellite radio companies to compensate copyright holders in the music industry for downloads, writes the Hollywood Reporter.

Executives in the record industry want so-called "parity" among various download platforms, arguing that XM Radio's new free-download devices cheat the copyright holder.

Unlike XM, SIRIUS Satellite Radio has cut deals with record companies to compensate them for downloads on Sirius's S-50 receiver, which lets customers record content.

more on all this from our post yesterday
also more here

Nordic Rox will be produced under the creative guidance of Per Gessle, one of the world’s most successful songwriters, producers and musicians. As a member of the band Roxette and other performing bands, Gessle has sold 45 million albums worldwide and written dozens of songs that have been blockbusters on European and American radio, including “It Must Have Been Love,” which has been aired more than 4 million times on US radio, according to BMI, and is one of Roxette’s four No. 1 US singles.

The program will be hosted and programmed by Radio Stockholm on-air personality Viktor Petrovski, a prominent figure in the Swedish music scene. Also contributing to the program will be the lead singer of The Hives, Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, and highly respected ABBA historian Carl Magnus Palm (on behalf of ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus).

The first episode of Nordic Rox will be broadcast on SIRIUS channel 18, The Spectrum, this Sunday, April 30 from 8 pm to 11 pm ET.

GSI was the first to report on the open slot coming to Fox News Talk here..

"Brian & The Judge" will replace The Tony Snow Show on Fox News Talk, SIRIUS 145.
Judge Andrew Napolitano, FOX senior legal analyst, and Brian Kilmeade, co-host of the popular morning show "FOX & Friends" as the new hosts of "Brian & The Judge," weekdays from 9 a.m. - noon ET, on SIRIUS 145. Tony Snow, has taken a job in the White House, as the Press Secretary for President George Bush.

Bill seeks music royalties for satellite downloads
The guys over at Sirius Fan Network have an interesting piece relating to a bill that a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced. The legislation would require satellite radio companies to compensate the music industry for downloads, industry and congressional sources said.

You can read more about the story at Sirius Fan Network HERE

Thanks to everyone who sent the link also to us.. Yes this looks like it is going to be a hot bed in the Satrad world!

SIRIUS announced that it will be the exclusive satellite radio provider of Bill Bennett's Morning in America. William J. Bennett, former Secretary of Education and leader of federal anti-drug efforts, is also a bestselling author, established public speaker, and commentator.

Beginning May 1, 2006 Bill Bennett's Morning in America will begin airing on SIRIUS Patriot, conservative talk radio with a patriotic flair, channel 144. The show airs Monday - Friday from 6:00 - 9:00 am ET.

Bill Bennett's Morning in America is a fast paced issues-oriented talk show that covers news, politics, culture, sports, media and more. Bennett frequently has guests on and takes listener calls. Although he is a well- known Republican, Bennett has often crossed party lines in order to pursue important common purposes.

more

Over on the SIRIUS FAN NETWORK, they found this article today in the National Journal's Insider Update....
Satellite radio operators are free to offer local content says FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.

The NAB opposes local programming by satellite radio, defending their position by saying satellite radio companies were licensed for national radio programming services exclusively.

Currently SIRIUS and XM offer local weather and traffic reports, but both companies have been signaling they may offer even more local content, including local news.

more via Sirius Fan Network

A real photo of the SIRIUS Sportster Replay SP4-TK1 is now available, courtesy of Crutchfield. GET SIRIUS INFO and Satellitestandard.com had excusive "artists concepts" posted on 4/13 , which showed the unit having a color display, which obviously this one doesn't. Note the difference in the whole product code thing, originally the SPTK3 and SPTK4 were the new Sportster units (one non-color, and one with a color display). Could the SPTK3 be the sportster with the color display?!?!?

One very cool thing is the line in-put jack in the front of the unit! Many head units now have a line in, but only one.. So with this new unit you can line out from the Sportster right into a line in on a head unit.. This will let you plug an Mp3 player into the sportster line-in.. Also will this let you use the FM Mod of the Sportster to play stuff off your mp3 player???.. I think this is a very smart add... GSI is told that this unit was to be hush hush to next tuesday.. Look for more new units then.. or when they are posted by Crutchfield...

Either way, color or not, this is one nice looking unit.

SIRIUS Sportster Replay SP4-TK1
Cost: $169.99

* Plug-and-play SIRIUS satellite radio
* Car accessories included: cradle, suction-cup mount, power adapter, roof-mount antenna
* Internal memory continually stores the last 44 minutes of the channel you're listening to
* Built-in FM transmitter broadcasts on any FM frequency
* 6-line display
* 30 channel presets
* S-Seek lets you save up to 30 song titles or artists, and alerts you whenever one is playing on SIRIUS
* Game Alert lets you know when your favorite team is playing
* Jump button lets you go to a preprogrammed channel instantly
* Short-cut button lets you save a wireless FM transmission frequency
* Car cradle includes an auxiliary audio input
* Search by category, channel, artist, or song title
* Wireless remote control
* Dimensions: 4-1/2"W x 2-15/16"H x 5/8"D

via orbitcast.com and Crutchfield

CNN Reports: "Sources: Tony Snow Likely To Take W.H. Press Secy. Post" "Sources close to the White House say that Fox News anchor Tony Snow is expected to accept the job as White House press secretary," Anderson Cooper said at the top of 360 tonight.

CNN correspondent Suzanne Malveaux said there may be an announcement in the next few days -- possibly as soon as Tuesday.

Now if this happens with will make a big hole in the Fox News Talk, SIRIUS 145 Line up...

The Tony Snow Show is live Weekdays 9a-12noon (et) with weekend reruns....

The SIRIUS Store, the best place to get everything SIRIUS, has changed its name. It is now "tss radio"... In the past some folks were very confused, and were thinking "The Sirius Store" was really SIRIUS.. tss radio is the same people, same selection, same service, just a new shorter name. We at GSI have had good luck in getting all our SIRIUS Stuff from these guys and just wanted to post that they got a new name. We are told that SIRIUS did request that the name of the store change to cut down on the confusion. tss radio is a SIRIUS authorized retailer.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is getting his own two-hour weekly show on SIRIUS.

“Howard Stern won’t have anything on me,” Cuban wrote in an e-mail. “I’m going to cover everything and anything, from sports to business to technology, movies and entertainment. I’m going to take full advantage of the no-holds barred opportunity that Sirius is offering me.”

Cuban, 47, who has been fined more than $1 million for criticizing National Basketball Association referees and who drew the ire of Commissioner David Stern for saying the Kobe Bryant rape case would bolster the league’s popularity, will host his weekly talk show beginning this summer.

Mark Cuban’s Radio Maverick will air on Sirius - the official satellite radio partner of the NBA - Sundays from 11 to 1 p.m. CDT.

more via Star Telegam.com

A week ago we reported on some on the NFL Draft events on SIRIUS, now here is some PR via SIRIUS...

SIRIUS, the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, will provide the most comprehensive radio coverage available of the 2006 NFL Draft....

SIRIUS’ NFL Draft coverage begins Saturday, April 29 at 11:00 a.m. ET and continues throughout all of the day’s selections. On Sunday, April 30, SIRIUS’ coverage continues from 11:00 a.m. ET through the draft’s completion. In all, with SIRIUS covering every pick of both days, 20 hours of live NFL Draft coverage will be presented.

SIRIUS’ programming will feature live announcements of all 32 teams’ selections; analysis by SIRIUS’ lineup of NFL experts including Randy Cross, Gil Brandt, Pat Kirwan, Adam Schein, Steve Cohen and Bryan McGovern; interviews with top draft picks and players around the country; and team reactions from coaches and general managers.

Get more here via SIRIUS NFL Radio

GSI is hearing a rumor that Howard Stern will start to stream online next week. We are told the news could break during the 1Q conference call next Tuesday. According to this rumor, if two people try to log in with the same username and password, it will bump you. Some chatter is if you have 2 ESN numbers under that account, then it will let 2 people listen, and so on.. 3 ESN, 3 people can listen. Back on April 16 we reported an update on the Stern online streaming story, that "significant progress" has been made. Again this is just a rumor, but that chatter is picking up.

Sirius Satellite Radio has named music legend Charlie Daniels to be the voice of Road Dog Trucking, or Sirius Channel 147.The Daniels song “Road Dogs” (originally about traveling musicians, not truckers) will be the official theme song of the channel, and Daniels will make personal appearances for Sirius throughout the year at various trucking industry events.

Daniels also will appear April 24 as the first guest on the debut Road Dog broadcast of Carl P. Mayfield & the P-Team. Mayfield’s program airs weekdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.

more via eTrucker

Twice.com has some info on SIRIUS TV, coming to a car near you in 2007, and it's not going to be something that could be duplicated by a DVD...

They report, Sirius Satellite Radio's upcoming car satellite video service is expected to offer the same programming that is broadcast on certain children's cable stations and at the same time, Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin told analysts at the recent Morgan Stanley Global Automotive Conference here.

Karmazin said, "We want the consumer to have some live TV channels in the back seat. Your kid is watching Disney or Nickelodeon [in the home] and you go into the car and pick it up, right in the car."

Twice.com asked SIRIUS to confirm that they are partnering with Disney or Nickelodeon, Sirius consumer electronics division senior VP Bob Law said, "We are talking to people like that."

Law said of the Sirius video programming, "It's definitely going to be some live relevant broadcasting. It's not going to be something that could be duplicated by a DVD."

Law said Sirius will likely unveil satellite video at International CES in January and launch the service shortly thereafter.

The Canadian Football League announced today with Sirius Canada that the CFL and Sirius have signed a 3 year deal to broadcast CFL games and The Grey Cup (CFL's Superbowl). From the looks of the Press Release the games will be broadcasted to US and Canada's Sirius Subs. There is currently no word on how many games will be broadcasted, but Sirius does retain the rights to use the CFL logo and all of the team trademarks for marketing and promotion.

Sirius Satellite Radio boss Mel Karmazin raked in $3.45 million in compensation last year...

Karmazin's top deputy, the entertainment chief Scott Greenstein, earned more than $1.3 million last year - which includes $602,831 in salary and a $700,000 bonus.

Stern makes in 2 weeks what Mel makes all year?!?!?

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