Disclosure: Author is not part of Sirius or CSR.

In June, the CRTC granted satellite radio licenses to two groups - the CBC, which is partnered with New York-based Sirius, and CSR, which is partnered with Washington-based XM.

The federal cabinet has upheld the CRTC’s decision to issue two new satellite radio licenses. As part of the deal, all applicants agreed to include more Canadian and French-language material. This is typical of Canadian media regulations and has made headway for the satellite radio push and representation. Groups such as Liberal MPs, Quebecers and other cultural groups did have some opposition to the deal. "In effect, the Americans have won…This is a black day," said Ian Morrison, spokesman for the lobby group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.

Sirius Canada Inc. and Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. (CSR) say they are pleased. CSR CEO John Bitove said in a statement that his company intends to be a “proud” representation of Canadian business and satellite radio to the Prime Minister, the government and the country.

As per conditions of the licenses, The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will begin holding hearings asking for public input on the new commitments. The decision was made by the CRTC in June however the issue has been a heated one as cabinet debated whether to uphold it. Cabinet had the option to approve it, reject it, or send it back for further review.

As part of the agreement, CSR and Sirius have been forces to increase the French-language influence and broadcasting. Both promise to include 8 Canadian channels, which are half English and half French.

Scott Fish is the owner of Satellite Radio Sirius and XM satellite Radio Reviews

Search Engine Optimization Firm

If, like many Americans, you’re holding off on buying an HD Radio because you’re not sure there are any stations broadcasting in HD Radio technology, you could stop holding off.

There are already more than 1,000 stations across the U.S. broadcasting in HD Radio technology and more are adding the technology every day.

This is not limited to just major markets, either. For example, here in Colorado, there are stations broadcasting in HD Radio technology in Colorado Springs. And Ft. Collins. Albuquerque has seven stations broadcasting HD radio signals, and both Memphis and Nashville, TN have HD technology licensed stations.

Naturally, the major markets such as New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, San Francisco, Seattle, and St. Louis all have numerous stations broadcasting HD Radio. Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Miami do too. In fact, it’s almost impossible to find a city with a population of more than 200,000 that does not have at least a couple of HD radio stations.

How about HD AM stations?

While many of these stations are HD FM, there are also a number of HD AM stations. For example, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver/Boulder, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, and Minneapolis-St. Paul have HD AM stations, as do Albany-Schenectady-Troy, San Diego and San Antonio.

What’s the advantage of HD AM stations. It’s that HD enables AM stations to sound as clear and static-free as conventional FM stations. So, if you’re a talk radio fan, you would be able to hear your favorite programs with the same clarity and fidelity as if they were broadcasting in FM.

The future also looks very bright for HD Radio. The big broadcast corporations such as Infinity and Clear Channel have pledged their support of HD Radio. Plus, HD radio is being pushed by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) which has announced an agreement that will accelerate the conversion of over 800 PBS AM and FM stations to iBiquity’s digital HD Radio broadcasting.

Just as important, iBiquity recently announced that is has signed agreements with four, new China-based manufacturers to produce low-cost HD radios.

For more information on HD Radio, including an explanation of the technology, as well as information, HD2 channels, and HD text messaging, be sure to go to http://www.hd-radio-home.com. You can also get detailed information on HD Radios at http://www.hd-radio-buyers-guide.com

Douglas Hanna is the publisher and webmaster of two HD Radio websites as well as the author of numerous articles on HD Radio

Up until now, you may have been a little disappointed; only reading the information on cassette adaptors and FM modulators as possible ways of playing a Satellite radio in your vehicle. You may have wondered how Satellite radio could deliver pure digital bliss to your ears. This page should show you how that is possible!

Cassette adaptors and FM modulators are mainly intended for plug-and-play receivers. However, it is possible to connect these types of receivers, and others, using a direct connection to your vehicle’s stereo. This solely depends on whether your vehicle’s stereo system is capable or not.

As far as sound quality is concerned, a direct, or hardwired connection, is by far the best option to receive Satellite radio programming in your vehicle at close to cd quality.

A direct connection simply means using special cables, or hardwired adaptors, to connect your Satellite radio equipment (whatever device types they may be) to your vehicle’s stereo system.

A direct connection can be made only if the stereo has an auxiliary or AUX audio input. Normally found on the back of the vehicle’s stereo, the AUX input uses standard RCA or 3.5mm mini-jack audio cables for connecting additional audio devices. However, some stereos provide an AUX input on the front panel, making it convenient for playing portable audio devices such as iPods, CD, Minidisc and MP3 players.

If your stereo does not have an AUX input, all is not lost: many vehicle audio systems have a data port designed usually for an optional CD changer. Although not compatible for Satellite radios, this connection can also be used, even if the data port itself is already being utilised. For aftermarket and OEM factory fitted audio systems, a wide range of multi-purpose converters and interface cables are available, allowing Satellite radios and/or selected compatible audio devices to be connected to the vehicle’s current audio system.

The majority of Satellite radios require an RCA Y-adaptor cable (stereo RCA plugs to 3.5mm mini-jack) for a direct connection. Therefore, the most common use for multi-purpose converters and interface cables, is to simply convert the cd changer data port to an AUX input. However, some converters and interface cables supply power and/or audio to Satellite radio tuners that use a proprietary connection.

The Satellite radio is controlled using the cd changer capabilities on the vehicle’s stereo, or, for plug-and-play receivers, on the receiver itself or remote control.

The only possibility of interference using the direct-connect option, will be from ground loops, these are created when audio units of any kind are not properly grounded during installation and pick up noise from the alternator/charging system or engine. Devices such as ground loop isolators and in-line noise filters can be installed to help eliminate unwanted noises.

If sound quality is of the upmost importance to you, superior quality audio cables can be used to resist any corrosion and ensure a clear signal transfer without any electrical interference, which can distort audio signals.

As most of the installation, if not all of it, is carried out behind the vehicle’s dashboard and using specialist parts, it is recommended that a professional undertake the work.

For more information please visit: http://www.the-satellite-radio-advisor.com

This article may be freely reproduced so long as the above link is included in its entirety.

Jonathan Dalton: admin@the-satellite-radio-advisor.com

Its true, not all HAMS are edible. Some hams are actually useful radio amateur operators who serve the public and have fun making friends. Ham radio operators (or amateur radio operators as they are known) use two-way radio stations from their homes, cars, boats and outdoors to make hundreds of friends around town and around the world. They communicate with each other using voice, computers, and Morse code. Some hams bounce their signals off the upper regions of the atmosphere, so they can talk with hams on the other side of the world. Other hams use satellites. Many use hand-held radios that fit in their pockets. In the 20 plus years I have been a General Class Operator I have been afforded the opportunity to make hundreds of new friends thru this great hobby of ours while being afforded an opportunity to serve my community in a variety of ways.

Much of this hobby in electronics and communications can be viewed by going to the amateur radio site called the Amercian Radio Relay League or ARRL at www.arrl.org.

Hams exchange pictures of each other using television. Some also like to work on electronic circuits, building their own radios and antennas. A few pioneers in Amateur Radio have even contributed to advances in technology that we all enjoy today. There are even ham-astronauts who take radios with them on the International Space Station and thrill thousands of hams on earth with a call from space!

Hams assist their communities and prospective agencies in times of need such as;

• Hurricanes
• Earthquakes
• Tornadoes and floods
• Motorist accidents
• Fires and chemical spills
• Search and rescues

The most popular license for beginners is the Technician Class license, which requires only a 35 multiple-choice question written examination. The test is written with the beginner in mind. Morse Code is not required for this license. With a Technician Class license, you will have all ham radio privileges above 30 megahertz (MHz). These privileges include the very popular 2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in their area.

Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. You can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple equipment.

Did you know may of todays TV and Music stars are amateur radio operators or Hams? Its true, Ronnie Milsap, Patty Loveless and many many more.

The 170,000+ members of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) are among the most active and enthusiastic amateurs in the country. Headquartered in Newington, CT, ARRL speaks on behalf of its members in Washington and internationally as well as providing direct member benefits.

The Amateur Radio license examinations are administered by ham radio volunteers. When you’re ready to take your exam, you’ll need to locate an exam session near you.

If you have questions on becoming a Technician class operator please feel free to leave me feed back or as I stated earlier, visit the Amercian Radio Relay League site at WWW.ARRL.ORG

Denny, KB9GFX

Denny Knutson, LPN,EMT, Maa
Emergeny Room Nurse
Bellin Health - Bond Health Center

Local radio has taken a beating from satellite radio. But are XM and Sirius capable of killing local broadcast radio?

The broadcasting corporations such as Infinity and Clear Channel are answering with an emphatic “no!” And they have a powerful weapon called HD Radio to back up their position.

HD Radio is digital radio. As such, it enable a dramatic increase in sound quality. In fact, it makes AM radio sound as good as today’s FM and FM sound as if you were listening to a CD.

Other important reasons

But there are other, equally important, reasons why satellite radio will never replace conventional radio. First and foremost, is cost. Satellite radio costs anywhere from $11 to $14 a month and conventional radio is free. As a result there are only about 5.5 million satellite radio listeners in the U.S.and literally hundreds of millions of broadcast radio listeners. It’s pretty hard to believe that satellite radio will ever have 100 million listeners, let alone several hundred million.

Second, satellite radio can’t deliver local information or programming. People will always turn to their local stations for weather, traffic reports, news and to hear their favorite personalities.

Third, satellite radio cannot continue to hire personalities such Howard Stern and Bob Dylan to attract subscribers because the cost is just too prohibitive vs. revenue generated from new subscribers. In fact,J.P. Morgan just downgraded the stocks of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Corp saying that these two companies face near-term challenges to subscriber growth.

With a new concept called HD2

Because HD radio is digital, it requires less spectrum. This allows stations to broadcast their primary FM channel in digital and up to two more subchannels. These subchannels, which are being called HD2, will be used by broadcasters for new programming content. For example, a station might broadcast oldies of the 80s on its primary channel and hits from the 70s on an HD2 channel. The subchannels will not only be free, they will most likely be commercial free to compete head-to-head with satellite radio.

In short, broadcast radio is not going to die anytime soon. Or anytime at all.

For more information on HD Radio, including an explanation of the technology, as well as information, HD2 channels, and HD text messaging, be sure to go to http://www.hd-radio-home.com. You can also get detailed information on HD Radios at http://www.hd-radio-buyers-guide.com

Douglas Hanna is the publisher and webmaster of two HD Radio websites as well as the author of numerous articles on HD Radio

There’s a lot of buzz right now about satellite radio, largely because of Howard Stern’s move to Sirius Satellite Radio.

While moving to Sirius might make sense for Howard because of his scatological language and on-the-air hi-jinks, it just might not make as much sense for most radio listeners.

You see, satellite radio is about to see competition from a new technology called HD Radio.

HD Radio is the digital system recently approved by the U.S. Government for multicasts of local AM and FM radio. This is, of course, broadcast radio – meaning there is no fee and no subscription required.

The benefits of HD radio are:

People who have been testing the first HD tabletop radio from Boston Acoustics have said maybe satellite broadcasters better start worrying. The Recepter HD radio measures just 4.4 by 7.6 by 6.75 inches, with an extension speaker that is 4.4 by 4.4 by 6.0 inches, but produces sound that can only be described as amazing.

Besides being free and offering great sound, HD radio has another important feature that satellite radio can’t match. Its programming is local. Satellite radio may be commercial free, but there’s no local weather reports, no traffic updates, no local news, no local personalities.

The battle between satellite radio vs. terrestrial radio is not going to go away. Satellite radio will grow in popularity. And terrestrial radio is about to get a second life – thanks to digital HD radio.

So, the real winner in this war won’t be either. It will be us consumers. We will be able to choose satellite radio, conventional AM or FM radio, digital HD Radio or all three.

It really is a case of “the more choices, the merrier.”

Do you play golf? If you do and you’d like to reduce your handicap — and have a great vacation — all at the same time, you just can’t beat North or South Carolina. To learn more about golf schools in these two states, including their costs, just go to http://www.topcarolinagolfschools.com

Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive, an avid golfer, the author of numerous articles on HD radio, and the Internet and the publisher and webmaster of http://www.hd-radio-home.com

The long wait is over for Canadians. Satellite radio is finally here at long last. Canadian Satellite Radio is officially available since November 2005. The CRTC (Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission) finally came to an agreement that will change the landscape of Canadian radio from here forward.

XM satellite radio was the first provider to be licensed in Canada by the CRTC. They signed a six-year deal to provide the service across the airwaves to Canadians. You can rest assured that with the initial success this agreement will be renewed when it comes due. An interesting point to be made, once the agreement with the CRTC had been signed several of the car manufacturers in Canada inked deals to provide satellite ready units in their cars.

As Canadians we’ve heard about the satellite radio rush that was happening in the US. Because of this Canadians have long awaited the arrival of such a service. Like their US counterparts, Canadian Satellite Radio customers are able to subscribe to a wide array of broadcasts including news, entertainment, sports, comedy, and about any music genre you can think of.

So what is Canadian Satellite radio going to cost you? Subscribers will be required to pay a monthly fee the same as US customers. This fee will give users access to all the content available. To be able to receive the signal you will need satellite radio receiver. The receiver is the actual radio/device that will play or receive the signal.

One of the biggest benefits to potential Canadian Satellite Radio subscribers is the service is highly affordable! For less then the cost of most Internet services per month you can enjoy access to all of the non-stop music and entertainment available. XM radio will also be offering advertisers a new channel to get their message to the masses. With small spots of advertising available on several of the all talk channels businesses will be able to tap into the growing pool of Satellite radio subscribers.

So on a whole what does Canadian Satellite Radio really mean to the country? More great news, music and entertainment for subscribers, advertisers will be offered a benefit of more airtime to get their messages out. Consumer electronics stores will have a new product line with multiple brands to sell, as well as a new installation revenue stream for Satellite car radio units. Of course it is the subscriber that will have the biggest benefit, but all looks bright to benefit both entertainment and commerce in the coming years for Canadian Satellite Radio.

For more information about Canadian Satellite Radio, and other services and products to do with the industry please visit out website Satellite Radios

The Art Bell Show, which is now called; Coast to Coast now has a new host named George Noory. Unfortunately, many of the listeners have complained that the intellectual conversation on the show is now leaning very liberal and has become, a sounding board for socialist views. Further, many of the guests on the show seem to use the show as a Bush bashing opportunity to criticize the Bush administration.

This has turned off many listeners and I suspect that their viewer ships are going down not up, as they proclaim. Additionally, many listeners feel that George Norry is ruining the Art Bell show with silly and stupid open line call-ins, where people call up and tell about their nightmare dreams or that they saw Bigfoot. Not everyone is unhappy, but the more intellectual crowd is.

Many other people calling in are of such obviously low IQ, that many of the more intellectual people who used to listen to the show for intellectual input have turned it off. We recently discussed this in our think tank and it was almost unanimous that most of the members of the think tank no longer listen to the show at all.

It is becoming a bunch of poppycock and utter hokum due to views silly and stupid open call-in lines where complete inbred morons call-in in and say stupid things. Many people feel that George Norry has ruined the show, but all agree he is a very nice fellow personally. Although many people do listen because some of the guests who come on are O. K., but they are getting far and few between anymore. An end of an era perhaps. Consider this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; www.WorldThinkTank.net/

Digital radio stations have thousands more options to offer the listener than regular old AM and FM analog radio stations. To begin with, there is the quality issue. Gone are the days in which the radio quality would fluctuate based on whether or not you were driving under an overpass or passing by power lines. Through digital, there is relatively no disturbance from any outside sources which could disrupt your listening experience. Furthermore, there is no need for the guessing game when you hear a track you like and the disk jockey simply neglects to mention the name of it. With digital radio stations and an invention called “radiotext,” listeners will be able to read the name of the artist and title of the track right on their radio receiver as the song is playing. Radio stations will also be able to transmit information about the news, weather and traffic directly into text form on your radio receiver. This is but one great feature of digital radio.

While all of this seems like an amazing invention, the fact of the matter is that terrestrial digital radio stations do not yet exist. Any station that currently says it is totally digital is lying. They are simply a hybrid of analog and digital where the radio receiver first picks up the analog signal and then homes in on the digital signal for a better quality broadcast. The possibilities do not end there though, as it may even be possible for digital stations to broadcast pictures and videos directly to your car or home stereo through the magic of digital broadcasting. Wouldn’t it be neet to have MTV on your on digital radio so that you could watch the video while the song is playing?

Although terrestrial digital radio stations are at least ten years off, there is a way to experience some of the benefits of digital radio stations today. Satellite radio, brought to you in America by XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio offer the closest thing to full digital radio. They provide the listener with high quality sound and radiotext to let people see what they are listening too. Unfortunately, they are costly services and require the listener to not only purchase a receiver but pay a monthly subscription fee. These monthly subscription fees can add up to alot of money spent. Some say it is worth it and others do not believe so.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. He has written many great articles on many topics, including satellite radio information. For more information, please visit http://www.digital-radio-info.info/ You may also be interested in Keith’s other offerings at his site http://keithlondrie.com

The United Kingdom has consistently been on the forefront of the digital radio revolution. It all began in 1987 when the European Union decided to work on a project to convert all of their analog radio stations to digital. Thirteen years later in the year 2000, the project came to a close with the creation of Eureka 147, a public domain digital radio format. Eureka 147 received general critical acclaim but never found a major outlet until 2001 when UK digital radios sprung to life. With over fifty privately owned channels and the entire BBC network switching over to Eureka 147 digital broadcasting formats, the United Kingdom became the first recipients of digital audio broadcasting. America was not far behind in setting up it’s two (2) major XM radio broadcasts.

Five years later, UK digital radios are still operating at peak performance, light years ahead of analog radios. To begin with, digital radio receivers are able to display something called radiotext. A station broadcasts the song and the name of the artist and title of the song. When the receiver plays the song in your car or at home, the name of the artist and title of the song are displayed so you never miss the opportunity to know the name of a great tune. UK digital radios also provide listeners with an automatic retuning feature which proves to be especially useful for people on road trips. When you get out of the optimal coverage area for a radio station, the UK digital radios will automatically search for a better frequency, so you can enjoy your broadcast uninterrupted – even if you are traveling long distances from your starting location. To make digital radio even better, all of these benefits can be enjoyed from a standard car radio. In America, you need a special reciever that is usually not inexpensive. I predict that, like most electronic devices, the price will come down as manufacturing processes are improved.

UK digital radios can also benefit from satellite radio coverage over parts of Europe. The pioneers of satellite radio, WorldSpace, offer coverage to most of Europe, including the bottom three quarters of Britain. As with American satellite radio, WorldSpace offers a huge variety of different radio stations that almost anyone can enjoy. Although the stations are all commercial free, they require a monthly or yearly subscription fee. Plans to launch a satellite especially for Europe are still in the works. This author does not see that satellite taking long to become a reallity.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. He has written many great articles on many topics, including satellite radio information. For more information, please visit http://www.digital-radio-info.info/ You may also be interested in Keith’s other offerings at his site http://keithlondrie.com