[In this writer's opinion] XM Radio is definitely decitful in promoting their product as "100% commercial free". After turning my radio on for the first time I heard a 30-second spot for a mortgage company on one of the comedy streams. I called XM and asked them about it, and they told me the promotion says "100% commercial-free music." I had been listening to a talk channel. Cable TV started out the same way, getting us to subscribe for it by claiming it was commercial-free. Which it was, for a short time. I Packed my radio up and brought it back to Best Buy. - Rich
Radio Guide comment: XM has never promised a 100% commercial-free service. They do promise it on the music channels - although there is some controversy and disagreement on that. See: XM Radio: What Exactly Is The Definition of Commercial-Free?
My brother's an over-the-road driver and loves his satellite radio. I was wanting to buy one, but had a few questions that he couldn't answer. We have a local radio station (WTVN 610 AM) that cuts out around 6pm. When people call in to complain, the statement is the FCC makes them turn the power to the northwest causing listeners to loose the channel less than 15 miles away! What satellite radio can I purchase to remain listening to my AM station even though the power has been turned to another direction? - McCoy
Radio Guide comment: There's nothing you can do about your AM station reducing power. It's all FCC mandated based on the original Communications Act of 1934 which forces some stations to lessen power to protect the signals of other stronger 50,000 watt stations. Go figure. You also will not find WTVN-AM or any other terrestrial station on satellite - at least not yet. But, you will find a LOT of other talk radio options.
Can Sirius satelite [sic] radios installed in cars be tracked? Can the location of my car be monitored? - Bill
Radio Guide comment: I asked SIRIUS this question and a spokesperson responded, "The answer is, absolutely not. The signal transmission is entirely one way: from satellite to car antenna."
Is there truly a portable radio that uses either XM or Sirius. I've head the XM MyFi doesn't work and drops out all the time and the Sirius portable unit [SIRIUIS S50] is basically an MP3 player -- it doesn't play live radio. Can you please tell me if either company is planning on offering a true portable radio like a walkman? - Diana
Radio Guide comment: They're both "portable" but...the MyFi is subject to drop out if your antenna doesn't have a clean shot at the satellite. The special antenna headphones sold separately help a great deal. True, the SIRIUS portable only records for playback - holding up to 50 hours. It would be nice if both services could figure out how to make their portables so you could take them anywhere - indoors or out - without the loss of signal or drop out.
