Read This Article If You Just Need A Gps In Your Car Or Suv

Writen by Lance Winslow

As the automobile GPS units get better and the prices have come down it seems that more and more people are finally contemplating on installing them. In the past few years audio, satellite radio and SUV back seat video recorders and TV have been considered to be the cool thing to own. Yet as prices keep falling in the feature rich GPS auto market we are seeing it is becoming one hot item to have and it indeed did appear on many a Soccer Mom's Christmas list as well.

Have you been considering a GPS unit? You know you need one and actually with high fuel prices the unit may just make up its costs in better trip planning and alternate routes in peak traffic times? Wouldn't that be great; avoid the traffic and also save fuel? Now that is the ticket indeed and with the ticket prices coming down for the most sought after state-of-the-art and top of the line units with fully integrated features, voice activated commands and audio directions why wouldn't you buy one today?

There are many new options and units, which do not need the CDROM in them and you do not have to change them to find what you are looking for if they do use a CDROM. Many of the new units have the latest hard drives with upgradeable memory and are still well under $1000, which is a great thing indeed. Think on this.

Lance Winslow

Will Art Bell Ever Come Back To Coast To Coast Am

Writen by Lance Winslow

For years the Art Bell show has been the late night talk radio sensation, selling conspiracy theories, UFO tales and ghostly commentary for the restless. Indeed there appears to be quite an audience for it all. Currently the Art Bell Show, now called; Coast to Coast has 12-13 million listeners World Wide and dominates late night talk radio and is syndicated around the World.

Now there is a new host during the week; George Noory who has developed his own following; Art Bell on the other hand is semi-retired and has gone to weekends only. But recently Art Bell has moved to the Philippines, yes half way around the World. So now Coast-to-Coast Am is no longer Coast to Coast, but Worldwide.

Art Bell since his move has been off the air and some assumed that the Government is after him for disclosing secret UFO and alien information or that the Aliens themselves abducted our late night talk show host. Not so, says Art Bell who promises to be back soon on the air, all the way from the Philippines. Currently there are some technical issues although some say he got lost in Manila due to the erratic driving there?

Many listeners are now wondering; Will Art Bell ever come back to Coast to Coast Am or is Art Bell straddling more than just time zones and international date lines? Has Art Bell finally discovered dimensional space travel and he is now living in another realm? Consider all this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Gps For World Travelers

Writen by Simon Wyryzowski

Several of the newer models of GPS comes with a host of new bells and whistles. For instance you can find integrated mp3 plaers as well as audio book players to keep you entertained while you are on those long road journeys.

For those who plan on traveling the world, there are nice features such as a picture view (for viewing any number of digital pictures you take on the journey), world clock complete with time zones, currency conversion tools, measurement conversion tools, and calculators.

That's only just the start! There are many features and programs you can add to your GPS depending on what you need. For example there are many language programs you can buy that allows you to look up phrases and words for your host country.

In addition to being able to provide you amazing accuracy out of the box, a GPS unit can incorporate other complementary tools as well such as travel guides. Travel guides can futher enhance your enjoyability on the road and add a new layer of richess to your overall travel experience.

There are many more programs, add-ons, and features that are available to the power user. The future certainly looks bright as more and more innovatios are being added to the mix.

GPS amplifier accessories extend the functionality of your GPS device and will open up a whole new world that wasn't available to you before.

http://www.gpszoom.com/

Radio Ga Ga

Writen by Sasha Masand

One of the major drivers that have helped the media industry in India canter along at a blistering pace has been the good old radio. AM, FM and even Satellite Radio have made a huge impact on the Industry in India. The stage is set for major revenue growth among the various Radio Channels.

In fact what we are seeing is not some newfound love for the old medium but just the natural uncoiling of the market after being repressed by the government for decades. In a country where the majority of the illiterate poor have only the Radio as their low cost medium for entertainment and news reception, the Government does not want to give up control. Even now though new FM licenses have been issued all across the country, News-casting has been barred from private Radio Networks.

Private news channels on Television in contrast are now dime-a-dozen. For better or for worse we now get the same bit of news delivered to us on television with sometimes extremely divergent views, spin e.t.c. Sadly Radio has not yet joined that bandwagon.

In fact listening to FM Radio in India is very weird, as it seems too "clean" without the usual news on the hour. Talking about weird of all the things Satellite Radio is here. WORLDSPACE has got around 65000 subscribers in India. That's two thirds of its entire audience around the world. People say they like it because it is clean without commercials. In most developed markets though where broadband penetration is high people have access to thousands of radio channels via the Internet. Satellite radio hence does not generally do well there. The other limitations of course to satellite radio apart from being expensive to setup, here in India are that its not portable. You are tied down to one receiver and that's it.

Everything is new and nice at the moment. People in India today are spoilt for choice. Be it any media platform they have a stack of channels to choose from. But the day is not far away when they will realize that the flip side of entertainment is information.

In a way may be it would be much better if the industry could grow slower but in a more complete way. Just having loads of entertainment on the airwaves without some serious Information dispersal seems almost Banana Republic like.

Sasha Masand the founder of Indian Voice Overs is an award winning Television Producer who has been part of the Indian media industry for over twelve years.

Sirius Satellite Radio

Writen by Herman Turtle

Dish Network, in their steadfast pursuit of the best in audio programming services, is pleased to offer their subscriber base the ultimate in content and sound provided by Sirius Satellite Radio services.

Based in New York and operational since 1999, Sirius Satellite Radio is a service provider who provides 68 streams of music and 55 streams of sports, news, and entertainment to both the United States and Canada ¨C 24 hours a day, commercial- free. When a song is broadcast, the user can view the name of the artist and song info while listening. Programming streams are relayed to one of three satellites orbiting above North America. They are received and digitally transmitted back to earth where a receiver intercepts one of the channels within the signal. Reception is great as signals beamed to ground repeaters may be received in congested urban areas without interruption. No matter where you are located, reception is great. Satellite radio music and commentary is delivered digitally and are of a higher quality than standard radio signals and special receivers are necessary to decode signals. The Federal Communications Commission does not regulate satellite providers. This service is not free and those who desire it may subscribe directly to Sirius Satellite Radio. Music channels include Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B/Urban, Classical, Rock, and Country, and much more. Sports streams include NBA, NFL, and NHL exclusives plus ESPN sports. Excellent talk programming by Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, and others is featured in addition to news channels, children¡¯s programming (Radio Disney), and much more. Traffic and weather programs are featured and partnered with automobile companies and airlines that offer promotions to subscribers. Technical support and service are available 24 hours a day, and service and support availability is a valuable commodity in this day and time.

Sirius Satellite Radio provides a subset of streams (channels) of music to Dish Network satellite television as a part of their services to more than 12 million subscribers in the United States. Dish Network provided in-flight satellite audio services to an airline company in the U.S., and it was well received. In 2004, selected music channels were added to Dish Network¡¯s music lineup. Sirius channels are identified on Dish Network¡¯s lineup as XS (¡®XS20¡¯, ¡®XS109¡¯). Millions of satisfied Dish Network customers sing the praises of Sirius programming with consumers being given the option of choosing programming ¨C wherever and whenever they desire. Sirius offers more than 60 channels of round the clock music selections, and includes Country, Hip-Hop, R&B/Urban, Dance/Electronic, Jazz, Classical, Rock, and Pop. Sirius music is included in their offer of programming packages and is delivered in excellent CD quality or Dolby Surround sound.

Dish Network's offer of free equipment and professional installation is an attractive bonus that is in addition to their provision of the best audio and video programming available to date.

Keith Osik writes articles for consumers who want to find the best Dish Network Offers currently offered. He has written for major publications about satellite television and how buyers can find the best special deals.

Gps How Much Data Do You Need

Writen by Simon Wyryzowski

Before you jump in with both feet and purchase a GPS unit, it's important to take a few things in to consideration.

How much data do you need? Let's rephrase that, think in terms of your cell phone plan. Every plan is different and offers different plans accordingly. Some are regional, some are for specific states, and some are nation wide while further others provide plans allowing you to communicate to anyone in the world.

Similarly for GPS, you need to consider what coverage you want in terms of where you will be needing this satellite based directional guides. Do you travel frequently within one or two big cities, or does your work or personal life take you beyond- to unknown corners of the nation or the world?

There is no standardization in terms of maps available and preloaded- it varies depending on which models and which companies you buy your GPS from.

On top of that you need to consider how much features you need to use for your GPS. Do you want something that works out of the box and gives you clear and concise instructions on how to get from point A to B, or do you want to hack away and use some advanced features as well? This and more will need to be factored into your purchase decision.

Visit our site for GPS live tracking news and products.

http://www.gpszoom.com/

Canada Here Comes Satellite Radio

Writen by Scott Fish

Cabinet has upheld a CRTC decision to issue two satellite radio licences after the applicants agreed to increase Canadian content and French-language service.

The applicants are Sirius Canada and Canadian Satellite Radio, each of which has a U.S. partner. Details of the new Canadian content commitments were not immediately available but the number of French-language channels will be increased to four from three. 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.

Several cultural organizations such as the Canadian Recording Industry opposed the original terms of the licenses. Reasons include that they have weakened domestic content rules. These rules require Canadian music and talk programming to be prominent on the airwaves. "This is a black day," said Ian Morrison, a spokesman for Friends of Canadian Broadcasting. "In effect, the Americans have won." The new licenses call for eight new Canadian channels and 72 American channels.

While some people are complaining, independent and emerging artists favored the satellite licenses. They believe that the new services will provide them with exposure in the United States and abroad. Satellite radio, while initially intended mainly for car radios, has made several new improvements for portable and home satellite radio. Automakers, whom have factory ready satellite receivers in new 2006 models supported the applications. Just as in America, subscrition to the new radio services can be purchased and heard anywhere in North America.

Scott Fish is the owner of Satellite Radio Sirius and XM satellite Radio Reviews | Search Engine Optimization Firm

The Freedom Of Portable Satellite Radio

Writen by Carl Walker

As time goes by and technology grows and changes to suit the needs of people we have seen an increase in the need for portability in media. People are on the go and require more portability in their Radios. Science and Technology has grown with the demand of the people. This demand has bred Portable Satellite Radios.

Portable Satellite Radio allows a person to listen to various genres of music at any given time, on demand, via Satellite technology. Where once we had Cassette tape walkman devices, then Compact Disc walkman devices we now have the capability to take our music with us wherever we go without being limited to the radio stations in our local vicinity. This means there is no longer a boundary of radio signal that is limited to your town or city. Now you can hear feeds that take place all over the nation, without having to wait for it to be syndicated and picked up by your local radio station.

There are many different Portable Satellite Radio providers such as XM, Sirius Radio and many others. These services are fee based and provide users with a variety of different genres of music for a monthly service charge. This allows the Portable Satellite Radio user to be able to travel with his or her musical selections but not limit them to a play list of music that is made up of only a few songs.

Not only is there a wide variety of music on Portable Satellite Radio. There are also many other types of media such as the national news and Talk Radio. As the Portable Satellite Radio technologies took off shock jock Howard Stern made the switch from normal syndicate radio to Portable Satellite Radio. Many other radio personalities quickly followed suit.

The reason behind the boom of radio personalities making the switch from normal analog radio to Portable Satellite Radio is that it gave them the freedom from some of the FCC restrictions about freedom of speech. Unlike analog radio the FCC doesn't control as strictly Portable Satellite Radio feeds. Portable Satellite Radio and the boom in the industry also gave radio personalities a broader fan-base. Exposing them to more people who typically may have not heard of them or had the opportunity to enjoy what they bring to the radio.

When looking for a Portable Satellite Radio service you must take into consideration coverage area as well as pricing. What kind of cost will you pay for the convenience of not being bound to limited music and services? Portable Satellite Radio gives you the convenience that is almost necessary in today's fast paced world of technology and media.

Most audio equipment retailers now provide Portable Satellite Radio devices and services. For the most part these devices can be budget-friendly and the monthly service fees reasonable. If you are interested in expanding your musical tastes and are an on-the-go type of person, Portable Satellite Radio may be something you would be interested in.

Satellite Radio HQ http://satellite-radio-hq.com/ talks about the history of satellite radio, the equipment you'll need, the satellite radio channels you can receive and much more.

Delphi Myfi And Skyfi Satellite Radio Receivers

Writen by Bradley James

Satellite radio is an increasingly popular alternative to regular radio. With satellite radio you pay a certain subscription fee every month (around $15 or so) to get around 100 music channels broadcast by satellite. The subsciption cost pays mostly for the lack of commercials, which is a major plus for most listeners.

In order to take advantage of satellite radio you will need a satellite radio receiver. There are several types of receivers availiable, and a few of the most popular models are produced by Delphi. Their two most popular models are the MyFi and SKYFi line. The MyFi satellite receiver is slightly smaller and is considered the most portable. This device is meant to be taken with you just about anywhere - much like a mp3 player like the Apple iPod. The SKYFi is your standard satellite receiver unit and is commonly installed in cars, boats, and the home using different accessory kits. You will find more information about both of these units below.

Delphi MyFi Portable Satellite Radio

Manufacturers Description: The Delphi MyFi is the industry's first personal XM satellite radio that you can take with you anytime, anywhere - right out of the box. MyFi provides the personal freedom to experience over 130 digital XM channels virtually anywhere. Packaged with a rechargeable integrated battery pack, antenna, remote control, headphones, home kit and vehicle kit, the palm-sized MyFi is Delphi's most consumer-friendly satellite radio yet. MyFi also has the ability to store up to five hours of XM programming with the press of a button. Favorite music and programming is never missed and available for playback at any time.

Features:

- The first personal and portable XM satellite radio

- Breakthrough time-shifting "Memory Mode" capable of storing up to five hours of XM programming

- Integrated, rechargeable battery

- Built-in FM transmitter to make any FM radio an XM radio

- Everything you need in one package for car, home, and on-the-go

- Info Extras include a personalized stock and sports ticker

- Live XM listening mode

- Up to thirty channel presets

- Large, illuminated six-line LCD display

Price: $300

Delphi SKYFi Satellite Radio Receiver

Manufacturers Description: SKYFi allows access to XM's 101 channels of music, news, sports and entertainment programming in the vehicle or at home. Enhanced features, such as the large 5-line display, 10-button direct channel entry and 20 channel presets help users easily navigate XM's award-winning radio service. SKYFi™ also gives listeners the ability to preview and search XM channels by artist name and song title. Accessory kits for the home, vehicle, or our on-the-go Audio Systems (sold separately) make SKYFi™ portable and fun.

Features:

- Advanced 5-line display concurrently shows channel number, channel name, artist name and song title

- Preview song titles & artists

- 10 button direct channel entry

- 20 channel presets

- remote control

Price: $100

Delphi SKYFi2 Satellite Radio Receiver

Manufacturers Description: Using leading edge technology, the exclusive Replay/Pause feature continuously and automatically saves the last 30 minutes of programming – including programming from multiple channels.

Features:

- Exclusive Replay/Pause – continuously records 30 minutes of the selected XM station for flexibility.

- Built in FM Modulator – SKYFi2 can wirelessly transmit XM satellite radio to any FM radio – no need for wires or complicated connections.

- TuneSelectTM – select channels and programming in several different modes - TuneSelect mode automatically finds favorite programs too!

- Personalized information tickers - stay up-to-date on your favorite stocks, sports and XM guides as the tickers scroll on the bottom of the receiver's display.

- Advanced display - display up to 5 lines of text on a white screen concurrently showing channel, song, artist and title information.

- Backward compatible – will operate with original SKYFi accessory kits

- Remote control included

- Wide variety of listening accessories available:

- Vehicle kit – everything needed to install SKYFi or SKYFi2 in your car or truck

- Home kit – everything needed to connect your SKYFi or SKYFi2 to a home audio system

- Marine kit – everything needed to install your SKYFi or SKYFi2 in a marine environment

- Audio System – a portable system that contains speakers and docking station

- CD Audio System – a portable system with a CD/MP3 player and an AM/FM tuner

Price: $130

Bradley James is the chief editor of SciNet, a popular consumer electronics review website. To learn more about satellite radio receivers and satellite radio in general, please visit our satellite radio receiver website.

Gps Never Get Lost Again With Satellite Navigation

Writen by Richard Cussons

When we travel, we tend to think of the destination, rather than the roads we take to get there. After all, who wouldn't rather dream of the vacation as opposed to the hours spent in a cramped car with the kids asking every few minutes, "Are we there yet?"

But, the truth is, we have to know where we are to get to where we're going. That is why having a Global Positioning System (more commonly called GPS) is so essential. This cyber map will always be aware of your movements and location, allowing you the security of never having to second-guess directions.

Does this scenario sound familiar? You have traveled down a dirt road, filled with more ruts than dirt, only to enter a town whose biggest attraction is a gas station with inside restrooms. You didn't want to be here, but your innate sense of direction (or lack thereof) coupled with a map that can only be described as adequate, brought you. Now, you have to either turn around or rely on the directions of a man who was more interested in reading the paper than listening to you. It is a tiresome situation, to put it lightly, and one you should not have to experience.

So what difference would a GPS system make? First of all, you would always know exactly where you are. This satellite locator is the only complete one on the word, meaning: the directions it gives you will be based only on the best and most accurate information. Secondly, a GPS system can be personalized. Unlike a map that just gives roads and the occasional extra information, a GPS can be trained to show you local attractions, hotels, restaurants, airports, etc. It can also become your personal address book, storing the roads and routes important to your daily life. With that, you will always be aware of which turn to make and when to do it. No more missing your exit by being distracted; a GPS system will actually tell you to turn.

Because of these amenities, the GPS has quickly risen to the level of 'needed' item. Not only does it assure that you will always know where you are, but it also brings a level of safety to drivers. No more stumbling about the street, hoping to find the turn you need. A GPS system will always let you know when the time is right to turn.

Of course, it must be noted that there are different types of systems and, the cheaper you buy, the less it will be able to do. Though it is usually thought to pay less and hope for the best, in this case, it is wiser to invest in a more equipped system, or at least one more tailored to your lifestyle. That way, you can guarantee yourself a higher level of security when it comes to traveling. Whether going about town or heading across country, you should always know where you are.

Richard Cussons is a prolific and diverse writer. You will find out more about GPS at Satellite Navigation Online.

Gps Tracking System The Key To Saving Money On Your Business

Writen by Sandra Stammberger

It is natural for a business to have its ups and down. Since everything is beyond your control no matter how you strive of putting all things into its right place, sometimes it still fails. Sometimes you just assume that everything is fine though it's not.

Forget about all your worries because with GPS tracking, all will turn into proper places, everything will easily be tracked. The GPS tracking system has helped reduce cost in both personal and professional life of a person and the benefits have been huge.

GPS tracking isn't for every business, but if your company employees drive company vehicles, it is best suited for you. With active GPS tracking technology, you can monitor a driver's speed and location in real time. That's how convenient it is. A unit in a car or truck records the vehicle's speed and location, sending the information back to your office instantaneously. Or consider the cheaper passive GPS tracking technology, which records a driver's speed and location on an onboard unit, which can be accessed later when the driver returns to the office.

The GPS tracking system is designed so that you can track your trucks, containers, trailers, and other vehicles easily. By the use of fleet management you will know when your assets stop, sit idling and the road they are on. With the latest GPS Tracking systems, you can monitor the activities of all your vehicles.

A GPS Tracking System works this way:

You may have heard of GPS technology as a navigational tool. 24 satellites constantly emit signals to be received by handheld computers, such as the GPS Magellan units. A microchip then processes the signals to determine the user's location. Many then display this information on a map, so you can see exactly where you are and how to get to your destination.

GPS vehicle tracking works in a similar fashion, with a couple extra steps. As in GPS navigation, a GPS tracking unit, stored in a vehicle, uses satellite signals to calculate the vehicle's location. It then calculates the vehicle's speed and stores or transmits this information to be accessed by a third party.

As of now, there are already some technical support teams that function, focusing on user-centered design and usability applications. To improve its range and provide for different markets, many GPS services have many add-ons to enhance the performance.

Since the foundation of any company is to stick on their philosophy that in order to maintain long term business relationships, it must be based on reliable service, high quality and strong industrial design and information technology support to adapt to the rapid changes in the markets and the business world.

These companies have dedicated themselves in the use and development of GPS products and applications, including Bluetooth GPS Receiver with SiRF Star 3 chipset, GPS Car Tracking System (Integrated GPS with mobile communication technology), Personal GPS Burglar - proof Tracker, GPS Data Logger, GPS Post-tracking System (off-line tracking). Many companies have invested so much to manufacture products designed to flexibly and rapidly customize their GPS to meet market demands.

These GPS vehicle tracking products are designed and built to provide precise information so that the services of the company who uses them can monitor their fleet as well as enhance the quality of their services.

S. Stammberger is the owner of GPS Navigation Systems. For more information on GPS and GPS Tracking Systems visit http://www.gps-navigation-systems.net.

Gps Tracking What Is It

Writen by Brad Borst

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a constellation of 24 satellites, which provide information to a GPS receiver, so that software in the receiver can determine a position in three dimensions (altitude, latitude, and longitude).

GPS tracking devices were originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for use in precision weapon delivery. The initial satellites were launched between 1974 and 1977. During the Clinton administration, use of the system's additional bandwidth was opened for civilian use. This move, combined with recent advances in personal technologies was the catalyst for an explosive surge in GPS market opportunities and intelligent applications. There are two types of GPS tracking: passive and real time. A passive GPS tracker will record travel activities and positions, which can be downloaded to a computer. A real time GPS tracking system will show its position, live.

Today, GPS tracking systems are more common to the general public. GPS tracking units are most commonly used for the following uses:

1. Auto Theft Prevention - www.TrackYourVehicle.net
2. Vehicle Tracking - www.rmtracking.com
3. Asset Protection - www.ConstructionGPS.net
4. Fleet Tracking & Management - www.ManageMyFleet.com

Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. has the latest GPS product that technology has to offer. For more information about GPS tracking devices, contact Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. toll free at 877-477-9668.

Xm Vs Sirius

Writen by Bradley James

So you want to switch to satellite radio, but you aren't sure with which service to go with? Two of the biggest names in satellite radio today, XM and Sirius, both offer a large variety of music stations that you would never hear on regular commercial radio. And most of the music channels, for both services, are commercial free. Of course, nothing is truely free. Both Sirius and XM charge you a service fee to listen to their music channels - someone has to pay for those satellites!

So what is the difference between Sirius and XM?

First of all, Sirius and XM both offer the same commercial-free music service broadcasted via satellites. Sirius offers 120 channels, or feeds, of music, sports, and entertainment programming. For this service, Sirius charges a flat monthly subscription fee of $12.95 for residents of the continental US. XM currently charges, on the other hand, has 122 channels broadcasting similar content (68 of which are music channels), and charge a slightly smaller monthly fee: $9.95. XM currently has the largest share in the satellite marked with 2 million customers.

So why does Sirius charge more? Sirius claims to have superior sound quality thanks to their statistical multiplexing technology, which provides additional bandwidth across all SIRIUS streams. This is supposed to increase overall sound quality and resolution. There has been little feedback however, to verify whether or not this system really enhances sound quality to a noticeable degree. In addition, Sirius is offering free audio feeds through the internet to its paying customers, something XM charges a couple dollars a month extra for. So if you plan on listening to the radio via the net often, you can expect to pay about the same no matter which company you go with. Sirius also claims to have 24 hour customer service - something XM radio has yet to fully achieve. Oh, and one more thing. Sirius has 2 NPR channels, for you NPR fans out there: NPR Now and NPR Talk. Pretty cool.

So does that mean Sirius is better? Well, that depends. XM has some neat stuff too, like a bunch of cool XM Satellite Radio receivers and displays. They also have the biggest broadcasting network right now, and are probably the most likely to expand services significantly in the near future. Overall, they are just about equal, and you are better off going with either of these services than any other.

Bradley James is a senior editor at SciNet.cc, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on the Sirius and XM satellite radio services please visit our XM vs Sirius webpage.

Commercialfree Programming Just One Of The Benefits Of Satellite Radio

Writen by Aldene Fredenburg

Think of your favorite music or discussion topics, piped into your home or car in digital-quality, crystal-clear sound. And then think of your favorite format with absolutely no commercials - no used car salesmen, no fuel company ads, no heavy rotation ads hawking every possible product or service all the way to work and home again - all your favorite stations available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with no static.

Whether you love fifties music or reggae, conversation from right wing pundits or Air America, or even 'round the clock comedy, Satellite Radio is it. The purchase of a satellite radio and a small monthly fee will open a whole world of ad-free radio listening to you.

XM Satellite Radio offers over 150 digital channels in formats specializing in music, sports, talk, and entertainment, plus 21 channels dedicated to weather and traffic patterns in major metropolitan areas around the U.S. XM offers the deepest music playlist available, with over 2 million titles. For $12.95 a month (less if you opt for an annual contract) and the cost of an XM radio (anywhere from 50 to 200 dollars, after rebate) you will have an amazing range of music formats to choose from, from Decades to Classical to Urban, from Jazz and Blues to Latin, World, and Christian. Channels for kids are available as well, plus a variety of sports, talk and comedy formats.

Sirius offers over 60 music channels plus a wide variety of other formats, including football, soccer, and even horse racing channels. The "World" music options are a bit more edgy than the XM offerings, and offer music from all over the world, including Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, the British Isles, Central Europe and Asia. Musicians range from the Rolling Stones to the Gypsy Kings and Khadja Nin. Both XM and Sirius offer channels which give emerging artists a boost.

Sirius offers a variety of radio systems, including a Plug and Play kit with adaptors for your car or home radio, only $29.99 after the rebate; the systems go up in price and complexity from there. Subscriptions start at $12.95. Right now Sirius and XM systems are not compatible.

Owners of conventional broadcast radio stations have expressed concerns that the commercial-free satellite stations will cut into their listenership and, as a result, their ad revenue; but the proponents of satellite radio feel that that won't happen. There's plenty of room for free local programming offering local and regional news and events announcements. With this thought in mind, both XM and Sirius offer radios which can be connected to home or car radios without interfering with their regular operation, for the best of both worlds: free local stations keeping the listener up to date on happenings in their community, plus the best in music, talk, and sports from around the world.

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com

Satellite Digital Radio Is The Best Way To Enjoy Cd Quality Radio

Writen by Keith Londrie

In America, currently the most popular way to enjoy high quality music broadcasts in your car or home is through satellite digital radio. Two companies have pioneered this technology and each offer a variety of different services and stations to choose from. In the process of making their broadcasts the best they can possibly be, both companies completely removed commercials from their schedules and brought in well known radio hosts and musicians to provide commentary and act as disk jockeys. Unfortunately, there are drawbacks associated with each company, mainly the fact that you have to pay significant prices for the satellite digital radio receiver and you also have to pay a monthly fee for use of their services. Monthly fee not withstanding, both companies are bringing today's best of cd quality radio to you. Both companies offer a line up of many different music and other listening choices. You will be able to find the station you want to listen to and be able to enjoy music without commmercials.

The most popularized satellite digital radio broadcaster is currently XM Satellite Radio. This company has associated itself by teaming up with many auto makers including General Motors, Honda and Volkswagen. They offer a variety of services, most costing around $10 US a month. In 2004 they launched the first of a line of portable satellite receivers so people can take their music wherever they go. With XM you have service coverage throughout North America, excluding Hawaii. However, in some major cities, XM still needs to install devices to improve signal quality amidst the skyscrapers. XM became newsworthy recently by signing on Oprah Winfrey to their lineup of superstars. There are currently six million subscribers to XM's satellite digital radio broadcast, twice as many as Sirrus has.

As the only real alternative to XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio has a lot to live up to. They are the underdogs of the satellite digital radio revolution, clocking in at only three million subscribers. Sirius uses three satellites to cover the United States, Canada, Alaska and the upper half of Mexico. As with XM, there is no coverage in Hawaii and there are some quality issues with reception in cities dotted with skyscrapers. Many car companies have teamed up with Sirius to offer factory installed equipment, including: BMW, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, Toyota and Nissan. Sirius made the news recently with their acquisition of renowned radio personality Howard Stern in January 2005.

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

What Is And How Does A Gps Work

Writen by Dagfinn Rognerud

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of about 18-24 satellites placed into orbit. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the late 1970s, the government made a system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24/7. There are no cost for the use.

How it works

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in the same orbit and transmit signal information to down to mother earth. GPS take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location. The GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away from the satellite it is. Now, with this distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map.

A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2d position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position (latitude, longitude and also altitude). Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and a lot more.

How accurate is GPS?

Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to parallel multi-channel design. Garmin's 12 parallel channel receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain strong locks, even in dense foliage or urban settings with tall houses. Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. Garmin® GPS receivers are accurate to 15 meters on average. Newer Garmin GPS receivers with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability can improve the accuracy to less than three meters on average. No additional equipment or fees are required to take advantage of WAAS. Users can also get even better accuracy with Differential GPS (DGPS), which corrects GPS signals to within an average of three to five meters. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the most common DGPS correction service. This system consists of a network of towers that receive GPS signals and transmit a corrected signal by beacon transmitters. In order to get the corrected signal, users must have a differential beacon receiver and beacon antenna in addition to their GPS.

The GPS satellite system

The 18-24 satellites that make up the GPS space segment are orbiting the earth about 12,000 miles above us. They are constantly moving, making two complete orbits in less than 24 hours. These satellites are travelling at speeds of roughly 7,500 miles an hour.

GPS satellites are powered by solar energy only. They have backup batteries onboard to keep them running in the event of a solar eclipse, when there's no solar power. Small rocket boosters on each satellite keep them flying in the correct path. Here are some other interesting facts about the GPS satellites (also called NAVSTAR, the official U.S. Department of Defense name for GPS):

• The first GPS satellite was launched in early 1978.

• A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in late 1994.

• Each satellite is built to last about 10-15 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit.

• A GPS satellite weighs approximately 1,500 pounds and is about 16 feet across with the solar panels extended.

• Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.

What's the signal?

GPS satellites transmit two low power radio signals, designated L1 and L2. Civilian GPS uses the L1 frequency of 1575.42 MHz in the UHF band. The signals travel by line of sight, meaning they will pass through clouds, glass and plastic but will not go through most solid objects such as buildings and mountains.

A GPS signal contains three different bits of information — a pseudorandom code, ephemeris data and almanac data. The pseudorandom code is simply an I.D. code that identifies which satellite is transmitting information. You can view this number on your Garmin GPS unit's satellite page, as it identifies which satellites it's receiving.

Almanac data, which is constantly transmitted by each satellite, contains important information about the status of the satellite (healthy or unhealthy), current date and time. This part of the signal is essential for a good position view.

Sources of GPS signal errors

Factors that can degrade the GPS signal and thus affect accuracy include the following:

• Ionosphere and troposphere delays — The satellite signal slows as it passes through the atmosphere. The GPS system uses a built-in model that calculates an average amount of delay to partially correct for this type of error.

• Signal multipath — This occurs when the GPS signal is reflected off objects such as tall buildings or large rock surfaces before it reaches the receiver. This increases the travel time of the signal, thereby causing errors.

• Receiver clock errors — A receiver's built-in clock is not as accurate as the atomic clocks onboard the GPS satellites. Therefore, it may have very slight timing errors.

• Orbital errors — Also known as ephemeris errors, these are inaccuracies of the satellite's reported location.

• Number of satellites visible — The more satellites a GPS receiver can "see," the better the accuracy. Buildings, terrain, electronic interference, or sometimes even dense foliage can block signal reception, causing position errors or possibly no position reading at all.

• Satellite geometry/shading — This refers to the relative position of the satellites at any given time. Ideal satellite geometry exists when the satellites are located at wide angles relative to each other. Poor geometry results when the satellites are located in a line or in a tight grouping.

• Degradation of the satellite signal — Selective Availability (SA) is an intentional degradation of the signal once imposed by the U.S. Department of Defense. SA was intended to prevent military adversaries from using the highly accurate GPS signals. The government turned off SA in May 2000, which significantly improved the accuracy of civilian GPS receivers.

16 years as an officer in the Norwegian army. See my pages: http://www.gps-info.org/ and http://www.lincoln-navigator.org/

The History Of Portable Satellite Radios

Writen by Julie-Ann Amos

The history of portable satellite radios is short compared to traditional over-the-air radio, but it has rapidly changed the face of radio listening like no other technology in recent memory. The two major satellite radio services, XM Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, offer a stunning array of programming and compete fiercely for customers.

Their popularity has stunned many in the radio industry and with the advent of new, smaller, more convenient portable satellite radios, some industry veterans worry about the future viability of traditional broadcast radio.

How did satellite radio get started and what is its future? Let's take a look.

The Beginnings of Satellite Radio

The history of satellite radio begins in 1992, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to set aside a portion of spectrum to be devoted to nationwide distribution of digital radio service via satellite. SIRIUS Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio bid huge amounts of money (at least $80 million each) for licenses to use this new allocation of spectrum, which were eventually awarded to them by the FCC.

Owning the right to use the spectrum, though, was only the first step. Even if they could start delivering satellite radio signals right away, there were no consumer-accessible portable satellite radios to receive the signal. Additionally, there was substantial debate within the radio industry about whether consumers would be willing to pay for new hardware and then pay a monthly subscription fee for radio service. After all, AM and FM radio broadcasts were available free all over the country.

Making a Business out of Satellite Radio

XM Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio set out to overcome these obstacles and make a real business out of portable satellite radios and satellite radio programming. They knew that to attract the most consumers they needed to offer a variety of hardware components that could be used in a variety of locations – home, work, and especially the car, where most radio listening occurs.

Working with electronics manufacturers already trusted and recognized by consumers (Sanyo, Panasonic, JVC, Kenwood, etc.), hardware development got underway. The results included portable satellite radios, receivers, and "plug and play" components for nearly every consumer application. Manufacturers built satellite radio receivers for cars, homes, offices, trucks, RVs, boats, and even airplanes.

On the programming side, XM and SIRUS put together an assortment of niche music stations that would have something to offer consumers with nearly any musical taste. Each station was programmed to appeal to a specific type of listener, and most were commercial-free. Programming originated primarily from New York, but also from other locations, plus XM and SIRIUS entered into collaborative agreements that would allow popular musicians, entertainers, personalities and others to perform live from the originating locations. This would give the services another unique selling point to attract consumers.

Dealing with resistance to a monthly fee, though, required a broader array of marketing, public relations, and strategies to communicate the benefits and advantages of portable satellite radios. XM and SIRIUS knew that the key to their success would lie in convincing consumers of the value they would receive while making the hardware widely available and affordable.

Spreading the Word

Portable satellite radios began to show up in a variety of places where consumers would find it easy to use them. One of the most important places for XM and SIRIUS to gain entry for the hardware was in cars and trucks, where consumers do the vast majority of their radio listening.

They collaborated with car and truck manufacturers to make portable satellite radios standard on many high-end luxury vehicles, and an affordable option on most other mid-range vehicles. For most of these consumers, the cost of a monthly subscription would not be prohibitive and by making it easy for them to access their services, XM and SIRIUS could entice consumers to try it out and start spreading the word about its value.

Portable satellite radios were also placed in boats and RVs, and standard receivers were heavily marketed for use in homes and businesses. Another innovation, introduced in November 2004, is the handheld version of XM Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio receivers. These devices were designed to appeal to people who want access to satellite radio services while running, walking, or otherwise moving out and about in locations other than their cars, trucks, homes or offices.

Another important component of spreading the word was establishing partnerships and marketing agreements with electronics retailers such as Circuit City, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and other well-known names. Working closely with retailers, XM and SIRIUS have greatly increased their presence with consumers and sales have steadily increased.

Why Pay for Radio?

Still, the bottom line question for most people is why pay for radio? The answer is in the benefits received with a subscription to satellite radio. Some of the most popular benefits include:

More channel choices (up to 150) Commercial-free (music channels) Live audio streaming of sporting events Weather and traffic information (in major markets) Clear, crisp digital signal Signal available with no fading when driving long distances Niche music stations to suit any musical taste Assortment of sports, talk, and news stations

Coming Soon

Satellite radio service is in its infancy so it is inevitable that the technology and the features will continue to develop. XM Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio will have to devote resources to such innovations if they are to attract enough subscribers to become profitable.

For example, one feature that will soon be available in some areas real time traffic information delivered via satellite directly to the navigation system in the car. This information will appear as color-coded displays of the average speed of vehicles on specific roads, allowing the driver to select the travel route that is least congested at any particular time.

Other new options and ideas are inevitable over the next few years, so it is likely that portable satellite radios will continue to grow in popularity and become more common in vehicles, homes, offices, boats, RVs, and just about any other location that can be imagined.

About the Author: Julie-Ann Amos is a successful writer for 1st-Dish-TV.net, a consumer guide to free DirecTV satellite dish systems. She has contributed numerous articles on portable satellite radio receivers and writes frequently on high speed satellite Internet service providers.

Copyright 2005 1st-Dish-TV.net

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