XM PCR, we hardly knew ye

Well, it was a short run. Rather than allow their subscribers to get away with something as heinous as recording the satellite radio streams they're paying for, it appears that some of XM's retail channels are pulling the XM PCR, that PC satellite radio tuner which when combined with the Time Trax application can record satellite music streams into a tidy little MP3 library, off the shelves. Apparently XM is probably going to pursue legal actions against Time Trax, but in the meantime if you want one of these babies, you better get it while the gettin's good—the $50 XM PCR is reportedly now going for upwards of $350 on eBay.

[Via ArsTechnica]

[Jason @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

Froogle it and buy it for less then 60 at like 20 places.

[damian @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

if you click on any of those links via froogle or yahoo shopping you'll see it's listed as out of stock. My guess is that they will re-release it though.

[freddie @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

:(

[Alex @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

by emailing their executives: http://www.xmradio.com/corporate_info/management_main.jsp

hint: firstname dot lastname at xmradio dot com

[Mitch @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

How long do you think XM will continue broadcasting to the current installed base of XMPCRs? It's such a small number compared to the other types of tuners out there. My bet is they de-authorize every XMPCR in existence and credit the price of the XMPCR hardware to the effected XM radio accounts.

But I'm still keeping mine and letting TimeTrax work 24/7 until the day comes. :-)

[Ryan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

XM won't deactivate the XMPCR's that are already out in the public. While the hardware doesn't make up a significant portion of XM's subscriptions, it makes enough for people to have a strong voice on keeping all of the units activated.

Besides, some developers put their hearts and souls into making PCR software (legal, mind you, that doesn't include any recording ability since it's against XM Satellite Radio's TOS) and are even featured on XM's website for their software.

[Loyd Arthur @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

thats just dumb...it can still be recorded and its doubtful it will be that much harder

[Rick Menzel @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

Time Trax; nice software. Before I just recorded the channel I wanted on XM by using the Creative SoundBlaster Recorder function set to "What U Hear" setting. However, compressing to MP3 format is cool.

[Hooty @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

Why would you want this for your PC when there are hundred's of online radio stations? Plus, you can even download MP3 recording software for most...

[e-head @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

In response to Hooty ... because most of the online radio stations sound like crap.

Well, maybe that's being a little harsh ... but, have you heard XM ? It is CD quality radio. Once you hear it you will wonder how you ever got by with FM.

Besides, many don't want to add another bandwidth hungry app. If you use bittorrent, surf a lot, download from newsgroups, run your own www and mail server (like I do), your pipe is just about tapped out.