Samsung's Helix YX-M1 XM radio reviewed

By most traditional readings of our handy dandy Gregorian calendar, the Samsung Helix's supposed release date of April 25th has slipped by without a whole lot of Helix YX-M1 releasing. Luckily, CNET is around to appease your Helix appetite with a review. They seem to like the little XM radio, but a few drawbacks make it a bit harder to love. Just like it's nearly identical twin, the Pioneer Inno, Samsung's Helix has the looks, the size (a mere 0.6-inches thick), and the interface of a winner. Unlike the Inno, the Helix managed to do its recording duties without a hitch. Unfortunately, all these good times will be routinely cut short by the paltry 5 hours of battery life for XM radio and a mere 1GB of non-expandable music storage. Also, exchanging music with your PC can be a painful affair, with the XM-branded Napster transferring tunes at a sluggish rate, and the lack of ability to transfer your recorded XM tunes back to your PC. All the same, the player does offer up a fairly unmatched portable satellite radio experience, so if you've gotta have your fix, it looks like a Helix or an Inno should be on your wish list.

[Howie @ Apr 28th 2006 9:40PM]

First! Hoohoo, Robin!

[Devon @ Apr 28th 2006 9:41PM]

I still don't quite see the purpose of such a device as you still can't sit in a room and listen to live radio.

[Cliff @ Apr 28th 2006 10:06PM]

Yay XM radio. I currently stream XM from home. If I used streamripper I could save the audio to listen to at a later time on whatever DAP I wanted. Sadly, no song/artist info though.

I hope that portable xm receivers are available soon... I know it's got to be possible for them to do since they have terrestrial repeaters in several places.

[Erik @ Apr 28th 2006 11:59PM]

5 hour battery, 1GB for $399.99

I predict heavy discounts when these things collect dust.

[ET @ Apr 29th 2006 12:34AM]

I'll take my PPC-6700 w/AD2P/minixm.com/SiriusCE/SlingMobile instead. This thing is way too much coin for such meager specs. Hell even the S50 is more technologically advanced (yes, I realize it doesn't receive a mobile signal).

[Kevin M. @ Apr 29th 2006 12:44AM]

These things are gonna sell better than the Myfi.

And you bitch about the battery life, but unlike you dumb iPod owners, the device lets you listen WHILE charging. No need to purchase an extra cradle, the home kit is included. (Car kit separate.) I doubt too many people are going to be listening to live content away from a dock for over 5 hours. Remember, recorded content can be listened to for 10 hours.

Oh, and the uninformed blogger did not realize you can't tranfer XM recordings to the computer (digitally) because it is ILLEGAL.

[Amnesia @ Apr 29th 2006 12:45AM]

Devon:
What do you mean you can't sit in a room and listen to live radio? Sure you can...I'm doing it right now!

[OnA Pest @ Apr 29th 2006 1:25AM]

Opie and Anthony always win in the end!

HooHoo, Tell em fred!

[Oddmanout @ Apr 29th 2006 4:31AM]

Well, I'll admit I've never listened to satellite radio before, so maybe I'm missing out on a whole lot of sweetness, but it seems to me the popularity of HDD and Flash based music players (they most popular of which doesn't even have a conventional radio) that people are not as interested in the radio as they once were. This is kinda natural I guess with so many other media forms vieing(sp?) for their attention. As such I don't think this item is a BAD idea, but at $400 I think it'll probably be a tough sell.

But, if they fix up the software so you use these things to steal songs out of the air (just like back in the good old 80's with 4 track tapes),and easily slide them onto your PC (with all the music you stole off the internet back in the good old 90's and aughts (0X's???)), and maybe come up with a well designed asthetically pleasing dock for you car (in/on dash should be sufficient) that $400 starts to seem like a better investment...

[george @ Apr 29th 2006 4:45AM]

Dude, O&A only brought 35,000 new subs to XM, so I think its more like "O&A always take it in the end". XM found them to be so successful that XM is whoring them out to CBS stations to recoup their ill-spent money. Maybe those 35,000 feel a little duped paying for whaat they can now get for free.

[DunkTank @ Apr 29th 2006 8:00AM]

The Inno has been selling out at the shops carrying it. XM radio is not a service, it is a narcotic (hoo hoo) and with a new MLB season starting, these LIVE 2nd generation products are sure to be a huge draw. Perhaps if sirius had better repeater coverage, they could put a similar unit on the selves.

Engadget should review the bug list of the sirius S50 and the rule 15 violations reported by sirius users. Yes I know the s50 doesn't receive live, on-the-go, satellite reception, but the flash upgrades required to correct all the bugs deserves some attention. In fact, it deserves a recall along with all the other supposed FCC rule 15 violating units.

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.radio.satellite/msg/3606011afd61ad8e
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.radio.satellite/msg/346242fc9322f504
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.fan.howard-stern/browse_frm/thread/4e99f02dc17ed57e/3e8578b85082a02b?#3e8578b85082a02b

[Steve55 @ Apr 29th 2006 11:15AM]

> Dude, O&A only brought 35,000 new subs to XM

This is the first I've EVER seen this stat. And if it was after being off the air for two years, those numbers are actually not that bad.

> XM found them to be so successful that XM is whoring them out to CBS stations to recoup their ill-spent money.

No, CBS is so desperate they are going to satellite providers for content. OandA get access to their old shows and now do a longer show. Plus, they have access to bigger name guests on the CBS side whos agents won't let then anywhere NEAR uncensored radio. Not to mention more promotion, billboards, etc. My local Best Buy actually has a huge OandA standup display.

> Maybe those 35,000 feel a little duped paying for whaat they can now get for free.

Terrestrial listeners not only have to deal with more commercials (while XM subs get material) but they do not get the 2-3 hour exclusive XM show (they've been going about 2.5). They CANNOT get this for free, and once becoming a fan very well may want to make the jump to sat. That's why XM has done this, it's going to mean more subs for them. Not to mention the other upcoming shows on XM 202.

Let's look at how much coverage OandA have vs Howie, shall we?

OandA
XM - 6.5 million subs
Directv - 14 million
7 terrestrial stations (for now)- potential for hundreds of thousands of listeners
Plus thousands streaming though xmradio.com

Howie
Sirius - 4 million
Not on Dish Network
No terrestrial
No streaming

And they broadcast from Howies old studio!

As a testament to the power of OandA fans, when Directv tried to make their XM stations music only, it took less than a week for them to change that:

"The uproar from fans, pleading with us to put Opie & Anthony back on the air, was deafening to say the least," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition, DIRECTV, Inc. "And though our original intent was to focus our XM service on more music, we now understand the passionate following that Opie & Anthony have and we're happy to bring them back on board in an expanded format."

RAMONE! O and A are kicking Howies washed-up ass!

[Orlick1 @ Apr 29th 2006 12:46PM]

Steve55 You are right on with your O&A info.
As for the rest of you, I have an Inno and it is one of the best portable devices I have ever owned. I have a Nano and an iPod Video and this is right up there with them. Form factor is great and it is very easy to use. I found the transer of music very simple, and I am using a Mac and just dragging songs from iTunes into the MyMusic folder, over an hour of music took just a couple of minutes. The reception has been great, I had a MyFi and it was terrible, I can use the Inno in my gym for live reception no problem, sound quality is great.

[Orlick1 @ Apr 29th 2006 12:46PM]

Steve55 You are right on with your O&A info.
As for the rest of you, I have an Inno and it is one of the best portable devices I have ever owned. I have a Nano and an iPod Video and this is right up there with them. Form factor is great and it is very easy to use. I found the transer of music very simple, and I am using a Mac and just dragging songs from iTunes into the MyMusic folder, over an hour of music took just a couple of minutes. The reception has been great, I had a MyFi and it was terrible, I can use the Inno in my gym for live reception no problem, sound quality is great.

[Harry @ Apr 29th 2006 1:45PM]

I've owned Ipods for years and still have all of them including a Nano.
Haven't even thought of my nano since I got my Inno. The ability to have live content (68 music channels) and my favorite songs is unbeatable. The problem with an ipod is you get tired of listening to the same 4328 songs (742 on my nano) over and over again. Nothing like hearing new music, pressing a button to record it, and then a few more to add it to a playlist. THIS THING ROCKS...I'm excited as this as I was when I first got an Ipod.

[chicago bill @ Apr 29th 2006 3:32PM]

"Dude, O&A only brought 35,000 new subs to XM"

Can you back this statement with some proof?

[Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Apr 29th 2006 4:35PM]

When O&A first signed on to XM, subscribers had to pay an extra $1 to listen to them. Only 35k did. That's pathetic compared to the 3million + Howard has brought over. Bottom line is O&A have and always will be Howard clones.

O&A are pathetic like Pepsi. Pepsi ads always bash Coke because Coke is #1. O&A have to do the same because they'll always be #2.

The only reason CBS hired O&A is their personal vendetta against Howard. O&A should not even be on the air after that church scandal, bottom line. Plus that DirecTV quote is just BS because Sirius is the better product.

[Scott @ Apr 29th 2006 5:26PM]

Holly offtopic bitches batman
Im excited for these new units, but 400 bucks is tuff. And i could give a crap about MP3 support. Its all about XM programming for me.

Howard is washed up, former fan. Saw the light, others are as i type this im sure.
Price drop = Mine

[Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Apr 29th 2006 5:55PM]

Howard's not washed up by any means.

If you got tired of listening to him, that's fine. I get tired of eating fast food too, but I don't think fast food is washed up by any means.

Scott's a moron.

[Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Apr 29th 2006 5:58PM]

"Let's look at how much coverage OandA have vs Howie, shall we?

OandA
XM - 6.5 million subs
Directv - 14 million
7 terrestrial stations (for now)- potential for hundreds of thousands of listeners
Plus thousands streaming though xmradio.com

Howie
Sirius - 4 million
Not on Dish Network
No terrestrial
No streaming"

Steve, by that logic, XM is more available and Sirius continues to outpace XM in subscribers. Goes to show that Sirius is truly the better product.

[Jim Treacher @ Apr 29th 2006 9:30PM]

"O&A are pathetic like Pepsi."

Yep: Consumed by millions daily.

[Jim Treacher @ Apr 29th 2006 11:46PM]

And just to explore the soda metaphor a little further: Almost 100 years ago, Moxie was the top-selling soft drink in the country. Then after WWI, they tried to corner the market, got complacent, and were absolutely clobbered by a hardworking upstart that was a lot less bitter. Today Moxie is still being produced, but at a mere fraction of its former sales. It's been a long, slow decline, as a dwindling number of hardcore enthusiasts vainly try to recapture the glory days.

But anyway!

[joe @ Apr 30th 2006 10:58PM]

That 35,000 statement is simply untrue, and there are no facts to back that up. And if you think that Howard fans make up all of Sirius' 4 million subs, then you will have to say that O&A brought almost 5 million subs, since that's how many new XM subs came on board after O&A started on the platform. Thats what we call "Howie math".

You can spin the recent events however you like, but Opie & Anthony are rapidly growing their audience now because they are talented and they are more than just Howard clones. Just 'cause Howard is the most successful broadcaster in the "shock jock" genre does not make every other "shock jock" a "clone". Howard is a competetive guy who does not want anyone to do what he does (he admitted to having a gag order put on O&A when he was on Sean Hannity's radio show), but he did not invent talking on the radio. The O&A show is blowing up because the show is funny and people enjoy it. The players on the show have a great chemistry and energy that Howard's show hasn't experienced since Billy West was a regular.

I have subs to both XM and Sirius, and I have checked out Howard's show - he still sounds as unmotivated and tired as he did on terrestrial radio for the past few years, with inconsistent moments of funny. Opie and Anthony on the other hand are very energetic and are working their asses off everyday to bring a consistently funny show. You can be a fan of both shows - there are plenty who are, but when you step outside and look at the pay radio companies, XM is way ahead of Sirius technologically. You can't compare any Sirius unit to the new portable XM's because there are no truly portable Sirius units (XM is already on their 2nd generation). You can brag about how the S50's specs are better, but that is exactly why they are not truly portable. The whole Sirius system was not designed well (a product of outsourcing their technology department) and it takes a lot more processing power to function. My Sportster replay is a huge piece of equipment that gets VERY hot. That is really not a good thing. As for music content, they are similar in what they have to offer, but Sirius has a tendency to be more repetetive and mainstream (read playing the same shit thats on free radio, but without the commercials). If I had to choose only one provider the choice would be very easy.

[expungablerobot @ May 1st 2006 12:02PM]

Wow, ya pests cleaned up here. Time to go home, nothing left to see.

[Lucci18 Fan @ May 1st 2006 3:43PM]

It looks like O&A fans out # Howie fans here just like everywhere else. When was the last time a website or comment section was over-taken by Howie fans?

Anyway, this unit rocks but it is a bit expensive. By the time the little doggie company comes out with something even close, XM will be already on the next level. XM TV anyone?

[XMFan @ May 1st 2006 4:39PM]

Since this devie is in color and seems to have specific graphics for each XM station, what happens when XM adds or deletes a station from its lineup? Is that graphic and channel deleted from the device and a new graphic and channel name is somehow "downloaded" (for lack of a better word)?

I currently have the original Roady which is just text, so when a channel is deleted and one is added in its place, the text is all that changes for the station's name. Obviously text can be sent via the receiver, but can a graphic? I'm not TOO familiar with the inner-workings of XM, so I'm just curious. If anyone knows the answer, please let me know. I'm VERY interested in this new XM unit.

Thanks.

[Frankenstein Black @ May 1st 2006 5:12PM]

Howard vs O&A vs BTLS vs ManCow, vs Rover vs Rush vs Hannity, blablabla, �my idol is better than yours�. Tell me you are all chicks, right? (i.e. Fangirls?)�. Any man that idolizes another man to such an EXTREME (and I aint talking about a casual listener), well, you know, seems kinda �queer�! Stop being �manfans� of millionaires shoveling mindless crap who, quite frankly, don�t love you HO�s!

[MarkS @ May 2nd 2006 9:27AM]

XMFan:

From what I have heard, the graphics for the channel are downloaded directly from the satellite just like the song info. If the station changes logos, it will update shortly after.

As far as I know, the S50 requires you to download the graphics from the sirius website to do this. I am not sure if this is true or not and really doesnt make much difference, but that is what I read somewhere.