Can't we ever have an intelligent conversation about the merger without bringing up Howard?
If the merger isn't allowed, one or BOTH companies will fail. In the event one does, the other company will quickly snatch things up at pennies on the dollar (equipment, DJ's, etc) and there will only be ONE satellite provider anyway.
Sirius has already expressed the fact that they will NOT require a new radio in the event this happens. All they would need to do is either a firmware update, or simply cross-broadcast by linking the two main servers up and broadcasting more channels both ways. There are a MILLION technical solutions to broadcasting both streams to both types of radios.
This merger would ONLY be a good thing. Satellite radio companies are, for the most part, cannibalistic. For music, they BOTH offer commercial free, themed music channels and if you're in it for music, the service you choose will mean nothing. For the iPod faithful (millions strong), there are now a ridiculous bevvy of options to get your iPod music to your car stereo. This CLEARLY competes with terrestrial radio as did CDs for years. The problem was CD's carry with them IMPOSSIBLE physical storage for the car environment while iPod's obviously do NOT. This is why the iPod (DAP) has become such a serious competitor.
Aside from that, Clear Channel and the NAB are ridiculous, ruthless and corrupt. Who wouldn't want to see them go down in flames, or maybe instead actually have to fight for some of the profits out there. They've had it so easy for so long ...
The Chromebooks are here, starting with Samsung's Series 5, a cute little number that promises instant-on access, 3G connectivity, and long enough battery life to web surf with the best of 'em.
The most commented posts on Engadget over the past 24 hours.
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
Can't we ever have an intelligent conversation about the merger without bringing up Howard?
If the merger isn't allowed, one or BOTH companies will fail. In the event one does, the other company will quickly snatch things up at pennies on the dollar (equipment, DJ's, etc) and there will only be ONE satellite provider anyway.
Sirius has already expressed the fact that they will NOT require a new radio in the event this happens. All they would need to do is either a firmware update, or simply cross-broadcast by linking the two main servers up and broadcasting more channels both ways. There are a MILLION technical solutions to broadcasting both streams to both types of radios.
This merger would ONLY be a good thing. Satellite radio companies are, for the most part, cannibalistic. For music, they BOTH offer commercial free, themed music channels and if you're in it for music, the service you choose will mean nothing. For the iPod faithful (millions strong), there are now a ridiculous bevvy of options to get your iPod music to your car stereo. This CLEARLY competes with terrestrial radio as did CDs for years. The problem was CD's carry with them IMPOSSIBLE physical storage for the car environment while iPod's obviously do NOT. This is why the iPod (DAP) has become such a serious competitor.
Aside from that, Clear Channel and the NAB are ridiculous, ruthless and corrupt. Who wouldn't want to see them go down in flames, or maybe instead actually have to fight for some of the profits out there. They've had it so easy for so long ...