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Sirius Stiletto 2, Sportster SP5 on the horizon?
Now that the fiasco that surrounded the first Stiletto has died down, it's about time we focused on version two. During this week's earnings call, Sirius' President of Operations and Sales, Jim Meyer, reportedly stated that the company was "preparing for the launch of some new aftermarket products, including a new wearable product, Stiletto 2, and a new Sportser SP5." Furthermore, he added that "more details" would be doled out "next month," and suggested that the Stiletto 2 in particular may hit shelves sometime "this fall." Aside from that, no further details regarding size, capacity, or feature changes have been divulged, but according to Jim, the wait for more dirt shouldn't be too awfully long.
XM CEO Hugh Panero steps down
Word just hit the street that XM CEO Hugh Panero will be leaving the satellite radio provider in August, and the current president and COO, Nate Davis will be taking his place. This isn't exactly surprising news if you take a look at the recent business the company has been doing. First there's the XM / Sirius merger, of course, which has taken longer to complete than any other in FCC history, then there's the outages, subscriber backlash over programming, patent lawsuits, copyright lawsuits, and of course, the much-loved CEO name-calling. Really, who could blame the man from wanting to get away from the inevitable spit-roast someone was about to make of him? Of course, we've had our eye on Panero for some time now, and it seems possible that a change of leadership may be just what the satellite kingpin needs right now.[Via Orbitcast]
XM, Sirius planning new post-merger pricing options
XM and Sirius have already talked a bit about some of their post-merger pricing schemes, but it looks like that's not all they have in store, with Reuters now getting word of some additional changes coming once the deal is done. Specifically, the companies are now saying that they'll be offering a subscription package "priced 46 percent below current levels," along with an option for customers to buy packages of their favorite channels. While exact pricing is still unclear, the "a la carte" programming would apparently be available "within one year following the merger" -- whenever that actually happens.
Integra's DTR-5.8 receiver does HDMI 1.3a, XM / Sirius
If you've been scouting a leading-edge AV receiver with just about every amenity out there (including HDMI 1.3a), Integra's latest offering is likely to fit the bill. The DTR-5.8 sports a standard black enclosure, twin HDMI 1.3a inputs (and one output), built-in decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus lossless, and a Faroudja DCDi chip for de-interlacing 480i signals. Home automaters will adore the range of control options, including a bi-directional RS-232 port, RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. This two-zone, 7.1-channel unit even boasts a 90-watt-per-channel amplifier and XM / Sirius compatibility, but you're looking at a stiff $800 if these luxuries just can't be done without. Click on for a shot of the rear.
RIAA demanding XM-Sirius pay higher royalty rates
In the unceasing feud between the RIAA and satellite radio, the agency has rekindled the fire by encouraging the FCC to "require the merged companies to pay higher royalty rates to the record industry." Reportedly, the RIAA argued that the firms were "no longer new, struggling companies that could get away with paying below-market rates," and further salted the wound by insisting that the FCC "make clear that its approval of a merger was conditioned upon the continued protection of sound recordings from unlawful infringement." Of course, a number of senators have already voiced their concern for more limitations on satellite radio streams, but unsurprisingly, it seems like the RIAA wants these lofty wishes to become reality (and in a hurry).
Sirius, XM receivers may play both sides
Amid the takeover rumors, merger talk, blackouts, and general struggle and strife for consumers just trying to listen to some decent radio, it appears that a glimmer of hope may be breaking through all the noise. In an outrageously detailed letter to the FCC, a gentleman named Michael Hartleib calls for the agency to more clearly define the differences between "Dual mode" and "Interoperable" radios, and outlines how (using the latter variety) existing XM or Sirius receivers might be able to access both networks simply by having their firmware updated. The technical missive also suggests that the companies may be deflecting attention away from this fact in an attempt to bring "updated" receivers to market which have the aforementioned capability, when all that is really needed is a simple software tweak. Naturally, we can understand why he'd want to go straight to the FCC -- it's not like Sirius or XM are expected to discuss this possibility, and we think it's safe to assume that if they merge they're going to gouge customers into buying a new radio, instead of updating the ones they currently own.
Sirius Echo Home Repeater System now available
Sirius's Echo Home Repeater System, which boosts the quality of Sirius satellite radios by redirecting a signal from an external antenna to units based inside the house, has gone on sale. For $100, you get the transmitter and one receiver module, with extra receiver modules (for extra cash) also available. At the very least, this kit means you don't have to have a bunch of antenna extension cables running all over your house, and at its best it will probably increase the quality of the signal. If you've got multiple radios in your house, then we're sure you'll agree that this is pretty much a must buy: for single Sirius radio owners, notsomuch.
Sirius / XM merger achieves dubious milestone
Apart from a couple snarky ads from the NAB, the XM and Sirius merger hasn't exactly been a thrill ride, and now it looks like it's going to get even more boring. The two companies filed their initial merger application with the FCC some 70 days ago, and the agency hasn't even started the 180-day merger review period yet -- making this the longest application-to-review delay in FCC history. Industry insiders are saying this might mean that a final decision won't be reached until 2008, and that's not even counting in the time it'll take the Justice Department to do an antitrust review. No word on what the holdup is, but between that service outage and a loud customer backlash in the past two weeks, XM's got some housekeeping to do in the downtime before it really has to start pitching the merger to the government.[Via OrbitCast]
Elusive i-Sirius FCC find leads to Motorola FX-850P phone
Although the most recent buzz surrounding satellite radio as a whole has focused more on the unexpected outages (and furthermore, the lame excuse for an apology), a mysterious FCC document piqued the interest of those paying close attention to the sat radio realm. A Korean company dubbed i-Sirius Co., Ltd. had somehow snuck onto the scene, and without much to go by aside from the intriguing name, speculators began to run wild with visions of potential partnerships and new radio devices, but it seems that the whole fiasco has ended with a thud. The inspection of a SAR test report has apparently revealed that the company's latest offering has nothing to do with Sirius or the satellite radio industry at all, as the application is for a GSM 850 / 1900 dual-band phone branded as the Motorola FX-850P. Hate to burst any not-yet-popped bubbles out there, but don't count on this being the last time an FCC find doesn't exactly live up to unsubstantiated expectations. [Warning: PDF read link][Via Orbitcast]
Ce-Oh no he didn't, part XXXIV: Karmazin sez "we suck less" than XM
We guess that once your acquisition target has agreed to be purchased, you don't really have to go around buttering up its board members or executives anymore, but it still seems odd that CEO Mel Karmazin would defend Sirius' admittedly poor performance on Wall Street by arguing that at least his company "sucks less" than future partner XM. Yet that's exactly the case presented to shareholders at a Manhattan meeting last week, where the often-outspoken Karmazin admitted that he was "real unhappy" with the satrad firm's stock price -- although compared to the 61% decline in XM share prices since September 2004, Sirius' 8% gain over that same period was a relative bull run. Still, Mel, don't you think there are better ways to phrase that sentiment other than attaching the connotation of "suckiness" to your company and one you hope to acquire? Hey, just a thought. [Via FARK]
XM facing subscriber, sponsor backlash over Opie & Anthony suspension
It looks like XM's suspension of Opie & Anthony earlier this week is causing a few more headaches than the company may have anticipated, with customers apparently canceling their subscriptions in droves and a number of sponsors now reportedly pulling their advertising. While it's not clear exactly how many customers have jumped ship, anecdotal evidence suggests that hundreds if not thousands of subscriptions have already been canceled. Orbitcast is also reporting that those trying to cancel their service are facing up to a 1.5 hour wait while they're on hold (a few have also taken the extra step of actually smashing their XM radios). The sponsors pulling out seem to be equally displeased with the move, with one of them, The Nashville Coffee Company, saying that XM "is beholden to crybaby special interest groups who cannot separate humor from reality." Of course, all of this is also happening in the midst of a little merger, although it's not clear what impact, if any, it may have on that.[Photo courtesy of AP/KTVU, thanks Chris]Read - Orbitcast, "XM subscribers backlash over O&A suspension"Read - Orbitcast, "Sponsors pull advertising over O&A suspension"
Panasonic launches its first US in-car navigation unit
Looking to establish itself as a "leader in the U.S. mobile navigation market," Panasonic has finally launched its Strada CN-NVD905U, the company's first in-car GPS receiver for American consumers. Besides getting you from here to there using NAVTEQ maps on a 7-inch touchscreen, the 905U -- first introduced almost six months ago -- also offers an impressive suite of entertainment options, including DVD and MP3 CD playback, a 30GB hard drive, iPod video compatibility, and either Sirius or XM satellite stations through the use of optional tuners and antennas. Other nice features include Sirius Traffic capability, Bluetooth support, and inputs for a rear-mounted camera, but since this $1,800 package requires a double DIN slot, Panasonic's gonna have to work a little harder if it really wants to replace our TomToms, Garmins, and Pioneers.
Sirius, XM hit with second patent lawsuit in two months
Looks like the Sirius and XM legal teams are going to be spending a lot of time in good ol' Marshall, Texas this year. The two satellite radio giants are facing their second patent lawsuit in two months, this time over a 1995 patent owned by Finisar, a multinational networking company specializing in optical components. Finisar claims that it tried to license the patent -- which describes a method of regulating the organization of data during a satellite transmission -- to both XM and Sirius in 2005 but got the double cold shoulder. Aiming to correct that slight, the company is now asking the court for monetary damages as well as an injunction preventing XM and Sirius from using the offending tech. We'll be watching this one closely, since Finisar won more than $100 million from DirecTV last year over what appears to be the same patent -- that might put a dent in those merger plans, no?[Via OrbitCast]
Onkyo's new receivers feature both XM and Sirius satellite radio
Onkyo has the loot for you if you want to hear Oprah and Howard back-to-back, with announcements of five receivers featuring both XM and Sirius satellite radio compatibility. The TX-SR575, TX-SR705, TX-SR805, and TX-SR875 models all support both formats for your radio jones, while the high-end TX-NR905 model also adds support for HD Radio digital broadcasts and an Ethernet jack for Internet radio and multimedia streaming. The receivers all have the usual collection of video ins and outs, and sport 1.3a HDMI connectors with Deep Color capability for switching between sources up to 1080p resolution. No pricing or dates were announced for the TX-SR575, but the TX-SR805 will ship in May for $1099, the TX-SR875 in June for $1699, the TX-SR705 in July for $899, and the TX-NR905 in August for $2099.Read - Onkyo THX Certified ReceiversRead - Onkyo TX-SR575
Satellite CEOs aren't the only ones changing their tune
After witnessing the pair of attempts by the National Association of Broadcasters to discredit the Sirius-XM merger as a monopoly or bail-out, the folks at Orbitcast decided that "two can play" at that game, and created this clever "ad" of their own. We'll let the image do the talking.
Sirius announces Backseat TV details, Chrysler exclusivity
Sirius spilled quite a few details on its self-descriptive Backseat TV service back at CES, but the company's now thrown up a bit more info on its website, along with the news that the setup will be exclusive to Chrysler vehicles for the 2008 model year. That deal will apparently begin with the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, followed by other Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles later in the year. It also looks like the system will be a tad more expensive than was earlier reported, with the factory installed option now carrying an MSRP of $470. In addition to the necessary hardware, that price will net you a one-year subscription to the service (which now includes Nickelodeon, the Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network), after which you'll have to fork over $7.95 a month on top of the $12.95/month for the standard Sirius radio service. [Via Orbitcast]
It's on: HD radio gets FCC blessing
We have to wonder what the mood is over at NAB headquarters right now, in light of the fact that the FCC has finally given HD radio -- the promised savior of terrestrial broadcasting -- the green-light. On the one hand, radio stations will now be able to offer to multiple streams of higher-quality, digital programming to the commuting public -- good news, indeed -- but on the other hand, XM and Sirius now have another example to wave in front of regulators who will argue that their proposed merger stifles competition. The new sources of revenue, however, combined with a technology that is said to be superior to satellite delivery, probably outweigh any potential effects on the merger, meaning that Clear Channel and friends are likely partying it up as we speak. As you probably know, HD radio allows stations to efficiently divide their spectrum in as many as five (and possibly more) streams, a move which advocates hope will increase programming diversity but detractors fear will just bring more of the same crap. Regardless of whether the increased capacity brings about more non-Top 40 stations, though, this ruling is definitely a plus for consumers; because even if the new content is just as lame as the current stuff, at least we gadgetheads now have an excuse to go out and buy a whole slew of fresh gear.Update: Just to clear things up, yes, certain stations have been broadcasting in HD for some time now, but those were special cases requiring FCC permission. This new ruling allows all certified terrestrial broadcasters to begin the switch over to digital, meaning that we'll soon see a nationwide rollout.
NAB still yukking it up at Sirius / XM merger's expense
Since MasterCard wasn't so hip with NAB swiping its "priceless" advertising identity, the National Association of Broadcasters has returned for round two of its anti-satellite radio merger campaign, this time to point out the apparent hypocrisy (above) of Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin's "bizarre" self-contradictions. Sure, it might be pretty clear that the consumers win with a Sirius / XM merger, and NAB is probably being the one getting all anti-competitive on us here, but that doesn't mean we can't all get a few cheap laughs out of it all the same.
XM and Sirius face lawsuit from patent-holding Keystone Autonics
Already the second bit of bad news for XM / Sirius this week: Austin biz Keystone Autonics is suing both companies for infringement of a patent issued Keystone's George Hindman earlier this year. (Sorry, we couldn't find it on the USPTO site or Google Patent Search -- one of you eagle-eyed readers wanna spot us one?) According to The Street, the patent is a modification of an earlier patent (also granted Hindman), which applies to satellite radios (as well as CD players and analog radios) that input and display wireless data from satellite sources. Apparently the suit claims GPS, location-based services, and crash and theft detection all owe the patent some due, so it's likely Hindman & Co. will start swarming all sorts of businesses if they can wrestle a settlement free from XM and Sirius.[Via Orbitcast]Read - The Street writeupRead - Federal Court filings
NAB ripping off MasterCard with anti-Sirius/XM merger ad: priceless.
Not only is the NAB getting its own panties all up in a bunch over the looming threat of a satellite radio "monopoly", it has also managed to wedgie-fy MasterCard's britches, too. A new anti-Sirius / XM merger copycat ad of MC's signature "Priceless" campaign has been making the rounds -- the irony apparently lost on on the NAB that hiring a would-be-lobbyist for the other side and knocking off someone else's ad campaign smells very much of bad business. It's no surprise that MasterCard cried copyright infringement, which prompted the NAB to stop running the ad altogether. Michelle Lehman, the NAB's EVP of Marketing and Communications and Regulatory Affairs, confirms the cessation but also points out that the ad's already gotten a bunch of attention anyway. NAB losing its cool and cred in front of the industry? Now that's priceless.[Via Orbitcast]
