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How Satellite Radio Works

Satellite radio is an exciting new technology that allows listeners to receive commercial-free, digitally transmitted audio. Gone are the days of fine-tuning the dial on a radio to avoid poor reception. With the help of orbiting satellites and a digital broadcast, satellite radio can travel approximately 22,000 miles and never lose its crystal-clear quality.

Today, there are hundreds of satellite radio stations available on XM Radio and Sirius in the United States. Each company transmits signals differently. One way is via geostationary satellites, the same kind that are used for satellite television. Geostationary satellites are fixed in one place high above the Earth's equator. There, they use transponders to send signals down into satellite radio receivers on Earth. Another way to broadcast satellite radio is with satellites in an elliptical orbit. In an elliptical orbit, satellites hover much higher off the ground and are less likely to lose its signal.

Since satellite radio is available through a private subscription, it is completely uncensored by the FCC. This is something that appeals to many disc jockeys, most notably Howard Stern, who previously felt stifled by the FCC's strict guidelines on what is considered "indecent" for public airwaves. Private subscription also means that users don't have to listen to commercials on their radio.

Satellite radios receive proprietary signals, so there isn't any generic equipment currently available. To hear a satellite radio provider's broadcasts, you must buy the equipment that is specifically designed to pick up their signals. Luckily, each provider offers hundreds of channels to choose from, including many genres of music, as well as talk radio. Each satellite provider has their own broadcast centers with extensive libraries of audio files, so there is a never-ending supply of material for programmers to choose from. Also, there are live disk jockeys who work for satellite radio, including some well-known celebrities who enjoy the freedom that satellite broadcasting offers.

Satellite radio subscription fees are a hotly debated topic. Some people think it is foolish to expect the public to pay for radio when they can tune in to stations on a regular radio for free. However, cable and satellite television was once met with the same sentiment. Luckily, satellite radio equipment is available for a reasonable fee when compared to the early days of paid television. At this rate, the future looks good for satellite radio.

Interested in listening to satellite radio? Check out SIRIUS Satellite Radio — Buy a SIRIUS Radio and catch a $50 rebate.

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