Buyers need to decide between HD Radio and Satellite Radio

Is it better to get a radio that tunes in the Sirius or XM satellite services? What about a radio unit that receives HD Radio digital broadcasts?

Digital radio - which includes all of the above ; the satellite companies XM and Sirius as well as HD Radio broadcasts - all offer the benefit of clean high-fidelity digital sound according to our reviews of HD Radio. However, to receive the digital programming of these various services, each service currently requires its own digital tuner to decode the signals .

So, what is the best for you? Well, it depends.

If you decide on satellite, to get your pick of all the satellite channels, the post-merger company, which will be called Sirius XM Radio, will provide a couple of a la carte options, including a $14.99-a-month plan that lets listeners choose up to 100 different radio channels from either one or both services. This is essentially letting consumers mix and match programming from Sirius and XM. But there's a catch.

According to the new XM and Sirius, the company will require a new radio tuner be purchased that will decodes both XM and Sirius signals in order to subscribe to the a la carte option. The prices for the new radios have not been set.

HD Radio, on the other hand, is free to listen to. No monthly subscription cost. But you will need to buy an HD Radio, which may cost between $50 - $150 dollars. But HD Radio reviews show that there is a wide variety of radios to choose from. But it is a one time purchase.

[Home] [Shop] [Radio Reviews] [HD FAQ] [Radio Receivers] [HD Radio Tagging] [HD Stations] [HD Content] [HD News] [HD Car Radio] [Contact us]