SSG ShoutOuts October 22, 2006

SSG shoutout is here for you the readers. It is your opportunity to let other SSG readers know how you feel about what is happening in satellite radio, and even respond to an article we posted.

This weeks ShoutOuts:

Todd H., United States

"You know, it's investigations like the one you did about XM's supposedextra channels that make me favor your site. Keep up the good work. I am encouraging more people to go to your site to get the truth."

SSG Response

The channel count is an interesting situation. Extra channels sound great to a consumer, but discriminating consumers will understand that the additional channels are traffic and play By Play. The sacrifice for slotting additional channels is that you are dedicating bandwidth to them. The more band width a channel has the better the sound quality.

J.S. Chicago Illionois

“Now that retail numbers are in, I think the retail numbers also mean more people like me joined on-line. I went to Best Buy and Circuit City to ask about the radios. My interest was the SL-100, but no one had it in stock. I didn't invest in a radio (I don't drive in Chicago), when I can just listen on-line using my laptop and surround sound receiver. I attend Loyola University's Grad. Business Schoolwhere we have Wi-Fi so I can take my music with me. Now the problem is my laptop is heavy. My goal is to be one the first with the SL-100 and have people gawk over me to get a peek. So Sirius, get on the ball and make more radios to distribute through the retail channel!"

SSG Response

Sirius Internet Radio is going to be well promoted. Stilettos will be hitting retailers again in short order. With you being located in Chicago, you should consider touching base with TSS Radio. They are local to you and have great product knowledge and customer service. Your point about the school having WIFI is a great point. There are many who will get great reception through WIFI on college campuses.

Kimberly – Portugal

“Great site design”

SSG Response

Thank you. We try hard to make the site enjoyable and informative

J.B. San Destin Florida

“Regarding retail share, it looks as if Sirius is executing Sirius damage! Now when do the investors stop losing Sirius damage? Hopefully soon!”

SSG Response

It has been a tough year to be an investor in SDARS. Hopefully as these companies begin to demonstrate that CFBE can be achieved and maintained, the street will take notice.

Jill – United Kingdom

“Thank You!!!!!”

SSG Response

I am not quite sure what you are referring to, but you’re welcome

E.K. – Arlington VA

"Thanks for your site. I'm wondering if you can help me answer a few questions about the Sirius Stiletto. I live in ARlington, VA. I want to get the Sirius to record Howard Stern at night and then listen to him in the morning on my way to work (on the metro, underground, with no reception).Do you know the answers to these questions:1. Are there repeaters in North Arlington? (My houseis surrounded by trees, so I am assuming I cannot getreception.)2. Can the S100 record a few 5 hour blocks (i.e., acouple whole Stern shows)?3. Can I fast forward through content (like ads,interviews I dont' want to hear, etc.).4. Can I use regular headphones with it if I'm listening to recorded material?"

SSG Response

I answered your e-mail personally, but thought others would benefit from your questions as well.

1. Are there repeaters in North Arlington? (My house is surrounded by trees, so I am assuming I cannot getreception.)

You can access repeater locations at http://scb147.home.comcast.net/sirius_repeaters.html

2. Can the S100 record a few 5 hour blocks (i.e., a couple whole Stern shows)?

You can record in 6 hour blocks

3. Can I fast forward through content (like ads, interviews I don't want to hear, etc.)
Yes, you can fast forward

4. Can I use regular headphones with it if I'm listening to recorded material?

You can use any headphones you want. The stiletto has a built in antenna, and a headphone antenna for improved reception. Standard headphones can be used with the Stiletto.

R.H. Boca raton FL

“The Reuters news today about SIR being available outside the US has the message boards in a controversy. Can you please confirm if the following is true? Stern's show and other Sirius programming had been available on the Internet before, but only to existing customers who had purchased a satellite receiver in addition to the $12.95 monthly radio subscription. Under the new stand-alone Internet package, users anywhere in the world can subscribe and listen to Stern online without first having to buy satellite hardware, which is sold only in North America, a company spokesman said.”

SSG Response

Sirius has been available on the internet to existing subscribers with an activated receiver. Sirius Internet Radio accomplishes two things. First, it has dramatically improved sound quality with 128kbs (near CD quality). Second, it allows subscriptions globally without having to buy a sirius receiver. I hope this puts an end to the confusion.

S.S. New Cumberland PA

“First off let me say that I love your site and I check it everyday, as it is by far the best. I am a Sirius subscriber and have three subs as well as have a significant amount of money invested in the stock. My S50 has not been able to play back recorded content since August. I called Sirius and submitted a claim as they were unable to fix it by reformatting the hard drive. They told me they were backordered and that they should be back in stock in about 2 weeks. 2 months later we still have nothing. Do you have any idea what is going on with the certification on the S50 and why is it taking so much longer than all of the other devices? Thanks for your time and thanks for doing a kick butt site!”

SSG Response

Thank you very much for the kind words regarding SSG. It is great to know that people appreciate the site. Regarding your S50 issue. I am sorry to say that there are some in the same boat that you are, but reportedly the numbers are not huge. This however does not help with your dilemma. If I might suggest……There has been a report that some Circuit City’s in Chicago have S50’s in stock. Perhaps a faster route for you is to return your unit to the retailer for a refund, and order one from Circuit City. Having to say that you would need to take such steps is unfortunate. I would also suggest that you reach out to Sirius’ customer service. Be courteous and kind, and ask to speak to a supervisor and let them know your situation. It is better to call early in the morning, when the customer service reps are not as busy. This will ensure that you have enough time to get your situation explained. Please remember to be as kind and courteous as possible (you get more with honey than vinegar) I would imagine that Sirius will arrange for something to try to compensate you for your frustrations. Additionally, if they are able to handle your situation be sure to thank them (I know that they are doing their job, but a thank you goes a long way). If they do a very good job, send a note into Sirius with the name of the rep that helped you. These things make overall customer service better for everyone, and because you are also an investor, this is a good goal to have. Some links: S50 car kit, S50 Home Kit, SIRIUS S50.

J.C. – United States

“Just wondering what happened to your podcasts? I have not spotted one since 9-24. I hope there are more coming.”

SSG Response

The podcasts have several contributors and take a bit of coordination to get produced, edited, and on line. Sometimes schedules of those involved simply do not line up. We would rather make sure a professional podcast goes up than to simply wing it. Additionally we are giving consideration to some upgrades on the site, and that is taking time. Because SSG is not my career, or the career of any of the contributors, I find it hard to ask anything more of those that contribute. We plan on maintaining podcasts, and hope to be able to streamline the process so that it does not take so many steps to get on the site. We rely heavily on input such as yours to help us identify what direction to take SSG. Podacsts will be coming again shortly.

Thank you everyone for your participation. If readers have a ShoutOut they can submit it using the ShoutOut form located in the left sidebar. Thanks agian

10/22/2006 09:10:00 AM

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