Sirius Conductor Orchestrates Rave Reviews
 August 22, 2006 The Sirius Conductor was previewed at an event last Thursday along with Sirius' new line-up of Plug and Play devices and their Stiletto live wearable units. Prior to this event the Conductor was not discussed anywhere, but subsequent to the showing, it would appear that the device will play a nice role in the Sirius line-up this fall. Sometimes a hurdle presents a solution that is simply better than what would have originally been produced. In this case the hurdle was the exclusive contract XM signed with several home stereo manufacturers. Last year XM created a product which housed the XM subscription into an antenna. This antenna could be plugged into an "XM Ready" tuner, thereby making XM available in the home. XM's deal was that Sirius chipsets would not be allowed in "XM ready" devices. This would make manufacturers that wanted to have Sirius ready devices produce a "new" unit, something that creates a problem when shelf space and manufacturing space are at a premium. This hurdle presented the chance for a great solution for Sirius. Sirius chose to produce a product that could hook up to any device. The home receiver does not have to be "satellite ready", and can even be an "XM ready" device. That solution is nice, and workable, but the real impressive part came with the controller. There is no need to worry about the home receivers display when the display is on the controller. As if that is not enough, the controller uses both RF and IR. With RF, you can Control your tuner from 150 feet away. Sweeten things up a bit more with the fact that this controller is a universal remote for up to 6 components. The result of this process is the Sirius Conductor, and even before it hits store shelves at $149 people are already beginning to talk about it. Positive reviews: http://tinyurl.com/hwssahttp://tinyurl.com/hxykdhttp://tinyurl.com/jflm6http://tinyurl.com/zldjshttp://tinyurl.com/kmpksReader comments on these sites, as well as others such as www.siriusbackstage.com and www.orbitcast.com have also been positive. It would appear that this solution offered by Sirius will be well received by consumers. 8/22/2006 10:51:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
 
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius XM Merger Growing some Legs
Auigust 22, 2006 Speculation has come from all fronts on the subject of a Merger between Sirius and XM. Cramer has spoken of it on a regular basis. Today a newsletter from a Hedge fund manager also addressed the issue. Doug Kass, a frequent guest on CNBC, printed in a newsletter to his clients that, " a merger between Sirius and XM is "inevitable"." He said he was not sure how to play it, but it was going to happen -- no time frame. 8/22/2006 03:14:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Jim Cramer Comments Twice Today: RealMoney Radio And Stop Trading!
RealMoney Radio: Scratch the Surface8/22/2006 2:12 PM EDT If there is one stock that Cramer said he gets asked about the most, it's Sirius Satellite Radio ( SIRI - news - Cramer's Take). A couple of months ago, CIBC called a bottom in XM Satellite Radio ( XMSR - news - Cramer's Take) and that's when Cramer said Sirius Radio CEO Mel Karmazin should make a deal and buy XM Radio right then and there. Sirius Radio and XM Radio "are at war," as the two try to undercut each other in a pricing war, he said. "They have to stop," Cramer said. "And the window for Mel to act is getting smaller." He believes this because Robert Peck, whom he considers the No. 1 analyst in this group, said XM Radio's problems are going away, and the stock is going higher. Once XM Radio, which was recently at $12.90, gets to $16 or $17, it's going to be too big for Sirius Radio to manage, Cramer said. Karmazin needs to make a move now in order to stop competition, otherwise nobody's going to make any money, he said. Link: HEREJim Cramer Stop Trading! Sirius Moonlight8/22/2006 3:50 PM EDT Sirius ( SIRI - news - Cramer's Take) CEO Mel Karmazin is running out of time to make a deal for rival XM Satellite ( XMSR - news - Cramer's Take), Jim Cramer said on CNBC's Stop Trading! segment Tuesday. Cramer has advocated that Sirius take advantage of the steep plunge in XM stock this summer to buy its struggling rival. But a 20% surge in XM stock off a Bear Stearns upgrade Tuesday morning had Cramer saying "the window is closing on Mel." Cramer said he believes XM shares, up $2.16 Tuesday at $13.40, could soon fetch $17. At that price the deal could be too rich, Cramer said. Link: HERE8/22/2006 02:32:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Country Kitchen Gets Sirius
August 22, 2006 Satellite Standard Group keeps You Informed. AMTC is really making moves, and now they are announcing Country Kitchen!!!!  Country Kitchen Dishes Up SIRIUS Radio
Clearwater, FL, August 22, 2006 –Country Kitchen International of Madison, Wisconsin, has named SIRIUSBusiness as its endorsed background music service for its nearly 200 restaurants throughout the U.S. SIRIUSBusiness, provided by Applied Media Technologies Corporation (AMTC), consists of 67 channels of commercial-free music from SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI). Under the agreement, AMTC will also provide sound equipment to the company’s locations.“Our motto at Country Kitchens is to ‘treat folks special’, and with SIRIUS as our background music, we set the scene to do just that,” explained Dennis Busch, Director of Design and Construction. “Our franchisees are pleased with the affordability of the system, and that makes them feel good too.”“The Country Kitchen concept evolved to meet the changing lifestyles of their guests. From serving nickel hamburgers to providing satellite radio to its diners, Country Kitchen is willing to take initiative and give their customers what they want,” noted Tom Coppola, Sales Manager for AMTC. “We are proud to be a part of their team.”Country Kitchen franchisees appear to be delighted with the new program. Bruce Campbell, Proprietor of Country Kitchen in Cuba, MO volunteered, “We love the variety of the music. The ability to dynamically adapt our background music to match the clientele in the restaurant is a huge plus. The $24.95 per month cost is a great price for this much service.”
Privately held AMTC is headquartered in Clearwater, FL. AMTC is the exclusive provider of SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) for business use, under the brand name SIRIUSBusiness. SIRIUSBusiness includes 67 channels of commercial-free music, with all music royalties paid, and presents the first meaningful competition to Muzak in the business music arena. Subscription plans start at $24.95 per month. AMTC also manufactures a full line of professional sound equipment and provides TelAdvantage, the world’s most recognized brand of telephone “on hold” messaging products and services. Since 1991, AMTC has served over 15,000 customers around the globe, including names like Bally Total Fitness, Bridgestone-Firestone, Continental Airlines, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co. and Morgan Stanley. For more information, visit http://www.amtc.com.Country Kitchen International is a leader in full-service family restaurants, with locations in 26 states and is headquartered in Madison, WI. Signature menu items include The Best Pancakes in Town™, Skillet Breakfasts™ and The Big Country Boy Burger™. Development opportunities are available in freestanding units, strip malls and auto-plaza locations. Country Kitchen is a registered trademark of Kitchen Investment Group, Inc. Visit http://www.countrykitchenrestaurants.com for more information 8/22/2006 02:26:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Bob Dylan Says Modern Recordings Are Atrocious, Fights Losing Battle With Technology
 Bob Dylan, who has his own show on XM Radio is quoted in a Rolling Stone Magazine interview below: Dylan says modern recordings "atrocious"Tue Aug 22, 2006 1:30 PM ET, LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Bob Dylan says the quality of modern recordings is "atrocious," and even the songs on his new album sounded much better in the studio than on disc. "I don't know anybody who's made a record that sounds decent in the past 20 years, really," the 65-year-old rocker said in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. Dylan, who released eight studio albums in the past two decades, returns with his first recording in five years, "Modern Times," next Tuesday. Noting the music industry's complaints that illegal downloading means people are getting their music for free, he said, "Well, why not? It ain't worth nothing anyway." "You listen to these modern records, they're atrocious, they have sound all over them," he added. "There's no definition of nothing, no vocal, no nothing, just like ... static." Dylan said he does his best to fight technology, but it's a losing battle. Link to full article: HERE8/22/2006 02:15:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
YMC To Launch - Sirius Involved
 August 22, 2006 An SSG reader (TW) noticed this and forwarded it to ust. Those that follow Sirius will be very interested. YMCtv Launches ''City Sessions'' To Showcase Independent Artists With High-Definition Video Of In-Studio Recordings
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2006--
As part of new show, industry veterans lend expertise to produce high-definition audiovisual recordings for indie bands in-studio
Your Music Channel Television (YMCtv) today announced the launch of "City Sessions," a show in which music industry veterans showcase the vibrant local music scenes of cities across the nation. YMCtv is a division of Dallas-based World Digital Media Group, L.L.C. (WDMG), founded in 2005 by RadioShack Corporation, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, EchoStar Communications, and CC Entertainment. City Sessions spotlights the hottest indie bands in each city by producing high-definition shows of each artist in a recording studio session. The result is a new and unique format combining the best of both a live recording in a real studio and high-definition video which works on platforms globally. YMCtv is breaking new ground with City Sessions because it will distribute the video content through multiple channels ranging from TV to handheld wireless devices, and via an IPTV-based channel for YMCtv programming.
City Sessions, which has already shot more than 500 individual video performances, was created by Brad M. Smith, senior producer, and by former consultant Larry Namer, who is no longer involved with City Sessions.
City Sessions travels from city to city, seeking out indie bands and artists who are close to breaking into the national music scene.
"In every major city in America, there is a vibrant music scene that can be examined by looking at bands that have a huge local following, yet relatively few people are familiar with artists beyond their own city," said Smith, co-creator and senior producer for City Sessions. "City Sessions uncovers incredibly talented performers, and we give them a global stage where fans get an intimate look at the artists and their music. Our mission at City Sessions is to celebrate the music that defines our cities."
Bands can submit audio and video samples via City Sessions' Web site (www.citysessionstv.com). In each city they visit, the City Sessions crew spends roughly five days recording and filming local bands, working with three artists per day. Grammy Award winner Eddie Kramer, famous for his extensive engineering work for Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and KISS, stopped by the studio during the recent L.A. taping to lend his expertise to the Philip Sayce session. YMCtv will repurpose City Sessions for all forms of digital distribution including IPTV and wireless downloads to cell phones and other mobile devices.
City Sessions has already recorded artists in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York, including Celena Rae of "American Idol: Season Four;" Philip Sayce, who currently is touring with Melissa Etheridge; and Alice Peacock, whose album "Who I Am" was released on July 4. Pictures and video clips from these sessions can be viewed on the City Sessions Web site, www.citysessionstv.com.
"Artists with a large local following benefit from City Sessions because it gives them the opportunity to increase their exposure on national and global platforms, and they receive a high-definition TV show and Grammy-engineered recording that in most cases they would never be able to afford on their own," said City Sessions Producer Darren Fair. "Several artists featured in L.A.'s City Sessions are already seeing their careers picking up. Alice Peacock's daily record sales on Amazon.com are on par with Daniel Powter and Bo Bice, both of whom have received considerable radio exposure. Philip Sayce recently saw his album 'Peace Machine' become the second-most downloaded album on iTunes UK. We're very excited to be a part of bringing musicians like Alice and Philip into the mainstream, and we are looking forward to discovering more fresh talent in each city we visit."
The next City Sessions stop will be Nashville, Tenn., this fall, with details to follow soon. Bands interested in being featured on City Sessions should contact Darren Fair via the City Sessions Web site or by e-mail to sessions@ymctv.com.
About World Digital Media Group (WDMG)
World Digital Media Group (WDMG) is a multi-platform music and digital content company focused on the marketing, distribution, and sales of independent, known, and world music artists through retail, television, radio, the Internet, and wireless devices. Formed by RadioShack Corporation, EchoStar Communications Corporation, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and CC Entertainment, WDMG is one of the first companies to be conceptualized, developed and launched fully leveraging and integrating all possible media by maximizing the existing reach of its assets, bringing music directly to the public in a variety of forms. The CEO of WDMG is Chris Christian, a multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning record producer, performer, songwriter, and record label executive8/22/2006 02:13:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Stiletto Details Getting Out
 August 22, 2006 Satellite Standard Group Keeps You Informed. We received an e-mail from a reader with some dimensions for the new Sirius Stiletto that the reader claimed were given to him by Crutchfield. We decided to follow up and gave Crutchfield a call. The representative on the phone did not have a lot of detail, but did have some dimensions. These dimensions appear to count the antenna bump as well, so we give an estimate without the bump. With Standard Battery Width--- 2" Height --4.5" (about 4.125 excluding antenna bump) Depth---0.6875" (11/16th")  The extended life battery adds 0.3125" (5/16th") to the depth at the bottom of the unit. This is where the Crutchfield representative became unclear, but where we recalled an early photograph of Mel Karmazin holding the Stiletto. In that now infamous photograph where Mel Karmazin is holding the Stiletto, you can see the "battery compartment" clearly. Understanding the dimensions above, the battery appears to be about 2" x 1". This would mean that with an extended life battery, the unit will have a 0.3125", or 5/16TH inch, "bump-out" at the bottom of the unit......Yes, the headphone jack is on the base. There is still a lot more to come we are sure, but this ought to give people some idea of size. By contrast here are some devices that you may be familiar with: Razor Phone - 3.86" x 2.08" x .54" Chocolate Phone - 3.7" x 1.9" x .6" XM Inno - 4.4375" x 2.3125" x 0.625" (incl. antenna) ( height is 3.7" excluding antenna) TSS Radio is accepting e-mail reservations for the HREF="http://www.tss-radio.com/">SIRIUS Stiletto. You can save your spot in line by visiting TSS Radio href="http://www.tss-radio.com/sirius-stiletto-live-portable-receiver-sl100tk1-p-3836.html"> HERE 8/22/2006 02:11:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Starmate Replay Shipping After FCC Issues Resolved
 http://getsiriusinfo.blogspot.com/ posted this article: Starmate Replays Back and Shipping after FCC Setback
It's official now that the Starmate Replay is back shipping and available from http://shop.sirius.com/. The Starmate Replay as well as the SIRIUS One are now back on sale with www.sirius.com. They wouldn't been available if they had not been given a go ahead to offer them. This is promising news after some questions from the FCC about the strength of the FM Modulator. posted by Mitch at 8/22/2006 01:57:00 PM 8/22/2006 01:59:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius Rolling Out Satellite Video?
 www.orbitcast.com posted this article today: 2008 Jeeps to feature Sirius Satellite Video?
Auto manufacturers are notoriously slow when it comes to implementing new OEM equipment, so this information comes to me as a surprise (and requires a grain of salt). According to WKJeeps.com, the 2008 model year of Jeep vehicles will include Sirius Satellite Streaming Video as a feature/option.Models to include Sirius Satellite Streaming Video are the Jeep Grand Cherokee (including Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT8 trim packages), the Jeep Commander (Sport, Limited, and Overland trim packages) and the Jeep Liberty (spy photo pictured).Remember that Mel Karmazin stated that Sirius Video is "well under way" and will be available later this year. More info on this as it comes in. 8/22/2006 01:37:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius Management Is Meeting With JP Morgan Tomorrow
Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) group lunch with management in NY on August 23rd, sponsor: JP Morgan ( www.theflyonthewall.com) 8/22/2006 01:02:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
XMSR: College Football Kicks Of On August 28th
 August 22, 2006 College Football Coverage on XM Satellite Radio Kicks Off August 28
Sports Fans Now Able to Customize XM Radio Sports Tickers to View Scores of Their Favorite Teams WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XM Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: XMSR), the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers, will kick off its coverage of the 2006 college football Among the college games to air nationwide on XM during the first week of regular season play are Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech; Stanford vs. Oregon; Boston College vs. Central Michigan, and Indiana State vs. Purdue. 2006 marks the first year that XM will carry all the football teams in the Big East Conference. XM is also the official satellite network of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big East Conference, Big Ten Conference and Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) and XM will carry the BCS bowl series on ESPN Radio. A complete schedule of the ACC, Big East, Big Ten and Pac-10 college football games for the 2006 season broadcast on XM is available beginning August 31 at http://www.xmradio.com. read more: HERE8/22/2006 10:27:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Robert Peck Gets Bullish On XM
  August 22, 2006 Highly respected analyst Robert Peck has gotten bulliosh on XM Satellite Radio. Peck has been following the satellite radio sector for quite some time, and is among the more respected opinions regarding the satellite radio equities. In a report issued this morning Peck upgraded XM Satellite Radio two positions, taking the equity straight from "underperform, bypassing "neutral", and landing on "outperform". Report Excerpts: CATALYSTS ON THE CUSP OF CHANGING.We believe that the wave of negative catalysts that have plagued the company over the previous months has finally subsided; in fact, we believe the company is about to experience a positive wave of catalysts, led by the impending FCC authorization for their devices.Here at SSG we agree that the wave of bad news is likely behind XM Satellite Radio, and the remaining issues that might be considered negative can be shown to be very workable.
UPGRADING TO OUTPERFORM. After the precipitous decline in XMSR over the past three months, we believe that the market has over-adjusted for the concerns in the marketplace. This, coupled with our expectation that the catalysts are about to change for the company for the better, leads us to upgrade to Outperform from Underperform.At SSG we have felt for some time that the equity has been oversold. The reaction to beach piece of bad news took a toll on the stock price over a period of 6 months. Many of those issues have had resolution, or there is a path towards resolution in place. As positive news develops, and financial metrics prove to be on the correct path, the appreciation in share price should follow suit.12 INVESTMENT POINTS SET THESIS. In the text below we walk through 12 Investment Points which support the change in our thesis on the company, including:
survey work showing continued strong demand, our anticipation that guidance will be raised, and a bolstered management team.Over the past few months, a sentiment relative to a weak demand of satellite radio formed. Sales figures have shown that the sector is still healthy, and despite some issues with inventory, the sector can remain strong. With OEM installs ramping up, satellite radio becomes more widely available in that channel. The overall picture still looks very healthy.CONSERVATIVE MODEL. Our new model is built conservatively, estimating: 16.5 mn subs by 2010 (vs. XM's expectation of high teens), declining OEM conversion rates, modest retail market share, higher churn rates, minimal ARPU growth, and lower SAC deceleration. Here at SSG we like the conservative model formulated by Peck. Because of the respect he garners in this sector, it now sets a reasonable bar for achievement while still showing that satellite radio is viable. Exceeding these conservative metrics would bode very well for XM and the sector. VALUATION & CATALYSTS. Our 2007 target price of $17 is based on our DCF valuation and supported by discounted EPS and FCF/Share analyses, as well as a Sirius EV/Sub comparative basis, all of which yield valuations in the $17-$18 range. We would expect a FCC approval to be followed shortly by manufacturing and shipment in volume in plenty of time for the big 4Q season. An improved marketing team coupled with the demand indicated by our survey work, indicates a rebound in the 4Q for the company.Overall this report was well done and carries a lot of detail that many investors may not have considered. We encourage investors to visit Bear Stearns HERE 8/22/2006 09:36:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
GM Revives Production Of Gas Guzzling Camaro! What Are They Thinking?!!!
 No wonder the U.S. auto manufacturers are lagging. Look how they are spending their time...reviving brands rather than innovating. Camaro’s Rebirth to Occur at Ontario Plant, G.M. Says
By IAN AUSTEN, Aug 22, 2006, The New York Times OTTAWA, Aug. 21 — The Chevrolet Camaro, a classic American muscle car, will be made in a Canadian factory when its production is revived in 2008, General Motors said on Monday... ...Because the Camaro is expected to sell only about 100,000 units a year, the addition of the flexible production line may ultimately prove more important for the factory’s future than the Camaro, union leaders and industry analysts said. “It’s a low-volume muscle car, so I don’t think it’s going to be huge,” the Canadian Auto Workers president, Buzz Hargrove, said of the Camaro in an interview with The Toronto Star last week. “But coupled with another platform or so, it could make a big difference.” A prototype of the Camaro that was introduced at the Detroit auto show in January contained a 400-horsepower, eight-cylinder engine that might not be appealing given current gas prices. G.M. has not said what engine will power the production version, although it promises to offer both eight- and six-cylinder options. read more: HERE8/22/2006 07:27:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Before The Open: XMSR Up In German Trading On Bear Stearns Upgrade
 XMSR upgraded to Outperform from Peer Perform, tgt $17(theflyonthewall.com 08/22 06:12:48) Bear Stearns upgraded shares of XMSR to outperform from underperform citing positive catalysts that include FCC authorization of devices and valuation, saying that the wave of negative catalysts that have plagued the company have subsided....read more: HERE8/22/2006 06:23:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Polk Audio Is Shipping XM, And Directed Electronics, A Sirius Supplier, Is Buying Polk Audio
 Two Polk press releases today:Polk Ships Combined HD Radio/XM Satellite System
August 21, 2006, I-Sonic Polk Audio today announced the first shipments of the I-Sonic entertainment system, the first  product to include an HD Radio tuner, a DVD/CD player and XM Satellite Radio receiver in a single unit. The system sells for $599 in the U.S. and $719 in Canada. The I-Sonic is a small unit -- measuring only 14.5" x 9.75" x 4.75" -- for use anywhere in the home or office. The single disc DVD/CD player also plays MP3s, as well as many other formats, and the unit has two sets of auxiliary inputs to allow the hook up of any stereo audio device. The I-Sonic also features a headphone jack, 30 radio presets and a wireless remote control. While the first I-Sonic orders went to broadcasters for monitoring and promotional use, the first retail units have shipped to Tweeter Home Entertainment stores. Supplies are expected to be tight for the next 60 days. read more: HEREDirected Electronics to buy Polk Audio for about $136 mln
Mon Aug 21, 2006 4:33pm ETAug 21 (Reuters) - Directed Electronics Inc. on Monday said it agreed to acquire Polk Audio, a provider of home and mobile audio equipment, for about $136 million in cash.
The acquisition will add to its pro forma net earnings in 2006 and beyond, the auto accessories maker said in a statement.
The current management of Polk Audio will join Directed Electronics after the acquisition, which is scheduled to close during the third quarter...read more: HERE8/21/2006 05:30:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Commentary On U.S. Auto Makers Decisions To Cut Production
  Recently, we have seen announcements that various Detroit-based auto manufacturers are planning to cut production. Where did these guys go to business school?!!! Correct me if I am wrong, but the solution to their financial problems is NOT to CUT production, but rather to SHIFT production from big, gas guzzling cars to smaller, more efficient cars. Don't Ford and GM notice that people are still buying cars? Just look at the increasing sales of Honda and Toyota. Myself, for example...I am a component of their target market...my lease is expiring in a couple of months. I am one of the zillions of people on lease who MUST get a replacement vehicle. This is non-negotiable. However, I am not considering a truck or SUV as I may have in the past...I am focusing on an efficient option or one of those cool hybrids. These models are "slim pickens" at Ford and GM, so I can be spotted on the lots of their "competitors". I am buying a car, but I am certainly making different choices. So if GM and Ford are going to cut back on production of trucks and SUV's, why don't they increase production of the 4 to 6 cylinder and hybrid models and take back a little market share from Honda and Toyota? 8/21/2006 03:40:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Another Reason Why I Gave My iPod to My 6-Year Old
 
(click on image above to increase size)
I am one of the millions who got an iPod with a faulty battery. On principle, I wanted it replaced by Apple, so i took the time to fill out the claims form. Here it is, one year later, and I got this letter, telling me that if i want a new battery, I have to pay $29.95, plus tax! Why did I bother to do this? I could have bought a replacement at a retailer for $25.00 without the wait. I feel totally taken misled, and will never buy another iPod again, no matter how small it is, no matter how many features they add.
8/21/2006 03:37:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
MSNBS and XM Split
 August 21, 2006 There has been some speculation that XM satellite radio and MSNBC would be parting, and today that seems to have been confirmed by the guys at Orbitcast. SSG readers can get the whole story from Orbitcast HERE8/21/2006 03:18:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Thanks For Your Input; Here Are Some Readers' Comments
 Readers, thanks so much for your responses to my post on August 17th: "SSG Is Interested In Your (Sirius) Thoughts..." Link: HERE Despite a spate of positive news (*), Sirius is touching 52 week lows. What’s bugging investor perception? If you want to share your (legitimate) thoughts with our readers, please e-mail me at ssgfive@yahoo.com(*) Here are some of the most recent positives:1. FM modulator issues with FCC mostly resolved. Targeted hardware back in production, inventory restocking at retailers2. Sirius suppliers doing well. Directed Electronics, DEIX, stock price up 31% since raising 2006 guidance, resumption of manufacturing of Sirius hardware, confirming progress with FCC on FM modulator issue3. Ford (F) stock up 36% since restructuring announcements; Ford will have greater financial flexibility and will introduce new products to ramp up sales4. Radio Shack (RSH) stock up 33% from 52 week lows, on expectations of restructuring and rebranding5. Confirmation of long awaited availability of Sirius wearable/portable device, the Stiletto, by end of summer, indicating at least partial resolution of RIAA issue6. Successful resolution of CBS-Stern lawsuit, including rights to Stern “classic” tapes. Promotional opportunities anticipated to counter XMSR’s "Oprah" push in September7. NFL season commencing, providing ancillary promotional opportunities into holiday season8. NASCAR jumps to Sirius in January 2007. Apparently, this audience is massive and loyal. NASCAR brand bolstered by hugely successful film "Telladega Nights". More promotional opportunities for Sirius for upcoming holiday season9. Q2 earnings did not disappoint, management met or exceeded expectations, raised subscriber guidance from 6.2 to 6.3 million for 2006, reiterated CFBE by 2007, possibly Q4 200610. Competitor XMSR up 20% from 52 week low. Despite differences, usually the two companies trade in tandem11. Even Cramer has restrained his negative comments recently (previous position: sell, sell sell or don’t buy, don’t buy, don’t buy!)12. Recent confirmation of long anticipated (and previously delayed) rear seat video to be launched in 2006So what’s bugging the stock? If you have any thoughts or insights you would like to share, please forward them to me at ssgfive@yahoo.comHere are some of the comments I received:
1. Satellite radio is not "cool" anymore, ie, the sector is out of favor with momentum players 2. Sirius has a high market cap relative to XMSR 3. The market fears potential share dilution (even though management has reiterated several times that they have a fully funded business plan) 4. Since XM mentioned that they are experiencing softness in retail, investors are expecting Sirus to lower guidance (even though they raised it on their Q2 conference call) 5. Pressure from terrestrial radio. It seems like the terrestrial radio has "friends in high places" and will do anything to bring down satellite radio radio rather than compete. Terrestrial is used to playing dirty...just look at their involvement in the "payola" scandals. 6. Perhaps Wall Street does not believes that Sirius will be cash flow positive by the Q4 2006 or 2007. Many "experts" don't expect CFBE until 2011. 7. Media is calling for a merger, so possibly paired trading (short SIRI, long XMSR). 8. FCC issues and perception of scant hardware availability; fears that modifications to radios will result in slower sales, and poor reception leading to higher product returns and churn 9. Naked short selling and manipulation by hedge funds 10. Hedge funds who bought Sirius convertible bonds hedging by shorting the stock. 11. Fear that "Stiletto" launch will be delayed like the S50, even though management has reiterated a Summer 2006 release 12. Concerns about cash ; Sirius burning too much cash. 8/21/2006 01:18:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Will New York City Police Get Sirius In Their Dodge Chargers?
 A Police Car With Plenty of MuscleBy AL BAKER, New York Times, August 21, 2006 Playing a police detective, Steve McQueen chased a criminal driving a Dodge Charger in the 1968 movie “Bullitt.” In the 1980’s, “The Dukes of Hazzard” television series made the Charger a star, in its role as the General Lee, the muscle car that could outrun the law. More than two decades later, Chrysler is manufacturing a new version of the Charger for law enforcement agencies, and the New York Police Department has bought 15 of them for a trial run: 10 with powerful V-8 Hemi engines for its highway units and 5 with V-6’s for patrolling in precincts. The Midtown North Precinct, in Manhattan, got the first V-6 Charger last week. The new police Charger is faster than the cars currently in use by the department. While some have questioned why an urban police department might need a car that reaches 150 miles per hour, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said the main reason for buying the cars is to make the department’s fleet less monolithic...read more: HERE
8/21/2006 11:50:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
DCX Case Regarding Merger Comes To A Close
 August 21, 2006 According to the Associated Press, DCX has been ordered by a German Court to pay $295,000,000 to former shareholders. Article Excerpt: German Court Rules on DaimlerChrysler 08.21.2006, 10:50 AM
DaimlerChrysler AG must pay about $295 million to former shareholders of Daimler-Benz AG to settle a case related to its 1998 merger with Chrysler Corp., a court said Monday. The automaker must pay a group of investors euro22.15 ($28.42) per share, or a total of euro230 million, to resolve the dispute over the valuation of their stock, said Till Jakob, a spokesman for the state court in Stuttgart.DaimlerChrysler spokesman Thomas Froehlich said the court had not yet informed the company of the decision, but added: "We consider the additional payments inappropriate and will probably appeal." During the 1998 merger, 1.8 percent of Daimler-Benz shares were exchanged involuntarily for shares in the merged company. Some shareholders claimed that the exchange ratio used undervalued their shares, and they launched court proceedings in 1999. Interested SSG readers can catch the whole story HERE via Forbes.com8/21/2006 11:42:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Hugh Panero Resigns From Vonage Board
 August 21, 2006 Vonage Holdings Reports Resignation Of XM Satellite Radio CEO Hugh Panero From Its Board, Effective August 18, 2006(Realtimetraders.com 08/21 09:15:08) Vonage Holdings Reports Resignation Of XM Satellite Radio CEO Hugh Panero From Its Board, Effective August 18, 2006, because of the demands of his role at his own company. 8/21/2006 11:19:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sells Radio Stations In Four Markets To Entercom
Entercom says buying CBS radio stationsNEW YORK, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Radio broadcaster Entercom Communications Corp. said on Monday it will buy radio stations in four markets from CBS Corp. for $262 million, underscoring CBS' strategy to sell stations in slower markets.
Entercom agreed to buy stations from CBS in Austin, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Memphis, Tennessee; and Rochester, New York.
In addition to growing competition from iPods and satellite radio, the CBS radio division has struggled from the departure of shock jock Howard Stern to Sirius Satellite Radio in January...read more: HERE
CORRECTION: Thanks T.W.
Entercom has purchased 15 radio stations in four markets from CBS Radio, and one Boston outlet from Radio One, which it will simulcast its active rock WAAF, Worcester signal.
.....also citidel is asking to change the disney deal due to the drop in the stock price based on the disney stations poor performance
8/21/2006 11:16:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
The Grape Gets Sirius
 August 21, 2006 Clearwater, FL, August 17, 2006– The Grape Development Company, parent company of The Grape Restaurant and Wine Sellers, has made SIRIUS Satellite Radio their official restaurant background music. The service, SIRIUSBusiness, provided by Applied Media Technologies Corporation (AMTC), consists of 67 channels of commercial-free music from SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI). Under the agreement, AMTC will also provide sound equipment to the company’s locations. “The Grape goes to great lengths to ensure that their patrons have a comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy the wine and gourmet fare. SIRIUS music will only add to that elegant ambiance,” assured Dana Cloutier, Account Executive for AMTC. “And with pricing from just $24.95 a month, the cost is very palatable.” “We are excited with our decision to partner with SIRIUSBusiness and AMTC. Their pricing is very competitive and the quality of the music and the reliability of the system exceed our expectations. We are in the process of a national rollout, and having one contact to handle all of our music needs allows me to focus on other areas of our development,” remarked Andrew Katz, who oversees design and development for The Grape Development Group. “We were looking for music that would compliment our wine, and SIRIUS has done exactly that.” Privately held AMTC is headquartered in Clearwater, FL. AMTC is the exclusive provider of SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) for business use, under the brand name SIRIUSBusiness. Priced at just $24.95 per month, SIRIUSBusiness includes 67 channels of commercial-free music, with all music royalties paid, with no contract required. AMTC also manufactures a full line of professional sound equipment and provides TelAdvantage, the world’s most recognized brand of telephone “on hold” messaging products and services. Since 1991, AMTC has served over 15,000 customers around the globe, including names like Bally Total Fitness, Bridgestone-Firestone, Continental Airlines, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co. and Morgan Stanley. The Grape presents to its patrons a non-intimidating and pleasurable atmosphere in which to enjoy great wines and food at reasonable prices. The Grape’s presentation of 120 to 150 deliciously unique wines—available by the bottle, glass and Grapes by the Bunch® tasting flight—is based on its copyrighted Guide to The Grape, which classifies wine by taste. The company’s motto is “Your Taste Is All That Counts,” and is practiced by bringing its customers superb wines from all over the world to taste and enjoy. To find out more about the Grape, visit http://www.yourgrape.com/. 8/21/2006 08:40:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Stifel Comments On Ford Production Cuts, Maintains Buy On Sirius
 Stifel comments via www.briefing.com:Sirius Satellite: Ford production cuts are only a slight risk - Stifel ( www.briefing.com, 8:13 AM, 8/21/2006)
Stifel believes Ford production cuts increase risk that SIRI could mildly miss guidance. They say Ford, the #2 automaker in U.S. w/ ~2.9 mln cars produced, is SIRI's #1 potential partner based on volume, though Ford is about a year behind SIRI's #2 partner Chrysler in penetration. Based on the cutbacks firm thinks there could be ~50k risk to their assumption - not that big relative to 6.3 mln projected subs by year-end. They think there is too much pessimism already in the stock. They believe Sirius and XMSR will come much closer than the Street expects to long-term guidance as car manufacturers ramp up their installation rates toward standard by decade-end. Stifel comments via www.newratings.comSirius Satellite Radio "buy," estimates raisedMonday, August 21, 2006 8:12:03 AM ET Stephens Inc.NEW YORK, August 21 (newratings.com) - Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus & Company maintain their "buy" rating on Sirius Satellite Radio Inc ( SIRI.NAS), while raising their estimates for the company. The target price is set to $6. In a research note published this morning, the analysts mention that Ford has announced that it would cut its 4Q06 production by 21%, which is likely to adversely impact Sirius Satellite Radio’s performance. The analysts believe that markets concerns about pending churn are overdone. Stifel Nicolaus & Company expresses its optimism regarding Sirius Satellite Radio meeting its long-term guidance,a s car makers ramp up their installation rates towards the end of the decade. The EPS estimates for 2006 and 2007 have been reduced from -$0.85 to -$0.84 and from -$0.41 to -$0.40, respectively. 8/21/2006 07:36:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Argus Research Upgrades Sirius To Buy From Sell, Price Target Of $8
  August 21, 2006 Argus Research ( www.argusresearch.com), August 19th, 2006: "We are upgrading Sirius Satellite Radio from SELL to BUY, raising target price from $3.75 to target price of $8. Sirius reported strong revenue growth in the second quarter, and just as importantly, the rise in costs slowed. We are adjusting our loss estimates to $0.87 per share from $0.88 for 2006 and to $0.53 from $0.52 for 2007." 8/21/2006 07:19:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Stiletto "Brothers" Spotted
 August 19, 2006 The Stiletto Brothers are getting ready to come to town from Sirius. These new pictures were found on BubbatheLoveSponge.NET (official fan site for Bubba The Love Sponge). While they may look like twins, they are different. These capable units deliver things that the satellite radio community has never seen...or heard for that matter. Designed for ease of use, the Stiletto brothers create a consumer experience second to none. Simply stated, you can now get "The Best Radio On Radio" from the best radio devices satellite radio has seen. More details as they become available 8/20/2006 12:03:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Radio Shack Interim COO Stepping Down
 RadioShack president, COO stepping down
Friday August 18, 12:41 pm ET www.bizjournals.comClaire Babrowski, RadioShack's president and chief operating officer, is leaving the company at the end of the month, RadioShack said. Her resignation, which is effective Aug. 31, comes weeks after turnaround chief Julian Day was named CEO, a position Babrowski had taken on an interim basis after David Edmondson resigned in February when questions were raised about his resume. According to a Reuter's report Friday, Babrowski had been seen as a strong internal candidate for the job and was passed over. She's been with the company since July 2005. Babrowski is the latest in a series of management changes as the company in an attempt to reduce overhead and return to profitability. The electronics retailer's Chief Financial Officer David Barnes resigned in July to take a job at First Data Corp.'s Western Union business. He was replaced by James Gooch. The company said last week that it will slash its work force by 400 to 450 people, and the cuts would come primarily from its Fort Worth headquarters... read more: HERE8/20/2006 11:55:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
XM Commences To Exchange Senior Notes
 XM Satellite Radio Commences Standard Exchange Offer for Rule 144A Notes
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XM Satellite Radio HoldingsInc. (Nasdaq: XMSR) announced today the commencement of an offer to exchange a new series of 9.75% Senior Notes due in 2014 and a new series of SeniorFloating Rate Notes due 2013 registered under the Securities Act of 1933 for all of the 9.75% Senior Notes due in 2014 and Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2013, respectively, issued in May 2006 as part of a private placement under Rule 144A. This exchange offer, which is standard for Rule 144A transactions and required by the indentures and registration rights agreement for the notes, is being made pursuant to a Prospectus dated August 17, 2006. Copies of the Prospectus are available from The Bank of New York, the exchange agent for theoffer. Each series of notes is issued by XM Satellite Radio Inc. and guaranteed by XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and certain of XM Satellite Radio Inc.'s subsidiaries, and the terms of the new notes are substantially identical to the terms of the existing notes, except that the new notes will be freely tradable. The exchange offer and withdrawal rights will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on September 18, 2006, unless extended... Read more at www.xmsr.com8/20/2006 11:28:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
HD Radio Boom - Or Is It An Implosion?
August 21, 2006 HD Radio is coming......HD Radio is coming.....HD Radio is coming!!!!! This chant has been happening for well over a year. Some predicted that the arrival of HD Radio would mean an end to satellite radio, so what is happening? The guys over at Audio Graphics have noticed something interesting. We here at SSG figured our readers would like to check this article out, a special thanks to T.W. for letting us know about this: Article Excerpts: Telling Signs in Radio Industry: Job Openings
"Thank Clear Channel radio for planting the seed to get this idea rolling. It came while reading the press release stating that "Clear Channel Radio Adds HD Digital Multicasts to 18 More Markets; Brings Total to 66 markets and 269 Stations." That's quite a few stations. Surely, a company ready to launch "the third wave" of its much heralded HD Radio stations would have to hire a few bodies to get the ball rolling. Well, maybe.
The press release caused me to travel to Clear Channel's job openings page at its web site, where you'd think that a company the size of Clear Channel would always have a lengthy list of postions to fill. But, there are not as many jobs as you'd expect. Here are the ten positions listed as "newest openenings," these are the only positions on its page, and they come from Clear Channel stations across the nation: ........."
The rest of this interesting story is available HERE via Audio Graphics
8/20/2006 12:53:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 19, 2006 Gizmodo.com Posts Exclusive Photo Of Zune
 Exclusive Microsoft Zune Picture-Zune in the Wild Link to post: HEREThanks to our awesome tipsters, we scored this exclusive picture of the Microsoft Zune. Yes, it looks almost exactly like the images we've shown you before on Gizmodo. The player also comes with a pair of magnetic headphones, which as you can see from the picture, stick to each other so they're easier to manage. The reason the shot is in black and white is because Microsoft assigned a unique color scheme to every Zune prototype in existence right now—all 150 of them—so any leaks could be traced to the employee who leaked it. We don't want to be jerks and get anybody fired. Also, check in later today for some "handy-er" info about the Zune. You won't want to miss it. – Jason Chen Update: Check out our exclusive Microsoft Zune details. We talk about how the scroll wheel isn't actually a scroll wheel, and more details about how the UI is going to look. You'll have to click to find out more. Thanks to all our tipsters! 8/19/2006 07:31:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
New CBS Television Spot For O&A Radio (Very Funny)
 CBS radio spot showcases Opie and Anthony styleBy Jesse NoyesBoston Herald Business Reporter, Friday, August 18, 2006: 08:14 AM EST CBS Radio is launching a new television spot pushing the high profile return of shock jocks Opie and Anthony to terrestrial radio. The new advertisement, which will likely begin airing today on CBS affiliates in the markets Opie and Anthony appear in, is laden with the duo’s style of humor. In the commercial, Opie and Anthony are dressed like sales clerks at a clothing store. A heavyset woman in a tight dress examines herself in a full-length mirror before asking, “Does this dress make me look fat?” Opie responds, “Definitely not.” Anthony adds: “It’s your huge ass that makes you look fat.” The 30-second spot then cuts to the, “They belong on the radio.” Read more: HERE8/19/2006 07:17:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius "Business" Gets More Business: Four Seasons & Juice Zone
 In addition to CiCi's Restaurants, Sirius Business picked a couple of new customers, Four Seasons Hotel and Juice Zone...Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley Opens Property with SIRIUS Radio8/17/2006, Clearwater, FL, www.hotelinteractive.comThe Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley recently opened with SIRIUS Radio as their exclusive background music provider. The service, SIRIUSBusiness, provided by Applied Media Technologies Corporation (AMTC), consists of 67 channels of 24-hour, commercial-free music from SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI). “Because of its location in the heart of high-tech California, it is natural that the Four Seasons would employ a high-tech solution for its music needs. With SIRIUS Satellite Radio, they have just that,” assured Martin Rund, Director of Strategic Partnerships for AMTC. “And, they have been able to achieve this without having to sign any long-term contract.” “We are very pleased with our decision to install this music system,” remarked Scott Mills, Director of Food & Beverage at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley in East Palo Alto, CA. “Our guests have very exacting standards and I believe that SIRIUS music have exceeded their expectations.” read more: HEREALSO: www.siriusfannetwork.com picked up this story  Juice Zone Adds SIRIUS Friday, 18 August 2006 Juice Zone USA has selected SIRIUSBusiness as the sole background music service for its smoothie stores throughout the United States. SIRIUSBusiness, provided by Applied Media Technologies Corporation (AMTC), consists of 67 channels of commercial-free music from SIRIUS Satellite Radio from just $24.95 per month. Under the agreement, AMTC will also provide sound equipment to the locations. "We think that our juice bars often serve as an oasis in our customer's day," explained Jeff Parker, President of Juice Zone USA. "I think that SIRIUS Satellite-delivered music is a contemporary way to give our customers a musical respite while they are in our shops." read more: HERE8/19/2006 07:13:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
EMI Signs Deal To Provide Music Videos On Microsoft Zune
 EMI to preload music videos on ZuneFri Aug 18, 2006 12:57 AM BST, By Yinka Adegoke NEW YORK (Reuters) - EMI Group, the world's third-largest music company, said on Thursday it had signed a deal to provide preloaded music videos on Microsoft Corp.'s soon-to-launch Zune digital media player.
The London-based company said the deal would see artists, including American actor Jared Leto's alternative rock band 30 Seconds To Mars and English electro-pop band Hot Chip, featured on the player when it goes to market later this year. The news dispels speculation in media reports this month that Microsoft would have to delay the introduction of Zune's video capability until after its launch, which is expected to be in time for the year-end holiday season. Sources at record labels, who have seen the new player, say its wireless capability and a feature that allows some sharing of music between users are what differentiates Zune from Apple Computer Inc.'s market-leading iPod. Read more: HERE8/19/2006 07:10:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Jerry Rice Will Have Plenty To Discuss On His Sirius Show Next Week
 Rice will end his career where he made greatest impact Aug. 19, 2006, CBS SportsLine.com wire reports SAN FRANCISCO -- Receiver Jerry Rice will retire as a member of the San Francisco 49ers next week. Rice, who holds most of the significant NFL receiving records, won three Super Bowls during 16 years with the 49ers. He will sign a contract Thursday at the 49ers' training complex before making his retirement official, the club officially announced Saturday. The wideout will be honored again during halftime of the 49ers' game against the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 19. The deal for Rice's retirement with the 49ers was informally announced last month. "This was my home for many years, and this is where so many memories were made," Rice said in a statement. "I thank the entire 49ers organization for the opportunity to stand on the field to say goodbye." Rice, a 13-time Pro Bowl player, holds NFL records with 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. He also leads the league with single-season receiving records of 1,848 yards and 22 touchdowns. read more: HERE8/19/2006 06:56:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius Conductor
 August 19, 2006 On August 17 there was an event held by sirius where new hardware was shown off. Details from the event are flowing out but pictures seem hard to come by. Various sites have fond some images of the Brix line of some of the units, and some images of the Stiletto had surfaced from a Crutchfield publication. It now appears that an image of the Sirius Conductor has made its way to the net thanks to someone that Sirius Backstage called "Thrasher Duck". The Sirius Conductor is a unique solution to the home tuner market. The unit will work with ANY home tuner. The tuner does not have to be "Sirius Ready", and can even be an "XM Ready" tuner. The Sirius Conducter is small in size at only about 3" x 3" x a bit over an inch. Because the conducter is controlled by a controller, and the controller works off of RF, the unit can be hidden if desired. The "cool" aspect of the Sirius Conductor rests with the controller. The controller houses the display, and can be used from up to 150 feet away. This is where the sirius song, channel, and artist information appear. The controller can also be programmed to cotrol other devices in your home, and an additional Sirius subscription can be added as well. A second subscription allows for the ability to listen to two different sirius channels in two different rooms. The sirius Conducter has an MSRP of $149.99 8/19/2006 03:12:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius' Universe
 August 18, 2006 With the introduction of Plug & Play Units came the first glimpses of what Universal docking solutions mean to Sirius. The benefits run deeper than many may realize:  Consumer BenefitsA universal system makes it easy for a consumer to purchase hardware. They no longer need to worry about whether of not the particular model they are looking at has a boombox, or which unit it was that their husband has as they are buying a second car kit. The shopping experience will be much easier. there is one solution.  Retailer BenefitsOrding becomes easier. The car and home kits are all identical. Shelf space can be consolidated, and there are not as many prices to remember. Training of the sales force is easier, and things such as store transfers will happen less often, and with fewer mistakes. Inventory management and storage space would also be consolidated. Displays will look less cluttered and confusing.  Manufacturing BenefitsManufacturing runs can be better planned. Retooling will become less of an issue. Engineering for each specific unit is streamlined because the docking solution has been standardized. procurement of materials is also standardized bringing even more savings Sirius BenefitsConsolidated advertising. One kit or one boombox does it all. Consolidated retail shelf space. Delivery of a simple message that avoids confusion. An easy solution for other manufacturers to make accessories for Sirius hardware. Flexability in distribution. The universal platform is a great all around solution. It makes satellite radio an easy to navigate event for the consumer, the retailer, the distribution channel, etc. This type of universal platform could well be something that sways retail sales in the second half of the year. The Universal Car Kit and Universal Home Kit are available now at TSS Radio8/18/2006 02:56:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Ford To Cut Production
 August 18, 2006 According to the Associated Press, Ford announced today plans to cut production in the fourth quarter of 2006. Whether this will impact installation of Sirius Satellite Radi's is unknown. Ford can ear warrants based on installs, so it may mean that their install plans will remian on track. Article Excerpt: APFord Announces 2006 Production CutFriday August 18, 11:13 am ET By Sarah Karush, Associated Press Writer Ford Announces Sharp Cuts in 2006 Production DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. on Friday announced sharp cuts in its North American production that would force it to partially shut down plants in the United States and Canada in the fourth quarter. The company said fourth-quarter production would be down 21 percent, or 168,000 units, from last year. Third-quarter production will be 20,000 units below what was previously announced. For the full year, Ford plans to produce about 9 percent fewer vehicles than last year. "We know this decision will have a dramatic impact on our employees, as well as our suppliers," Chairman and Chief Executive Bill Ford said in a note to employees. "This is, however, the right call for our customers, our dealers and our long-term future."........ Interested SSG readers can catch the whole story HERE8/18/2006 01:26:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
A Look At SAC From A Different Perspective
August 18, 2006 There are many ways to look at things...... Subscriber Acquisition Costs (SAC) are often a subject of discussion relative to the satellite radio industry. SAC measures the cost to obtain a subscriber. The problem here is that SAC is not governed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). GAAP is defined as, “The common set of accounting principles, standards and procedures that companies use to compile their financial statements. GAAP are a combination of authoritative standards (set by policy boards) and simply the commonly accepted ways of recording and reporting accounting information” Because SAC is not governed by GAAP each company is free to define SAC as they see fit for their operations, so long as they define how they calculate the metric. The next issue relative to GAAP is that the structures of deals may or may not impact SAC. For example, the costs associated with the revenue share portion of any deal are not covered in SAC, nor is equity granted to third parties, nor is content and programming costs, etc. One company may rely heavily on outside marketing representation, while the other staffs such operations very strongly from within as direct employees. For this reason, it becomes difficult for investors to compare the SAC of Sirius and XM on a “straight-up” basis. Often times it is better to compare the company to itself, and look at the trends within a company. Investors should also make efforts to look at other metrics when considering SAC. Investors should look at ARPU, overall revenue/losses from operations, etc. SAC is not a metric that determines the financial viability of a company. There are many ways to look at subscriber costs. SAC measures costs per GROSS addition. A good metric, but what happens when you are not keeping a lot of those gross addition? What kind of revenue can you expect to help offset the SAC (for example, 1 year in a Chrysler install, 6 months in Ford, and 3 months in GM))? What happens if you look at cost per NET addition (after all, these are the ones that will at least help you offset costs)? SIRI Q2 2006 SAC PER GROSS ADD - $131 SIRI Q2 2006 SAC PER NET ADD - $181 XM Q2 2006 SAC PER GROSS ADD - $64 XM Q2 2006 SAC PER NET ADD - $149 The reason the numbers change so starkly rests in the deactivations. Sirius had GROSS subscribers of 830,571 and NET subscribers of 600,460. This means their deactivations tallied 230,111. By contrast, XM had GROSS subscribers of 926,281 and NET subscribers of 398,012. This means XM had deactivations of 528,269. Part of the bigger deactivation number is attributable to XM having a larger subscriber base, but XM’s deactivations were more than double that of Sirius. Another aspect rests in the OEM deals. XM’s OEM deals are mostly 3 month deals, where Sirius has 1 year deals with DCX. This means that OEM subscribers will deactivate more quickly with XM, while there is a wait to see what happens with Sirius on the 1 year subscription deal. Will having the service longer in a DCX vehicle lead to a better take rate? Only time will tell. What investors need to be aware of is that in many cases it is difficult to accurately compare many metrics between these two companies. The key here is whether or not the trending of costs is headed in the right direction. When considering an equity try to look as deeply as you can into several key metrics, and always look deeper than the surface to understand what is behind the metrics 8/18/2006 01:09:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Jacoby on Sirius and XM
 August 18, 2006 If nothing else he is consistent. Simply stated he favors XM and has for quite some time, but what is the reason for taking shots at Sirius in some way in every report? Here is what Jacoby said yesterday in a report: Report Excerpts: ".....Broadcast fundamentals remain weak - Remain selective - Buy Growth (UVN, XMSR) or Value (CCU, ETM)...." We here at SSG feel that buying growth is a reasonable strategy, and that given the downturn XM had that there is a lot of potential for growth with this stock.....Provided they can clear the hurdles in front of them, and keep on that path."....Selectivity is the key. We recommend the following stocks: XMSR - Absolute valuation is depressed and it trades at a relative value discount....." We feel that in relative terms that valuation is indeed depressed on XM, but there has been a strong series of events that have lead to that. Clarification on some of these events has happened, but there are still some clouds in the sky.".......First look at the Sirius Stiletto. A description and picture of Sirius' new Stiletto was published in Crutchfields catalog. Features include a built-in antenna, plus a joint/supplemental antenna headset, 100 hours of storage, WIFI capability an two batteries (1 standard life 1 extended life). The MSRP is $399.99. Details should be posted on Crutchfields site on September 1st and the product will be available to ship in late September. Sirius has fully loaded the package, which is nice. The WIFI feature seems to be an interesting fix for indoor satellite reception issues, and the two battery packs may indicate that the stronger battery ads some bulk to the product....."The description is pretty accurate, but it looks as if a compliment from him regarding Sirius is impossible if it is not coupled with some sort of negative slant or insinuation. In realistic terms the WIFI is a nice solution for indoor use, but it is not the entire solution. The battery pack comment seems to be confusing. The extended life battery is likely thicker than the standard life, but bulk is hardly the term to use here. The standard battery likely fits into a portion of the back of the radio. The radio is about 4" x 2" x 0.7" (5.6 cubic inches). The standard battery is likely 1.75" x 2" and fits into the "profile of the device. An extended batter is likely about .25 inches thicker. This would put part of the batter outside the rear profile of the unit, but only by .25 inches, and further it would not encompass the whole rear of the unit. This would mean that the "added bulk" is about 1.75 x 2.0 x 0.25, or 0.875 cubic inches. Reasonable deduction would place the unit at 6.475 cubic inches with an extended battery, and 5.6 cubic inches with a standard battery. By contrast, a Razor phone, which many are familiar with, measures 3.9" x 2.1" x 0.8" or 6.552 cubic inches. Would you consider a Razor Phone bulky????"....Sirius is introducing 4 new products this fall. According to Orbitcast Sirius is set to introduce the Sportster 3 (a Sportster 4 without replay functionality) at an MSRP of $119.99 in September, the Starmate4 (an ultra slim version of the existing Starmate) at an MSRP of $119.99 in October, the Starmate3 (a Starmate4 without the replay functionality) at an MSRP of $99.99 in October, & the Stratus (the new low end receiver with added functionality compared to the existing Sirius One) at an MSRP of $59.99 in October. OUR VIEW - Unfortunately these products will be built to be FCC compliant and our concern is that with weaker modulators that churn could increase in 2007, as customers will be disappointed with the FM modulators in these devices (see reviews on the new Sportster4)"Did he say that unfortunately the devices would be compliant????? How is it that this issue hits only Sirius, and not XM? Reasonable deduction will show that the newer FCC compliant radios will not have modulators as powerful as the past, but one needs to remember that these devices only really need to broadcast a few feet. As for Sportster 4 reviews.....Some people do complain about the modulator, but there are several solutions available, and these will be picked up on rather quickly by better sales people as well as satellite radio fans. For example, TSS RADIO includes a free "WIRED FM MODULATOR" with the purchase of a Sportster 4 (click the link). The FCC regulation is what it is. Surely Sirius as well as XM will work on better solutions, such as a more controlled directional antenna, but that will likely be a solution for the next generation of units. It is interesting that in his analysis Jacoby does not list FM modulation as a concern for XM, but he does for Sirius.8/18/2006 12:10:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Honda and XM
  August 18, 2006 Rumors abound relating to the Honda filing that took place yesterday, and whetehr it relates to Honda taking a large position in XM Satellite Radio. More likely than not, the filing related to "covertibles" that Honda had, and that they are simply filing for the authorization to convert them into shares. Honda sold off most of their position previously, and there are several investment strategies that Honda could have employed regarding their position in XM. We would tend to lean away from the rumor of Honda buying a large stake into XM, and would lean closer to the theory that this is simply part of an overall investment strategy by Honda. We would suggest that interested investors contact Investor Relations at XM if they have questions relating to the Honda filing. 8/18/2006 10:06:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
What Cramer Said On Mad Money Last Night
 August 18, 2006Cramer's 'Mad Money Lightning Round': Dean Foods ... Rock On By TheStreet.com Staff8/17/2006 7:09 PM EDT Sirius ( SIRI - news - Cramer's Take): I feel like my friend Mel [Karmazin] is luckless. I cannot believe the stock is where it is. ... Call the CEO of XM and get this deal done before it goes higher." 8/18/2006 03:41:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius' New Hardware
 August 17, 2006 Satellite Standard Group Keeps You Informed. Sirius Satellite Radio today annonced that it is introducing four new small, sleek plug & play radios - the Starmate 4, the Starmate 3, Sportster 3, and the Sirius Stratus. Each radio can fit into a universal home dock, car dock, and boombox, making it easyilly transportable from the car to the home and on the go. The recently released Sportster 4 will also be able to connect to these docks. STARMATE 4 The Starmate4 has been designed with an ultra-slim form-factor while maintaining a large wide-screen display that provides the ability to view longer artist names and song titles with up to five lines of text. The Starmate4, like the Sportster4, also replays up to 44 minutes of content and can pause, rewind and fast-forward. The Starmate4 package includes the receiver, vehicle power adapter, remote, vehicle antenna, vehicle dock, and vehicle mounts. The Starmate4 will be available in October at an MSRP of $119.99. Size (4.9 x 1.9 x 0.6) (3.2 ounces) STARMATE 3 The Starmate 3 provides a less expensive way to experience the Starmate. Expected to hit retail in October, the Starmate 3 has all of the features of the Starmate4 except for the 44 minute replay capability. The radio, at an MSRP of $99.99, will be available at select stores, and includes the receiver, vehicle power adapter, remote, vehicle antenna, vehicle dock and vehicle mounts. Size (4.9 x 1.9 x 0.6) (3.2 ounces) SPORTSTER 3 The easy to use Sportster 3 features a slim designand the same easy-to-use rotary turning knob and large buttons that have helped make the Sportster series one of the most popular satellite radios. The package will include the receiver, vehicle power adapter, remote, vehicle antenna, vehicle dock, and suction cup mount. At an MSRP of $119.99, the Sportster 3 is expected to be available in september. Size (4.5 x 2.9 x 0.6) (4.2 ounces) THE STARMATE 4, STARMATE 3, AND SPORTSTER 3 ALL ALSO FEATURE:>Sirius Game Zone, which lets users select favorite teams from each of the sports leagues, including NFL, NBA, and NHL, and view scores on one screen >Sirius game Alert, which advises users when their favorite teams begin playing and when the score changes. >One Touch Jump, which takes users to and from their local Sirius traffic and weather broadcast or any favorite Sirius music, sports, or talk channel with the touch of a button. >MEMO with S-Seek Alert stores names of favorite artists, songs and programs, and alerts users when playing on any channel >Program Alert that allows users to program the radio to switch to a selected channel at a certain time. >30 channel presets >Parental Controls >A built-in 100 channel FM transmitter allowing Sirius to be heard through any FM radio > Real time satellite updated clock with 7 time zones, auto shutdown and sleep timer. SIRIUS STRATUS The SIRIUS Stratus, expected to be available in October at an MSRP of $59.99, is the affordable receiver option that still features the new SIRIUS universal docking capability. Features include: 10 button presets, direct entry tuning, a three line display and large buttons - as well as push button controls, One-touch Jump, 10 presets, direct channel access, parental controls, a 100 channel built-in wireless FM transmitter, FM frequency shortcut button, and a real time clock. The package includes the receiver, vehicle power adapter, magnetic antenna, and dash and vent mounts. Size (4.5 x 1.9 x .6) (3 ounces) UNIVERSAL PLUG & PLAY HOME KITThe Universal Plug & Play Home Kit SUPH1 features a high gloss finish and an angled back for easy viewing. Expected to be available in August, the kit will retail for an MSRP of $49.99 and include the home dock, window sill antenna, audio cables, and AC power adapter. UNIVERSAL PLUG & PLAY VEHICLE KITThe Universal Plug & Play Vehicle Kit SUPV1, a common vehicle kit for all new 2006 Plug & Plays with the Sirius Universal Docking capability, is expected to be available in August at an MSRP of $49.99. The package includes the vehicle dock, low profile car antenna, widshield and vent mount, and vehicle power adapter. UNIVERSAL PLUG & PLAY BOOMBOXThe Plug & Play Boombox SUBX1, supporting the all new 2006 Universal Plug & Plays with the Sirius universal docking capability, features a 2.1 audio system, 3 channel amplifier, aux input, and headphone jack, and can be battery powered for portable use. The package, including the boombox, windo sill antenna, and AC power adapter will be available in August at an MSRP of $99.95. The Sirius Universal Docking Connector will allow Sirius Universal Plug & Play receivers to be used in a number of audiosystems being introduced by other suppliers. SIRIUS SATELLITE TO INTRODUCE HOME SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS CONTROL>Sirius Conductor Connects To ANY Home Audio System>Conductor Controller lets subcribers view Sirius programming information directly on its screen and control the system from 150 feet away.Sirius satellite radio announced today the introduction of its innovative new home system, enabling Sirius subscribers to control their entertainment experience from up to 150 feet away from their stereo system. the Sirius Conductor system, which includes a Sirius home radio and controller, along with other accessories, is expected to be available in November for a MSRP of $149.99. The Sirius Conductor's tuner connects to the subscribers existing home stereo system and communicates wirelessly with the conductors controller. The controller features an easy-to-read display for Sirius programming information including artist name, song title, channel name, channel number, category and preset number. The controller lets users preset up to 30 of their favorite channels and search by programming category. It also contains parental controls and channel lock, and will control up to six additional audio and video components. The Sirius Conductor supports up to two audio zones using the included radio plus an accessory Sirius Connect Home Kit, enabling listeners to play two different channels in different rooms at the same time. Separte subscriptions for this feature are required. Sirius Conductor includes a radio/transceiver, RF/IR controller with integrated display, IR blaster, weatherproof indoor/outdoor antenna and AC adapter. 8/18/2006 12:02:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 17, 2006 SPORTSTER 3 - HOT TOPIC
August 17, 2006  Reports that the Sportster 3 have been pulled from the FCC website, while accurate, may not reflect that the unit has been rejected. When the FCC issue came to the forefront third party testing labs were no longer allowed to use the electronic system for filing test results. To gain approval now, these companies are required to file testing results directly to the FCC. The Sportster 3 that appeared on the FCC website last week according to documentation in the filing was from a third party lab. As a Sportster 3 is essentially a Sportster 4 without replay, it is reasonable to expect that the Sportster 3 will meet FCC requirements since the Sportster 4 is still shipping. As the Sportster 3 has not been released yet, it is likely the request for approval, if its even been filed under the new non-third party system, will get approved. 8/17/2006 05:15:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius Background Music Added to More Than 600 CiCi's Restaurants
 August 17, 2006SIRIUS Added to Over 600 CiCi's Pizza Restaurants(posted by www.orbitcast.com) SIRIUS Satellite Radio's business services unit, SIRIUS Business, has inked a deal with CiCi's Pizza to include SIRIUS as background music for over 600 restaurants throughout the US. SIRIUS Business is provided exclusively by Applied Media Technologies Corporation (AMTC) under the brand name as a service for business, presenting competition to similar services such as Muzak.Under the agreement, AMTC will also provide sound equipment to the CiCi's Pizza Restaurant locations. Posted August 17, 2006 11:11 AM Permalink8/17/2006 01:32:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Graham Nash To Host New Show On XMSR
 August 17, 2006Graham Nash Signs on With XM Satellite Radio to Host New Music Interview Show Beginning August 21
Carole King, Ben E. King, Grace Slick and Other Renowned Singer/Songwriters Will be Featured on 'SongStories with Graham Nash' in Exclusive Interviews Making Their Broadcast Debut on XM WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers, today announced that celebrated singer/songwriter Graham Nash will host a new music program exclusively for XM. The half-hour show "SongStories with Graham Nash" spotlights Nash interviewing many of music's most talented and successful songwriters about the stories behind their most classic songs, their overall creative process and the art of songwriting itself. The interviews grew out of Nash's book, "Off The Record," which presents the text of 25 such interviews along with rare photographs and handwritten manuscripts -- by the songwriters -- of the lyrics for the featured song. During the course of these remarkable conversations, which make their broadcast debut on XM's airwaves, these legendary songwriters also share personal memories about their lives in music. Carole King, Paul Williams, Waylon Jennings and Ben E. King are among the artists who will be featured during the first several episodes. "SongStories with Graham Nash" debuts Monday, August 21 on The Loft (XM 50), XM's commercial-free acoustic rock channel....read more: HERE8/17/2006 01:24:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Bernstein Comments Before The Open On XMSR & SIRI
 August 17, 2006Satellite Radio: Still bullish, subs projections lowered on execution risk at Bernstein(theflyonthewall.com 08/17 08:44:05) Bernstein has lowered their subscriber projections estimates based on near-term execution risk. For 2010, subs projections were lowered to 35.4 million, down from 37.2 million. The firm lowered their targets for XM to $24 from $33 and SIRI's to $6 from $7. 8/17/2006 01:23:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Motley Fool: Bulls And Bears On XMSR
 August 17, 2006 Dueling Fools: XM Satellite Radio
By Rick Aristotle Munarriz (TMFBreakerRick) August 17, 2006 Link to article: HERESatellite radio hasn't had a harmonious run lately. XM Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: XMSR) and rival Sirius Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) have been pounded over the past year. And if you think that's bad, check out overseas operator WorldSpace (Nasdaq: WRSP). Those shares have shed a whopping 90% of their value since the company went public last summer. What's the frequency, Kenneth? For its part, XM has impressed bulls in its race to top seven million subscribers to its nascent service. But it's armed bears with brutal deficits, too. So is XM a buy here in the pre-teens, or is it a Teenage Wasteland? Not all Fools agree. I'm this week's bull. I am an XM subscriber, and I was also the one who recommended XM to Motley Fool Rule Breakers subscribers last year. Adrian Rush is this week's bear. He has his beefs with the service, and the company's mounting losses aren't making him feel any better about the service provider's prospects. So, does this loud Motley Fool Rule Breakers newsletter recommendation belong in your portfolio's playlist? That's what this week's Duel is all about. Duel on! Read the bull argument. Read the bear argument. Read the bullish rebuttal. Read the bearish rebuttal. Vote for the winner. 8/17/2006 01:20:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
SSG Is Interested In Your (Sirius) Thoughts...
Despite a spate of positive news (*), Sirius is touching 52 week lows. What’s bugging investor perception? If you want to share your (legitimate) thoughts with our readers, please e-mail me at ssgfive@yahoo.com(*) Here are some of the most recent positives:
1. FM modulator issues with FCC mostly resolved. Targeted hardware back in production, inventory restocking at retailers 2. Sirius suppliers doing well. Directed Electronics, DEIX, stock price up 31% since raising 2006 guidance, resumption of manufacturing of Sirius hardware, confirming progress with FCC on FM modulator issue 3. Ford (F) stock up 36% since restructuring announcements; Ford will have greater financial flexibility and will introduce new products to ramp up sales 4. Radio Shack (RSH) stock up 33% from 52 week lows, on expectations of restructuring and rebranding 5. Confirmation of long awaited availability of Sirius wearable/portable device, the Stiletto, by end of summer, indicating at least partial resolution of RIAA issue 6. Successful resolution of CBS-Stern lawsuit, including rights to Stern “classic” tapes. Promotional opportunities anticipated to counter XMSR’s "Oprah" push in September 7. NFL season commencing, providing ancillary promotional opportunities into holiday season 8. NASCAR jumps to Sirius in January 2007. Apparently, this audience is massive and loyal. NASCAR brand bolstered by hugely successful film "Telladega Nights". More promotional opportunities for Sirius for upcoming holiday season 9. Q2 earnings did not disappoint, management met or exceeded expectations, raised subscriber guidance from 6.2 to 6.3 million for 2006, reiterated CFBE by 2007, possibly Q4 2006 10. Competitor XMSR up 20% from 52 week low. Despite differences, usually the two companies trade in tandem 11. Even Cramer has restrained his negative comments recently (previous position: sell, sell sell or don’t buy, don’t buy, don’t buy!) 12. Recent confirmation of long anticipated (and previously delayed) rear seat video to be launched in 2006 So what’s bugging the stock? If you have any thoughts or insights you would like to share, please forward them to me at ssgfive@yahoo.com8/17/2006 04:27:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 Apple Denies Wireless iPod Claims
 August 16, 2006 Live In Play ( www.briefing.com) 16-Aug-06, 11:23 AAPL Apple Computer says 'no' to wireless iPod claims - Reg Hardware (66.49 +0.04) Reg Hardware reports AAPL has denied claims that the co is getting ready to offer a wireless iPod - an unusual move for a co that usually refuses to comment on unannounced products. According to a report at DigiTimes, Apple Taiwan dismissed the claims of "market sources" that the Mac maker is sending staff to Asia to teach the locals how to sell the iPod's rumored wireless capabilities. Wireless is a logical evolutionary step for the iPod, but one that's attained new interest when Microsoft (MSFT) announced its Zune iPod rival. Zune is said to support Wi-Fi to allow subscribers to the player's dedicated music service to share songs. Napster subscribers can do this kind of thing already - it's a by-product of all-you-can-eat music subscription packages - but Zune may well bring a more ad hoc element to it. However, Wi-Fi is notoriously power hungry, one reason why Palm (PALM) has taken so long to build it into its smart phones. Apple may well feel the same way. In any case, there's a more useful wireless technology out there: Bluetooth, over which an iPod could stream stereo audio to a pair of wireless earphones. read more: here8/16/2006 01:47:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Talk Persists About XM, Sirius Merger
  August 16, 2006 Never say never...but if merger talks were to occur (according to comments made previously by Mel Karmazin), XM would probably have to initiate. Talk persists about merging XM, Sirius
By Paul BondWed Aug 16, 2:07 AM ET Pull up the six-month performance of companies making up the Hollywood Reporter/Bloomberg 50 Entertainment Stock Index and a tiny pattern emerges: Dead last is XM Satellite Radio, and third from last is Sirius Satellite Radio. It wasn't supposed to be like this. When Howard Stern said in October 2004 that he would join Sirius, shares rose 50 percent over the next six weeks. When Mel Karmazin became CEO that November, his compensation package gave him options on 30 million shares. Still, he considered shares so cheap he told Wall Street, "You should assume that within the next day I will be personally buying more stock in Sirius." read more: HERE
8/16/2006 01:27:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
GM Cuts Prices on XM Radios; Ford & Chrysler Will Most Likely Do The Same With Sirius
  August 16, 2006 General Motors Corp. said it has cut the price of factory-installed XM Satellite Radio by 39% to $199 beginning with most of its 2007 model vehicles. No doubt that Ford and Chrysler will follow with the same type of promotion for Sirius factory installs. This is a great move for the satellite radio industry. It's not about the equipment, it's about the subscription annuity! It's similar to wireless carriers giving free cell phones to attract subscribers, and HP or Lexmark cutting the price of printers to sell the ink. This is sure to boost subscribers by making the cost of entry so low that it's hard to refuse. 8/16/2006 01:15:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
GM Slashes Price On XM
  August 16, 2006 General Motors announced today that they are cutting the price on the factory installed XM Satellite Radio opition by 39% The new price for a factory installed XM Satellite Radio is set at $199.00 and will effect most 2007 model year vehicles. Consumers get three free months of service with XM equipped vehicles. GM has installed more than 4,000,000 XM units since 2001. 8/16/2006 09:18:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Related Stocks Moving Up Or Down On No News: WorldSpace
 August 15, 2006 WorldSpace (WRSP) closed today at $2.21, up $0.26 or 13.3% WorldSpace, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, construction, deployment, and financing of a satellite-based radio and data broadcasting service primarily in India and China. It offers various international, national, and regional radio programming services, which include music, news, and entertainment channels. The company, through its subscription-based service, provides content, multilingual programming, geographic coverage, and advertising. It offers its services in India, China, Africa, the Middle East, and western Europe. As of December 31, 2005, the company had approximately 115,000 paying subscribers, including approximately 74,500 subscribers in India, 6,000 subscribers in Western Europe, 3,000 subscribers in the Middle East, and 25,500 subscribers in Africa. . 8/15/2006 04:06:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirenza Microdevices (A Sirius Supplier) Agrees To Acquire Micro Linear
 August 15, 2006Micro Linear Corporation Announces Agreement to be Acquired by Sirenza Microdevices, Inc.SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug 15, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ Micro Linear ( MLIN ) , a leading supplier of highly integrated digital wireless transceivers, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Sirenza Microdevices, Inc. ( SMDI), headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado. Sirenza Microdevices is a supplier of radio frequency (RF) components with operations in China, Germany and the United States. Sirenza Microdevices, and its subsidiary Premier Devices, design and develop RF components for the commercial communications, consumer, and aerospace and defense (A&D) equipment markets. The acquisition has been approved by the boards of directors of each company and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2006, subject to the approval of Micro Linear shareholders and other customary closing conditions. Micro Linear will join Sirenza's SMDI business segment, augmenting its existing product portfolio and expanding its expertise in integrated RF IC products for consumer applications....read more: HERE8/15/2006 03:56:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Targetbase.com Study: Commercial-Free Listening Draws More Subscribers To Satellite Radio
  August 15, 2006The Promise of Commercial-Free Listening Draws More Subscribers to Satellite Radio, According to Targetbase Study; Exclusive Programming a Much Lower Priority
DALLAS, Aug 15, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Avoiding advertisements and listening to one's favorite station at any place and any time are the major value points for current subscribers of satellite radio, according to an analysis of the industry by Targetbase ( http://www.targetbase.com/), a leading direct marketing agency in Omnicom Group's Diversified Agency Services division. The Insight Brief, titled, "What Listeners Want: The Value of Satellite Radio," examined the values of current and prospective satellite radio subscribers over the past year. Using data from a number of sources, Targetbase estimated that by the year 2010, nearly 20 million households will have satellite radio, roughly double the amount of subscribing households today...read more: HERE8/15/2006 03:43:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Can't Wait To Listen To My Commercial-Filled Internet Radio At McDonald's!
I don't get it...why would someone want to listen to commercial-filled internet radio on a portable device while tethered to a wi-fi location? It sounds so frustrating! It's cheaper to pay for a satellite radio subscription than buy a Starbucks coffee or McDonald's burger (after all, you can't just sit there without buying something!) INTERNET DAILY
Portable Net radio ready for retail
By Frank Barnako, www.cbsmarketwatch.comLast Update: 3:18 PM ET Aug 15, 2006 Within the next few weeks, Torian Wireless will begin showing U.S. retailers what you might call a Wi-Fi "Walkman." The InFusion is a portable, battery-powered device which you can tune to any of thousands of Internet radio stations. It also has an FM radio, an audio recorder, and an MP3 player. It does not have a built-in speaker. The retail price could be as low as $229. George Parthimos, Torian's founder, said inspiration for the device came to him while he was traveling in Europe in 1999. "I wasn't able to hear my football teams from back home in Melbourne," he said. "It wasn't rocket science to come home and work up a design." A working prototype of the device has been seen publicly. In its debut, at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show, it was a finalist for the G4TechTV Best of Award. In January, at the 2006 CES, InFusion won an Innovations Honoree award. "We went to CES with an early model," Parthimos said. "It was kind of dodgy, but we wanted to test the market. We came back, made some modifications, and then three of us went on an eight-country world tour in 21 days to show what we had." The big holdup, of course, was widely available Internet access. That's less of an issue now. Just this week, Wayport Inc. announced its 10th anniversary and reported it's installed Wi-Fi in more than 7,200 McDonald's restaurants. Numerous other firms have aggressively expanded Wi-Fi to hotels, airports, train stations, and other retailers. Starbucks began deploying Wi-Fi in its stores in 2002. Parthimos has an agreement with a manufacturer in Malaysia to produce the InFusion. "In a couple of weeks, we'll be getting samples for distributors and we can get into mass production in six to eight weeks." Availability at retail may be limited to a few boutique stores and his Web site unless a retailer like Best Buy or Circuit City places a big order. "There are a lot of niche players who'd like to take this on." Torian is privately held, has about 20 employees, but no revenues. "We can't fund a mass release ourselves," he said. read more: HERE8/15/2006 03:37:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
What Cramer Said Today on RealMoney Radio
RealMoney Radio Recap: Wait Till Tomorrow By TheStreet.com Staff8/15/2006 2:54 PM EDT "Sirius Satellite Radio ( SIRI - news - Cramer's Take) needs to merge with XM Satellite Radio ( XMSR - news - Cramer's Take), Cramer told a caller. If it doesn't, he said he doesn't see any upside for the stock whatsoever. But if it does merge, then Sirius could double, he said." read more: HERE8/15/2006 03:34:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Dylan to Premiere New Album on XM
 August 15, 2006 Bob Dylan to Premiere New Album, Modern Times, on XM Satellite Radio August 28 Select Retailers to Offer Bonus Disc of Dylan's 'Theme Time Radio Hour' Show on XM Last Update: 10:01 AM ET Aug 15, 2006 WASHINGTON, Aug 15, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Bob Dylan will premiere his new album August 28 on XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers, it was announced today by XM. XM subscribers will be able to hear Dylan's first studio album in five years, Modern Times, the day before it's released to the public. The world premiere will air at 12 midnight ET on XM's Deep Tracks (XM 40), The Village (XM 15) and Hear Music (XM 75), with encores also airing on these channels throughout the day at 6 a.m., 12 noon and 7 p.m. (all times ET). Additionally, XM will make the world premiere of Modern Times available through simulcast to select partners that feature XM channels, including AOL, DirecTV, AirTran Airways and JetBlue. "Modern Times is an amazing record that is sure to strike a chord with music fans everywhere. We at XM are honored to help Bob's music reach the passionate fans that have made his weekly XM show, 'Theme Time Radio Hour,' a runaway success," said Lee Abrams, chief creative programming officer, XM Satellite Radio. "In addition, through our strategic partnerships, the XM world premiere of Modern Times will reach millions more." Beginning with the record's release on Tuesday, August 29, fans who purchase a copy of Modern Times at select retailers, including Circuit City stores, and any other Bob Dylan CD will receive a bonus disc featuring the popular "baseball" episode of Dylan's "Theme Time Radio Hour," which airs exclusively on XM. In addition to baseball-themed songs, the one-hour episode also contains Dylan singing an a cappella rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." In June, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced the addition of the "Theme Time Radio Hour" baseball episode to its archives. Following the world premiere and CD release, XM will air a "Theme Time Radio Hour" marathon, broadcasting every episode of Dylan's "Theme Time Radio Hour" back-to-back, beginning September 1 at 6 p.m. ET on The Village (XM 15), continuing through until 12 Midnight ET on September 4. In May 2006, Bob Dylan's exclusive radio show, "Theme Time Radio Hour," debuted to popular and critical-acclaim on XM Satellite Radio. Each weekly show will feature an eclectic mix of music based around a theme, with host Bob Dylan offering stories about the music and topics of interest. New episodes of Dylan's "Theme Time Radio Hour" premiere on XM's Deep Tracks channel Wednesdays at 10 a.m. ET, with additional encores airing throughout the week. Complete show details are available online at http://www.xmradio.com/bobdylan. Early critical response to Modern Times includes a forthcoming five-star review (out of five) in Rolling Stone, in which Joe Levy calls the record Dylan's "third straight masterwork." Robert Christgau writes in Blender that Modern Times is "Startling. Radiates the observant calm of old masters who have seen enough life to be ready for anything -- Yeats, Matisse, Sonny Rollins." About XM Satellite Radio XM is America's number one satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music channels, sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information. XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Porsche, is available in more than 140 different vehicle models for 2006. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-9-06. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department. SOURCE XM Satellite Radio 8/15/2006 11:43:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Delphi Records $2,600,000,000 First Half Loss
 August 15, 2006 Delphi, the brand name behind some XM satellite Radio hardware recorded losses of 2.6 billion dollas for the first half of 2006. The company reported that most of the loss was attributable to the cost of employee buyout and early retirement packages that are key to the company's bankruptcy reorganization. Article Excerpt: DETROIT (AP) -- By Sarah Karush, Associated Press Writer Delphi Corp., the nation's largest auto supplier, said Tuesday it lost $2.6 billion in the first half of 2006, due largely to the cost of employee buyout and early retirement packages that are key to the company's bankruptcy reorganization.
The loss was more than three times the $741 million that Delphi lost in the first half of 2005.
The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October, said revenues increased slightly to $14.0 billion from $13.9 billion last year.Interested SSG readers can catch the whole article HERE8/15/2006 11:24:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
RIAA Gets Some Bad Press
August 15, 2006 According to guys over at Gizmodo the RIAA has dropped what can only be termed some foolish idea by the RIAA. Fans of satellite radio do not carry a great fondness for the recording idustry association at this time, and many critical comments cast at the RIAA are likely rightly done. The organization seems to have stood by idle as technology passed them by. Their business of free songs to terrestrial radio is a business plan that can no longer function, so they seem bent on getting as many nickles out of satellite and internet radio as they can. What they seem to fail to realize is that satellite radio likely gives them more money than any other medium. From Gizmodo ....."When the RIAA sued the children of a dead man accused of infringement, the hapless organization was met with outrage from all sides. Now the RIAA has backed off that idea, issuing a statement: "Out of an abundance of sensitivity, we have elected to drop this particular case." The whole bizzare story can be read at Gizmodo HERE 8/15/2006 11:21:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Ford Said To Trim Number of Dealers
 August 15, 2006 In a move aimed at cutting costs and making selling a Ford a profitable venture, ford has announced plans to trim the number of dealers in 18 metropolitan areas. According to the Associated press the news came from the annual dealership meeting in Las Vegas. Ford is an exclusive partner of Sirius satellite Radio. This move by Ford is not a production cut, so the number of Sirius installs should not be impacted. Article Excerpt: APFord Seeks to Trim Number of Dealers Tuesday August 15, 10:27 am ET By Tom Krisher, Associated Press Writer Ford Plans to Trim Number of Dealers Amid Weaker Car and Truck Sales DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday it plans to trim the number of dealerships it has in 18 metropolitan areas across the country, blaming sliding car and truck sales for the decision. Most of the metro areas are east of the Mississippi River, but the company would not identify exactly what markets would be targeted. Dealers were told of the effort at the company's annual dealership meetings, which wrapped up last week in Las Vegas. "If you think about where we were in terms of sales and market share and where we are, you quickly realize that in certain markets, we have more dealers than our market share can support profitably over time," said company spokesman Jim Cain. Ford has about 4,300 Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships nationwide, and dealer profits ......have declined an average of 10 percent in the first half of 2006, the company has said. Interested SSG readers can get the whole article HERE8/15/2006 11:05:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Wall Street Journal Negative On Satellite Radio
Low FidelityUntil Recently Full of Promise,Satellite Radio Runs Into Static
XM, Sirius Post Big LossesAs Listeners Prove Fickle;Investors Take a Pass, Too
One-Year Free Trials End SoonBy SARAH MCBRIDEAugust 15, 2006; Page A1, Wall Street Journal Last year, Nicky Baumohl bought a new Audi A4 featuring an XM satellite radio with a free, trial subscription. But Ms. Baumohl's salesman never activated the service and an XM customer-service representative mistakenly told her she wasn't eligible. Already irked at the idea of paying for radio, the 35-year-old event planner instead listens to CDs, broadcast radio and her iPod digital music player as she tools around San Francisco. The customer who got away -- especially after so many inducements -- is one reason why satellite radio is encountering unexpected turbulence after just a couple of years of being a hot consumer item. The problems are myriad, underscoring the fast-changing and fickle nature of the consumer-electronics business. In addition to not activating pre-installed car radios, or those given as gifts, customers who actually sign up don't always stick with the service. Many people are simply having iPod adapters installed in their cars and skipping satellite altogether, a concept that was barely on the horizon when the industry was young. In addition, bidding wars have driven up the cost of on-air talent far beyond what was initially expected....Full article: HERE8/15/2006 01:22:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Directed Electronics Raises 2006 View; Announces Progress With FCC
Directed Electronics Reports Record Second Quarter 2006 Results; Raises 2006 Sales and Earnings Outlook; Announces Progress with FCC* Raises 2006 Net Sales Outlook to an Increase of 25% - 30%, and Earnings Outlook to $1.01 - $1.04 per Diluted Share * Second Quarter 2006 Net Sales Increase 40% to $77.7 Million * Second Quarter 2006 Net Income Increases 175% to $3.1 Million, or $0.12 per Diluted Share, Compared with GAAP Net Income of $1.1 Million or $0.06 per Diluted Share in the Second Quarter of 2005 * Excluding Adjustments in the Prior Year, Second Quarter 2006 Net Income Increases 83% Compared to Pro Forma Net Income of $1.7 Million or $0.09 per Diluted Share in the Second Quarter of 2005 ... Read more: HEREOf NOTE: FCC Update
As previously announced, on June 30, 2006, the Company received a letter from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stating that two SIRIUS receivers with FM transmitters distributed by the Company, the SIRIUS ST2 and SIRIUS S50-C, were not in compliance with certain FCC frequency or emission limits. The Company has responded to the FCC's letter and provided the information requested.
"We are very pleased to announce that the FCC has now approved the modifications made to the SIRIUS ST2 (Starmate Replay) and has determined that it is now in compliance with FCC frequency and emission limits. Accordingly, we will recommence shipping the SIRIUS ST2 this week," stated Mr. Minarik. "We also continue to ship the new SIRIUS Sportster 4 (SP4TK1), and have ramped up production to meet the strong demand for this new model."
"We continue to cooperate with SIRIUS, our manufacturers and the FCC in their review of the SIRIUS S50, and we expect that any issues with this model will be resolved in the very near future," continued Mr. Minarik. "We also remain on target to have available to consumers by the end of the summer, the new live personal satellite radio, SIRIUS Stiletto (SL100)." 8/15/2006 01:14:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Stiletto Picture
 August 14, 2006 A leak through crutchfield and spotted by Sirius BackstageFrom Crutchfield: "The next step in the evolution of Sirius radios has arrived - the Stiletto 100, the first portable player to offer the reception of live Sirius signal on the go, plus up to 100 hours of storage. It offers a beautiful display and easy to use controls, comes with a slew of useful accessories, and works with optional accessories that expand the number of places and ways you can listen to Sirius. It's truly the most impressive Sirius radio yet."True Portability"The stiletto features a built in antenna that can receive live Siris beroadcasts just about anywhere you are, without having to be docked in its car or home cradle. Just charge up the battery, slip the pair of included ear-buds and you've got a great companion if you're out jogging or hiking or just walking around town. You'll also get a set of headphones with an antenna built into the headband. You can use these to supplement the inmternal antenna in areas where the signal tends to get blocked. Using these headphones also keeps your body from blocking the sirius signal." Storage Galore"The stiletto lets you store up to 100 hours of Sirius songs and programming. More storage than any other portable option. And just about half of the storage can be used to store your MP3 and WMA files too (keep in mind you wont get a full 50 bhours of MP3 and WMA because of file size). The Stiletto also supports Microsofts PlayForSure so you can play tunes you've "rented" from servives that charge a monthly fee for unlimited downloads. When you record Sirius content you can go song by song and combine these songs with your MP3's or WMA's for a spectacular playlist. You can also record programming in blocks up to six hourseach, and you can schedule up to 100 recordings in advance."WIFI Capability"Sometimes you'll find spots where you can't get Sirius reception. But thanks to the Stilettos WIFI capability this doesn't necessarily mean you can't hear live Sirius broadcasts. If you're in a WIFI hotspot use the Stiletto to access the Sirius website and stream all of sirius' music channels, Howard Stern and more. You'll also make fewer demands on the battery, more than doubling the playback time, compared to listening to Sirius in standard portable mode." Lots of Goodies in the Box"In addition to the earbuds and headphones with built in antenna, you'll get two batteries, one standard and one extended life, which offers up to 4 hours of live Sirius reception, 14 hours in WIFI mode and 22 hours of content playback. You'll also get a set of car accessories including a car cradle with 10 buttons that let you save up to 30 channel presets, an antenna, and a power adapter."Extra Accessories"Want to play the Stiletto through your home stereo. Pick up the home kit Its dock lets you charge both Stiletto batteries at the same time and it will play the sound over any FM radio thanks to the FM transmitter. You can also use the stiletto in your home or office using the SL-EX1 powered speaker system." Back on June 6, 2006 SSG outlined some of the items to expect in the stiletto. You can read that artile HERE 8/14/2006 10:22:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Hertz Gets More Sirius
  August 14, 2006 Hertz Adds Three New Models to 'Fun Collection,' Putting Excitement in High Gear This SummerMonday August 14, 4:36 pm ET Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger Now Reservable Through Hertz PARK RIDGE, NJ--(MARKET WIRE)--Aug 14, 2006 -- Following the successful launch of its signature 'Fun Collection' and the special-edition Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang in Spring 2006, Hertz today puts even more exciting vehicle choices into travelers' hands with the addition of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger, now available in Hertz Fun Collection markets nationwide. Created for leisure travelers seeking exciting driving experiences, the Hertz Fun Collection features an array of sporty vehicles including convertibles, coupes, roadsters and SUVs. Rounding out the Fun Collection with their robust performance credentials and elegant styling, these three new vehicle additions each offer unique features appealing to travelers exploring the open road. The Chrysler 300 features brawny good looks, a balance of handling and comfort, and an aerodynamic exterior delivering wind-noise management and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Dodge Charger features exceptional ride and handling, functional exterior enhancements and a race-inspired interior, while the Dodge Magnum incorporates such unique features as 'command-of-the-road' seating providing a better view of the road, and steering wheel-mounted controls giving drivers fingertip command of a variety of electronic functions. "Hertz is proud to lead the way in giving customers more choices and control to enhance their travels this summer and beyond," said Frank Camacho, Hertz Staff Vice President, Marketing. "We are delighted to expand the Hertz Fun Collection, offering services and programs that highlight the driving experience." Other vehicles available through the Hertz Fun Collection include such convertibles as the Ford Mustang, Mazda Miata, Toyota Solara, PT Cruiser and Chrysler Sebring; coupes/roadsters including the exclusive, limited-edition Shelby GT-H Mustang, Ford Mustang (hard-top), PT Cruiser, Chevy HHR and Nissan 350Z; and SUVs such as the Ford Escape XLT Sport, Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Murano and HUMMER H3. Adding more entertainment to the driving experience, Hertz Fun Collection vehicles feature SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI - News)*. And, as with vehicles in the Hertz Prestige Collection, the Hertz Fun Collection is specifically reservable by make and model. With the addition of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger, Hertz now offers 17 Fun Collection models that can be specifically reserved. Hertz offers renters the broadest selection of vehicles to suit their tastes and the highest level of service, with more than 8,500 Hertz Fun Collection vehicles available in approximately 20 major leisure destinations throughout the United States. *Satellite radio service is only available within the continental United States; Hertz vehicles in Hawaii will not feature SIRIUS. About SIRIUS SIRIUS delivers more than 120 channels of commercial-free music, talk shows, news, entertainment, traffic, weather and sports in digital quality sound. SIRIUS also broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL and NBA, and is the Official Satellite Radio partner of the NFL. For Hertz Fun Collection reservations or to see which vehicles are available at participating Hertz locations visit http://www.hertz.com/. The Hertz Fun Collection may also be reserved through travel agents or by calling the Hertz toll-free at 1-800-654-3131. Hertz operates from approximately 7,600 locations in 150 countries worldwide. 8/14/2006 04:49:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Related Stocks Moving Up Or Down On No News: Directed Electronics
Directed Electronics (DEIX), a manufacturer of Sirius hardware, is up $0.99 (8.53%) on no news. "Directed Electronics also markets various mobile video systems and accessories, including overhead entertainment systems; replacement headrest packages; stand-alone video monitors; media players; and other products, such as wireless headphones, control modules, trim rings, and antennas. In addition, the company, pursuant to a strategic agreement with SIRIUS, distributes certain SIRIUS-branded products, such as portable plug-and-play receivers, docking kits, home receivers, down link processors, signal combiners, distribution systems, antennas, and related items to assist with vehicle and home installations. " " 8/14/2006 03:51:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius 10Q Released Last Week
This is last week's news, but I was traveling when it was released on August 8th, so for the record, here is the SIRIUS 10Q8/14/2006 03:27:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
BusinessWeek Comments On FCC FM Modulator Issue
AUGUST 14, 2006, Technology By Catherine Holahan, www.businessweek.comXM Tunes into FCC Trouble
The satellite radio company's stock gets hit after some of its plug-and-play radios fail to pass muster again Investors have not liked the noise surrounding XM Satellite Radio. On Aug. 11, XM ( XMSR ) shares declined 3%, to $10.84, after the company revealed that the Federal Communications Commission had requested additional information about its plug-and-play radios. The company has suspended production and shipment of eight radios, including the Sportscaster and MyFi series, until it can bring the devices into compliance. News of problems with the radios first surfaced in April, when the company disclosed the FCC had compliance issues with some portable devices that convert satellite broadcasts into FM signals for play on standard car radios. The signal on some devices was too strong and had the potential to corrupt FM signals received by other drivers. XM tried to correct the problem, but when the FCC reviewed the radios, they didn't pass all the tests. "We are working to complete these design modifications," says XM spokesman Chance Patterson. "We anticipate that we will obtain new certifications for XM radio in the coming weeks." ...read more: HERE8/14/2006 03:16:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius Getting to 5,000,000 Subscribers
 August 14, 2006 Sirius finished up the second quarter with 4,678,207 subscribers. This indicated an “NET addition rate of 6,600 subscribers per day for the second quarter. If Sirius were to match that pace in the third quarter, then we would be looking at an announcement of 5,000,000 subscribers by this Friday, August 18th. If Sirius were to maintain the 6,600 per day pace for the entire quarter, they would finish with 607,200 NET additions in Q3 for a total of about 5,285,000 subscribers. This would indicate a need of slightly over 1,000,000 subscribers in the fourth quarter to meet current guidance of 6,300,000 by EOY 2006. The street seems to expect Sirius to reach their guidance, but confirmation that the goal is attainable would likely set many minds at ease. Confirmation about approval by the FCC on Sirius hardware removed one cloud from the picture. Confirmation about subscribers being added at an appropriate pace would be a definite help as well. If hardware availability at retail was an issue for Sirius, the question will be whether or not the Ford ramp-up will be enough to offset the potential lost sales. Ford has been adding additional vehicles to the factory install program, and a deeper penetration of installs seems to be happening as well. Subscriber announcements always seem to be an issue that causes uneasiness in the sector. Anticipation for certain timeframes become well known, and extrapolations are done as soon as an announcement is made. It is our hope that Sirius, if they do not intend to announce reaching 5,000,000 subscribers, will at least make the street aware of this in some nature by the end of this week. Otherwise, every day that passes casts more doubt onto the issue. This is compounded by the FCC issue and hardware availability issue that had people so concerned over the past few weeks. The irony is that even this story will somehow lead to expectations, right, wrong, or indifferent. UPDATE COMMENT:An SSG reader offered, "You should remember that the OEM's typically have a shut-down in July, and thus OEM production will not be at the usual pace for the month, thus effecting the add rate from the OEM side. Combinbe this with a July typically being a weak retail month, and the 5,000,000 may well come later than what people are expecting."Good comments, and likely this has some real validity. The article was looking purely at the "run rate" which is what many people tend to do. It would not suprise us here if an announcement did come later than August 18th. The key of course is being able to meet year end guidance, which we feel is very attainable for Sirius.8/14/2006 02:34:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
AOL and XM
 August 14, 2006 Last week the LA times ran an article about AOL going to a free service for those with broadband connections. We here at SSG covered the piece ( HERE) because AOL has a deal in place with XM Satellite Radio by which XM radio channels are available to AOL subscribers. An SSG reader sent the following comment: "And nothing's changed: they still only offer 20 channels, at a low bitrate...same number of channels at the same bitrate that they offered BEFORE AOL went "free". It's a "non-story"."The story here is not so much that AOL offers XM Satellite radio, it is that the availability of it has now changed dramatically. Prior to becoming free, AOL had about 19,000,000 subscribers (6,000,000 of which have broadband connections). This service was available only to those that were subscribed to AOL. Now, the service is available to a whole new segment of the population that did not have access to it before. It is estimated that nearly 65% of internet users have broadband. What XM gains here is wider exposure. Their service is now available to a far bigger audience than it was prior to AOL deciding to "go free". Further, Braoadband customers are the most likely to try listening to music on the net. I can not picture to many "dial-up" consumers making the effort to stream music on their computer.
XM also gains something more. They now have no need to negotiate with the Yahoo's, Googles, and MSN's of the internet world. They "can" negotiate if they want to, but they now have a platform to deliver a sample of their music to anyone with a broadband connection. This is a very important thing to take note of. There are some potential downsides, but in our opinion, the upsides outweigh the downsides by a healthy margin. Among the downside is that the AOL service may allow someone to get what they want out of XM without subscribing to even the basic "internet-only" subscription to XM. We see this as a small issue however, given that the XM line-up is not complete, and the number of subscribers garnered could outweigh this negative by a healthy margin. Another potential negative is the "dilution" of the service. Wide availability means that consumers may feel less of a need to get onto XM's subscriber rolls. Again, we do not see this being a huge impact. At $12.95 a month for the whole service, the AOL streams offer a nice "exposure" and the subscribers garnered can easily outweigh the "freeloaders". A big part of the business of satellite radio is getting people exposed to it. The free AOL platform goes a long way into accomplishing this. In our opinion this is not a "non-story".....It is instead a "developing-story" which has a much better chance now of bearing fruit for XM than it had only one month ago. We would like to thank our readers for their input, and encourage all readers to submit comments or questions. UPDATE: Another SSG reader had the following comments: "Just wanted to make a clear statement on the AOL/XM deal. Out of the top five stations on AOL radio XM only has two of their stations represented. This isn't a good sign considering the whole point of the partnership is to expose their "superior programming". Also XM has given away their services in a lot of avenues including JetBlue, Hertz, AOL, CBS and OEM freetrials. Last quarter they dropped over 60% of their gross subs with all of this "free XM" marketing backing them up. It's very clear to me that this is a product that they can't even give away. My point is that mabye they should switch focus to making it "exclusive and worth the price of admission" like Sirius is doing. Giving away 20 channels here and their top talk show (Opie & Anthony) there is garnering exposure but costing them net subs. There ya go"
8/14/2006 12:43:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Bear Stearns Upgrades Ford To Outperform On Valuation
Bear Stearns upgrades Ford, downgrades General Motors(CBS MarketWatch 08/14 07:11:39) Bear Stearns upgraded Ford Motor Co. two notches to outperform from underperform and downgraded General Motors to underperform from peer perform. "In a sentence, we believe most of the good news is behind GM but ahead of Ford. At the margin, we're buyers of Ford's on-the-come restructuring news and sellers of GM's sales-dependent recovering, consistent with our thesis that the way to make money on the Detroit Big Three is to trade around turnarounds," the broker said. 8/14/2006 09:37:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
BusinessWeek Comments on Rivalry Between XM and Sirius
AUGUST 21, 2006 COMPETITION -- TYPE A ORGANIZATIONS ( www.businessweek.com) Grudge Match The media and entertainment world has long served up epic battles, whether it was the Hearst-Pulitzer newspaper wars, MGM vs. Warner Bros. Studios or, more recently, Fox News's ( NWS ) assault on CNN ( TWX ). But the rivalry that has been blazing for six years between XM Satellite Radio (XMSR ) and Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI ) sets new standards in the art of one-upmanship. What began with some space-age technology and deep-pocketed investors has escalated into a pageantry of excess. Hundreds of millions have been laid out for star-studded programming -- Stern, Oprah, Martha, Dylan -- but nary a penny of profit has been made.Orchestrating this war are two CEOs with a whole lot to prove. XM's Hugh Panero, a cable industry vet, was passed over for a new top job at a pay-per-view company. Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin, an old radio hand, was forced out as the No. 2 at Viacom Inc. ( VIA ). Each is fully aware that XM and Sirius may seem very similar. Dozens of channels each, half music, half talk. Same price. Flip a coin, right? That's why the two play such a pitched public-relations game. If these guys were on the hard court, their fevered volleys would make for a riveting match. So that's where we put them....read more: HERE8/14/2006 09:22:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Worldspace And CNN Extend Content Relationship
WORLDSPACE and CNN International Extend Global Relationship
Three-Year Contract Renewal Ensures Delivery of Leading English-Language News Service to Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa SILVER SPRING, Md., Aug 14, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- WORLDSPACE Satellite Radio ( WRSP ) , one of the world leaders in satellite-based digital radio services, today announced that it has extended its global broadcasting relationship with CNN International (CNNI). Under the terms of its three-year contract renewal, WORLDSPACE is licensed to broadcast CNNI, the world leader in international news, in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific region. New WORLDSPACE subscribers can listen to CNNI on channel 300. ....read more: HERE8/14/2006 09:16:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
FCC Issue With sirius and XM
August 13, 2006 The FCC issue as it relates to FM modulators and Sirius/XM has been widely discussed. Both companies have had radios manufactured that have been deemed non-compliant with FCC regulations. Both companies have offered statements regarding the issue. As things stand now, Sirius seems to have cleared the FCC hurdle (except for the S50), and XM seems to still be seeking approvals. What differs with the companies? Why has one received authorization to resume distribution and the other has not? Some of the issue for XM boils down to the method by which their FM modulators operate. The XM power cables help generate a stronger signal for FM modulation. Further, the testing requirements now appear to be in limbo, thus making it difficult to engineer a solution that would be acceptable to the FCC (it is hard to design when you do not know what the limitations are). It would appear that Sirius has taken the route of taking down the power enough so as to pass virtually any test that the FCC would come up with. Is XM waiting for a test criteria decision prior to implementing a fix, or is their current design not codusive to meeting the desired criteria with out excessive cost? Recent 8K filings by the respective companies also seem to shed light on what the FCC is looking for in addition to getting compliant units: Sirius' 8K of July 20, 2006: "We have taken a series of actions to evaluate, mitigate and correct the problem. We directed manufacturers of Sirius radios with FM transmitters to suspend manufacture and shipment to retailers of non-compliant devices and to make the necessary changes in production to bring the radios into compliance.
In connection with our internal review, we discovered that certain Sirius personnel requested manufacturers to produce Sirius radios that were not consistent with the FCCÂs rules. As a result of this review, we are taking significant steps to ensure that this situation does not happen again, including the adoption of a comprehensive compliance plan, approved by our board of directors, to ensure that in the future our products comply with all applicable FCC rules. "
Sirius seems to have indicated a few things here that now look to be important factors: 1. They acknowledged a halt in production and distribution of non-compliant radios. 2. They indicated that they were making the required changes to bring the radios into compliance. 3. They conducted an internal review. 4. They identified that Siriuspersonnell authorized production of non-compliant radios. 5. Theyindicatedd that they have taken significant steps to ensure that this does not happen again. 6. They developed a comprehensive compliance plan that was reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. In our opinion the Sirius response let the FCC save some face, but more importantly, it shows that steps were taken to identify how it happened, and plans were made make sure it did not happen again. The issue was taken seriously, as demonstrated by brining it to the Board level. XM 8k of August 7, 2006: "On August 7, 2006, the FCC requested additional information with respect to these devices, as well as the Sportscaster, Roady XT, MyFi, Airware, Tao and Roady 2 devices, including the chronology and circumstances leading to the non-compliance, and actions and remedies undertaken to correct the situation.
We will respond promptly to the latest FCC request and have implemented a series of actions involving our radios designed to bring them into compliance; we have also requested our manufacturers to suspend production and/or shipments of radios or accessories with these issues. We are completing the necessary design or installation modifications, as appropriate, and conducting additional testing for XM radios to meet applicable FCC requirements. "
It would appear that the FCC is seeking from XM basically what sirius did nearly 3 weeks prior. What was it about the FCCinquirersy that enabled Sirius to respond in the manner they did, but had XM apparently standing still? Did 3 weeks get lost in the process? Why is it now that the FCC is seeking documentation regarding XM units that are not even being produced any-more? Is it fair to guess that Sirius understood what the FCC was seeking, and even though it meant eating some crow, that they complied? Is this a case of companies that manufacture FM modulators knowing that they were "speeding" all along, and it is now that the FCC broke out the radar?For those that have followed these companiess for some time, look back at message board comments about FM modulators and the power they had. If you look up these old discussionss, you will likely see what is going to happen with this issue going forward, because you will see the chronology of FM modulated units and when the "spike" in power started inSDARS. Going forward we are likely to see a few things: 1. Radios will have weaker wireless FM modulators, and wired connections will be encouraged. 2. Engineers for both companies will work on solutions to improve the consumer experience while still being in compliance with the FCC. 3. sirius will issue a statement relative to the S50 status. 4. XM will offer the clarifications that the FCC is seeking. 5. FM modulators, overall, will have much morescrutinyy from the FCC. 6. Both companies will likely become more involved in the install business (with installation cards, or installation "subsidies" in lieu of traditional rebates). This issue is far from over. The one clear thing to note is that XM NEEDS to get hardware in theb channel as soon as possible if they intend on competing at the retail level. 8/13/2006 11:08:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
AOL Is Free...So Is XM Online
As of a few weeks ago, AOL became a FREE service; Now that AOL is free, so is XM online (only 20 stations).To Listen: check out this LINK: http://music.aol.com/ then go to "launch AOL Radio", or go directly to Radio Guide: HEREFREE EXPRESSION, Internet Sets AOL Free
July 15, 2006, LA Times AOL, BY FAR THE LARGEST Internet service provider, wants to bet the house on free expression. That's free as in "free beer," not "free speech." Under a plan developed by Chief Executive Jonathan F. Miller, the company would stop trying to persuade people to pay for AOL's content and most services. Instead, anyone who can get onto the Internet would have free access to the articles, images, interactive tools and other goodies that once were provided exclusively to AOL subscribers. The goal is to attract more people to AOL's online properties and compete more effectively with the likes of Yahoo, Google and Microsoft's MSN in the race for advertising dollars....read more: here 8/13/2006 06:05:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Listen To Satellite Radio On Your Cell Phone
 GSI picked up this article at http://getsiriusinfo.blogspot.com/MusicDock, Listen to Satellite Radio On Your Mobile Device MusicDock is a online service that turns your Windows Media 9 or higher-compatable mobile device into a satellite radio receiver. Once logged into your satellite radio account (both XM and Sirius let you stream their signal online), the MusicDock acts as a middle man, playing back your favorite satellite radio stations.MusicDock is free (for now at least). Palm OS devices (without proper Windows Media support) aren't supported. Features:- Listen to satellite Radio anywhere, anytime- Real-Time song information with Album art- No software installation required- Easy Access to Favorite Channels- Auto-Login- Seamless access on both Desktop and Mobile device- Use your Phone or PDA as a portable satellite radio receiver- No account setup required. Just use your existing satellite Radio Online login- Free MusicDock Home Pageposted by satradfan at 8/11/2006 07:05:00 PM 8/13/2006 02:38:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 12, 2006 Washington Post Takes A Deeper Look Into Sirius and XM
August 12, 2006 The Washington post has an interesting article on satellite radio. The piece takes an in depth look at the differences between the two services. Some are subtle, and some are more stark. Article Excerpts: XM vs. Sirius: Endless Options Narrow to One By Marc FisherWashington Post Staff WriterSunday, August 13, 2006; Page N01 "......But you can't tell the difference between the Coke and Pepsi of the satellite radio business, Washington-based XM and New York-based Sirius.
I've spent the past four months with both services in my car and house, listening to just about all of the two companies' combined 300 channels. Conclusion: Like colas, satellite services do differ, if subtly. Depending on your interests and how you use radio, one satellite service will be right for you. Both services offer an enormous amount of great stuff and also lots of mediocre programming.
Despite the considerable overlap in programming, a handful of distinctions are so clear that you can base your decision entirely on them. Baseball fan: XM. Football nut: Sirius. Movie maven: XM. Howard Stern addict: Sirius. Bob Dylan freak: XM. NPR lover: Sirius.
If movie soundtracks are your kind of music, XM is the only service with a channel dedicated to those sounds, including long-form profiles and interviews with composers such as Danny Elfman and Randy Newman. On the other hand, if you want Playboy Radio or Korean-language programming, Sirius is your only choice.
Sirius has the only all-gay channel; XM, the only black talk channel.
As both services reach beyond the early adopters to capture a mainstream audience, they are looking to big-name celebrities to win new subscribers.
Sirius has staked its future on the uncensored Stern, while XM counters with bad boys Opie and Anthony. XM has built its version of public radio around former NPR "Morning Edition" host Bob Edwards; Sirius doesn't offer original programming of that kind, but does have the real thing, two channels of shows produced by NPR.
XM has signed Bob Dylan, Oprah Winfrey and Snoop Dogg as celebrity hosts. Sirius's stars include Martha Stewart, Deepak Chopra, Judith Regan and Mark Cuban.
But while both services vie for big names, the main attraction on XM (6.9 million subscribers) and Sirius (4.7 million) is the music. The tunes are often similar; how they're presented is the difference......."
The piece goes on to do an in depth comparison on the services with the authors opinion on which service has the edge. The author states his preferences, and gives a decent outline about each category. Interested SSG readers can catch the whole article HERE8/12/2006 11:22:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius Factory Installs in Condos
 August 10, 2006 Alchemy Properties is installing Sirius in their 47-unit Lookout Hill multi-family condominium project in Brooklyn NY. They may be the first in NY State to do so. Sirius Satellite Radio Business Installations partner Applied Media Technologies Corp ( AMTC) will assist in the installation of the hardware. The units will come with 1 year of prepaid service. The article notes: Because the company has received good feedback, Alchemy Properties are considering installing satellite radios in apartments that they develop in the future.
"All the people who are signing contracts think the radios are the coolest thing," Horn said. "People keep saying it’s wonderful and it’s a great twist. We haven’t received one negative comment. I think it makes the apartments more appealing."More information: HERE (Via Multi-Housing News) 8/11/2006 06:08:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
SSG Catches Up With Chip Harrison - Sirius Angler
 August 11, 2006 We here at SSG followed the FLW Tour season pretty closely, and kept an eye on Sirius satellite Radio angler Chip Harrison. We caught up with Chip today after he took some time off with the conclusion of the FLW Tour. Chip placed 17th in the championship event earlier this month. The event was a bracket elimination event and Chip was outdone by the man who would eventually take 2nd place in the event. It turns out that Chip was about 1.5 pounds shy of winning that round. This was Chip's 3rd trip to the championship event in the last 4 years. Chip's overall rank on the 2006 FLW Tour was 28th with winnings of $56,750. After elimination Chip spent some time at the "Fun Zone" where there are events, booths, and overall fun for fans of FLW. Chip stopped by the Sirius booths for some visiting with Eric Pollard from Sirius, and helping Sirius ensure that fun was had by all. We here at SSG would like to salute Chip Harrison for a great season on the FLW Tour, and thank him for taking the time to touch base with us throughout the season. With the conclusion of the FLW Tour, Chip still has two events left in the FLW Series, Lake of the Ozarks on October 10th, and Lewis Smith Lake on November 14th. For the FLW Series Chip currently sits in 102nd place with 291 points and winnings of $10,000 (having fished in only 2 of the 3 events held so far this year). Watch for Chip in the Sirius boat in the final 2 events. 8/11/2006 01:31:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
XM Satellite Still Working With FCC On FM Modulator Compliance
 August 11, 2006 Satellite Standard Group Keeps You Informed. This morning XM Satellite radio Filed an 8K with the SEC regarding the FM Modulator issue. The * K is as follows: 11-Aug-2006
Other Events
Item 8.01 Other Events.
Set forth below is an addition to the Legal Proceedings section included in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
Legal Proceedings
As we have previously disclosed, on April 25, 2006, we received a letter from the Federal Communications Commission stating that its Office of Engineering and Technology Laboratory had tested the Delphi XM SKYFi2 radio and determined that its FM modulator wireless transmitter was not in compliance with permissible emission limits. We are also aware that Audiovox, manufacturer of the Audiovox Xpress, a radio designed to work with the XM system, received a similar letter from the FCC.
On August 7, 2006, the FCC requested additional information with respect to these devices, as well as the Sportscaster, Roady XT, MyFi, Airware, Tao and Roady 2 devices, including the chronology and circumstances leading to the non-compliance, and actions and remedies undertaken to correct the situation.
We will respond promptly to the latest FCC request and have implemented a series of actions involving our radios designed to bring them into compliance; we have also requested our manufacturers to suspend production and/or shipments of radios or accessories with these issues. We are completing the necessary design or installation modifications, as appropriate, and conducting additional testing for XM radios to meet applicable FCC requirements. We expect to obtain new certifications for modified XM radios on an expedited basis.
In the meantime, we are working to limit interruptions in supply or availability of product for sale of certain models of XM radios at retailers, and we continue to cooperate with the FCC's ongoing inquiry. No health or safety issues are involved with these wireless XM radios, and this matter does not pertain to any XM radios which are factory installed in new vehicles or which are directly connected in other vehicles.
We can provide no assurances at this time that our actions will be deemed sufficient by the FCC, or that this matter will not have a material impact on our business, consolidated results of operations or financial position. 8/11/2006 08:34:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 10, 2006 Harness Racing Gets Sirius
August 10, 2006 Harness Racing has found its way onto the satellite radio waves, as Harness Racing Communications will have a show every Saturday on Sirius Satellite radio. Down The Stretch will air every Saturday, at 10 a.m. EST. The first 30 minutes of every show will exclusively be devoted to harness racing. The two hour show will be hosted by Dave Johnson and Bill Finley and is available on Sirius Channel 125. Guests on the first week's show will include Sam McKee and Stan Bergstein. "We believe we are giving harness racing what it deserves, a quality radio program available throughout the U.S. and Canada to Sirius subscribers," said Ed Pappas, the show's producer. "Sirius is a great network and the people there understand that harness racing has a large and very loyal following. We hope this is just the beginning. We are hoping to broadcast several major harness races live throughout the year. This should be a win-win for everyone." Sirius expects to have 6.3 million subscribers by the end of the year. Source: StandardBred Canada 8/10/2006 11:34:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch maintains Buy on Sirius Satellite
 August 10, 2006 Satellite Standard Group Keeps You Informed. Analyst Laraine Mancini of Merrill Lynch today mantained a Buy on sirius with a price target of $7.00. Report Excerpts: First catalyst surfaces…FM-modulator hurdle clearedThe FCC permitted grants of authority for the Starmate Replay, Xact Visor, SIRIUS One, and Sportster Replay radios. Upon receiving the approvals, Kiryung Electronics resumed manufacturing radios, which should alleviate concerns about an inventory shortage in 2H06. These FM-modulated devices combined with installed retail radio products account for 90% of SIRI retail sales in 1H06. Shift to bull case on resolution of FM-modulator issue In our report last week titled “Bull/bear analysis – 2H06 key catalysts”, we highlighted several catalysts to drive stock performance, including the resolution of this issue. We are updating our Bull/bear analysis to reflect a shift to the bull case on this FM-modulator issue. In our view, near-term inventory risk is alleviated and SIRI could gain retail market share in 2H06 (another catalyst) if XM does not receive certifications from the FCC before the holiday retail season. Transmission noise near-term risk to churn?
The FM-modulator fix could result in some transmission noise given diminished signal strength. Near-term, SIRI will likely encourage wired installs, but longer-term we expect SIRI engineers to focus on another plug and play resolution. While we view the resolution as a net positive catalyst, we realize the customer experience could be diminished in some cases, which could impact churn. Maintaining forecasts, but could have upsideWe are maintaining our subscriber estimates, which could have upside if we enter September and December with no XM resolution since SIRI would be poised to take greater than its YTD retail share of 58%. Our estimates include a slow 3Q to reflect inventory risk, which we now believe has been mitigated. SSG notes that Mancini is among the early analysts to note that many new cars will come equipped with an "Auxillary-In" jack. It should be noted that this jack is also part of "phase one" of the I-pod integration program for some manufacturuers. An "Aux" jack can run an I-Pod, and MP3 player, or a satellite radio. SSG also expects that XM will soon have their FCC issues resolved. SSG encourages readers to visit Merrill Lynch HERE for more details and their disclosures 8/10/2006 11:17:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Major League Baseball Audio On Sprint Cell Phones
 August 10, 2006  MLB Audio Coming to Sprint PhonesBy RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer Tue Aug 8, 8:49 PM ET Sprint is a partner of Sirius Satellite radio. NEW YORK - Baseball fans will soon be able to use their cell phones to take them out to the ballgame. Sprint Nextel Corp. reached an agreement with Major League Baseball Advanced Media, the sport's Internet wing, to make audio of radio broadcasts available to its subscribers' mobile phones for $5.99 a month. Under the deal, scheduled to be announced Wednesday, the local flagship station broadcasts will be available for all 30 teams for each game. The service will likely launch in mid-August, Sprint spokesman Dave Mellin said Tuesday. "Baseball is a game that's a daily game, and your phone is always with you," said Bob Bowman, president of MLBAM. "The thought was, let's give them baseball 24 hours a day. Live baseball is really important to fans. Rather than try to get an update, tune into the Brewers game or tune into the Red Sox game. They want to listen to the third inning. They want to listen to the seventh inning." read more HERE8/10/2006 02:50:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
TheStreet.com Takes A Look At Sirius And XMSR
Active Trader Update 360 Degrees of XM and Sirius By RealMoney Staff8/10/2006 8:01 AM Editor's Note: In this edition of "360 Degrees," RealMoney commentators take a look at Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) and XM Satellite (XMSR) . Would they be better off merging, or are they in trouble no matter what they do? TheStreet.com has always believed that offering a wide variety of opinions and viewpoints -- rather than a monolithic "house view" -- helps readers make better-informed investment decisions. In that spirit, we bring you "360 Degrees." "360 Degrees" is a feature that takes advantage of our varied stable of contributors to RealMoney, who offer analysis of stocks and the markets from all angles -- fundamental vs. technical, short-term trader vs. long-term investor. Click on the following link for information about a free trial toRealMoney. It's Time to Get Sirius About XM, by Jim Cramer This column was originally published on RealMoney on August 2 at 12:06 p.m. EDT. Mel, as CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio, it's time to make your move on a merger. Right now. Ahead of when XM Satellite gets competitive again, before the big Japanese optional-equipment deal. Ahead of when new management at XM pulls the rabbit out of the hat, which it will do. This is the moment. This is when you, Mel Karmazin, should make your bid. Here's why. Right now, radio, terrestrial radio, is being killed. Right now, Sirius and XM pay way too much for what could not be paid for by terrestrial because those companies don't have the resources they once did. Right now, Sirius and XM give away upfront business to the automakers in order to please Wall Street...read more HERE8/10/2006 02:40:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Emergency Message
August 10, 2006 We usually say that Satellite Standard Group Keeps You Informed, but this morning it was SIRIUS (and perhaps XM). On my drive this morning I was enjoying the Jay Thomas Show on Sirius Stars when an "Emergency Bulletin" came out regarding the terror plot that was foiled in London. The message stated the basic facts, gave an update as to the status of the alert code color, and referred people to Fox News, CNN News, CNN Headline News, or BBC World News. The message also gave out the appropriate Sirius channel numbers. Personally, I switched over to Fox News and caught the story for the balance of my drive. It was good to see the system work the way it did. I have no knowledge of whether XM did something similar and would be curious to know. If they did, how was the message delivered? We would like to hear from SSG readers that are XM subscribers and get the story of an XM listener that we can update this story with. Thanks in Advance 8/10/2006 01:16:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sportster 3 Gets FCC Approval
 August 10, 2006 Satellite Standard group Keeps You Informed. For those that did not notice, Sirius went from the Sportster to the Sportster Replay to the Sportster 4. Missing in this group was the Sportster 3. Well, the answer is now here. The Sportster 3 is basically identical to the Sportster 4 with the exception of a replay feature. This will bring the unit in at a more attractive price point at retail. Watch for an official announcement regarding this unit in the near future 8/10/2006 12:19:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Kenworth Gets Sirius
 August 10, 2006 The quick eyes over at orbitcast caught this one. A few weeks ago Peterbilt got Sirius, and now kenworth is getting ito the action. Kenworth Truck Company will be including SIRIUS Satellite Radio on select Kenworth Class 8 truck models with the VIT sleeper interior. KENWORTH TO INCLUDE SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO ON SELECT 2007 CLASS 8 MODELS Three Months of Complimentary SIRIUS Service Included NEW YORK - August 10, 2006 - SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) today announced that Kenworth Truck Company, a leading manufacturer of premium quality trucks, will include SIRIUS on selected Kenworth Class 8 truck models with the VIT sleeper interior. Kenworth will use the DEA300 SIRIUS/AM/FM/CD radio, the first all-in-one SIRIUS integrated radio available as factory installed in the commercial vehicle market. “Driver comfort is especially important in the trucking industry today as drivers spend more time in their trucks under the hours of service regulations,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales in Kirkland, Wash. “Drivers already appreciate Kenworth’s new cab interior equipped with two high-performance speakers. SIRIUS is the best fit to further enhance driver comfort in both Kenworth’s cab and top-of-the-line VIT sleeper by providing quality in-vehicle entertainment.” "We are thrilled to be included on Kenworth VIT sleeper-equipped vehicles," said Tom Steckbeck, SIRIUS VP of Special Markets. "Since 1923 Kenworth has produced durable and innovative products for their commercial vehicle customers. We look forward to working with them to supply their discriminating customers with the best music, sports, talk, news and entertainment programming on radio.” SIRIUS is also available as a regular factory-installed option on all Kenworth Class 8 models in non-VIT sleeper and day cab configurations. As a special incentive Kenworth customers will receive three months of complimentary service on Kenworth vehicles equipped with a SIRIUS system through May 31, 2007. 8/10/2006 11:43:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
XM And Starbucks To Release CD
August 10, 2006 Thursday August 10, 10:32 am ET CD Features Coldplay, Willie Nelson, Tori Amos, Robert Plant, and Many Other Popular Artists With Live, Exclusive RecordingsWASHINGTON and SEATTLE, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers, and Starbucks Hear Music today announced that the companies will release a new compilation CD, showcasing performances by top artists recorded solely for XM's original music series, "Artist Confidential." Produced by XM Satellite Radio exclusively for Starbucks Hear Music, XM Artist Confidential, Vol. 1 includes live renditions of songs by Coldplay, Willie Nelson, Tori Amos, Robert Plant and many others, previously only available to XM subscribers. The CD will be available exclusively at Starbucks Company- operated locations in the U.S. and Canada and online at http://www.starbucks.com/hearmusic beginning August 29, 2006. XM Artist Confidential, Vol. 1 is an impressive collection of exclusive, live tracks selected from the archives of XM's critically-acclaimed performance and interview program, "Artist Confidential." Recorded live before an intimate audience of fans and friends at XM's state-of-the-art studios, the CD features stunning live renditions of "Clocks" by Coldplay, "Always On My Mind," by Willie Nelson, "Sweet The Sting" by Tori Amos and "Whole Lotta Love" performed by Robert Plant. The disc also includes show- stopping recordings from Bonnie Raitt, Roseanne Cash, Raul Midon, Phil Collins, Tracy Chapman, Joan Baez, Bruce Hornsby and Cyndi Lauper. "The performances captured during an XM Artist Confidential taping are always so incredible, we wanted to share some of our favorites with the larger community of music fans. Music is at the heart of the XM experience and XM Artist Confidential, Vol. 1 does a great job of capturing the passion and energy our millions of subscribers enjoy every day," said Lee Abrams, chief creative programming officer, XM Satellite Radio. "With the release of this exciting new CD, we are realizing the potential of our alliance with XM Satellite Radio to create compelling, exclusive content for Starbucks customers," said Ken Lombard, president, Starbucks Entertainment. "We look forward to continuing to collaborate with XM, the leading satellite radio provider, to transform the way music fans discover and acquire their music." XM Artist Confidential, Vol. 1, is being offered for $14.95 in the U.S. and $18.95 in Canada. Hosted by XM program director and on-air host George Taylor Morris, XM's "Artist Confidential" series features exclusive live performances and candid, one-on-one interviews with celebrated artists who reveal rare insights on their lives and art before an audience of fans and friends. Among the dozens of accomplished musicians who have been featured on the critically acclaimed "Artist Confidential" are Coldplay, Dixie Chicks, Lenny Kravitz, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Carlos Santana and Herbie Hancock. The third season of "Artist Confidential" premiered on XM in June. Complete information about the show and its guests is available online at http://www.xmradio.com/exclusivemusic. Complete XM Artist Confidential, Vol. 1 Track Listing: 1. Rainy Day Man -- Bonnie Raitt 2. Clocks -- Coldplay 3. Always on My Mind -- Willie Nelson 4. House on the Lake -- Roseanne Cash 5. Everybody -- Raul Midon 6. Sweet the Sting -- Tori Amos 7. Another Day in Paradise -- Phil Collins 8. Fast Car -- Tracy Chapman 9. Sweet Sir Galahad -- Joan Baez 10. Sticks and Stones -- Bruce Hornsby 11. Time After Time -- Cyndi Lauper 12. Whole Lotta Love -- Robert Plant About XM Satellite Radio XM (Nasdaq: XMSR - News) is America's number one satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music channels, sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information. XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Porsche, is available in more than 140 different vehicle models for 2006. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com. About Starbucks Entertainment Starbucks Coffee Company launched Starbucks Entertainment in 2004 to help customers discover quality entertainment options as part of their daily coffee routines. Starbucks Coffee Company first acquired Hear Music in 1999 to become Starbucks Hear Music, the sound of music at Starbucks. Starbucks Hear Music has made a transformative impact on the music industry by providing a new and convenient way for consumers to discover, experience and acquire all genres of great music through its Hear Music(TM) CD compilations, its innovative partnerships with other music labels to co-release, market and distribute both exclusive and non-exclusive music, its 24-hour digital music channel on XM Satellite Radio (XM Channel 75) and its breakthrough Hear Music(TM) Coffeehouses in Santa Monica, San Antonio and Miami. Starbucks Hear Music(TM) CD selections can be purchased at Starbucks retail locations around the world, as well as online at http://www.starbucks.com/hearmusic. In 2006, Starbucks Entertainment extended beyond music and announced a unique partnership with Lionsgate to market and distribute the inspirational film "Akeelah and the Bee." The company expects the film to be the first of many such partnerships that help customers discover unique and rewarding entertainment. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-9-06. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department. Source: XM Satellite Radio 8/10/2006 11:38:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
XM Inks Deal with Alltel
  August 10, 2006 XM Satellite Radio Announced today that their service will be available on Alltel mobile phones for a fee of $7.99 per month. Thursday August 10, 7:00 am ET Audio Streams of 20 Popular XM Music Channels Available on Alltel Wireless Phones Beginning TodayLITTLE ROCK, Ark. and WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alltel Wireless, America's largest network, today announced an agreement with XM Satellite Radio that will make Alltel customers the first in the U.S. to have access to a wide range of XM Satellite Radio programming via their wireless phones. Alltel Wireless customers can gain unlimited access to select XM radio channels from the XM Radio Mobile service for $7.99 per month. The application was developed by MobiTV, the global leader in television and digital radio services for cellular, Wi-Fi and broadband enabled devices. Alltel Wireless customers will receive audio streams of 20 popular commercial-free XM music channels including: The 70s, 80s and 90s decades channels, Top 20 on 20 (Top 20 Hits), Ethel (New Alternative Rock), The City (Hip-Hop/R&B Hits), XMU (Indie Rock), Bluesville (Blues), Highway 16 (New Country Hits), and Viva (Latin Pop Hits). Customers will be able to select these channels by genre. XM will deliver data to make it possible to view the song title, artist and album while listening on a variety of compatible handsets. "As consumers continue to turn their wireless phones into mobile entertainment hubs, Alltel Wireless continues to explore partnerships to build on our extensive portfolio of content," said Frank O'Mara, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Alltel Wireless. "Having America's largest wireless network, partner with America's largest satellite radio provider was a natural fit, and we know our customers will enjoy XM's stellar line-up of programming." "Consumers are increasingly eager to access great, commercial-free music on their mobile phones," said Adam Reyer, senior vice president of Business Development for XM Satellite Radio. "XM Satellite Radio will launch its new mobile service to Alltel customers, providing them with access to an assortment of XM's acclaimed music programming on their mobile phones virtually anywhere they go." About Alltel Wireless Alltel (NYSE: AT - News) is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has more than 11 million wireless customers. For more information about Alltel, please visit http://www.alltel.com. About XM Satellite Radio XM (Nasdaq: XMSR - News) is America's number one satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music channels, sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information. XM Radio Mobile's current lineup consists of 20 commercial-free music channels. XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Porsche, is available in more than 140 different vehicle models for 2006. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-9-06. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department. Source: XM Satellite Radio 8/10/2006 11:29:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Grants Re-issued for Some Sirius Radios
 August 10th, 2006 Based on information in the FCC database, grants have been re-issued for some SIRIUS receivers as of August 9th, as well as a grant for the upcoming Sportster 3 and a Sportster 3 manual. At this time, there isn't any details or photos as to what was changed to make these devices compliant available. The Sportster 3 appears to be a Sportster 4 without the ability to time shift (the Replay features). The Sirius One (Sv1), Xact Visor, and Sportster Replay have new grants. A link to the manual for the Sportster 3 is: HERE (via FCC OET) 8/10/2006 04:45:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, August 09, 2006 Starmate Replay to Ship
August 9, 2006 As we reported earlier today, some Sirius radios are getting ready to ship. The Starmate Replay has received grant of autority to remain effective: 10Q Excerpt: "The FCC is continuing its review of our products as well as products of other companies containing FM transmitters. The FCC’s laboratory has tested a number of our products and found them to be compliant with the FCC’s rules. Based upon this testing, the FCC has permitted a grant of authority for the Starmate Replay to remain effective, and we expect the FCC to permit new equipment authorizations for other products shortly, including the Sportster Replay, Sirius One and U.S. Electronic’s Visor. We believe our radios that are currently in production comply with applicable FCC rules. SIRIUS radios that include compliant FM transmitters may be subject to some transmission noise, which may result in us encouraging professional installation in some cases. We continue to study methods to improve the customer experience for our subscribers using SIRIUS radios that rely on FM transmissions. We continue to cooperate with the FCC’s on-going inquiry. As part of this cooperation, we are discussing with the FCC the proper testing methodology for SIRIUS radios that include FM transmitters and methods to bring devices in retail inventory or in consumers’ hands into compliance with the FCC’s rules. No health or safety issues are involved with these SIRIUS radios and radios which are factory-installed in new vehicles are not affected." 8/09/2006 11:41:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Nokia on a Collision Course with Apple
Nokia on a Collision Course with Apple
August 9, 2006 8:33AM, www.newsfactor.com"Nokia already sells as many music phones as Apple sells iPods," says Albert Lin, an analyst with American Technology Research. "And the market for music phones will be larger than the market for stand-alone music players. The bulk of music-playing devices sold is likely to be the cell phones." That has to put Apple and Nokia on a collision course.... Read more: HERE8/09/2006 01:00:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
MSN Money: Sirius Is A Quality Company, Superior Growth At Discounted Price
Get SiriusRational Investor, Jamie Dlugosch MSN Money, Aug 9, 2006 Profits in the market are made by acquiring shares of quality companies with superior growth prospects at discounted prices. If that doesn't define Sirius Satellite Radio ( SIRI, news, msgs), I don't know what does. Poor market sentiment is artificially deflating the price of Sirius and that creates opportunity for you. Don't miss out on owning what I view to be one of the better long-term growth stories of this millennium. Regardless of what happens in the economy, I feel quite confident in stating that the next generation will view terrestrial radio as being similar to manual transmissions. If so, the profit potential at Sirius will be quite large. In a market that is currently quite negative, Sirius has been proving its model by substantially increasing its subscriber base and thoroughly trouncing the competition....read more: HERE8/09/2006 12:28:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius Radios To Ship Soon
 August 9, 2006 As many are aware the FCC has taken issue with some FM Modulators in Sirius and XM hardware. Both Sirius and XM have been working on a virtual daily basis with the FCC to get distribution of hardware back on track by getting these units certified. At a recent presentation Directed Electronics indicated that they were anticipating resolution shortly. Since that day there has been some speculation that the issue is about to find some resolution. SSG has learned that Directed Electronics is now in the process of tabulating back-order quantities for retailers in preparation for distribution as early as this week. As yet there has been no announcement or method to verify that the FCC is indeed certifying units for distribution, but the activities at Directed would seem to indicate that things are close to resolution. For the moment treat this as speculation. Should we here at SSG get further details we will update the status of this story. 8/09/2006 08:47:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Ford Restructuring Gets A Boost From UAW
Ford shares rise after UAW pledges to help(CBS MarketWatch 08/08 12:44:36) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Ford Motor Co. shares rose 3.4% to $7.41 in midday trading Tuesday, after a published report quoted a top union officialas saying the United Auto Workers is ready to help solve the automaker's crisis."We're open to whatever helps the company and protects our members," said UAW Vice President Bob King, according to the Detroit News. Ford, following its surprising second-quarter loss, vowed to speed its restructuring plans, which previously called for shuttering 14 plants and cutting up to 30,000 jobs by2012. The company is expected to update the status of its Way Forward plan within a few weeks. 8/08/2006 01:52:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
GM-Delphi Update
Delphi says GM files multibillion-dollar claimTue Aug 8, 2006 11:31 AM ET CHICAGO, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Bankrupt auto parts maker Delphi Corp. has received a multibillion-dollar claim from former parent General Motors Corp. in its reorganization case, the parts maker said in court documents.
GM, which spun Delphi off in 1999, filed a 40-page proof of claim against various Delphi debtor units on July 31, the deadline for filing unsecured claims in the case, Delphi said in a filing on Friday with U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
Delphi in October filed the biggest bankruptcy in U.S. automotive history and later outlined plans to fire thousands of hourly and salaried employees and close 21 of 29 union plants in the United States to reorganize its operations.
Delphi disclosed the GM claims in a court filing objecting to a request by the unsecured creditors committee seeking authority to pursue claims against GM on behalf of Delphi. The filing did not give details of the GM claims...read more: here8/08/2006 12:39:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Related Stocks Trading Up Or Down On No News
Sirenza Microdevices, Inc. (SMDI), $9.42, is trading up $0.99 on no news. The company engages in the design and supply of radio frequency (RF) components for the commercial communications, consumer and aerospace, defense, and homeland security equipment markets. The companyÂs products receive and transmit voice and data signals in mobile wireless communications networks, as well as in other wireless and wireline applications in the United States and internationally...more info: HERE(Of note, the SMDI supplies antenna for Sirius products) 8/08/2006 12:01:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
XM To Launch 24/7 Sports News And Talk Channel
 August 8, 2006 XM Satellite Radio is adding to an already robust programming line-up with a new sports talk and news channel. The channel will feature some big names in the world of sports. WASHINGTON, Aug 08, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers, today announced the launch of "XM Sports Nation," (XMSN) a dedicated 24-hour sports news and talk channel. The programming lineup for XMSN (XM channel 143) will incorporate existing XM-produced series, including shows hosted by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Cal Ripken, Jr., Coach Mike Krzyzewski, James Carville and Luke Russert. To complement XM's original sports programming, XM Sports Nation will feature popular content from Sporting News Radio, including shows from Tim Brando, Tony Bruno and Troy Aikman, among others. The channel will debut on XM's programming lineup August 28. XM will add several new shows to the lineup, including "XMSN This Morning," a daily show featuring the latest in sports news, highlights, interviews and scores from the world of professional and collegiate sports. The weekday program will be hosted by XM personality T.J. Rives, current host of the original XM program "College Football Coast-to-Coast." In addition to "XMSN This Morning," the 24-hour sports news channel also will feature original XM shows dedicated to collegiate sports, motorsports, fantasy sports and more. "With play-by-play broadcasts of more than 5,000 sporting events each year, XM is clearly the satellite radio leader in sports programming. 'XM Sports Nation' will provide fans with a primary destination for general sports news, commentary and original XM programming, as well as complement the broad range of professional and collegiate sports programming XM currently offers," said Eric Logan, executive vice president of programming for XM Satellite Radio. Logan continued, "This new channel represents the next phase in building a strong, independent sports media brand for XM that leverages our original programming with established third-party content, providing XM with an efficient and flexible way to offer subscribers a compelling listening experience." "We are excited to be working with XM on this new project. Sporting News Radio's great personalities will fit in perfectly with the original programming XM will be providing for their listeners," said Shawn Pastor, senior vice president of business development for Sporting News Radio. A complete programming schedule for XMSN, including show descriptions and times, is available online at http://www.xmradio.com/xmsn. 8/08/2006 11:01:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
XM Serves Up U.S. Open Finals From Flushing N.Y.
 August 8, 2006 XM Satellite ERadio will be offering live play-by-play coverage of the U.S. Open. Bud Collins will be covcering the event. WASHINGTON, Aug 08, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- XM Satellite Radio, America's number-one satellite radio company with more than 7 million subscribers, will begin its ongoing coverage of the U.S. Open Series in the weeks and days leading up to the Grand Slam event. As the tournament gets underway, XM will provide daily highlights to casual and passionate tennis fans and broadcast live play-by-play coverage of the men's and women's semi-final and final matches in September. XM's broadcast coverage of U.S. Open Tennis will include the "U.S. Open Daily Show," a daily one-hour program hosted by renowned tennis analyst, Bud Collins. Broadcasting directly from Arthur Ashe Stadium, the show will be available on XM's new 24/7 sports news and talk channel, XM Sports Nation (XM 143), from 10-11 am ET throughout the tournament. The show will debut on August 28. Tennis fans also can tune into live play-by-play coverage of the semi- final and final matches. XM will broadcast the U.S. Open men's and women's semi-finals and finals live on XM Sports Nation, also anchored by Bud Collins. Grand Slam Doubles champion, Murphy Jensen, and three-time Grand Slam singles winner, Virginia Wade, will provide color commentary and analysis for the men's and women's matches, respectively. U.S. Open Play-by-Play schedule: Friday, September 8 11AM ET Women's Semifinals Saturday, September 9 11AM ET Men's Semifinals Saturday, September 9 7PM ET Women's Final Sunday, September 10 12PM ET Men's Final About XM Satellite Radio XM is America's number one satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music channels, sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information. XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Porsche, is available in more than 140 different vehicle models for 2006. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-9-06. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department. SOURCE XM Satellite Radio 8/08/2006 10:53:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Volvo To Offer Sirius This Summer
 August 8, 2006 Volvo to Offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio As Factory Installed Option This Summer
DETROIT and NEW YORK, Aug 08, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC and SIRIUS Satellite Radio ( SIRI) today announced that Volvo will begin offering SIRIUS as a factory installed option this summer. Starting with the 2007 model year, Volvo plans to offer factory installed SIRIUS on the following vehicle lines: * Volvo S40 * Volvo V50 * Volvo C70 * All-New Volvo S80 Each Volvo S40, V50, and C70 vehicle factory equipped with SIRIUS Satellite Radio (MSRP $295) will include a six-month subscription...Read more: HERE8/08/2006 10:17:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
DonHarrold.net: XMSR Is Oversold
Microsoft is Slightly Oversold, Says DonHarrold.net SHREVEPORT, La., Aug. 8, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- DonHarrold.net ( http://www.donharrold.net), rates Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT), Pfizer Inc.(NYSE:PFE), Bank Of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC), and Xm Satellite Radio Hldgs(Nasdaq:XMSR). DonHarrold.net provides unbiased stock ratings from registered investmentadvisors. DonHarrold.net issues daily market commentary and features a member'sarea with detailed information on widely held stocks. Important Stock rating Changes: Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT) DonHarrold.Net Rating: Slightly Oversold http://www.donharrold.net/ratings/US/MSFT.php Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) DonHarrold.Net Rating: Overbought http://www.donharrold.net/ratings/US/PFE.php Bank Of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) DonHarrold.Net Rating: Overbought http://www.donharrold.net/ratings/US/BAC.php Xm Satellite Radio Hldgs (Nasdaq:XMSR) DonHarrold.Net Rating: Oversold http://www.donharrold.net/ratings/US/XMSR.php8/08/2006 10:07:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
What Cramer Said Last Night On Mad Money
 Cramer's 'Mad Money Lightning Round': Kimberly-Clark Clicking By TheStreet.com Staff8/7/2006 7:06 PM EDT Sirius: "I'm perplexed, if not flummoxed. You know what I really am is nonplussed." Cramer says the stock should be at $4.20, and at $9 if it merges with XM...Read more: HERE8/08/2006 08:11:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Phil Collins Gets Sirius
August 7, 2006 The well known artist will be at the mic August 8th. Tarzan composer Phil Collins will be the guest host on Sirius Satellite Radio’s Starlite Channel on Tuesday, August 8th at 5pm EST; Friday, August 11th at 12pm EST and Sunday, August 13th at 10pm EST. Collins will play his favorite pop songs, including songs from the Tarzan cast recording. Starlite can be found on Sirius Satellite Radio, channel 2. The production, which opened on May 10th at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, stars Josh Strickland as Tarzan, Jenn Gambatese as Jane, Merle Dandridge as Kala, Shuler Hensley as Kerchak, Chester Gregory II as Terk, Timothy Jerome as Professor Porter and Donnie Keshawarz as Clayton. Daniel Manche and Alex Rutherford alternate in the role of Young Tarzan. Interested SSG readers can learn more about this broadway show HERE8/07/2006 11:32:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Time Warner-NFL Update
Will the Time Warner-NFL conflict become an opportunity for Sirius? UPDATE 1-Time Warner threatens court action over NFL channel
Mon Aug 7, 2006 12:34pm ET, By Jeremy Pelofsky WASHINGTON, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Time Warner Cable has threatened to go to court to overturn a decision forcing the No. 2 U.S. cable company to reinstate the NFL Network on some of its systems, according to a filing obtained on Monday. Time Warner, a unit of Time Warner Inc. (TWX), was ordered last week by the Federal Communications Commission to restore the channel on cable systems it acquired as part of its purchase of bankrupt Adelphia Communications Corp. The NFL Network had accused the cable operator of dropping the channel in violation of rules that require 30 days notice for doing so and asked the agency to intervene. The FCC ordered Time Warner to restore the channel just days before the NFL preseason gets under way... Read more: HERE8/07/2006 01:05:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
July 2006 U.S. Auto Sales and SDARS Relationships
 August 7, 2006 Satellite Standard Group conducts a monthly survey of auto sales and charts the results based on SDARS relationships. Satellite radio is growing in the automotive world. The image to the left (click to expand) shows the sales figures for each auto manufacturer, their market share through the previous month and for the current year to date, as well as their respective satellite radio partner. A few items are important to note: 1. This data represents OEM sales figures and not installations of satellite radios. 2. The realationships vary depending on the manufacturer. For example, Toyota and Nissan have a factory install program with XM and a port/dealer install program with Sirius. Thus they are categorized as "both". 3. Some manufactures have not ramped up satellite radio installions to the same extent as others. GM, Honda, DCX and Ford have more extensive installs. This report is generated each month by Satellite Standard Group. 8/07/2006 12:29:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Reminder: Directed Electronics To Present At JP Morgan Conference
Want the 411 on the FM Modulator issue? Directed is presenting today at 11:40 AM ET Link to conference call: HERE8/07/2006 11:41:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 05, 2006 $500,000 Prize: Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship
Ehrler Wins $500,000 at Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug 05, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Standing before an arena filled with cheering bass-fishing fans, Brent Ehrler of Redlands, Calif., brought in a winning catch of five bass weighing 15 pounds, 1 ounce to pocket $500,000 in the Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship presented by Castrol on Lake Logan Martin. The half-million dollar check is the largest first-place award in professional bass fishing. Ehrler entered the event as the No. 40 seed and dispatched No. 9 seed Clifford Pirch of Payson, Ariz., at the end of the first round with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 20 pounds, 11 ounces compared to Pirch's catch of 10 bass weighing 15 pounds, 4 ounces. During Friday's semifinal round, Ehrler was paired against No. 33 seed National Guard pro Ramie Colson Jr. of Cadiz, Ky., and he again brought in a five-bass limit to defeat Colson and advance to the final round where he ultimately claimed the half-million dollar prize. His semifinal round catch weighed 13 pounds, 4 ounces compared to Colson's limit weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces. Read more: HERE8/05/2006 09:46:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
NASCAR Fans Unite! Talladega Nights Opens In Theaters Across The Country
 BEYOND THE SCREENThe Chicago Tribune, Aug 4, 2006 NASCAR straps into the driver's seat for production of `Talladega Nights'Terry ArmourAugust 4 2006NASCAR is serious business.Will Ferrell is the poster child for funny business. NASCAR remains the country's fastest-growing sport, second only to professional football when it comes to television viewers. Ferrell remains one of the country's biggest goofballs, thanks to films such as "Old School" and "Anchorman."Neither really needs the other to survive in their respective worlds. So why would NASCAR feel the need to work so closely with Ferrell on the upcoming comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," a farcical, slapstick look at the world of stock car racing?Why the alliance?It's good for business."It is an interesting partnership," said Matt Alexander, vice president and general manager of Chicagoland Speedway. "I look at it as a positive. NASCAR may be big but we still have a long way to go. In Chicago, alone, it's still not a big sport. This follows the concept that maybe someone who goes to see the movie finds it fun and says, `Maybe I will go to a NASCAR race. That's the whole concept and goal of NASCAR, to find new fans. Hopefully, the movie creates a buzz and becomes part of that strategy." Read more: HERE8/05/2006 08:25:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Latest Bridge Ratings Report On Satellite Radio
Bridge Ratings Consumer Trends: Satellite Radio Q3 Subscriber Trending Updated Wednesday August 2,, 2006 Sirius Packs 'em In
Bridge Ratings' trending of Satellite Radio subscribers continues through 2006. The purpose of this on-going study is to analyze consumer preferences related to satellite service brand and satellite radio in general. Bridge Ratings interviews consumers at retail outlets who have purchased Satellite radio. Consumers are interviewed whenentering audio departments to determine their purchase intent and then again post-purchase. By matching pre-purchase interest against actual purchase, we are able to determine: a) brand potency and b) brand awareness-to-purchase effectiveness, i.e. the brand's ability to convert awareness to purchase. In recent weeks programming options and equipment style and benefits have been taking a stronger position as the impetus for the purchase decision with Sirius more consistently being sited for its programming content and equipment as motives for purchase. This Week's Update: Sirius satellite radio announced its second quarter numbers this week reporting 600, 460 new subscribers during the quarter with 54%of those coming from OEM delivery through their automotive channels. Even compared to Q4 2005, this OEM number is impressive, butclearly Sirius' automotive marketing continues to be a major impetus behind the sat company's strong momentum. This second quarter subscriber count is 51% above the number XM reported for the quarter. Read more: HERE8/04/2006 11:05:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
FM-Restricting Clips: A Simple Solution For The FCC
 XM Providing FM-Restricting Clips to Public?(posted by www.orbitcast.com)
An Orbitcast reader noticed at Wal-Mart that XM Satellite Radio is giving FM emission-restricting ferrite clips for free to the public. XM provided a box full of the black clips with instructions on how to apply the clips to your XM receiver to make it FCC compliant.The clips are free and XM encouraged all owners to take one. The NAB has recently called for a recall of all satellite radio receivers in a letter to the FCC Chairman. It appears that XM is doing everything they can to make this an unnecessary course of action (which, well... it was unnecessary to begin with). Check out how XM uses ferrite beads to reduce the FM transmitter emissions here (and it's a helpful lil' How-To if you really want to do it). Link to article: HERE8/04/2006 10:52:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Bloomberg On FM Modulator Issue, More Press For Stern
 Below are excerpts from an article posted on www.bloomberg.com. The ironic thing is that the listeners at the low end of the FM spectrum (the public radio and religious stations), are the ones who are getting the Stern "leak". Geez, guys...loosen up! Sirius and XM, Growth Slowing, Face `Leaking' Radios (Update2)
Aug. 4 (Bloomberg) -- "Todd Murphy is fed up with satellite radio, and he isn't even a customer. During morning commutes, Murphy says, his National Public Radio station begins blaring out foul-mouthed talk show host Howard Stern. ``I'm sitting at a traffic light and all of a sudden I'm listening to a different radio station,'' said Murphy, 40, a real estate developer in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.... The Sirius and XM radio waves leak onto the low-end of the FM spectrum populated by public radio and religious stations. NPR has 35 affiliates at 88.1-FM, the default setting of the devices.
Many of the listeners complain about Stern. "Our listeners are driving, and all of a sudden, they have Howard Stern, obviously a different cultural ilk,'' said Anthony Brandon, president of NPR affiliate WYPR-FM in Baltimore. Stations near 88.1 are also affected. Murphy's favorite station, NPR affiliate WBGO in Newark, New Jersey, broadcasts at 88.3 FM. "The fun part is when you are in traffic and you can't get rid of the guy,'' said Murphy, speaking of Stern. ``It can last up to 20 minutes.'' Read more: HERE8/04/2006 10:36:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Dispute Between Time Warner And NFL Network; Will Fans Defect To Sirius?
FCC steps into fight between Time Warner and NFLNY Post - (theflyonthewall.com 08/04 08:55:24) The Federal Communications Commission has ordered Time Warner (TWX) to reinstate the NFLNetwork to its subscribers in certain markets after the cable company abruptly pulled the channel from its lineup in these markets because of a contract dispute. Time Warner pulled the NFL Network from systems in Buffalo, Dallas, Cleveland and Los Angeles on Tuesday after acquiring them from Adelphia and Comcast. A Time Warner spokeswoman said, "This order was issued without offering us the opportunity to respond to the NFL Network's allegations. We believe the FCC's decision is wrong and we are consideringour options." The NFL is fighting to be included in basic cable packages as opposed to being part of a sports channel package that customers would have to pay extra to have. 8/04/2006 02:09:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Is Cramer "Mad"? Perhaps Not...
  Jim Cramer continues to push the idea of a merger between XM and Sirius. It even made the New York Times Business section yesterday: "Aug. 3, 20066:20 am The Satellite Radio World, According to Jim CramerTOPICS: Mergers & Acquisitions, XM Satellite RadioINDUSTRIES: MediaThe notion of a merger between XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio – in essence, the Coke and Pepsi of their industry — has been buzzing around Wall Street in the past few months, even though many analysts (not to mention Sirius chief Mel Karmazin) have called the idea absurd. Now, voluble market pundit Jim Cramer has thrown his weight behind such a deal. Speaking on his radio show Wednesday, Mr. Cramer said that if he could talk to one C.E.O. right now, it would be Mr. Karmazin. What would he say? He would tell him it is high time to make a bid for his company’s archrival. Mr. Cramer justifies such a move this way: more…" Although this is an idea that I have dismissed in the past, primarily due to questions regarding FCC approval, I am now taking the suggestion more seriously due to rumblings about the possibility of a Direct TV (DTV)-Echostar (DISH) merger (check out their charts). The scenario is similar...just two satellite companies, with emerging competition from other technologies. Investors, watch this situation very closely...if this deal is approved, perhaps Cramer is not so "mad" after all.8/04/2006 10:45:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Sirius: Great Earnings, Horrible Timing
 Sirius earnings met or beat estimates in every category. More importantly, Sirius did what it said it was going to do. I am an ethicist...management credibility goes along way with me.
Of course, nothing is perfect, and indeed there were a few possible flaws, i.e., as pointed out by (the perennially negative) Jonathan Jacoby at Bank of America, some of the subs counted were unsold Chrysler inventory (this was fully disclosed by Sirius), and as Goldman Sachs mentioned, capex is going to increase in 2008 due to a satellite launch (although Goldman neglected to include additional revenues as a result of this increased bandwith). Sirius even waited a few days after the XMSR release so that it wouldn't risk being tainted by their lowered expectations as it had been in recent quarters. But alas, just after the Sirius conference call, Ford and Chrysler had some less than rosy news regarding sales comps and production, and Apple came along and said they were further infiltrating the OEM market. These developments may have come as news to you and me, but not to Sirius management. They know how the auto makers are selling, and they know what other technology companies are up to. I guarantee you that management took these items into consideration when they reiterated their 2006 and 2007 goals, and therein lies the opportunity for investors. 8/04/2006 07:30:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 03, 2006 Why I Gave My iPod To My 6-Year Old (honestly!)
I used to listen to an iPod, but thankfully, I now have options (satellite radio), so I gave mine to my 6-year old. Here are a few reasons:
1. I was frustrated with mediocre battery life. I had the one from the batch with defective batteries. If i forgot to charge it one day, I could be stranded on the elliptical machine, music-less. On principle, I did file the paper work to participate in the class action lawsuit, requesting the battery rather than the cash, but I understand that I could be waiting for years.
2. I got tired of downloading songs, first from my CD collection to my computer, then from my computer to my iPod. I found it time consuming and boring, not to mention the administrative nightmare of keeping track of what I had and had not recorded.
3. I got bored listening to the same music. Despite the fact the my CD collection boasts thousands of songs, over the years, I had listened to these CD's ad-nauseum, and was simply saturated.
4. Downloading from iTunes does not make financial sense. At $0.99 per song, do the numbers, it would cost thousands to fill the darn thing!
5. Listening to my iPod did not expose me to new music. I generally don't have the time to sit in front of my computer and sample new music from the iTunes site, so I found it difficult to stay current. 6. I can't listen to the news on an iPod. I don't have the time to watch CNN on TV. The only time I can catch up is on the go.
7. I don't have to worry about what my 6 year old listens to on an iPod. One must be technically savvy/computer literate to download, and she certainly isn't, so I can control the content. I fill it with "Sound of Music" and "Lion King" and don't have to concern myself (yet) about her listening to R-rated music. So now my kid is the proud owner of an iPod! |
8/03/2006 10:35:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
What Cramer Said, What Apple Said
  If you bought Apple (AAPL) for a trade based on Cramer's recommendation on his show "Stop Trading" at 3:30 PM, you got caught with your pants down....around 3 hours latter, Apple disclosed additional irregularities related to stock options. Bullish At 3:30 PM:Jim Cramer's Stop Trading!Countrywide Club By TheStreet.com Staff8/3/2006 Cramer also said a recent win at Apple ( AAPL - commentary - Cramer's Take) will be bullish for the tech giant. "I don't think people know how big iPod for Lexus" could be, Cramer said, adding that a linkup between Apple and the Toyota ( TM - commentary - Cramer's Take)-owned carmaker "could be a real rival to Sirius ( SIRI - commentary - Cramer's Take)." Cramer said Apple, up 3% at $70, should soon hit $75....Read more: HEREBearish at 6:40 PM:Live In Play (www.briefing.com), 8/3/2006 AAPL Apple Computer Announces Update Regarding Stock Option Grants Co previously announced, an internal investigation discovered irregularities related to the issuance of certain stock option grants made between 1997 and 2001. A special committee of Apple's outside directors has hired independent counsel to perform an investigation, and the Co has informed the SEC. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the Company will delay the filing of its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2006. Although the investigation is ongoing, the Co has discovered additional evidence of irregularities. In light of this, management has concluded, and the audit committee of the board of directors agrees, that the Co will likely need to restate its historical financial statements to record non-cash charges for compensation expense relating to past stock option grants. The Co has not determined the amount of such charges, the resulting tax and accounting impact, or which periods may require restatement. Accordingly, the Co today filed a Form 8-K stating that the financial statements and all earnings and press releases and similar communications issued by the Co relating to periods commencing on September 29, 2002 should therefore not be relied upon....Read more: HERE 8/03/2006 09:39:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Radio Highlighted In Latest Crutchfield Brochure
I just received the Crutchfield brochure in the mail today, and they are really pushing satellite radio. The XM Samsung Helix is featured prominently on the cover, the first page is titled "The Power of Satellite Radio", the second page features Sirius products, and the third page features XM products. Several of the models for which production has been halted due to FM modulator issues are in stock and shipping. Link: www.crutchfield.com(photos to follow) 8/03/2006 09:27:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
New Media Dock For Sirius Receivers
 Soloist Universal Media Dock for SIRIUS Receivers(posted on www.orbitcast.com) Introducing the new Soloist Universal Media Dock for the latest generation of SIRIUS Satellite Radio plug-and-play receivers. This beautiful "media dock" uses the patented SurfaceSound flat-panel speaker technology from NXT, powered by a 10-watt-per-channel Tripath amp. The Soloist, by Directed Electronics, employs SIRIUS' new universal connector which shares the same configuration with the SIRIUS Sportster 4 (pictured) and future SIRIUS receivers. Plus, it's compatable with the Apple iPod. Awesome. Soloist comes with a SIRIUS home antenna, remote control, AC power adapter, as well as a front panel AUX IN and headphone jack, rear panel AUX IN and OUT, rear panel USB port, and a built-in alarm clock, which will wake you up to the SIRIUS channel or iPod song of your choice. (Suggestion: Hard Attack. Perfect for mornings.) MSRP? Only $149. Available in September....Read more: HERE8/03/2006 09:12:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
XM Wearables, Inno and Helix, Highlighted In BusinessWeek
  AUGUST 14, 2006 TECHNOLOGY & YOU, BusinessWeek Taking XM Out For A StrollNew iPod challengers: Two pocket-size satellite radio players
TECH & YOU PODCAST Walking through the streets of New York recently, I tuned out the cacophony of honking horns and other big-city noises and listened to the soothing sounds of KT Tunstall, Good Charlotte, and other artists on XM Satellite Radio's ( XMSR ) Hitlist channel. Descending into the subway, I settled back with some MP3 dance tunes I had ripped to the same device earlier. Back in the office, I caught up on the day's top stories with the BBC World Service, glancing occasionally at the screen to keep track of a few stocks I've been watching.Not too long ago getting my day's media fix would have required carrying three devices. Now, with two new pocket-size satellite players -- the Pioneer Inno and Samsung Helix -- life has gotten a little easier. These are the latest players built on XM Satellite Radio's XM2go platform, and they're essentially the same device, save for a few cosmetic differences. Pioneer opted for a more industrial feel, with brushed metal and black accents; Samsung chose glossy black with silver accents. Each model crams a slew of useful functions into one 4.5-ounce device with a bright 1.7-inch color screen.These new players can set you on a voyage of discovery, and rediscovery. For $399 and a $13 monthly subscription, you can troll through 170 live channels of the satellite provider's programming, enjoying a blast from the past with an old Doors tune or keeping up with the latest hit from the Pussycat Dolls -- often delivered with CD-quality sound. Built-in memory lets you transfer to each device a few CDs' worth of your own MP3s or Windows-encoded music, or you can record up to 50 hours of XM content....Read more: HERE8/03/2006 09:04:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Whoopi Deals With O & A
Whoopi Confronts Opie & Anthony
August 3,2006, www.fmqb.comAfter four days of dealing with the Opie & Anthony "Pests" on her new morning show, Whoopi Goldberg found the best way to diffuse the situation: she walked into XM Satellite Radio's 57th Street studio and surprised the crew at the O&A show as she grabbed a microphone and sat down. What followed was a civil conversation between Goldberg and Opie & Anthony as they made nice over their criticism of her show and the attacks by the O&A Pests....Read more: HERE8/03/2006 03:30:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Our Newest Feature: Instant E-Mail Alerts
Tired of checking the blogs? Enter your e-mail address below, and you will receive instant alerts whenever a new article is posted on Satellite Standard. 8/03/2006 01:56:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Radio Shack On A Roll
 Out of favor Radio Shack (RSH) has quietly been making a come back. At a current price of $16.75, the stock is up more than 20% from a 52-week low of $13.73. With new management taking the reins, investors are encouraged by the possibilities of this "turn-around" situation. As a consumer, I was always put off by Radio Shack's image, which seems more about cables and connectors than cool gadgets. Given the choice, I would select Best Buy or Circuit City. However, Radio Shack has great convenience potential for those who don't want to brave the aisles of the super store floor plates. Great locations, visible staff and intimate store size are certainly marketing niches worth exploring when (and if) management tackles re-branding. 8/03/2006 11:12:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Apple Takes On Autos As Sirius and XM Take On Wearables
Apple announced today that it has expanded it's reach in the OEM sector, making deals with GM, Ford and Mazda to offer intergration of iPod with factory installed car stereos; simultaneously, XM and Sirius are in the early stages of marketing iPod-like wearable devices. A couple of quick points: Presumably, iPod auto integration devices will be optional, with an associated cost to consumers, so the question is: how much will this cost relative to satellite radio? Equipment costs should be comparable, so consumers may look at "maintenance" costs, ie, monthly subscription (less than $12.95/mo unlimited content) vs song downloads at $0.99 per song, potentially thousands of dollars to fill an iPod). Apple, through accessory manufacturers, has also had problems with the FCC regarding FM modulator strength. OEM device integration addresses this issue. Will satellite radio introduce a similar solution? If Apple is taking on the auto market as satellite radio takes on the wearable market, is convergence on the horizon? 8/03/2006 09:48:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Qwest Wireless To Offer Sirius
Qwest Offers New Wireless Music Phone with Advanced Streaming Multimedia Capabilities; New Handset Model Provides Music, Video, GPS Navigation, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and More
Last Update: 7:01 AM ET Aug 3, 2006 DENVER, Aug 03, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Qwest Communications International Inc. ( Q) today announced that Qwest Wireless(R) is offering a new wireless handset for music lovers on-the-go. The Samsung A920 is the first Qwest Wireless handset to support full-track music downloading through Qwest music service. In addition, the new handset enables the latest mobile multimedia capabilities, including high-quality streaming mobile video with dozens of broadcasts per day, global positioning system (GPS) navigation, Bluetooth(R) wireless technology, SIRIUS(R) satellite radio and Music on Demand through Sprint Power Vision(SM)...Read more: HERE8/03/2006 07:44:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, August 02, 2006 Mossberg Reviews The Verizon "Chocolate"
 Chocolate Cellphone Only Looks Sweet; Its Design Is Flawed August 3, 2006, Walter S. Mossberg, The Wall Street Journal If you needed any proof that cellphones today are often about everything but phone calls, Verizon Wireless this week made that case by releasing a phone called the Chocolate, produced by LG, the big Korean electronics company. The Chocolate can make and receive phone calls and text messages, but it's designed as a music player first. In fact, it was crafted to look like an Apple iPod, right down to its most prominent feature, a navigation wheel. Verizon is heavily hyping the Chocolate, hoping to capture some of the same sort of buzz that catapulted the iPod, and later Motorola's RAZR phone, into the status of cult-style accessories. The Chocolate will hit Verizon stores next week and is available at Verizon's site for $150. While the Chocolate may look like an iPod, however, it doesn't work like one. In fact, as a music player, it functions like an iPod designed by a committee. It's burdened by a ham-handed user interface and other failings that would get its designers fired at Apple. As a result, the Chocolate, which I've been testing for a week or so, isn't as good a music phone as, say, the Sony Ericsson Walkman phone....Read more: HERE8/02/2006 11:21:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
An Aggregation Of Analysts' Comments On Sirius Q2
Analysts' Comments On Sirius Q2 Start To Roll In This column will be updated throughout the day... Morgan Joseph ( http://www.briefing.com/, Aug 1): SIRI Sirius Satellite: Health of business shown through ability to execute in weak consumer environmentMorgan Joseph believes that SIRI remains the best positioned satellite radio provider following the co's solid 2Q06 results solid guidance. Surprisingly, firm believes that SIRI increased its Y06 subscriber guidance to 6.3 mln from 6.2 mln on the health of its business. Firm believes SIRI's ability to execute in a relatively weak consumer environment, when its primary competitor continues to stumble, reflects on the health of its business. Firm believes this momentum should continue heading into 2H06 and expect increasing original equipment manufacturer contribution going forward. Firm believes that SIRI remains sound operationally and it has been able to grab considerable satellite radio market share on the strength of its offering. Pacific Crest ( http://www.theflyonthewall/, Aug 1):Sirius Satellite Radio-SIRI subscriber estimates lowered, prefer XMSR@PACS The firm is lowering their subscriber estimates for SIRI due to retail weakness and continues to prefer XMSR. Standard & Poors ( http://www.businessweek.com,aug/ 1, 2006)Sirius Satellite Radio ( SIRI ) : Reiterates 5 STARS (strong buy) Analyst: Tuna Amobi, CPA and CFA After pre-announced strong second quarter net adds of 640,460, the second quarter loss of 16 cents before a penny one-time charge, vs. a 13 cents loss is in line with our estimate and a penny wider than the Street's. We see momentum at retail and Original Equipment Manufacturer channels. We note subscriber acquisition costs were a bit higher than we expected, but with in-line churn and potentially higher pricing power. Sirius Satellite Radio slightly raises its 2006 year-end subscriber target to 6.3 million from 6.2 million, potentially suggesting it sees no material product shipment delays due to a lingering Federal Communications Commission probe on emission limits for certain plug-and-plays. We will update. Reuters Research, Getting SiriusBy Marc Gerstein, Director of Research, www.reuters.com 02 Aug 2006Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. < SIRI.O> reminded Wall Street this week just how much of a subscriber-growth machine shock-jock Howard Stern's new home really is. In contrast to XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. < XMSR.O>, which tempered growth expectations last week, Sirius raised the bar, saying it expects its customer count to grow to 6.3 million by year-end, a shade higher than its previous 6.2 million target and up from nearly 4.4 million on June 30...(Read more: HERE) Barrington Research ( http://www.jagnotes.com/, Aug 2)SIRI: Outperform - The firm noted they continue its OUTPERFORM recommendation on SIRI.While the stock has traded down and remained characteristically volatile, we continue our positive view on thepotential for satellite radio and feel that Sirius' current momentum makes it a more attractive way to play this sector at the present time than XM. Morgan Keegan, (Live In Play, http://www.briefing.com/, Aug 2, 08:57) SMDI Sirenza Micro: SIRI report appears beneficial for SMDI satellite antenna biz - Morgan Keegan (9.27 )Morgan Keegan believes that SIRI's results and mgmt's healthy outlook bode well for SMDI, which supplies SIRI with satellite radio antennae. SIRI is an above 10% customer for the SMDI segment of Sirenza, which comprises roughly two-thirds of the co's revenue base. Stifel, (the flyonthewall.com 08/02/06. 7:31 AM)Sirius Satellite-SIRI quarter solid, OEM improvement encouraging-Buy@STFL (Stifel believes retail is not slowing as fast as the NPD data suggests sincethe data excludes Wal-Mart. $6.00 target maintained. Sanders Morris Harris ( http://www.theflyonthewall.com/, Aug 2, 2006, 9:17 AM)Sirius Satellite Radio-SIRI reiterate Hold, still cautious on costs@SMMIMerrill Lynch ( http://www.theflyonthewall.com/, Aug 2, 9:25 AM)Sirius-SIRI tgt to $7 from $9 due to mkt conditions, maintain Buy@MLCOMorgan Stanley (Realtimetraders.com, 06/02, 11:31 AM) Morgan Stanley Reiterates Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) At Overweight With $8 Price TargetMorgan Stanley Is Cutting Sirius Satellite Radio 2006 Estimate To -0.88 From -0.82Morgan Stanley Is Lowering Sirius Satellite Radio 2007 Estimate To -0.45 From-0.44 RBC Capital Markets (via Forbes.com,Mary Crane) Analyst Questions Sirius Lead Over XM, 08.02.06, 11:42 AM ETSirius Satellite is rapidly adding subscribers, but David Bank of RBC is maintaining his view that its valuation lead over rival XM Satellite Radio is unsustainable. The satellite radio broadcaster posted a loss in the second quarter of $237.8 million, wider than the year-ago deficit of $177.5 million, but it recorded a 158% year-over-year increase in subscriber additions, to 4.7 million, for the three month period. XM, buy contrast, has about 7 million subscribers, yet investors accord it an enterprise value of only $3.6 billion, while the trading price of Sirius stock plus its long-term debt is about $6.2 billion.Sirius Satellite, which signed shock jock Howard Stern and is rolling out an option for listeners to hear its broadcasts over the Internet, has recently had a higher public profile than XM, perhaps a reason for the higher market value. Yet XM has a bigger share of the factory-installed car radios and more clout with manufacturers, as well as more overall users.It cost Sirius about $131 in marketing and other costs to add each of those subscribers and the company experienced a 1.8% turnover rate in the quarter, but Bank said these were in line with Street expectations. The company’s modest increase in estimated subscribers at the end of the year, 6.3 million, up from an earlier 6.2 million, also was within expectations, Bank added.On the positive side, Bank said Sirius peformed well in the quarter, despite a government inquiry into some of its portable receivers, which retransmit satellite signals to car radios. The Federal Communications Commission had alleged that the units do not meet its emissions standards. All in all, Bank maintained a "sector perform" rating on Sirius and $6 price target. It rates XM "outperform." Goldman Sachs, Aug 02, 2006 2Q06 as expected, execution key in 2H06Sirius aligned targeted 2006E subs with consensus expectations by raising estimates to 6.3 mn from over 6.2 mn previously. The slightly higher sub target led Sirius to now expect 2006 revenue of $615 mn versus $600 mn, an unchanged EBITDA loss of $565mn and with other shifts, a greater use of FCF at ($500 mn) versus ($480 mn) as of the Mays 1Q conference call and ($370 mn) as of Februarys 4Q 2005 conference call. Sirius targets imply $400 mn of incremental revenue while EBITDA is expected to remain flat relative to 2005; highlighting the rising costs of growth as industry net additions did not grow y/y in 2Q06. Incorporating the lower cash flow expectations and now including new satellite capex in 2008, we have lowered our DCF-driven SIRI price target to $4 from $4.50. 8/02/2006 09:18:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Howard Stern "Classic" Update
 Howard Stern Classic Tapes To Debut This Fall posted by www.siriusfannetwork.com, link: HERE
Wednesday, 02 August 2006 Over the past few months there has been widespread speculation concerning when The Howard Stern Tapes (Classic Stern) would make its debut on Sirius. From Father's Day, to July 4th, the rumor mill has been churning with speculation since May. That's when Sirius first announced they had acquired Howard Stern's Radio Show archive from CBS. The tapes span from 1985 through 2005 and represent more than 23,000 hours of Stern's terrestrial radio shows.The good news is "History Repeats Itself" and Sirius appears to be committing to a fall '06 launch of "Classic Stern." 8/02/2006 08:53:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
What Cramer Said Today on RealMoney Radio
RealMoney Radio: P&G Protection8/2/2006 2:06 PM EDT Cramer said that if he could talk to one CEO right now, it would be Sirius Satellite Radio's ( SIRI - commentary - Cramer's Take) Mel Karmazin. It's time for Sirius Satellite to make a bid for XM Satellite Radio ( XMSR - commentary - Cramer's Take), he said. The two companies are paying too much money competing against one another and Cramer believes merging the two would allow Sirius to raise its prices, dictate its auto prices, and get into retail with a vengeance. In addition, he said Sirius Satellite should move now, before XM Satellite becomes stronger and gets competitive again. If they go through with the merger right now, Cramer predicted Sirius will go from $4 to $8, he said....Read more: HERE8/02/2006 03:27:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Does The "Dogs Of The Dow" Theory Apply To The Nasdaq...?
The Dogs Of The NasdaqGeorge Putnam, Turnaround Letter, www.forbes.com 08.02.06, 12:40 PM ET, BOSTON - Stock market volatility has increased in recent months. In most areas of the market, this volatility went in both directions, up and down. But in one area, the largest Nasdaq-listed stocks, most of the volatility has been downward. The Nasdaq 100 index has the worst performance so far this year of any of the major U.S. stock market indices, losing more than 10% through July 27. There is very little about investor behavior that we are willing to try to predict. However there is one thing we are very sure of: Investor behavior and preferences will change. And this change can be rapid and dramatic. Frequently, the worst performers in one period will become the best performers in the next period. Therefore, we thought it might be profitable to look at the biggest losers on the Nasdaq 100--in other words, the worst performers in the worst index. These are all large companies, and most of them have good business franchises and good balance sheets. It’s just that investors hate them right now.... ...Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio Holdings, the two satellite radio companies, seem to go in and out of favor with investors quite regularly, and they are definitely out of favor right now, especially XM. Neither company is anywhere near making money, and so they are hard to value, but the product seems to be getting traction in the market place. Either stock could get back into investors’ good graces at almost any time.... Read more: HERE8/02/2006 01:27:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
A Summary Of Today's Auto News
This column will be updated throughout the day... Ford to Review Its Ailing Brands,Explore AlliancesCEO, Under Board Pressure,Hires New Strategy Adviser;An Urgent Review of Jaguar By JEFFREY MCCRACKENAugust 2, 2006; Page A1, Wall Street Journal Ford Motor Co. is launching a strategic review of ailing operations such as the Jaguar brand that could lead to the sale of assets or broader alliances with other companies, according to people familiar with the situation. Spearheading the effort for the nation's No. 2 auto maker will be a newly hired strategic adviser, Kenneth Leet, a former investment banker who led mergers and acquisitions teams at Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. Mr. Leet is reporting to Ford Chairman and Chief Executive Bill Ford, who is under board pressure to take more dramatic steps in his restructuring efforts amid the company's widening losses, according to people close to the situation...(Read more: HERE) GM Says SaleOf GMAC FacesPossible DelayBy JOHN D. STOLL and DAMIAN PALETTA, August 2, 2006; Page A7, Wall Street Journal General Motors Corp. said the $14 billion sale of its financing arm, a deal considered crucial to its turnaround efforts, could be delayed by federal banking regulators. The Detroit auto giant and Cerberus Capital Management, the investment firm leading the group that agreed to acquire General Motors Acceptance Corp. in April, said they are working to avoid a delay. The agreement can be terminated if not completed by the end of March. GM said it doesn't expect a delay to threaten the deal, which it had said it expects to close in the fourth quarter. GM also said it is widening by $200 million its second-quarter net loss because of a change in tax provisions related to the sale. GM now says it had a $3.4 billion loss in the period, but its previously reported $1.2 billion operating profit is unchanged. The potential delay stems from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s decision Friday to put a moratorium until Jan. 31 on all applications for banking charters by nonbank companies. Such charters to form what are known as "industrial banks" are used by some companies for limited purposes, though others use the charters to accept deposits and make loans...(Read more: HERE) Toyota’s U.S. Sales Edge Past Ford’sBy MICHELINE MAYNARD and FARA WARNER, Aug 2, 2006, New York Times DETROIT, Aug. 1 — The Japanese auto giant Toyota passed the struggling Ford Motor Company in July to rank as the second-biggest-selling auto company in the United States, behind General Motors, sales figures showed Tuesday. And in another development that lifted automotive eyebrows, Honda, another Japanese company, outsold DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler group last month for the first time. In all, Detroit companies fell to their lowest market share in history last month, just 52 percent, as their lineups, laden with pickups and S.U.V.’s, failed to attract American buyers seeking fuel-efficient models in the face of high gasoline prices...(Read more: HERE) 8/02/2006 06:31:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
XMSR And Google Team Up For Targeted Advertising
  XM Satellite Radio and Google Deliver Targeted Advertising to Satellite Radio Listeners; Partnership Will Connect XM Satellite Radio's Audience to Google's Expansive Network of Advertisers(Business Wire 08/02 06:01:01), Business Editors / High-Tech Editors MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2006-- Google, Inc., (NASDAQ:GOOG) today announced that it has reached an agreement with XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than seven million subscribers,(NASDAQ:XMSR) to introduce and make available commercial advertising inventory on XM's non-music channels to Google's extensive advertisingbase through its dMarc media network ( http://www.dmarc.net/). As part of thedeal, Google advertisers will now have a simple, automated way toreach XM's millions of subscribers nationwide and XM will have accessto Google's large and small advertisers to offer relevant, targetedmessages to their subscribers. After months of trials, the newplatform is now in full production for dMarc advertisers. GoogleAdWords' customers will be able to place terrestrial and satellite radio spots when the dMarc platform is integrated into AdWordstargeted for fourth quarter of this year... Read more: HERE8/02/2006 06:07:00 AM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Q2 Conference Call: Sirius Comments On Impact Of XMSR's Oprah Launch In September
  On the Q2 earnings conference call, James Dix of Deutsche Bank asks: "In the fourth quarter, are you assuming a better than parity share this quarter? One follow-up on that would be your competitor certainly expected an impact last fourth quarter from your launch of Howard Stern. What impact do you expect from their launch of Oprah in September?"
Mel Karmazin answers: "Yes, we fully expect to have more than parity share at retail in the fourth quarter. By the way, we see no signs that that is not the case and that is not going to happen. We were particularly focused on looking at what happened in the second quarter because again, our competitor has baseball. If content were going to drive a subscriber, baseball in that second quarter -- much like the NFL in the fourth quarter -- would be a driver. So we see no reason to believe that we won't have better than parity, which means better than 50%. Jim Meyer adds: Just one thing to add on the content side in relation to Oprah. We feel, as Mel mentioned, not only is the programming strong but with women we have very strong exclusive women's programming that is on a consistent 24/7 basis, whether it is the Martha Stewart channels, the Cosmopolitan channel, now the launch of the Barbara Walters specials, Candace Bushnell's show mixed with other assets that are very significant to women, whether it is our music programming, Howard Stern, and other assets. So we feel we are very pleased with where we are versus that demo. Secondly, our exclusivity as opposed to what you can and can't get on TV and other places is a factor that we feel confident with." Additionally, Billboard Radio Monitor points out that:Howard Stern is “mobilized for an aggressive campaign in the fourth quarter to bring on some of the fans that he didn’t get” from traditional radio last year, Sirius Satellite CEO Mel Karmazin said while delivering his company's Q2 results on Tuesday (Aug. 1). It’s a tactic Karmazin said he couldn’t use a year ago, since Stern wasn’t under contract yet, but that he plans to exploit this year to help achieve a total subscribership level of 6.3 million by the end of 2006.Sirius also has the National Football League games as another major enticement for prospective subscribers. Stern and football are two crucial players for Sirius this holiday season to help the company build a competitive edge in the retail market against rival satcaster XM. Karmazin wouldn’t give any details about the planned marketing campaign, other than to say “The best salesman on radio is going to be selling for us this holiday season.” 8/01/2006 01:46:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
SSG is not a Financial Advisor. Read Disclosure: HERE
--------------------------------------------------------
Q2 Conference Call: Mel Comments On NAB Request For Recall Of Products
 Regarding the FCC and the FM Modulator issue, on the Q2 earnings conference call, Laraine Mancini of Merrill Lynch asked: "Also this morning I saw some stuff saying the NAB is now requesting a recall of products that are on the shelf not sold yet for the FM modulation issue. Is there any precedent that the FCC has done anything like this before? Do you think there is a risk of that happening?" Mel Karmazin answered: "I mentioned a little bit about the NAB before. There have really been no history of any recalls in that area. As I also mentioned to you, there are very few bona fide complaints regarding any of the interference. It is also our belief that a recall would not be in the public interest at all, especially when we have a variety of other solutions which can be implemented more quickly and without consumer disruption. So we again think the NAB is rattling its saber, but we continue to believe that there would been nothing served if in fact there was any sort of a recall and we have not heard any of that out of the SAC. The only place we have seen it is really from the NAB." Link to Transcript: HERE8/01/2006 01:16:00 PM
SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here
| |
