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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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