Tuesday, October 31, 2006 The Other Side Of The Street
 October 31, 2006 Today Frank Curzio of TheStreet.com wrote a modified version of his piece titled “Sirius Reservations”. The new piece is titled “Sirius Shares May Fall Back To Earth”. Mr. Curzio claims that the new piece was penned to clarify and support his position. The first problem here is that readers have to pay to read a corrected article, although they will offer a free trial. Well, SSG readers can see OUR point/counterpoint dissection of the Curzio piece for free. We here at SSG do accept contributions through PayPal should people rather send money our way..... I wonder if we will generate more revenue than the latest Curzio piece Curzio
“Over the past few months, Wall Street’s main concern has been focused on subscriber growth.”
SSG
This is not really the case. The focus shifted from subscriber growth to financial metrics and Cash Flow Break Even. The subscriber number focus gets attention, but the REAL FOCUS is on the numbers.
Curzio
“Last year, the company said it expected to have 6.3 million total subscribers by the end of 2006, but given its second- and third-quarter net new subscriber additions, we believe this number may be too optimistic. Shareholders seem to agree, as the stock is trading near its 52-week low.”
SSG
Actually the 6.3 million number did not come up until this year. Up until the Q1 conference call, the number was at 6.1 million. The second and third quarter subscriber numbers were 600,640 and 441,101 respectively, and both quarters came in above analyst expectations. For Q3 early expectations were a bit above 500,000, but were revised as the quarter drew to a close. Sirius getting 6.3 million subscribers by years end may look like a tall order, but Mel K. has delivered on all targets since he came on board.
Curzio
“Considering the average number of net additions in the previous two quarters, we believe it will be very difficult for Sirius to pull in as many as 1.2 million net new subscribers -- albeit during the holiday season -- in just three months.”
SSG
The average number of subscribers for Q2 and Q3 have little to do with Q4. There are many things that Mr. Curzio could have considered that would have carried much more weight than an average from the previous two quarters. There is brand awareness that is higher now than it was last year…..there is a Ford ramp-up that exists this year and was in its infancy last year……there is now Sirius internet Radio fresh off of a two day promotion that gave Sirius exposure to millions on a global basis and delivers CD quality music and Howard Stern over the net…..there is the transition of NASCAR from XM to Sirius. There is the fact that Sirius is more aggressively marketing the friends and family plan. These are ALL conditions that did not exist last year, and any one of them is more compelling reasoning than the “average of the past two quarters”. Perhaps it is a case of these situations not matching up with the agenda.
Curzio
“However, Sirius reiterated its guidance on its latest earnings conference call, leading us to believe that heavy discounts in the radio service could be just around the corner. This would increasingly hurt profit margins and could cause further losses down the road.”
SSG
Yes, Sirius did reiterated subscriber guidance at the last conference call. They also reiterated it in the press release where they announced Q3 subscribers just a few weeks ago. It is right there at the bottom of the press release if you read that far down in your research. You then state that you believe that heavy discounts in radio service are possible. The service is rarely discounted unless the subscriber pre-pays for several months in advance. If discounts are given they are usually done in the form of rebates. Some promotions may well happen, but “heavy discounts” are not very likely. Mel K. likes to keep revenue, and likes to keep as much as possible.
Curzio
“However, Sirius' operating expenses are roughly $1 billion annually, and it has not reported a single quarter of operating income or operating cash flow. Given that, investors must size up Sirius' growth prospects going forward -- and they don't look good.”
SSG
Take a few minutes to read some analyst reports and you will see that operating expenses are not $1 billion annually, and further are not projected to be in that range going forward. This equity is not really about the “here and now”, it is fast becoming about the prospects that are now just a couple of years down the road.
Curzio
The first hurdle is competition. XM Satellite, Sirius' chief rival, has more total subscriptions, as well as lower costs per subscriber because it uses smaller chips in its radio units.
SSG
Yes, XM has more subscribers than does Sirius. The number does not matter as much as the revenue generated from subscribers, and further, the amount of revenue that the services get to keep. Some subscribers carry with them a much larger revenue share than others. Additionally, Curzio fails to even mention who has been getting all of the Year Over Year growth in satellite radio. For all of 2006, EVERY bit of Year Over Year Growth has fallen to Sirius. This is a pretty telling statistic, but it must not have fit the agenda, and thus was not included. Now to address cost per subscriber. This metric can not be accurately compared between the two companies because of the structures of various deal, marketing payroll, and other items. Additionally, the size of the chip has little to do with the cost. Cost per subscriber or SAC is not a GAAP method, and thus the companies can report this cost however they see fit. The companies can also structure deals in such a way as to give the appearance of low SAC. This is why prudent investors NEVER take SAC on face value, and ALWAYS look at other metrics as well. PRUDENT investors also know fully well that the direct comparison of SAC of Sirius and XM is a fruitless exercise.. By example, a deal that brings a company the bulk of their subs, has high up front costs (non-SAC), low subsidy costs (SAC) and high revenue share (non-SAC) will do wonders for your SAC figures…….But you need to look at the impact that the other components are having in other areas of the financials.
Curzio“Also, consider that Apple has stepped into the satellite radio auto market by signing deals with automakers to put iPods into cars. This could further cut into Sirius' subscriber growth going forward.”
SSG
The first phase of the Apple program boils down to an AUX-IN jack. Works with I-Pod, Zen, Zune, as well as satellite radio. Additionally, you need to hear music at some point prior to deciding to pay 99 cents to buy the song. You then have the downloading process, etc. Satellite radio is more user frienly.
Curzio
“In addition, Howard Stern's five-year, $500 million deal -- which enkindled so much buzz for Sirius -- no longer looks like the kind of success story that the radio satellite company needs. Stern's ad sales are down, and his celebrity guest bookings are almost nonexistent, and traffic on his Web site is down as well.”
SSG
Stern has done very well for Sirius. This is evidenced in the subscriber numbers and market share numbers that have been all in favor of Sirius for the past 13 months. Of course, if you want to argue that Stern is a non-factor, then you should cite what it is about Sirius that is causing them to have such a distinct advantage in the satellite radio sector in terms of retail sales. Sterns ad rates have been reported to be down from his days on content challenged radio. This was not unexpected. Mel K. has stated that ad sales will be about 10% of revenue. It looks like that is yet another Mel K. target that is being met or exceeded. Additionally, as the subacriber base grows the ad rates will improve.
The guest bookings of Stern have been fine. From Trump, to Sam Simon, to Shatner, to Rivers and the many bands, the guests have been great. Perhaps you could cite the guests you wanted to see.
Sterns web traffic is a story that came out from a site in the middle of summer. Stern himself has refuted the data. If you take a moment to look at web hits for the most recent promotion, you will clearly see that there is still a healthy demand for Stern.
Curzio
“There have also been rumors in the media that Stern will return to FM radio (while continuing to work on satellite radio), which could cause some Sirius subscribers to defect back to traditional radio.”
SSG
Perhaps you were out of the country, and even though you claim to be a fan of Stern’s, you may have missed it, but Stern himself has refuted these rumors several times, and further, Sirius even issued a Press release refuting this rumor. This is the rumor that already had one writer canned from his job. The rumor was just that, a rumor. Prudent investors may speculate on rumor, but it often does not pan out. If you are hoping to see $3 on this equity, the Stern to content challenged radio one wont work.
Curzio
“On average, approximately nine analysts cover each stock in the communications industry vs. 33 analysts for Sirius, according to Thomson First Call. However, we found only one firm with a sell rating on Sirius. This is surprising, especially considering the stock lost 50% of its value in just eight months and is trading at its 52-week low. And if the company fails to meet year-end subscriber estimates, this may open up the door for some downgrades.”
SSG
The stock is at a 52 week low, but the company is on the cusp of reaching Cash Flow break Even, and maintaining it. Most analysts, and prudent investors realize that CFBE carries more weight than the subscriber numbers. Should Sirius reach CFBE and show that they can maintain it, do you think analysts would downgrade on a subscriber miss? A few will, sure, but there are also those out there that think Howard is returning to content challenged radio. Further, there have been several upgrades this year, and look what that has done for the stock price. The bet is on the financials…..not the subscribers.
Curzio
“One wild card, however, would play in Sirius' favor. Last year, rumors of a possible merger between Sirius and XM surfaced but were quickly squashed by both chief executives, Mel Karmazin at Sirius and Hugh Panero at XM. Even if the two CEOs were in agreement, regulatory issues would have also been a factor, as these companies were the two largest players in the field. But now that Apple has entered the mix, we believe a merger between the pair makes sense. The synergies of the combined company would save money in the long run, which has been a major problem for both Sirius and XM.”
SSG
AHHHHHH…..we get down to the merger talk. This is the mantra of Jim Cramer. This article would not be complete without the merger talk. I agree, as does anyone that looks at the issue that a merger would be very positive. I also agree that the entertainment delivery arena has many new players involved and Apple is among them. So you went through all of this to get to the point that Crammer has been screaming about for months…..merger.There are indeed many who are applying downward pressure on Sirius as well as XM. There are also millions who joined the ranks of satellite radio this year, and they are a passionate bunch. They have experienced the service, and see the value in it. The subscriber base grows every day, and the costs come down every day.You had mentioned 33 analysts that followed this equity. My question for you is whether or not you read anyones reports but Jacoby's? 10/31/2006 10:20:00 PM
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TheStreet.com Seems to Be Trying Hard
 October 31, 2006 TheStreet.com seems to be trying very hard to get out anything negative about Sirius these days. On October 30, they released (to subscribers) a story titled "Sirius Reservations" which was an opinionated piece focusing on perceived negative aspects of investing in Sirius. The piece had several sections regarding rumors, and even went so far as to re-kindle a Stern-to-terrestrial model, which was outright denied by both Stern and Sirius only a month ago. On October 31st they re-released the same story to a much wider and free distribution. Sirius stock remained in the green despite the article. Now, after the close, they have a new article titled "Sirius Shares May Fall To Earth", which you have to pay for to read. I saved my money, because I know it is likely more of the same, and perhaps has even less research put into it. Will this article become free tomorrow?????? If the stock stays green, it may well be issued. I am not trying to perpetuate a conspiracy here, but something seems to be compelling The Street.com to keep the negative pressure applied to Sirius. 10/31/2006 04:28:00 PM
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Sirius Soloist Arrives at Retailers
 October 31, 2006 The much anticipated Sirius Solist is now arriving at retailers. The device features the "Universal Dock" which enables the same unit to be used with several models of Sirius receivers and will even work with an I-Pod. The Soloist also feature NXT's flat speaker technology, offing high quality sound with a sleek and moder appearance. If you are considering an additional accessory for your Sirius receiver, the Solist is a good choice. TSS Radio has some Solists in stock. You can order a Soloist by visiting TSS Radio. 10/31/2006 04:01:00 PM
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What A Surprise! RealMoney.com Negative On Sirius (Yesterday)
October 31, 2006  Stocks Under $10 Sirius ReservationsBy Frank CurzioRealMoney.com Contributor10/31/2006 11:08 AM Editor's note: This Stocks Under $10 alert was originally sent to subscribers Oct. 30 at 1:34 p.m. EST. It's being republished as a bonus for TheStreet.com and RealMoney.com readers. It seems like just yesterday that Howard Stern announced he was leaving terrestrial radio to begin broadcasting his show on commercial-free Sirius Satellite (SIRI) . Sirius shares traded up to $8 in December 2005 on the news, but then quickly began a downward trend to their current level around $3.79. But even at this price, are shares worth buying? At the current price Sirius still has a market capitalization of $5.4 billion, so don't let the low price of the shares fool you. Sirius is still a big company and has one of the largest market caps of stocks in the under $10 universe. Also, the company's debt is more than $1 billion, and analysts do not expect Sirius to make a profit until after 2008. ...read more: here10/31/2006 02:28:00 PM
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Pioneer Announces Next-Gen In-Dash Nav System
 October 31, 2006Next Generation Pioneer In-Dash Navigation System Headed in the Right Direction: Adding Features to Increase Consumer Appeal
Pioneer AVIC-D3 Enhances Navigation, Entertainment and Connectivity Features LAS VEGAS, Oct 31, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- With the navigation market expected to increase 163 percent in 2007, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. will continue to lead the in-dash category with the AVIC-D3, a new product that combines features of navigation, entertainment, and connectivity for maximum consumer appeal. The full-featured route guidance system offers nearly 11 million points of interest, XM NavTraffic(R) integration, voice prompting and telephone number search. For entertainment, the AVIC-D3 offers MP3, WMA, AAC, DivX(R) and DVD-video disc playback. It also provides iPod(R) Direct connection for fast and easy control of iPod audio and video players and expanded Bluetooth(R) capabilities for hands-free cellular phone conversations and wireless audio streaming. "On top of navigation, an in-dash system changes the driving experience altogether by introducing new media for entertainment and better integration of commonly used portable devices into the vehicle," said Karen Rubin, director of marketing and product planning for navigation products at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "The AVIC-D3 offers the right mix of function and design to get consumers excited and continue the growth of the in-dash navigation category." XM and SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio are available options, in addition to other attached components such as iPod or music players with mini input jacks....read more: here
The AVIC-D3 will be available in March 2007 with a retail price to be determined at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show. 10/31/2006 01:12:00 PM
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XM To Launch Andretti Green Racing Show
 October 31, 2006XM Radio to Launch Exclusive Andretti Green Racing ShowWASHINGTON, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading satellite radio company with more than 7 million subscribers, announced today that the Andretti Green Racing (AGR) team will host "The Andretti Green Racing Hour," exclusively on XM Satellite Radio beginning February 2007. XM is the official satellite radio network of the Indy Racing League and broadcasts every IndyCar Series race live and nationwide. "The Andretti Green Racing Hour" will be a one-hour weekly program featuring drivers from the Andretti Green team, as well as Michael Andretti, co-owner of Andretti Green Racing and open wheel racing legend. ...read more: here10/31/2006 12:53:00 PM
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Hertz Canada Selects Sirius
 October 31, 2006Hertz Canada Selects SIRIUS Canada as Exclusive Satellite Radio Partner for Rental Vehicles
Canada's Leading Satellite Radio Provider Will Be Available in Hertz Canada Rental Vehicles Beginning October 31, 2006 TORONTO, Oct 31, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- SIRIUS Canada and Hertz Canada today announced the availability of SIRIUS Satellite Radio at three (3) major Hertz airport rental locations in Canada. With SIRIUS Satellite Radio in their Hertz rental vehicle, customers will be able to experience Canada's premium 110-channel lineup featuring the best programming and the most commercial-free music available on satellite radio in Canada. Beginning October 31, Hertz and SIRIUS will offer satellite radio at airport rental locations in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. SIRIUS will be offered in a range of Hertz's rental vehicles including the Ford Escape, Chevy HHR, Hummer H3, Ford Explorer Ltd., Pontiac G6, Pontiac Montana and Toyota Camry for a nominal fee. Additional major Canadian markets will be rolled out thereafter. In total, Hertz offers SIRIUS in thousands of vehicles at more than 58 airport locations in North America. ...read more: here10/31/2006 12:20:00 PM
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Am Tech: XMSR Shares Could Trade Higher Into Year-End
October 31, 2006XM Satellite Radio-XMSR could see a year-end bounce-Neutral@AMTR - Am Tech(theflyonthewall.com 10/31 09:24:16) Am Tech believes shares could trade higher into year-end given the weakness over the past two years but they do not have enough conviction to upgrade the stock. 10/31/2006 12:17:00 PM
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Morgan Stanley On XMSR & SIRI: Expect Trends & Catalysts To Drive Shares Higher
 October 31, 2006XMSR & SIRI expect trends & catalysts to drive shares higher-OW@MSCO - (theflyonthewall.com 10/31 09:18:14) The analyst expects shares of XMSR & SIRI to be driven by sub adds due to OEM penetration, sees SIRI reaching positive FCF in 2007 & XMSR in 2008, and modest retail gross adds in 2007. The firm has lowered Q4 subs for both and SIRI's target to $7 from $8. 10/31/2006 09:26:00 AM
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Apple Goes For The "Low Hanging" Fruit
 October 31, 2006 Apple's New iPod shuffle Available Worldwide This FridayMost Wearable iPod Ever
CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple's new iPod® shuffle, the world's smallest digital music player, will be available in Apple's retail stores and Apple® Authorized Resellers this Friday, November 3. Nearly half the size of the original, the new iPod shuffle is just half a cubic inch in volume, weighs just half an ounce and features a minimal aluminum design with a built-in clip, making it the most wearable iPod ever. The new iPod shuffle contains one gigabyte of flash memory which holds up to 240 songs, and is priced at just $79....read more: here10/31/2006 09:23:00 AM
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Directed Electronics To Suppy Digital HD Receivers ("SatRad Ready"?)
 October 31, 2006Directed Electronics to Supply Digital HD Radio(TM) Receivers to Retailers Across the United StatesMonday October 30, 4:10 pm ET, VISTA, Calif., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Directed Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DEIX - News) holds number one market share positions in premium home theater loudspeakers, consumer branded vehicle security systems, and aftermarket satellite radio receivers. Directed is also a major supplier of mobile audio and video whose portfolio of well-known brands includes Polk Audio, Viper, Definitive Technology, Python, Orion, Precision Power, and Astroflex. The company announced today that it plans to supply digital HD Radio(TM) receivers to its retail customers starting in December 2006...read more: here10/31/2006 09:20:00 AM
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Just Released: Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook
 October 31, 2006Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook
PRE- ORDER NOW! ITEM WILL SHIP ON ITS RELEASE DATE,OCT 31ST, 2006 Whether your home is small or large, an apartment in the city or a country cottage, it is a space that should be at once beautiful and livable. The key to that is managing the upkeep without feeling flustered. Until now, there has never been a comprehensive resource that not only tells how to care for your home and everything in it, but that also simplifies the process by explaining just when. With secrets from Martha Stewart for accomplishing the most challenging homekeeping tasks with ease, this detailed and comprehensive book is the only one you will need to help you keep your home looking its best, floor to ceiling, room by room....read more: here10/31/2006 08:52:00 AM
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Radio Expanding On Web-Based Distribution
Public Radio Goes Global Over the Web
By SARAH MCBRIDE, October 31, 2006; Page B1, The Wall Street Journal Browsing through the iTunes Music Store last summer, Larissa Bryan stumbled across podcasts of "To the Point," a public-radio talk show that airs on KCRW, based in Santa Monica, Calif. Through such podcasts, Ms. Bryan, who works for a multinational eyeglass-lens company, has become a devotee of the program -- even though she currently lives in Beijing. Ms. Bryan is one of the reasons that KCRW, one of the nation's largest public radio stations, experienced a big jump in its online audience starting last year. Tens of thousands of new listeners were checking out its online stream, and most of them weren't anywhere near the station's Southern California home. The company credits some of its audience boost to iTunes' year-old podcast directory. But many fans are discovering other KCRW offerings by clicking on the link to the station, which is known for talk shows and championing eclectic music. (One of the station's shows, for example, focuses on "criminally overlooked tunes, hidden gems, [and] guilty pleasures.") KCRW online had 760,000 unique visitors in October, according to Google Analytics, a Web analysis service. At this time last year, the number was about 585,000. That puts the online audience well over the terrestrial audience of almost 600,000....read more: here10/31/2006 08:48:00 AM
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Why Doesn't The NAB Utilize Their Resources On Real Violations...?
Scams Use Leased Radio TimeTo Target Immigrant ListenersForeign-Language Programs Often Go Unscrutinized,Until Complaints Arise Ponzi Scheme or Variety Show? By JENNIFER LEVITZ, October 31, 2006; Page A1, The Wall Street Journal Rick Santos, manager of WLQY-AM in Miami, says he thought the popular Creole program that aired six days a week on his radio station was a "musical variety show." It was actually part of a fraud, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Scam artists used the radio for two years to promote an investment scheme that ensnared 631 Haitian immigrants and cost them nearly $6 million, a federal court ruled after an SEC complaint. Fidelina Cuevas "I didn't understand what they were doing," says Mr. Santos, who doesn't speak Creole. "I found out about it afterward." Fraudsters seeking to take advantage of immigrants are finding an easy route via radio stations that lease blocks of air time to anyone willing to pay. Some of these stations are part of major foreign-language media chains, such as market leader Univision Communications Inc. Yet station managers say they make little effort to check the bona fides of the people they allow on the air. The practice of "time brokerage" is more likely to lead to deception than traditional advertising because those buying the time often disguise their pitches as regular programming. In Kansas and New Jersey, people pretending to be lawyers bought time for Spanish-language shows offering immigration advice, which served as promotions for their bogus law practices. Time brokerage is appealing to radio-station owners because they can receive $150 to $500 an hour for air time with little effort. Buyers of time "come in, perform their act and leave," says Bill Parris, a consultant for MultiCultural Radio Broadcasting Inc. The New York City company owns about 45 stations whose air time is all brokered. In a wave of radio industry consolidation, media chains have been snapping up FM stations with good signals, leaving a pool of small AM stations that can still be bought for relatively little....read more: here10/31/2006 08:45:00 AM
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Stiletto and Inno Head to Head Part 1
 October 31, 2006 I have seen reviews of the Sirius Stiletto and the Pioneer Inno, but have yet to see a detailed head to head comparison. With that in mind I decided to put these units through their paces. I would like to express that both the inno and the Stiletto are very nice and very capable devices. If you are an XM fan, then the Inno will serve you very well. Likewise for the Stiletto if you are a Sirius fan. Personally, I do not find myself needing the wearable function very often. Most of my listening is done in the car. Additionally, many aspects of reviews are subject to opinion. What I may find nice, someone else will dislike. I will make every effort to be objective in the reviews and comments. This review will take a few evenings, and results each day will be posted. Results that I experience will not be typical across the country. I live in the northeast, and the nearest satellite radio repeater (Sirius or XM) is over 50 miles away from me. SIZE
These units are both very portable, and both can easily be carried or worn by a user. The Inno smaller and thinner, but is a bit wider. Both units weigh 4.7 ounces. The Inno is actually 1 gram lighter, coming in at 132 grams as compared to 133 grams for the Stilleto. The edge in this category would go to the Inno specifically for the thickness of the unit. Because it is a bit slimmer, it can more easily be stowed away by the user.  FIT AND FINISHBoth the Inno and the Stiletto feel like quality built units. For this category, the Stiletto wins out for a few obvious reasons. The volume control and the power button on the Stiletto look nicer with a chrome finish, and sleeker design. The Inno volume and power controls are black plastic. The sleek black look of the Stiletto is also sharper than the brushed aluminum look of the Inno. Additionally, the brushed aluminum plate does not fit into the face of the device flushly. This leaves an edge that while not sharp, is obvious to the touch. Ironically this condition exists on the left and right face, but not the bottom of the face. On the plus side for the Inno, the brushed  aluminum is not as susceptible to fingerprints as the Stiletto The antenna comparison is also quite obvious. The Inno sports an antenna that is quite obvious, and sticks out of the top of the unit. The stiletto design, while it is clear that it is an antenna, blends into the unit much more nicely. The designers of the stiletto  incorporated the antenna into the desin, while the inno design appears much more "walkie-talkie" like and utilitarian The Stiletto looks modern and contemporary and the Inno looks more classical and sturdy. SCREENS
This category is clearly in the camp of the Stiletto. The Stiletto screen is much larger than that of the Inno. In addition, the screen resolution is far better on the Stiletto. It is like comparing a standard television to an HD television, or for video game buffs, Atari vs. X-Box. With the Inno you can clearly see the dots that make up the graphics. With the Stiletto, the graphics are much more smooth and detailed. The combination of a bigger screen and better resolution make reading the Stiletto much easier than reading the Inno. When navigating with these screens, I found it much easier to read the Stilettos screen. I do like the color logos that the Inno shows in channel menus. I find it ironic that the Inno displays 4 channels on a smaller screen while the Stiletto shows 3. The flipping screen from vertical to horizontal for the Inno is a pretty cool feature. It would have been better if the home and car kits allowed the device to be mounted in either direction. Personally, I like the vertical mounting option in my car, but the ability to have a choice would be a pretty cool feature. NAVIGATION AND INTERFACE
Both the Stiletto and the Inno are easy to navigate, but I would give the edge to the Stiletto and the Zing interface. The Inno uses four directional buttons with a central select button. The Stiletto uses a media dial which is double duty in that it also has directional buttons and a central select button. With the Stiletto, you control how fast you scroll buy the speed at which you spin your thumb. With the Inno, there are two speeds unless you click real fast.  I like the fact that the Inno has your presets as a category when scrolling through genres. With the Stiletto, you need to take what I would consider an additional step to get to presets. Getting to various components and options with the Stiletto is easier and faster than with the Inno. The Zing interface is quite impressive. RECEPTION IN THE HOUSE WITHOUT HEADPHONE ANTENNA
This one is real simple. Neither the Inno or the Stiletto work in live mode inside my house. There are two areas where I can get both devices to work, but they are next to windows. Next I hooked the devices up to a home kit indoors with an antenna. With both devices, I was able to obtain a signal in my family room with the antenna placed on to of my entertainment center. Reception was better if I place the antenna near a window. The Inno seemed to get more “bars” than did the stiletto, but being a digital signal, 1 bar is all you need. An antenna placed outside provided great reception for both. Indoor reception is where the WIFI option stands out. I get perfect reception throughout my house, and in my main yard in WIFI mode. This gives me the option of using the Stiletto as a wearable device within my home. I can not do this with the Inno. I do happen to be a Direct TV subscriber, so I can get XM indoors with relative ease, but this review is about the Stiletto and Inno, and thus for my use, the Stiletto wins in this category due to the WIFI function. One item to note is that you need a wireless network to use this function. WALKING OUTDOORS WITH STANDARD ANTENNAAgain, I want to stress that I do not live near any repeaters, and that different locations in the country will produce different results. For this test, I used one unit at a time and held the device at chest height and about 8 inches away from my body. I walked to the end of my driveway and back to the house (a bit over ½ mile). I should also make it clear that my property is wooded and the driveway is tree lined. I addition, being on the coast, I live only slightly above sea level.  In the standard ear-bud headphone configuration for the walk to my mailbox, neither device was impressive. First I used the Inno. On the walk out, the longest I could keep reception was 20 seconds, and there were a couple of occasions where I had no sound at all for 15 seconds at a time. On the walk back, there was marked improvement. I was able to keep reception for longer periods of time, and drop outs were much shorter. Next, I used the Stiletto. On the walk out, the experience was slightly better than the Inno, because the drop outs were about half as long, and I was able to get more periods of longer reception. On the walk back, the Stiletto’s drop outs were much more pronounced, and there was one period of at lest 25 seconds without a signal. In the driveway walk test, I would give the edge to the Inno, but neither performance was anything to be thrilled about. To be fair to the devices, I feel compelled to remind readers that my driveway is tree lined and next to the water at virtually sea level. There is a reason that people recommend the use of the headphone antennas. This head to head comparison will continue with use near Boston where repeaters are present, an additional walking test, a test with antenna headphones, recoding capabilities, organizing of playlists, etc. Should you have any questions feel free to drop an e-mail to satellitestandard@gmail.com10/31/2006 12:44:00 AM
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MySpace.com To Block Users From Uploading Copyright Music
MySpace to Block Copyright MusicOct 30 6:56 PM US/Eastern, www.breitbart.comMySpace.com will use "audio fingerprinting" technology to block users from uploading copyright music to the social networking site, the company said Monday. MySpace, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., said it will review all music files uploaded by community members to their online profiles. The files will be run through a music database from Gracenote Inc. "MySpace is staunchly committed to protecting artists' rights, whether those artists are on major labels or are independent acts," said Chris DeWolfe, MySpace chief executive and co-founder. The company said users who repeatedly attempt to upload copyright music files will be permanently barred from the site. Online sites such as MySpace and YouTube have come under fire from major record labels who have sued in some cases to prevent copyright music from being included as the soundtrack to a user-generated content. Several record labels recently announced licensing deals with YouTube, which has chosen to share ad revenue with record labels rather than filter music itself. The challenge of policing its users' music choices is just one issue facing MySpace, which has skyrocketed in popularity over the past year....read more: here10/30/2006 09:36:00 PM
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XM-4 Launches Successfully
 October 30, 2006Sea Launch Successfully Delivers the XM-4 Satellite to Orbit
LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct 30, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Sea Launch Company today successfully delivered the XM-4 broadcast satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). Early data indicate the spacecraft is accurately positioned and in excellent condition. A Zenit-3SL vehicle lifted off at 3:49 pm Pacific Standard Time (23:49 GMT) from the Odyssey Launch Platform, positioned at 154 degrees West Longitude in the equatorial Pacific. All systems performed nominally throughout the flight. The Block DM upper stage inserted the 5,193 kg (11,448 lbs.) spacecraft into geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to final orbital position of 115 degrees West Longitude. A ground station at Hartebeesthoek, near Pretoria, South Africa, acquired the first signal from the satellite in orbit. Built by the Boeing Satellite Development Center, the Boeing 702 spacecraft carries a high-power S-band Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) payload provided by Alcatel Alenia Space. Like the three XM satellites currently in orbit, XM-4 will support XM Radio's direct broadcast of digital radio programming to cars, homes and portable radios throughout the continental United States and Canada. ...read more: here10/30/2006 09:09:00 PM
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Royalty Rates From Satellite Music Services Proposed
 October 30, 2006SoundExchange Proposes Fair Royalty Rates From Satellite Music Services for Artists and Record LabelsMonday October 30, 6:20 pm ET Proposal to Copyright Board Emphasizes Mutual Partnership Growth SoundExchange, the non-profit organization that collects and distributes royalties from various digital music services on behalf of artists and record labels, today submitted its case to the Copyright Royalty Board ("CRB") charged with setting rates that XM & Sirius satellite music services will pay for their streaming of sound recordings during the next six-year license term, ending in 2012. Recognizing that music forms the foundation for the two satellite services, SoundExchange's request for royalties beginning at 10 percent of revenues and gradually increasing over the six-year term is a reasonable rate based on the findings of several leading experts. Today's submission is the beginning of a 12-18 month process which will result in a determination by the CRB of what it believes is a fair payment for the use of artists' and record labels' sound recordings. "The essence of satellite radio is music," said John Simson, Executive Director of SoundExchange. "Without music, XM and Sirius would not exist. We are asking simply that these companies recognize our substantial contribution to their business by paying a fair price to artists and record labels for their creativity and investment."...read more: here10/30/2006 08:58:00 PM
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Consumer Reports: Positive on SatRad Trends
 October 30, 2006Automobile customizing defies stereotypes
Consumer Reports survey finds Americans of all ages spend more than $700 on car modificationsAmong adults whose household owns a vehicle, 73 percent had personalized their principal vehicle in some way, or plan to do so, according to new research by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The study reveals that this drive to personalize one’s car cuts across all major demographic segments, whether the car was purchased new or used.Over all, this study found that these automotive enthusiasts have spent an average amount of $711 per car. Extrapolated out to the total population aged 18-64, consumers have spent an estimated $81 billion on the vehicles they currently drive. Based on the average reported six-year ownership period, this breaks down to $13.5 billion, or $118 per person, spent annually.... ...PLUGGED IN--ELECTRONICS Half the car owners plan to change, or have changed, in-car electronics, with stereo systems heading the list at 28 percent, despite the trend in factory-supplied units sounding better and being increasingly difficult to replace. At 22 percent, car alarms and speakers are also common. Satellite radio units logged in at 13 percent--a relatively strong return considering that many new car models offer Sirius or XM systems as standard or optional features. Hands-free cell-phone setups also came in at 13 percent. Consumers also looked to high-tech luxuries, such as video systems (10 percent) and navigation systems (9 percent)....read more: here10/30/2006 08:50:00 PM
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Motley Fool On XMSR Today
October 30, 2006Is It Time to Turn Off XM?
By Rick Aristotle Munarriz (TMFBreakerRick)10/30/2006 The Motley Fool Rule Breakers growth investing service has been making buy and sell recommendations for members since 2004. Now it's time for those members to help shape the service, through the "Take That!" contest currently under way. Readers nominated the companies they thought were no longer Rule Breakers and that should be sold from the scorecard, and the five best bear cases are now up for a vote. The winning (losing!) stock will be revealed in the next issue of Rule Breakers -- and quite possibly a sell recommendation to go along with it! A year ago, I recommended XM Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: XMSR) to subscribers of our Motley Fool Rule Breakers growth investing service. Even though I would prefer to talk about the two picks of mine that have doubled since being singled out in the newsletter -- wedding-planning site The Knot (Nasdaq: KNOT) and cruise-ship spa specialist Steiner Leisure (Nasdaq: STNR) -- this one has been a dreadful performer. It has shed nearly two-thirds of its value since I gave it the nod. It hasn't been pretty. XM is still the overall market share leader with 7.2 million subscribers, but the company has let rival Sirius Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) close the gap for four consecutive quarters. The boardroom has also suffered a pair of defections, despite the growing popularity of satellite radio. So is it time to tune out and bail on XM, or is now the time to pump up the volume and take advantage of a lower share price? ...read more: here10/30/2006 06:46:00 PM
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The "Digital Freedom" Campaign Begins
 October 30,2006 Satellite Radio TechWorld posted this on Friday, October 27, 2006: Digital Freedom Campaign BeginsThe Digital Freedom Campaign began yesterday, October 26, 2006. Consumers, musicians, and filmmakers unite to advocate copyright laws that make sense for them, rather than for the large music labels and movie studios...read more: hereFrom the Digital Freedom website: "The Threat These rights are under attack by the big recording labels and studios, who would ultimately deprive individuals of the right to communicate using digital technology. Recently, legislative proposals and lawsuits have been filed that would prohibit certain new technologies deemed threatening to the big labels and studios. These proposals often come in the guise of restrictions or bans on Tivo-like devices for radio, that would allow the recording of satellite radio broadcasts for personal use. This fight is not just about satellite radio, anymore than it was just about video cassette recorders, which the studios attempted to ban twenty year ago. It’s about the studios blocking any new technology they view as a threat to their business. Their fear is a threat to our freedom. "...read more: here10/30/2006 03:43:00 PM
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Meatloaf Gets Sirius
 October 30, 2006 Musical artist Meatloaf is a classic. His songs have graced the airwaves for decades, but a new CD release has not yet happened......Until Now. Meatlof will be releasing Bat Out Of Hell III tomoroow, October 31, 2006. The artist will be on Classic Rewind today. Classic Rewind’s Hangin’ with Meat Loaf as the one and only Meat Loaf takes over the SIRIUS airwaves and plays guest DJ. Meat Loaf will be spinning some of his all-time favorite classic rock tunes and world premiering some new tracks from his brand new CD, Bat Out Of Hell III – The Monster Is Loose, before it hits stores on October 31st. 10/30/2006 10:15:00 AM
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Bentley Selects Sirius
 October 30, 2006 SIRIUS Satellite Radio Exclusive in Bentley Vehicles (PR Newswire 10/30 08:41:37) Bentley Motors Inc. and SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) today announcedan exclusive agreement for the inclusion of SIRIUS in Bentley vehicles. SIRIUSwill be available in select Bentley models in the U.S. beginning in the mid-2007 model year and will become a standard feature available in allContinental GT, Continental GTC and Continental Flying Spur vehicles beginningin the 2008 model year. "All vehicles equipped with SIRIUS will include a lifetime subscription tothe service, which will enhance each Bentley's individual customization andgive each customer a new vehicle experience," said Andrew Stuart, CEO forBentley Motors Inc. "SIRIUS' exceptional programming is a natural addition to theextraordinary reputation of a Bentley, and we are very excited about ourrelationship with such an internationally elite brand," said Mel Karmazin,CEO, SIRIUS. Bentley customers can now order vehicles with SIRIUS Satellite Radio fordelivery in early 2007. 10/30/2006 09:05:00 AM
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Porsche Selects XM
 October 30, 2006Porsche Selects XM as Exclusive Satellite Radio Provider Under New, Long-Term Agreement(PR Newswire 10/30 08:01:32) Porsche Cars of North America, Inc. and XM Satellite Radio today announced a new long-term agreement to equip Porsche vehicles for the U.S. market with XM, the nation's leading satellite radio service. The arrangement begins in 2007. XM has been available as a popular factory-installed feature for Cayenne models since 2005 and will be the exclusive satellite radio option in thef uture. Under the new agreement, XM will also be available for other Porsche models in the future. Consumers who purchase a Porsche vehicle with XM receive a complimentary three-month subscription to the service. In addition to XM's primary service of 170 digital radio channels of commercial-free music and premier sports, news, talk, and entertainment, XM will also develop satellite-delivered data services for Porsche vehicles. These services are expected to include the advanced XM NavTraffic real-timetraffic data service which is now available in 44 major markets nationwide. "XM has the technology and content that is consistent with Porsche's commitment to providing our customers the best possible driving experience,"said Peter Schwarzenbauer, President and CEO, Porsche Cars of North America." We are very pleased to be expanding our partnership with XM." "Porsche is renowned for performance, quality, engineering, and innovation, and XM is proud to be a part of that tradition as we extend our partnership with one of the world's great brands," said Nate Davis, Presidentand COO, XM Satellite Radio. "The fact that Porsche is offering XM exclusivelyis a testament to the quality of the programming we offer and our leadership in advanced technology. It underscores our company's position as the leading provider of satellite radio for the automobile market, as well as the overall leader in the satellite radio industry." 10/30/2006 08:38:00 AM
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BusinessWeek: Radio Wars Are Escalating
OCTOBER 30, 2006,Technology, By Olga Kharif, www.businessweek.comShooting Down Satellite Radio?
Terrestrial broadcasters are going for an FCC-aided kill in their long-raging fight with XM and Sirius The radio wars are escalating. In a one-two punch aimed at enlisting regulators to their cause, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and National Public Radio want the Federal Communications Commission to investigate alleged misdeeds by satellite radio companies XM ( XMSR) and Sirius ( SIRI). On Oct. 12, National Public Radio CEO Ken Stern wrote to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin alleging that the satellite broadcasters' devices interfere with NPR broadcasts. And last week, David Rehr, president and CEO of the powerful NAB, fired off two letters to Martin alleging several regulatory violations. Old Radio Vs. New Radio The latest correspondence should strike Martin with a sense of déja vu—and Sirius and XM with a sense of foreboding. Seven months ago the NAB sought the FCC's help in preventing XM from acquiring wireless licenses to provide an array of new services, such as on-demand audio and video, competing more directly with terrestrial radio. XM abandoned the bid in May, figuring that the agency would oppose the effort. That's just one of many instances where terrestrial broadcasters and satellite radio outfits have clashed over the years. And the NAB, which represents land radio stations, with some 260 million listeners every week, has won thus far. "The NAB has tried to kill satellite radio from the beginning," says Tom Watts, an analyst with Cowen & Co. ( COWN) "Because the FCC has listened, broadcasters are using the regulators as a weapon now." That's proving easier, however, since XM and Sirius have recently admitted to some of the violations—which is partially why the terrestrial broadcasters are taking their fight further in this latest skirmish. Satellite Slip-ups Claiming "a persistent corporate (if not industry) circumvention of the FCC's regulations," the NAB and NPR are demanding an investigation into at least three separate issues, two of which the broadcasters raised with the FCC earlier this year. The NAB's goal seems to be stripping XM and Sirius of their licenses. ...read more: here10/30/2006 06:20:00 AM
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Stern Huge For Sirius Internet Radio
 October 29, 2006 If you think that the impact of Howard Stern on satellite radio was a one time event, think again. Sirius introduced Sirius Internet Radio about two weeks ago, and launched it with a small campaign with a two day free trial featuring a chance for people aroud the world to tune in for two days free. The marketing effort encompassed about a week, and was mostly driven by word of mouth and the web. The results…….Sirius internet traffic spiked to levels similar to December 2005, when Sterns move to Sirius was highly publicized, and stern was making television show appearances, and magazine covers all over the place. This is quite impressive to say the least. The campaign once again served to increase Sirius’ brand awareness, and likely will serve as the launch pad for a more robust campaign. Detractors of Stern and Sirius want more than anything to believe that Stern is now a muted personality with no exposure now that his home is on Sirius Satellite Radio. Well, look at what one announcement, and a week and a half of promotion have accomplished. Sirius’ internet traffic was huge during the event. People got to hear some great content, and the event is something that can put Sirius on the tip of the tongue of many potential subscribers. The secret…….Exclusive content programming. Had stern been available on other mediums, the draw would not be as great. People who were on the fence, and had not yet subscribed were treated to some great shows, and also treated to music at CD quality. Even if only 1% of those that tuned in were to become subscribers, the event was a success. People got a taste of what Sirius internet radio has to offer, and Sirius now has a new platform from which to deliver content to subscribers. The exposure derived from this event is nearly priceless, and sets the stage for the holiday season. Sterns impact on satellite radio has been termed “The Stern Effect” . Reports of it’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. It is quite clear to anyone that Stern still resonates with radio listeners. It is also clear that Stern will once again be a factor this holiday season. As satellite radio becomes more and more mainstream, those that liked stern in previous years will once again gravitate towards him again. One such example came from blogcritics.com. These guys penned an article that found its way to the Howard stern website. The article is quite interesting, and can be read HERE.Simply stated, Stern remains a hot commodity, and Sirius is well aware of this. It gives Sirius a clear and concise way to build recognition. No other piece of content has matched this to date. The NFL, Major League Baseball, Oprah, Opie and Anthony, Dylan, The Stones, and many others pale in comparison to what Stern has been able to deliver for Sirius. The stern effect dead?????? No Way. It is alive and kicking butt. 10/29/2006 10:14:00 PM
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XM's Snoop Dogg Arrested
'Snoop Dogg' faces gun, drug accusation
BURBANK, California (CNN) -- Rap artist "Snoop Dogg" was arrested and booked for being a felon in possession of a firearm and transportation of a controlled substance at a California airport Thursday, according to the Burbank Police Department. The 35-year-old rapper -- whose real name is Calvin Broadus -- was arrested by airport police at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California, at about 4 p.m. (7 p.m. ET). He was parked in a passenger loading and unloading zone and was initially approached by an officer for a traffic violation, Burbank police said. "An investigation revealed Calvin Broadus to be in possession of marijuana and a firearm," a police statement said. He was arrested and taken to the Burbank Police Department Jail, where he was later booked, police said. Snoop Dogg posted bail of $35,000 and was released. He is scheduled to appear at the Burbank Superior Court on December 12, said his publicist, Meredith O'Sullivan. "There was no basis for this arrest," said the rapper's lawyer, Donald Etra. "We believe that once this is cleared up, all charges will be dismissed." Snoop Dog, who has sold over 17 million records and acted in movies including "Starsky & Hutch," "Old School," "Training Day" and "Bones," has had several other run-ins with the law. He was convicted on a felony narcotics possession charge in 1990, for trying to sell cocaine....read more: Here10/29/2006 08:40:00 AM
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Clear Channel: Who Leaked The News...?
Trader raises flags on Clear Channel options tradeThu Oct 26, 2006 2:56 PM ET, By Doris Frankel, CHICAGO (Reuters) - Options trading in Clear Channel Communications Inc. spiked in the days before the radio channel operator was reported to be in buyout talks with private equity firms, an options trader said Thursday.
Options trader Jon Najarian, co-founder of information Web site optionmonster.com, said his firm's computer model showed unusual Clear Channel call volume in the days running up to CNBC's report on Tuesday that the Mays family was becoming interested in a possible leveraged buyout.
The Mays family controls Clear Channel, which said on Wednesday that it was exploring alternatives to raise its share price, including a possible LBO.
Private equity groups Providence Equity Partners, Blackstone and KKR are in advanced talks to buy Clear Channel, a source familiar with the situation said on Wednesday...read more: here10/29/2006 07:57:00 AM
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Street Sees Upside To SatRad
Street sees upside to struggling sat radio sector
October 28, 2006By Paul Bond, The Hollywood Reporter With the gift-giving season just around the corner, some Wall Street analysts are suggesting that the time might finally have come to buy the woefully underperforming satellite radio stocks again.With XM Satellite Radio set to discuss full third-quarter financials and current business trends on Nov. 6, and Sirius Satellite Radio to do so Nov. 8, investors will listen closely for clues on whether the players can finish the year with momentum.Some on the Street are expecting some upside to the stocks. Citigroup analyst Eileen Furukawa, for example, recently reiterated her "buy" recommendations on Sirius and XM, despite reining in her near-term subscriber targets for both companies."Even with lower subscriber targets, we believe satellite radio stocks are worth owning," she said.The analyst and her team made in-store visits to 25 Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack and Wal-Mart stores in the New York and New Jersey area and discovered a "slow" sales environment for sat radio tuners.She wasn't discouraged, though, because neither company did much marketing early in the month, and she found that consumer products on the whole have been selling slowly of late as well.XM more recently, though, launched a multiplatform marketing campaign, the first from its creative ad agency Lowe New York. Featured in two commercials are such artists as Johnny Cash, Snoop Dogg, Flock of Seagulls, Regina Specktor, the Circle Jerks and Beethoven, with both ads ending with the line: "170 channels to find what turns you on. Are you on?"...read more: here10/29/2006 07:47:00 AM
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Saturday, October 28, 2006 Interesting Friday
October 28, 2006 What happened Friday to send XM satellite radio up over 10%? Where did tuna’s report come from? I received several e-mails and phone calls about this, and once again caution all readers that I am not a financial advisor. I follow these equities pretty closely, and have opinions as to what happens, but I do not offer financial advice. That being said, the answer is not really very simple, and could likely be several things. In my opinion here are some items that could have contributed: When Clear Channel announced that they are now up for sale, and competition from satellite radio was among the reasons, I felt that this could set a bottom for both Sirius and XM. Clear Channel is the big boy on the block, and their actions at least give credibility to the business model of satellite radio. This is not enough for a reversal for satellite radio, but could well be enough to establish a bease. If any of what I stated about Clear Channel resonates with you, you should now consider this. XM Satellite radio has taken a bigger beating this year than has Sirius. Many people still trade these equities on enterprise value and market cap. There are many who feel the current gap is to big. This means that either Sirius needs to come down, or XM needs to come up. Sirius, having momentum in subscribers over the past year stayed in place. XM saw an appreciation. If this is indeed part of a reason, then as soon as XM narrows the market cap gap a bit more, Sirius could begin to follow suit. Another possible reason rests with YEAR END issues. Many mutual funds have an October year end. If these funds were going to sell off to take their lumps, the sales would need to have been completed by last Thursday. This gives 3 days for accounts to “settle”. At that point, these same selling funds may jump back in. Earlier in the week, there appeared to be a seller of XMSR. Typically, once the selling pressure is removed, an equity responds by trending back up. Merger and buyout speculation. This flame on this fire has dimmed over the past couple of weeks, but it is not gone. Speculators who believe some sort of buy-out is in the works could see a nice score if a deal comes to fruition. Technical trading. XM hit what appeared to many as a bottom on Wednesday of this week. Many technical traders will jump in at support levels such as these in hopes of riding the Q4 wave upward. Those that hopped in in the 9’s or low 10’s have made a great trade. Now to the S & P note issued by Tuna. This report struck me as a bit odd. If I am not mistaken, S & P had an $8 target on both Sirius and XM until Friday. Just as Sirius was on the cusp of breaking through the 50 day moving average, an S & P downgrade of Sirius crosses the wires. The downgrade was from “Strong Buy” to “Buy”, and the price target was reduced from $8 to $5. What I found odd about this was that it was not a report from Tuna. Instead, it was a 1 paragraph note that cited issues with XMSR having a negative impact on Sirius. It seems odd that such reasoning is cited as the basis for the issuance of a note that hits the street on a Friday afternoon. Perhaps the matching price targets were not justified, and it would be more odd to issue an upgrade to XM just prior to earnings. Either way, there seemed to be no indication that Sirius is doing anything wrong in the eyes of Tuna. Was this report enough to temper the rise in Sirius’ PPS. It would appear so. The next week will be interesting to say the least. Of the two equities, there are some compelling reasons why XMSR could represent more upside in the short term. This is not to say that a trade in Sirius is not as good as XM. The reasons that each represent good trades differ. When a sector takes a beating, and if that beating is more than it perhaps should have been, there is always some upside room. I would also caution that both Sirius and XM will be doing their respective Q3 calls in the coming days. Both companies will announce losses, and these calls could temper the happy attitude we saw on Friday. This is not to say that the Q3 financials are the measuring stick of SDARS. The more important aspect of these calls it what is happening going forward, and how the financial metrics will be as time passes. In my opinion, there is upside available in both equities. The process will differ slightly from the past, but if you believe in SDARS as a concept, your reward will come. 10/28/2006 10:52:00 PM
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NPR Asks FCC To Recall FM Modulators
Satellite Radio TechWorld digs a little deeper into the issue:
NPR FM Modulator Study
There has been a lot written about the NPR study. It has been out there for a while now, but I don't know if I have even seen any of the major complainers publish the source. The study needs some scruntiny. Here is the link to the study from the NPR Labs. LINK TO POST Here's what the public reads: NPR Asks FCC To Recall Satcasters' FM Modulators Oct. 26, 2006 By Jeffrey Yorke, www.radioandrecords.comThe FCC has confirmed to the Baltimore Sun that it is reviewing a request by National Public Radio to recall thousands of FM modulators sold by Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio because the modulators are interfering with public radio’s broadcasts at the left end of the FM dial. According to a report in the Thursday (Oct. 26) edition of The Sun, FCC spokesman Clyde Ensslin confirmed that NPR's request "is under review, just as this matter [of over-powered modulators] is under review." Both satcasters have acknowledged that some of their earlier FM modulators – sold as after-market receivers that permit consumers to receive the pay-radio signals – were overpowered and, when in close range of other FM receivers, typically on a road or highway, can broadcast anywhere on the FM band but generally interfere at 88.1 MHz. ...read more: here10/28/2006 10:18:00 PM
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What Cramer Said On RealMoney Radio Friday
RealMoney Radio MailbagRealMoney Radio Mailbag: Sirius' Race to Success By TheStreet.com Staff10/27/2006 5:50 PM Do you think Sirius' (SIRI) new contract with NASCAR will get the stock going? -- Shane Jim Cramer: While the NASCAR deal is a positive, I believe the best thing Sirius can do to get the stock moving is to merge with XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) , which would make Sirius' great service even better, and better spread out costs. I would expect Sirius to rise sharply if the two companies announced a deal. ..read more: here10/28/2006 08:13:00 AM
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October Auto Sales: Gains Expected
Auto Sales Gains Expected for OctoberFriday October 27, 5:22 pm ET By Tom Krisher, AP Business Writer October Auto Sales Expected to Have Little Impact on Inventories DETROIT (AP) -- Bloated inventories of trucks and sport utility vehicles languishing on dealers' lots make it increasingly likely that automakers will sweeten incentives to keep market share, analysts say. Inventories of the truck-based vehicles are high, with some nearing a six-month supply, and analysts don't expect October sales to make much of a dent in them when the numbers come out Wednesday. At Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler dealers, that means one thing: "Pretty damn good deals," said Chrysler spokesman Jason Vines. According to Wards AutoInfoBank, DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group had an 82-day supply of cars and trucks as of Sept. 30, the largest in the industry, followed by General Motors Corp. at 76 days and Ford Motor Co. at 74. Toyota Motor Corp., in contrast, had only a 29-day supply....read more: here10/27/2006 05:40:00 PM
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S&P Downgrades SIRI To Buy From Strong Buy
S&P Equity Research Downgrades Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) to Buy
S&P Equity Research downgrades Sirius Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) from Strong Buy to Buy. Price target lowered from $8 to $5.S&P analyst, T. Amobi, says, "While mostly triggered, in our view, by legal/regulatory woes at rival XM (Nasdaq: XMSR), investor sentiment has weighed on the satellite radio sector for much of '06, giving us some pause. Still, we see SIRI gaining on XMSR in retail and automotive OEM channels. After what we saw as strong pre-announced Q3 net adds (ahead of 11/8 release), and with SIRI's self-funding model, we see positive free cash by late '07/early '08 and positive '09 earnings." ...read more: here10/27/2006 03:02:00 PM
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SIRI Options Commentary
Sirius Satellite-SIRI implied volatility calm into EPS: CCU, CBS, CDL & EMMS Rally(theflyonthewall.com 10/27 14:33:11) SIRI is expected to report EPS on 11/8. SIRI is trading near atwo-year low. SIRI over all option implied volatility of 50 is near its26-week average according to Track Data, indicating non-directional pricefluctuations. 10/27/2006 02:41:00 PM
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XMSR On Knight Trader Radar
Friday, October 27, 2006, http://knighttrader.blogspot.com/XMSR XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. is in a bullish power trend so keep it on the radar this afternoon. 10/27/2006 12:38:00 PM
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CNET and Gizmodo Review XM's SkyFi3
 Here are 2 reviews for the new XMSR SkyFi3: CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: James KimReviewed on 10/25/06 Release date: 10/17/06 Delphi is back with another portable plug-and-play XM receiver. The SkyFi3 is a lightweight unit (65 percent smaller than the SkyFi2, which is not truly portable) that can be used in concert with the Live Wearable antenna headphones (a $49 accessory) for true portability. However, the SkyFi3, armed with its big-buttoned interface; expansive and bright, nine-line, 2.8-inch display; and vertical and horizontal flexibility, is ideal for car use. Budget build quality aside, the SkyFi3 packs in many features and decent performance for a reasonable price. The SkyFi3 doesn't really bring anything new to the market, except, of course, a Micro SD expansion slot. Its broad feature set mimics those of the Pioneer Inno/Samsung Helix (twins separated at birth), but both of those so-called deluxe portables cost a bit more than the SkyFi3's $200. ...read more: here
From Gizmodo.comWe've had our eye on the SkyFi3 for some time now and the folks over at CNET have put it through the ringer noting that other than the MicroSD expansion slot it carries, the SkyFi3 doesn't bring anything new to the market (especially not with its budget feel and monochrome display). You'll have to splurge an additional $49 dollars on a pair of "funky-looking" antenna headphones if you want Live XM capability and even then, the sound quality is "a tad compressed sounding." Overall, it's deemed a "nice audio companion for those who spend lots of time in their autos." If the Inno and Helix are outta your range, the $200 SkyFi3 might be what you were waiting for. – Louis Ramirez...read more: here10/27/2006 10:53:00 AM
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Device To "Tivo" Internet Radio (Or How To Download From Internet Stream To Your SatRad "Wearable")
 Gizmodo posted this regarding capturing FM or any web radio (ie, XM or Sirius) for transfer to MP3 or CD Instant FM Music: TiVo for RadioIf you're lucky enough to have a good FM radio station nearby, you might want to check out Instant FM Music from ADS Tech, a $49 USB key that lets you record FM radio or web radio on your PC and transfer that to MP3 files or onto a CD. It works like a TiVo, where its included Snaptune One software shows you a playlist of songs from your choice of radio stations, recording that station's entire playlist and then letting you pick which songs you'd like to listen to on the PC or transfer to your iPod or a CD. Timeshifting? Scheduling recordings? It does that, too. Sounds like TiVo to me. We have one of these Instant FM Music devices here and we'll be testing it over the weekend, so stay tuned for our results. Our first impression? Aren't those record company greedmeisters going to hate this? Sure, the FM sound quality won't be that great, but still, you'll be able to have and hold those songs for free. – Charlie White Product Page [ADS Tech]...read more: here
10/27/2006 10:41:00 AM
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Some Hints On How To Value SatRad Vs. A Mature Broadcast Company
Sirius and XM traded up yesterday, possible a result of buyout rumors for Clear Channel, a mature broadcast company with admittedly low growth rates. So I looked up some comments made by David Frear, CFO of Sirius, at the Lehman and Bernstein conferences back in May to guide analysts on how to value the company: At Lehman Conference, May 22, 2006"We also came out earlier this year and decided to try and give you longer-term targets that would aid people in valuation, and so, we gave you $3 billion of revenue in 2010 and $1 billion in free cash flow. How should you think about this? A lot of people talk to us about valuation, they talk to us about how difficult it is to figure it out with a company that's early in development, and so, I guess the question that I might put back to you as you consider it, is that with $1 billion in free cash flow, what multiple would you put on that. A mature broadcast multiple today is about 14 times, but it's also a business, which evidences 1 to 2% top line growth rates, maybe low to mid single-digit free cash flow growth rates, and I would put to you that I think it's unlikely that satellite radio growth rates in 2010 will be that low and that we will not have gone standard in North American automobile production at that point. I do believe that ultimately satellite radio will be standard in North American automobile production and I think there is tremendous growth after that occurs. So, you should see the opportunity through a robust multiple in that year." At Sanford Bernstein, May 31, 2006"And in 2010, people have said, "well, jeeze, there's no targets here. You're still losing money. We can't do valuations." So, here's a target; $3 billion in revenue and $1 billion in free cash flow. So, I like to ask people, "well, what would you pay if you were looking at a broadcaster as a multiple of true free cash flow," and they frequently tell me 14 times. All right. That's a $14 billion valuation against the company's current valuation, which is probably roughly $7 billion. So, if a double looks good to you in four years, you should run forthe phones. And with that, let me open it up for questions. " Since the above examples were at an even higher stock price, around $4.60, today's analysis would produce an even better return. 10/27/2006 09:26:00 AM
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AutoNation To Slash Orders
AutoNation to Slash Detroit Orders
Cut of 30% May JeopardizeBig Three's Output Plans;Car Retailer's Profit Slips By NEAL E. BOUDETTE, October 27, 2006; Page A3, The Wall Street Journal AutoNation Inc., the nation's largest chain of car retailers by dealerships, said it expects to order about 30% fewer vehicles from the Big Three auto makers in the fourth quarter because of a vehicle glut, spotlighting concerns over Detroit's fat inventories of unsold cars and trucks. The company also blasted the way the Big Three report their inventory, saying it is misleading and "dramatically understates" vehicles on dealer lots. General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group have each cut production in the third and fourth quarters in hopes of reducing their inventories by year's end. The three have defended the industry's measure of computing inventories, saying it provides an accurate picture....read more: here10/27/2006 07:48:00 AM
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Is The S.E.C. In Bed With Hedge Funds...?
S.E.C. Facing Wide Review of Practices
By GRETCHEN MORGENSON, Published: October 27, 2006, The New York Times The Securities and Exchange Commission, under scrutiny for its handling of an insider-trading case involving a prominent hedge fund, will be the subject of a broad review by the investigative arm of Congress, the Government Accountability Office. Charles E. Grassley, the Iowa Republican who is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, last month asked the office in a letter to conduct a review of the commission because he was growing concerned, he said, about whether it is “faithfully adhering to its mission.” The S.E.C. is charged with protecting investors by policing the nation’s financial markets and prosecuting violations of securities law by individuals and companies. Last week, the G.A.O. accepted Mr. Grassley’s request that it review two S.E.C. divisions: its enforcement unit, which brings civil securities suits, and the office of compliance, inspection and examination, which oversees money managers, brokerage firms, stock exchanges and other regulated entities....read more: here10/27/2006 07:41:00 AM
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Page Six: Pete Townshend Storms Out Of Stern Interview
WHO WAS THAT ANGRY GUY?
October 26, 2006, The New York Post, Page Six PETE Townshend stormed out of Sirius Satellite Radio studios yesterday seconds before he was to be interviewed by Howard Stern. The legendary guitarist for The Who started boiling in the green room when he heard Stern bantering about possible subjects he'd bring up, including: Townshend's kiddie porn rap and his sexual encounters with men. The deal breaker might have come when Stern learned the rocker's girlfriend, who co-wrote one of The Who's new songs, would be with him. "Uh-oh, Yoko!" Stern yapped. Townshend split. ...read more... here
10/27/2006 06:16:00 AM
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Thursday, October 26, 2006 Sirius Internet Radio Is A Hit
 October 26, 2006 Sirius Internet Radio has gotten off to a fast start. The sevice had it's offical launch with global coverage, and people from around the world tuned in for the free trial offered on October 25 and 26. The marketing push for the two days free centered around Howard Stern, and from the looks of web traffic, the service was widely used. Alexa.com has updated their site through the first day of the free trial, and the results look very impressive.  On October 25th, Sirius reach was at 980, which is up substantially from the three month average which was at 421. This is more than double the reach for Sirius. By contrast, XM Satellite Radio's reach for October 25th was 365 and their three month average is 324. For sirius the good news is that levels are even higher than the Fathers Day season, which has always been a big selling period for satellite radio. Sirius marketed this service very well. They focused on exclusive content, and high quality sound. The marketing concept was simple and straight forward. it utilized mainstream media, as well as word of mouth, email, etc. It raised brand awareness becaus it focused peoples attention on an event. Now that brand awareness is hightened, a campaign can beigin. It will be interesting to see what happens when Alexa updates their site to account for the second day of the free trial (october 26). 10/26/2006 10:19:00 PM
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XM 4 Launch Delayed
 October 26, 2006 We need to be perfectly clear hear. From what we know, there is no issue with the XM satellite. The launch was aborted due to a coupler for a liquid oxygen failing to disconnect. This event caused the abort, and it is our understanding that a new launch window will be determined, and the launch rescheduled in the coming days. It is our hope that the news reports this accurately. I fear that we will see headlines that are not very favorable, when in reality, things are running quite smoothly. It is better that the team at Sea Launch be extra careful, then to have a mishap. sea Launch is a very professional organization with a very good track record (over 95% success). The transcript of what was said: "Automated launch abort----The auto coupler for lox systems did not disconnectRoger ---- understand---- Team, this is the MD on Channel 1, we're on abort script, five"We will post more information when it becomes available10/26/2006 09:59:00 PM
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Sirius Mentioned In This Week's BusinessWeek
NOVEMBER 6, 2006 INSIDE WALL STREET, BusinessWeek Universal Electronics: Tuned In To Sirius Radio The rapid adoption of hdtv and digital gizmos is a boon for Universal Electronics ( UEIC ) (UEIC), a leading global provider of wireless technology, mainly used in remote-control devices for tv, audio, and computer systems. Its latest product is a handheld media controller designed for Sirius Satellite Radio ( SIRI ). It lets subscribers wirelessly navigate with Sirius' radio channels throughout the house. They will be able to listen to Sirius from any stereo system. The Sirius system represents "continued innovation and additional revenue stream for Universal," says Michael Coady of securities firm B. Riley, which has done business with Universal. The stock, up from 15 in June to 21.59 now, is a "buy," he says. Neal Goldman of Goldman Capital Management, which owns 5.6%, says it is cheap for a company with yearly earnings growth of 25%. The stock is worth 30 plus, he says, based on expected profits of $1 a share in 2006 and $1.25 in 2007. Universal, he adds, is No. 1 in a growth business thriving on digital media's continued rapid rise...read more: here10/26/2006 08:43:00 PM
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Coming Soon...Satellite Radio Enabled Cell Phones
The "eagle eyes" at Satellite Radio TechWorld spotted this patent application. Interoperable Technologies Patent Application for Receiver including Cell Phone Abilities
On October 26, 2006, Interoperable Technologies, XM, and Sirius had their patent application published for a receiver that includes cell phone abilities.United States Patent Application20060240811Kind CodeA1De Luca; Michael J.October 26, 2006Wireless satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) head unit with portable subscription and cell phone abilitiesAbstractA system and method for automated activation of a radio, or content receiver, used to receive subscription radio services such as XM or Sirius radio. A wireless communications device with a short range data link wirelessly communicates with the content receiver to control the content receiver and receive a unique identification code from the content receiver. The wireless communications device also has its own unique identification code. The wireless communications device transmits an activation request message over a long range wireless communications link to a control station. The activation request message contains the receivers unique identification code and the communications device's own unique identification code. The control station maintains a database of valid identification codes that is used to authenticate the request. If the control station receives a valid request, an activation signal is sent to the receiver to allow operation of the receiver...read more: here10/26/2006 04:34:00 PM
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New Exclusive NBA Programming On Sirius
NBA Debuts New Programming Lineup on SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry Leads New Talk Show Lineup on NBA Radio on SIRIUS NEW YORK, Oct 26, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- The National Basketball Association and SIRIUS Satellite Radio ( SIRI), the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NBA, announced today a new exclusive programming lineup on NBA Radio on SIRIUS, channel 127, the first 24/7, year-round radio channel devoted to the NBA. NBA Radio on SIRIUS will provide the most comprehensive, in-depth radio coverage of the NBA, with live play-by-play of NBA games and exclusive daily live talk shows hosted by Hall of Famer Rick Barry, Kenny "The Jet" Smith, Ian Eagle, Frank Isola, Rich Ackerman and others. Each show will include up-to- the-minute news, expert analysis and exclusive interviews with players, coaches and other NBA insiders. ...read more: here10/26/2006 12:05:00 PM
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Stiletto User Reviews
 I have had my Stiletto for a few weeks, and consistent with my initial reaction ( LINK), I love it. I wanted to find out what others were thinking, so I began trolling for comments. If you are interested, there are 103 reviews as of today on the Circuit City website ( LINK). 10/26/2006 10:06:00 AM
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"Talk To Me With Oprah" Launches On XM Today
October 26, 2006 'Talk to Me with Oprah Winfrey' Debuts Today on XM's 'Oprah & Friends' ChannelCHICAGO and WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "Talk to Me withOprah Winfrey," a new weekly call-in show hosted by Oprah, debuts today onXM's "Oprah & Friends" channel (XM 156), it was announced today by HarpoRadio, Inc. and XM, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than seven million subscribers. The new show airs Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET. "Talk to Me with Oprah Winfrey" provides listeners and fans with a direct way to share their thoughts with Oprah as she takes calls from listeners each week during the half-hour program. Using the toll-free number (866-OPRAH-XM) fans across the country can call Oprah to discuss, ask questions and share stories. Oprah will open each show with a brief monologue that will serve as the underlying theme, starting with this week's theme "Life Lessons." The "Oprah & Friends" channel today also launched "Oprah WeeklyHighlights," a half-hour program featuring the most memorable interviews and compelling moments of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" from the previous week. "Talk to Me with Oprah Winfrey" will air Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET and"Oprah Weekly Highlights" will air Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. ET, both with additional encores airing throughout the week. The new programming replacesthe weekly "Oprah and Gayle Show." "One of the great things about the programming on 'Oprah & Friends' is that the caller-driven formats provide listeners with direct access to their favorite 'Oprah' personalities. The addition of 'Talk to Me with OprahWinfrey' now expands that access to include Oprah herself," said John Gehron,general manager, Harpo Radio. In September 2006, the "Oprah & Friends" channel debuted on the XM lineup. With a wide variety of daily and weekly shows hosted by popular personalitiesfrom "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and O, The Oprah Magazine, "Oprah & Friends"features around-the-clock programming on topics ranging from nutrition, fitness and health to self improvement, home decor and current events. In addition to Oprah, show hosts include legendary poet and bestselling authorDr. Maya Angelou; style expert Nate Berkus; financial coach and money expert Jean Chatzky; renowned exercise physiologist and fitness expert Bob Greene; O,The Oprah Magazine Editor-At-Large Gayle King; noted cardiologist and award-winning author Dr. Mehmet Oz; distinguished psychologist and best-sellingauthor Dr. Robin Smith; and spiritual teacher and internationally acclaimed author and lecturer Marianne Williamson. Complete programming information for "Oprah & Friends," including showdescriptions, air dates and times, is available online at http://www.xmradio.com/oprah and http://www.oprah.com/xm. 10/26/2006 09:54:00 AM
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SSG Football Challenge Week 8
We are still waiting to hear from week 5 winner, David Kozmycz, who picked a perfect 13 out of 13 games. David, If you are out there look at your e-mail so that we can arrange to get you your prize. The SSG Football Challenge has now been automated. You can select your teams right on line and submit your answers. If you prefer the old fashioned method, feel free to e-mail your picks to: ssgfootballchallenge@gmail.comThe SSG Football Challenge sponsors are My Radio Store (an XM retailer) as well as TSS Radio (a Sirius retailer). Please feel free to click on their links in this post and check out the deals they are offering on XM and Sirius gear. The rules of the SSG Football Challenge can be found HERE 
Make Your Week 8 Picks Below:
Good Luck! 10/26/2006 09:47:00 AM
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ZDNet: Zune's Social Features Fall Short
 October 26, 2006 Zune’s social features fall short
Posted by Phil Windley @ 2:44 pm Digg This!Next month, Microsoft will release the Zune Music player and marketplace which were announced earlier this year. Of course, the hype has been about Zune being an iPod killer, if you listen to some people and even today there were stories about Zune as a potential threat to the iPod. One of the much-touted features of the Zune system is the social tools built into the player. Zune players have Wi-Fi, but you can't use it to sync the player with your computer or even buy tunes at the Zune marketplace. What you can do with it is share music with other Zune users. How does it work? Not well, according to Erica Sadun at O'Reilly's MacDev Center. If Zune is supposed to lead to people virally sharing music using their Zune players, then the limitations of the CRAP (aka DRM) system stop it dead in its tracks. You can share a song with someone but it can only be played three times over three days. After that, it's gone. You can't share a song someone shared with you with a third person unless you buy it before you share it. Does that sound like viral marketing to you? Erica says: So does this kind of sharing allow the building of street cred? Can it act as a viral force to promote music? Here's the problem. Because of the 3-day/3-play/no-share limitation, that music is absolutely going no further than the first shared Zune–unless the sharing encourages the recipient to buy the track. Only then can the music reach its next link of viral customer. Think about that. It's as if YouTube said you had to fork over a dollar (or the equivalent in Microsoft's fake "points" system) before sharing a video with friends. It will stop the viral effect dead in its tracks. I've got teenagers and I've seen how viral, word-of-mouth advertising for music works with them. I don't think this will do it. I shouldn't just pick on Microsoft here. Apple has totally ruined the iTunes sharing experience with their limit of five connections to your iTunes collection in any given day. What's more, the limitation even applies to things that aren't protected. As you might expect, I have all of IT Conversations in my iTunes collection, as Executive Producer and a number of people used to listen to IT Conversations from me here at work. That's stopped now because when I let everyone connect at work and use my five-person limit, my daughter can't connect at night. So, I've password protected my collection and no longer share. Apple didn't sell the iPod as a social device, but to break into the market, Microsoft is putting the social features of the Zune player front and center. Unfortunately for them, the social aspects of any music service is severely curtailed by the limitations that CRAP places on it. The promise may help ship a few units early on, but its failure to take hold will likely doom the Zune to be just another MP3 player without the style of the iPod....read more: here10/26/2006 09:20:00 AM
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SeekingAlpha: Launch Of Sirius Radio Significant Event For Company
 October 26, 2006SeekingAlphaTake Sirius' News SeriouslyThursday October 26, 5:43 am ET The Marley Group submits: On October 16th, Sirius Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI - News) announced the launch of Sirius Internet Radio. This new service allows users to listen to more than 75 channels of Sirius programming, without a radio, for the standard monthly subscription fee of $12.95. To mark this launch, Sirius.com visitors will be able to listen to Howard Stern for free on October 25th and 26th. However, the launch of Sirius Internet Radio is a significant event for the company. By streaming its content over the internet, programming is instantly much more broadly accessible to potential subscribers. While customers will still have to pay the same monthly fee to listen to Sirius online, they no longer have to purchase an equipped radio receiver. Sirius has amassed an impressive stable of exclusive content, the most noteworthy being Howard Stern. Sirius Internet Radio gives the company a second distribution channel to leverage this exclusive content, at very little in terms of cost. Already leading the satellite radio industry in net subscriber additions for the past four quarters, Sirius Internet Radio should help bolster additions in the all important retail sales category, which has been dominated by Sirius since the signing of Howard Stern. It is reasonably optimistic to believe that this service could yield between 200,000 and 500,000 subscriber additions by the end of 2007. With a monthly fee of $12.95, that would translate to an additional $31 million to $77 million in annual subscription revenue. Additional subscribers will also help drive growth in advertisement revenue for the company. For Sirius to achieve positive free cash flow, it will need to continue to add to its subscriber count while keeping costs under control. Sirius Internet Radio will help the company do just that, as it costs virtually nothing to stream content over the web yet makes its programming available to anyone with internet access....read more: here10/26/2006 09:08:00 AM
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Wednesday, October 25, 2006 Clear Channel Is For Sale!!!!
 October 25, 2006 In a suprising move, Clear Channel Communications has announced that they are officially for sale. For investors in satellite radio this could well be a catalyst in at least establishing a bottom for these equities. this news changes the landscape for radio, and more specifically for satellite radio. Since inception, there have always been doubters of satellite radio. As of today, a traditional radio company is citing, among other reasons, competition from satellite radio as a contributing factor in a decision to sell off the company. This in and of itself lends credibility to the satellite radio model. Is it enough to set the bottom for SIRI and XMSR? That is yet to be determined. watch trading closely. Article Excerpt: Clear Channel puts itself up for sale
Clear Channel Communications, the largest US radio broadcasting group, put itself up for sale on Wednesday night, potentially unleashing an auction for the company that could value it in excess of $16bn.
The move follows serious talks that the Texas-based company has held with a number of private equity groups that have been studying a takeover of the group. This includes one consortium combining Providence Equity Partners, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Blackstone.
In a short statement, Clear Channel said it was "evaluating various strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value" and had hired Goldman Sachs as its financial adviser.Interested SSG readers can catch the whole story HERE via Money Central 10/25/2006 10:58:00 PM
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XM and BSide Join Forces
October 25, 2006 Sometime coincidence happens. On the very day I write about the NAB and Payola, XM and BSide announce a hook-up that takes on this very issue. Bside and XM Join Forces for Innovative Grassroots Launch of Independent Documentary 'Before The Music Dies'Wednesday October 25, 1:27 pm ETAUSTIN, Texas and WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Specialty independent film distributor Bside Entertainment and XM, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than seven million subscribers, today announced the two companies are joining forces to launch the electrifying independent documentary, Before The Music Dies (B4MD). The partnership will include a national grassroots screening week bolstered by XM programming, including the first-ever "radio premiere" of a full-length film. An unsettling and inspiring exploration of today's popular music industry told from a fan's perspective, B4MD and its message have garnered passionate support from a host of music artists, many of whom were quick to participate in the film. Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, Erykah Badu, Branford Marsalis, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt and Questlove are a few of the artists who contributed to the staggering array of musical performances and interviews featured in the documentary alongside a number of journalists, industry commentators and fans. With a strong grassroots network supporting the film, Bside has organized a national screening week for B4MD to be held November 12-19, during which any music lover has the opportunity to host their own screening of the film. Events are already scheduled in markets across the US and Canada, to be held in venues ranging from recording studios to public libraries to large music clubs. Details of additional events will be provided regularly on http://www.beforethemusicdies.com/. "We have had such incredible offers from artists and fans wanting to support the B4MD movement," said Chris Hyams, CEO of Bside. "By partnering with XM, we can now give them a way to bring the film to their communities and celebrate with others who live for great music." XM will kick off the national screening week with an audio broadcast of B4MD -- the first-ever "radio premiere" of a full-length film -- followed by an exclusive half-hour interview hosted by XM's Bob Edwards with the B4MD filmmakers, Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen. The B4MD broadcast and interview special will air November 12 at 9 p.m. ET on XM Public Radio (XM 133). Additionally, XM will provide a 24-hour loop of the documentary audio broadcast and Bob Edwards interview on the XM LIVE channel (XM 200) beginning at 8 a.m. ET on November 19. "B4MD is an important film for anyone who loves music and we at XM are happy that we can help share this film with our millions of listeners. While this documentary tells a story that may be a shock to many consumers, it speaks directly to the appeal of XM's service -- people who subscribe to XM enjoy a broad universe of music they can't find anywhere else, and artists, regardless of genre, can reach larger audiences and grow their fan base," said Lee Abrams, chief creative officer of programming, XM. More information on how to host your own B4MD screening or to find screening events scheduled in your area is available online at http://www.beforethemusicdies.com/. 10/25/2006 02:58:00 PM
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Would Rehr Ever Write This Letter?
October 24, 2006 David Rehr of the NAB wants you to believe that his actions regarding SDARS are motivated with a pure heart. If his concern rests with ensuring that regulations are followed, perhaps he will write a letter like this:  The Honorable Kevin J. Martin Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, SW Washington DC, 20554 Dear Mr. Chairman, CASE (Consumer Association for Satellite Entertainment) writes to express our alarm regarding recent happenings by members of NAB for various violations which are not consistent with laws and regulations as outline by the FCC. Given the scope of the NAB’s wanton disregard for FCC rules and regulations, CASE respectfully submits that the FCC launch a full investigation into the NAB and its members conduct and candor before the Commission to determine the true extent of their persistent and pervasive non-compliance with FCC regulations, and impose appropriate sanctions. Although the actions by specific NAB members differ slightly, they all point to a clear attempt to circumvent regulations and continue illegal activities. For instance: - In the last two weeks accusations of Payola have once again reached headline status. NAB radio stations continue to do business in shady and questionable ways despite massive fines being levied in the past. NEW YORK POST ARTICLE- This year at least 9 New York radio stations are under investigation by Elliot Spitzers office for payola related violations. MEDIA ALLIANCE PUBLICATION- Across the country, there are nearly 200 radio stations under investigation for Payola out of a membership of a bit over 600 stations. This represents nearly 33% of the NAB radio broadcaster membership, and these are only the ones that have been caught!! You can see a map of those stations HERE
It would appear that getting royalty free content to play is not satisfactory to the members of the NAB. It appears that perhaps these stations also want to get paid by artists and labels to play songs or even get onto a playlist. Clearly this behavior by members of the NAB is pervasive in the industry, and the NAB as an association makes no real effort to curb the behavior of their membership. Accordingly, the FCC should immediately commence a full investigation into the operations of not only the NAB, but all of the members as well, including their conduct and candor before the FCC. Given the alarming number of cases that relate simply to payola, perhaps the scope of the investigation should much more detailed. CASE looks forward to discussing these and other issues of concern with you and your fellow Commissioners. Please let us know what we can do to assist the FCC in its consideration of these and other matters. Sincerely, SSG NOTE: This letter was based upon the format used by Mr. Rehr in his letter to the FCC complaining about Sirius and XM 10/25/2006 01:40:00 PM
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Sirenza gets Fastest Growing Honor
 October 25, 2006 Sirenza has been named one of the fastest growing technology companies. Sirenza has contracts with Sirius Satellite Radio. Sirenza trades under the symbol SMDI. Sirenza Microdevices Named One of the Fastest Growing Technology
Companies in Deloitte’s Colorado Technology Fast 50 Program
BROOMFIELD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sirenza Microdevices, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMDI) has been named to Deloitte's prestigious Technology Fast 50 Program for Colorado, a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in Colorado by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, one of the nation’s leading professional services organizations. Rankings are based on the percentage revenue growth over five years from 2001–2005. Robert Van Buskirk, president and chief executive officer of Sirenza Microdevices, stated, “Being named as one of the fastest growing technology companies in Deloitte’s Colorado Technology Fast 50 Program for the third consecutive year is a strong endorsement for Sirenza and for the collective talent and energy of our employee base and management team.” Van Buskirk added, “As we move into 2007 and continue to execute on our business, we hope to be able to repeat as a Deloitte Technology Fast 50 winner next year.” “Sustaining high revenue growth over five years is an exceptional accomplishment. We commend Sirenza Microdevices for making the commitment to technology and delivering on the promise of market longevity,” said Kurt J. Randall, Colorado Technology, Media and Telecommunications Leader, Deloitte Tax LLP. “We are proud to honor Sirenza Microdevices as a Deloitte Technology Fast 50 winner.” Sirenza's increase in revenues of 224 percent from 2001 to 2005 resulted in a 14th place ranking in the Technology Fast 50 for Colorado. To qualify for the Technology Fast 50, companies must have had operating revenues of at least $50,000 in 2001 and $5,000,000 in 2005, be headquartered in Colorado, and be a company that owns proprietary technology or proprietary intellectual property that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues; or devotes a significant proportion of revenues to the research and development of technology. Using other companies' technology in a unique way does not qualify. Winners of the 16 regional Technology Fast 50 programs in the United States and Canada are automatically entered in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 program, which ranks North America’s top 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies. For more information on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 or Technology Fast 500 programs, visit www.fast500.com. Sirenza Microdevices, Inc. Sirenza Microdevices is a supplier of radio frequency (RF) components. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, with operations in China, Germany and the U.S., 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. Sirenza's integrated circuit (IC), multi-chip module (MCM) and passive product lines include amplifiers, power amplifiers, cable TV amplifiers, circulators, isolators, mixers, splitters, transformers, couplers, modulators, demodulators, transceivers, tuners, discrete devices, signal source components, government and military specified components, and antennae and receivers for satellite radio. Certifications include ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System (registered by QMI). Detailed product information may be found on Sirenza's website at http://www.sirenza.com/ and at www.premierdevices.com. NOTE: Sirenza Microdevices® and the Sirenza logo are trademarks of Sirenza Microdevices, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other’s acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names “Deloitte,” “Deloitte & Touche,” “Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu” or other related names. Services are provided by the member firms or their subsidiaries or affiliates and not by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein. Deloitte & Touche USA LLP is the US member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. In the US, services are provided by the subsidiaries of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP (Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, Deloitte Tax LLP and their subsidiaries), and not by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP. Safe Harbor For Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or results, including any statements regarding Sirenza’s hopes or expectations for continuing to execute on its core business or for repeating as a Deloitte Technology Fast 50 winner next year. Sirenza cautions readers that such statements are, in fact, predictions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and that actual events or results may differ materially. Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, lower than expected revenue in future periods, whether due to competitive pressures, failure to meet customer requirements, RF component industry trends or otherwise. Other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are included in Sirenza's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in August 2006, and Sirenza's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in September 2006, as amended. Sirenza expressly disclaims any obligation to update its forward-looking statements at any time or for any reason. Additional Information and Where to Find It This press release is not a proxy statement or a prospectus for Sirenza’s proposed acquisition of Micro Linear Corporation. Sirenza has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-137086) in connection with Sirenza's proposed acquisition of Micro Linear, which includes Micro Linear's proxy statement and Sirenza's prospectus for the proposed transaction. Investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, which contains important information about the proposed transaction. The proxy statement/prospectus and other documents which are filed by Sirenza or Micro Linear with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") are available free of charge at the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov/, or by directing a request when such a filing is made by Sirenza to Sirenza Microdevices, Inc., 303 S. Technology Court, Broomfield, CO 80021, Attention: Investor Relations or by directing a request when such a filing is made by Micro Linear to Micro Linear Corporation, 2050 Concourse Drive, San Jose, CA 95131, Attention: Investor Relations. Micro Linear, its directors and certain of its executive officers, as well as Sirenza, its directors and certain of its executive officers, may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Micro Linear and their respective interests in the proposed transaction is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus that Sirenza and Micro Linear have filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the proxy statement/prospectus. Contacts Sirenza Microdevices, Inc.Jodi Bochert, 303-327-3193 ir@sirenza.com10/25/2006 12:14:00 PM
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Signal Hill initates Coverage With a Buy
 October 25, 2006 Signal Hill's Maurice McKenzie has iniated coverage about 2 weeks ago on Sirius and XM with BUY ratings. For Sirius McKenzie notes that the company is approaching a critical mass. Report Excerpts: ".....Sirius has maintained solid growth and has resolved 2006 legal and regulatory issues in our opinion. We expect Sirius to post sub growth over the next several years, as it leverages increasing consumer awareness, new product introductions, and deepening OEM penetration. Over the past four quarters Sirius has captured market share and continues to move toward parity and critical mass. We expect Sirius to reach sustainable cash from operations in 2007, lowering risk profile and providing meaningful upside to current valuations....."Bullet Point Notes- Expects Sirius to end year with 6.1 million subscribers. Below company guidance, but only 9% off of the record set in Q4 2005
- Exclusive programming remains a differentiator. While many Stern fans have already subscribed, there is an expectation that more casual fans will still come to the plate this Q4
- New Products. The new product line, which includes a WIFI capable device should help drive retail awareness.
- Fully Funded. Expectations are that Sirius will end 2006 with about $452 million in cash and marketable securities. An estimation of cash burn for 2007 is about $194 million. Expect Sirius to generate cash from operations for the full year 2008.
SSG readers can learn more about Signal Hill by visiting their website HERE 10/25/2006 11:00:00 AM
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First Lexus Now Available With XM and XM Nav Traffic
October 25, 2006 First Lexus With Factory-Installed XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic Now Available at Dealerships Last Update: 8:00 AM ET Oct 25, 2006 WASHINGTON, Oct 25, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- XM Satellite Radio , the nation's leading provider of satellite radio with more than 7 million subscribers, today announced that the first of the all-new Lexus LS series with standard, factory-installed XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic are now available at dealerships. The Lexus LS 460 L, long wheel base model, is arriving at dealerships factory-equipped with XM Satellite Radio's 170 channels of coast-to-coast entertainment and XM NavTraffic's real-time traffic information system as standard features. Factory-installed XM Radio is also available in the 2007 LS 460, which includes the service in its navigation packages. "XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic are the natural complement to a car that already sets a new benchmark for technological innovation," said Steve Cook, executive vice president, Automotive, XM Satellite Radio. "That's why XM is pleased to offer Lexus LS buyers the added advantage of the nation's most extensive lineup of satellite radio programming and the broadest network of real-time traffic information." XM NavTraffic is the first real-time traffic information system for the vehicle. Currently available in 44 major U.S. markets, NavTraffic delivers alerts regarding traffic delays, detours and road closings through the in-car navigation system, saving drivers time and fuel by helping them anticipate traffic delays. Every Lexus LS equipped with XM NavTraffic and XM Satellite Radio also comes standard with a three-month complimentary subscription to both services. 10/25/2006 08:59:00 AM
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What Cramer Said Last Night on Mad Money Lightning Round
Cramer's 'Mad Money Lightning Round': Highflying Continental By TheStreet.com Staff10/24/2006 7:45 PM Here's what Jim Cramer had to say about some of the stocks that callers offered up during the "Mad Money Lightning Round" Tuesday evening: XM Satellite Radio ( XMSR - news - Cramer's Take - Rating): "I think the quarter's gonna be bad. ... I have been begging these two (XM and Sirius Satellite Radio ( SIRI - news - Cramer's Take - Rating)) to combine. ... DiveDiveDive. Run deep, but not silently." 10/25/2006 07:28:00 AM
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The SatRad Stock Trader: What's Going On?
What’s going on with SIRI and XMSR stock prices these days? That’s the question that I have been fielding most often these days. The market is at annual highs, auto stocks are up huge, terrestrial radio stocks are soaring, but satrad is trading near annual lows. What’s going on? I made a few calls, and this is what I am hearing: 1, The play for the past several quarters has been to short both stocks into earnings. This strategy has worked well. Although SIRI’s earnings have beat, it’s been guilt by association in a sector with only 2 competiors, as XMSR’s have been worse than concensus. 2. There is some confusion about the timing of the XMSR earnings release. Apparently, management seems to have pushed the date out by about a week, and anything that veers from the “expected” worries investors. I am hearing that XM’s later date is to give management a chance to get a better handle Q4 to give investors a tighter range going forward. 3. NPD data and Bridge Ratings came in weaker than last year, so investors are bracing for lower than expected sales this quarter. 4. Auto sales had been sluggish due to higher gas prices, although it is expected that there will be a bump in Q4 as the price of oil retreats. 5. Churn is always a concern. 6. The RIAA lawsuit against XMSR, and concerns that they might have to pull portable devices from the market. 7. Continued concerns about the FM modulator issue with the FCC 8. There is usually a big holiday sales boost for satrad in Q4, but there are concerns about competition, including Microsoft Zune and iPod-ready car radios (although i-Pod ready car radios are also mp3 and satrad ready). 9. Inventory concerns at the big three auto manufacturers. 10. Resistance from NAB regarding free trials 11. Compliance issues regarding repeater strength Readers thoughts? If you have any comments that you would like me to post, please e-mail me at ssgfive@yahoo.com10/25/2006 07:20:00 AM
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XM Real-Time Navigation System Gets A Mention In The New York Times
Getting Around, Traffic Alert: Real-Time Data Is Put to the Test
By MICHELLE KREBS, The New York Times, Oct 25, 2006 IT was one of those days when my schedule was so tight my game plan would tumble like dominoes if I were late. So I put the latest feature in vehicle navigation systems to the test, ready for real-time traffic alerts that would warn me of situations that could slow me down. A few automakers, including Acura, BMW, Chrysler and Lexus, have begun to offer navigation systems with real-time traffic. Acura offers the service in its 2007 MDX, RDX and RL models, which are primed for XM Satellite Radio, the conduit that transmits the traffic information. The service is free for three months. Then it costs $3.99 a month, besides $12.95 a month for XM radio; without XM, it costs $9.99 a month. My test-drive took place in the Acura MDX sport-utility vehicle. Acura (and its sister division Honda) have long had navigation systems that led the industry in ease of use. The new MDX is no exception. The navigation screen is in the center dashboard, operated with a rotary dial below the screen that is used like a joystick. The real-time traffic feature works by showing icons on the screen’s map, alerting drivers about various traffic situations. For instance, yellow icons represent construction zones and accident sites. By clicking on an icon, drivers receive details on the screen or by voice, like more precise locations — for example, Interstate 94 eastbound at Lonyo Street in Detroit. ...read more: here10/25/2006 07:18:00 AM
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Eminem Premieres New Track Today On Sirius
Eminem To Announce New Track On Sirius Written by West Brown www.hiphoprnbsoul.com Wednesday, 25 October 2006 Eminem is scheduled to appear on a live Sirius Satellite Radio broadcast today (Wednesday, October 25) to premiere the new track from his forthcoming CD, Eminem Presents: The Re-Up. The track, performed by Stat Quo and produced by Dr. Dre, will air on Eminem's channel, Shade 45, which is also celebrating its second year. Preceding the song will be an announcement by Slim Shady during The All-Out Show hosted by Lord Sear and Rude Jude. The broadcast can be heard on Shade 454 at 4pm EST. 10/25/2006 06:10:00 AM
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Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Sirius Announces Q3 Conference Call
 October 24. 2006 SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Announce 3Q 2006 Financial and Operating Results on November 8Tuesday October 24, 5:49 pm ET Company to Webcast Earnings Call for Investors and Media NEW YORK, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI - News) today announced that it plans to release 3Q 2006 financial and operating results on November 8, 2006. SIRIUS also plans to hold a conference call at 8:00 am ET to discuss these results. Investors and the press can listen to the conference call via the company's website, http://www.sirius.com/, and on its satellite radio service by tuning to SIRIUS channel 128. Source: SIRIUS Satellite Radio A replay of the call will be available on the company's website. About SIRIUS SIRIUS, "The Best Radio on Radio," delivers more than 130 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 69 music channels. SIRIUS also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL and broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95. SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com. SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep®, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country. Click on http://www.sirius.com/ to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming partners, our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites. G-SIRI Media Contact: Patrick Reilly SIRIUS 212.901.6646 preilly@siriusradio.comJaymie VanValkenburgh Investor Relations 212-584-5158 jvanvalkenburgh@siriusradio.comSource: SIRIUS Satellite Radio 10/24/2006 11:15:00 PM
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Letter To NAB's David Rehr
 October 24, 2006 Mr. David Rehr, Ph.D National Association of Broadcasters 1771 North Street NW Washington, DC 20036-2800 Dear Mr. Rehr This letter is in response to the letter of October 23, 2006 that you sent to Mr. Martin, Chairman of the FCC. Once again, I find myself compelled to respond to your letter because I see several flaws in both your approach and your logic. You are a learned man, and it is my hope that your stance is simply due to posturing rather than simple ignorance. Whichever the case, perhaps this letter can help you down the correct path. I hope you understand that while your letter is addressed to the FCC, that you are also addressing that letter to over 12 million other Americans, as well as Canadians, and people across the globe that enjoy and find TRUE VALUE in what satellite radio delivers (The number will be over 14 million by the end of the year). I can understand why you are nervous about satellite radio. The content delivered by this medium is simply unmatched by your membership which makes the conscious decision to maintain as content challenged. Your membership even goes to great lengths to fill up as much air time with commercials as the law allows, and on top of that add “bumpers” disguised as station announcements (many barely pass as bumpers), when in fact, most of them are actually ads. The fact that your membership chooses to maintain this system of delivery is not lost on the 12 million satellite radio fans, or the Chairman of the FCC. Now to address your “concerns”. First, you seem to feel that satellite radio has some sort of privileged status with the FCC as compared to the NAB. This could not be more absurd. You cite “new delivery methods”, when in fact, the methods of delivery have been available and used for quite some time, and even by your own membership. First you seem concerned about XM’s new plan for Certified pre-owned Acuras. You state that the consumer gets the service regardless of whether they want it or not. This is actually an untrue statement. If the consumer does not want the 3 months of complimentary service they merely need to say so. The car will not be activated. Did you really think this through before making this statement? Did you take a moment to test out how the system works, or did you simply shoot from the hip? The process is really quite simple. First the consumer buys the car. The satellite radio (as well as the FM and AM radio) are all working. With the satellite radio, you get a preview channel. That channel lets the consumer know a phone number to call so that they can activate their 3 month trial. This way, XM satellite radio knows when the three month period starts and ends. The activation fees you speak of, and the fact that XM will not charge an activation fee has nothing to do with anything. An activation fee is a component of additional revenue. Waiving an activation fee is at the discretion of XM Satellite Radio. There is no law requiring XM to collect an activation fee. In summary, the concerns about the Acura program that you aired in your letter were simply unfounded. Perhaps you will be so kind as to issue a follow-up letter acknowledging this. Secondly you raise a concern that satellite radio is available to non-subscribers in rental cars. Again, I must hope that your statement comes from posturing rather than ignorance. I happen to be a subscriber to satellite radio. I happen to rent cars from time to time. When I rent cars I make it a point to ask for one with satellite radio. Many rental companies charge an additional fee for this. Some do not. They see that I am a consumer who wants something, and they have every right to waive that fee as they see fit. That is a business decision of the rental car company. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the FCC, and would not fall under their purview. Thirdly you make an assertion that Sirius and XM have deals in place that provide free factory installed satellite service to consumers. Have you taken a moment to look at a window sticker for a new car? Take it a step further. Have you ever bought a new car? Do you think there is anything on that new car that is free? Please don’t tell us that you believe that sales pitch about giving you $5,000 in trade on any old junker you can drag to the dealer lot!!!!! Again, the consumer needs to activate the satellite radio service. This means that they actually have to make a call. If they do not want the service, they simply do not make the call. Fourth, you take up concerns with the two days free of Sirius content on October 25 and 26. Perhaps you missed the news flash. Sirius Satellite Radio is not available for free on October 25 and 26. Sirius Internet Radio is what is available. Sirius Internet Radio is a subscription based service that plays content from Sirius Satellite Radio over the internet for a subscription price of $12.95 per month. Additionally, those that wish to sign up for the two days free agree to terms of service, and verify that they are of legal age, as is the practice with many sites on the internet. There is no license whatsoever required to stream content over the internet. You yourself could put together a band, and play to your hearts content over the internet. By the way, have you ever watched HBO or Showtime when they run their free weekend promotions? Or do you boycott it out of principal? You then state that regulation of broadcast content is based in part on governmental interest in protecting the listener/viewer from unexpected program content, particularly when children are involved. Is that like me getting into a rental car and the radio is unexpectedly on, and there is an advertisement from a workers compensation attorney asking me if I have been injured? Are you implying that the government can stop this? Are you really asking for more government? You will not have me as a fan there. The government already has entirely to much say in the day to day lives of the citizenry. You make the statement that people are receiving satellite radio free of charge, and that because of this, some regulation should be placed upon satellite radio. You fail miserably in this debate, because in no case is this the superior content of satellite radio made instantly available to any one, and further, it is not available for free on a perpetual basis. In all cases the consumer must make efforts to obtain even a free trial, and in no case is the consumer ever receiving free content for an ongoing basis. Mr. Rehr, perhaps your energies would be better focused on improving the content that you deliver. After all, the music you play is royalty free. This gives you a distinct advantage over satellite radio, which pays royalties on every song they play. Surely you can make that work to your advantage somehow (we wont get into all of the payola). Hopefully you will also begin to see that you are attacking millions upon millions of people who have made their listening desires clear. The fact that millions more will join our ranks over the next year should send you a message. The NAB has a pretty big membership, and is organized but you really should consider what is happening, and who you are attacking. Imagine how big a Consumer Association for Satellite Entertainment (CASE) could be. You are not merely taking on Sirius and XM. You are taking on the consumers who make a CHOICE to switch to a subscription based service because Sirius and XM offer compelling content. This letter is available for you to read on the internet. Perhaps some who read this that are offended by your actions (3 public letters in the last month) will also send this letter, or one with their own feelings. I am not requesting that fans of Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony, Bubba The Love Sponge, or Ron and Fez fans grab hold of this idea and let their voices be heard over phone, fax and email, but it would not surprise me if they did. Then of course, there are Oprah fans, Martha fans, Comedy channel fans, Football fans, Baseball fans…..might I digress. Sincerely, SSG 10/24/2006 10:17:00 PM
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It's The NAB Again!
Interestingly, the Sirius Free Howard Stern promotion is via the internet. I wonder if that falls under the jurisdiction of the NAB? NAB Calls For Probe Into Satcasters
October 24, 2006, www.fmqb.comNAB President/CEO David Rehr has sent a pair of letters to the FCC, calling for investigations into XM and Sirius Satellite Radio. Rehr asks for a probe into the satcasters' troubles with ground repeater regulations, as well as the companies' recent free trial offerings of their programming. In the first letter, Rehr asked the FCC to "immediately commence a full investigation into both the actual and reported operations of Sirius and XM's terrestrial repeater networks." Both companies recently asked for a window of time to continue operating terrestrial repeaters that did not meet FCC regulations, allowing them time to correct the issue. "These latest disclosures reveal a persistent corporate (if not industry) circumvention of the FCC's regulations," Rehr wrote. In his second letter, Rehr says that XM and Sirius currently have a "privileged regulatory position" because of "the expanding delivery of complimentary satellite radio services to nonsubscribers." Rehr mentions a recent XM deal with Acura as well as this week's free online trial of Howard Stern's Howard 100 channel on Sirius. He adds that "drawing a regulatory distinction between satellite and traditional broadcast radio simply because satellite radio content is available on a subscription basis may no longer be justified." Rehr's first letter can be read here, with the second one found here (both in PDF format) 10/24/2006 04:53:00 PM
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Gizmodo Has Interesting Zune Rumor
 October 24, 2006 According to the guys over at Gizmodo, there is an interesting rumor about the possibility of getting paid to share music. One does not have to leave much to the imagination to see this having an application for satellite radio, and specifically the Sirius Stiletto if Sirius were to decide to go in that direction. Article Excerpt: The Microsoft Zune may pay you for sharing a song with others if they end up buying that song themselves. As you probably know, the Zune's WiFi capability will let you send a song to another Zune user, and then that user can listen to it three times for free within three days, after which a prompt appears asking for $1 to buy it......Interested SSG readers can catch the entire article HERE Via Gizmodo10/24/2006 03:44:00 PM
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SSG Football Challenge Week 7 Winner
October 24, 2006 Week 7 of the SSG Football Challenge has come to a close. This weeks winner was Kenneth Leon of Orlando Florida. Kenneth correctly picked 9 winners out of 12 games for a winning percentage of 75%. The SSG Football Challenge is currently sponsored by TSS Radio and My Radio Store. Please visit these retailers for your satellite hardware needs. Be it Sirius or XM, these guys have got you covered. Kenneth chose a $10.00 TSS Radio gift certificate for his prize and tells SSG that he is planning on using it towards new Sirius gear. Kenneth has not purchased from TSS radio yet, but did express that he his girlfriend made a purchase from TSS and was very happy with the customer service. We asked Warren about SSG and he said, "What I like about SGG is that I dont have to go to any other website for new information. SSG is always up to date with any new info. I check it two to Three times a day, you guys are Awsome."
SSG would like to thank all participants, and encourage you to try again in week 8. Week 8 games will be posted shortly, and you can always access these games in our SSG Football Challenge section of the left sidebar.
10/24/2006 01:45:00 PM
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GM Canada Announces Delivery of 50,000 XM Equipped Vehicles
 October 24, 2006 On a day when any good news would be very well received for XM investors, GM Canada announces that they have delivered 50,000 XM equipped GM cars. Press Release: 50,000 GM Customers Now Enjoying Factory-Installed XM Satellite Radio OSHAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Oct. 24, 2006) - GM Canada today reached a milestone with the delivery of the 50,000th vehicle with factory-installed XM Satellite Radio. "Delivering 50,000 vehicles with factory-installed XM Satellite Radio in less than a year has exceeded our expectations," says Marc Comeau, vice president, sales, service and marketing, GM Canada. "Customers have embraced satellite radio and we continue to see an increased demand for the service. In fact, along with our 50,000th delivery, we have an additional 50,000 customer orders for vehicles with XM Satellite Radio in our production schedule." GM Canada factory-installs XM Satellite Radio in more than 50 models and GM Canada was the first automotive manufacturer to offer the service as a factory-installed option beginning in December 2005. "A factory-installed system in a GM vehicle is truly the best way to experience satellite radio," adds Comeau. "The system offers an advantage that can be seen and heard. The radio fits seamlessly into the vehicle without any visible wires and each GM vehicle is specifically engineered for premium performance including digital quality sound with optimal antenna placement." "We are thrilled to have reached this incredible milestone of 100,000 orders including the 50,000 customers already enjoying XM Satellite Radio, with our longstanding partner GM Canada," said Stephen Tapp, president and chief operating officer of XM Canada. "As leaders in our respective industries, both GM and XM Canada are committed to providing Canadians with a superior driving and entertainment experience. This achievement, recognized much earlier than anticipated, further demonstrates the demand across Canada for the best in commercial-free music, all-star entertainment and non-stop sports action." According to General Motors research, customers view the digital quality sound and commercial-free music as the features most valued with XM Satellite Radio. These two are followed closely by the ability to still receive AM/FM bands, the broad range of music, coast-to-coast coverage and the ongoing creation of new programming, such as the recently launched Oprah & Friends on XM Channel 156 and Mike Bullard Uncensored on XM Channel 153.Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, General Motors of Canada employs more than 20,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures a variety of vehicles, engines, transmissions and other components, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 759 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac. 10/24/2006 01:35:00 PM
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Countdown Begins XM-4 Launch
 October 24, 2006 Sea Launch Begins Countdown for XM-4 Launch LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct 24, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Sea Launch team has initiated a 72-hour countdown in preparation for the launch of the XM-4 broadcast satellite on October 26. Liftoff is planned at the opening of a 58-minute launch window at 4:49 pm Pacific Daylight Time (23:49 GMT). With launch site operations underway at 154 degrees West Longitude on the Equator, the Sea Launch Commander is now stationed alongside the Odyssey, periodically connected by a "link bridge" during launch preparations. Tomorrow, a day before launch, the team will erect the Zenit-3SL rocket onto the launch pad. Final tests on the launch system and the spacecraft will lead up to the terminal count for liftoff. The launch platform will be evacuated, with all personnel positioned on the ship, three miles uprange from the platform, during final preparations for liftoff. At launch, the rocket will lift the 5,193 kg (11,448 lbs.) XM-4 satellite to an optimized geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), on its way to a final orbital position of 115 degrees West Longitude. Built by the Boeing Satellite Development Center, the Boeing 702 spacecraft carries a high-power S-band Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) payload provided by Alcatel Alenia Space. Like the three XM satellites currently in orbit, XM-4 will broadcast XM's radio programming to over 7 million subscribers in cars, homes and portable radios throughout the continental United States and Canada...read more: here 10/24/2006 01:34:00 PM
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Sirius Repeater Map
 October 24, 2006 For those of you who are thinking of purchasing or have already purchased a Stiletto, www.dogstarradio.com has a repeater map that may be of interest. Here is the LINK. 10/24/2006 01:27:00 PM
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Directed Q3 Earnings Conference Call On November 14th
 October 24, 2006Directed Electronics, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2006 Conference Call
VISTA, Calif., Oct 24, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Directed Electronics, Inc. ( DEIX), the largest designer and marketer of consumer branded vehicle security and convenience systems in the United States based on sales and a major supplier of car and home audio, mobile video and satellite radio products, announced today that it will report financial results for the third quarter after the market close on Tuesday, November 14, 2006. The Company also announced that its executive officers will host a conference call on the same day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company will discuss its results, its progress and performance for the quarter and its outlook for the future. The conference call may include forward-looking statements. ...read more: here10/24/2006 12:37:00 PM
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Chrysler Reports Inventory of About 50,000 Unsold Vehicles
 October 24, 2006 Some that follow satellite radio believe that the OEM channel is going to become the medium for growth in the SDARS sector. Whether or not you subscribe to that theory, it is good to keep an eye on what is happening with the OEM's, and in particular, those with exclusive deals. Today it was announced by Chrysler that they have about 50,000 unsold cars that are currently not counted in inventory. This number is down from a peak of about 100,000 earlier this summer. ARTICLE EXCERPT: Chrysler Reports It Has an Unsold Inventory of About 50,000 VehiclesBy NICK BUNKLEY
Published: October 24, 2006
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 23 — The Chrysler Group said Monday that it had not yet accounted for tens of thousands of cars in its inventory numbers, which are already considered high by industry standards.
Chrysler said it had routinely excluded these vehicles, worth billions of dollars, from its tally of unsold cars and trucks because they had not yet been assigned to a specific dealer or ordered by a customer.
While there are no requirements for how automakers report their inventories, the disclosure has frustrated competitors who say they are being more forthright about their struggles. Chrysler says the practice is common, but other automakers say they abandoned it decades ago, after the oil shortages of the 1970’s caused inventories to bloat quickly.
A Chrysler spokesman, Kevin McCormick, said about 50,000 vehicles were currently unassigned and therefore not included in Chrysler’s inventory figures, adding that the number had been as high as 100,000 this summer.
At an average price of $25,000 each, those 100,000 vehicles would be worth $2.5 billion. By year’s end, Mr. McCormick said, all of the company’s unassigned inventory will be gone.
“We’re actively working with our dealer body to reduce that,” he said. “It’s a number that’s higher than what we would like for it to be.”.........Interested SSG readers can read the whole story HERE via New York Times10/24/2006 12:28:00 PM
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Ford Gets Upgrade
 October 24, 2006 Ford Motor Company is an exclusive partner of Sirius Satellite Radio. Today Ford was raised to "Neutral" by Goldman Sachs. Article Excerpt: Ford Raised to `Neutral' by Goldman on Restructuring Prospects By Allen Wan Oct. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co. was upgraded to ``neutral'' from ``sell'' at Goldman, Sachs & Co., which expects restructuring measures at the second-biggest U.S. automaker to gain speed under Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally. ``Viewed on fundamentals alone, Ford's outlook remains bleak,'' Goldman analyst Robert Barry wrote in a note today. ``But we think the focus will remain weighed to restructuring upside. It seems fair to assume Mulally will have at least some impact on improving Ford's turbid operation given his disciplined operating track record.'' Ford yesterday reported a $5.8 billion third-quarter loss, its biggest in 14 years, as sales continued to slump and the costs of shedding jobs mounted in North America. It also said it will restate five years of earnings because of accounting changes...... Interested SSG readers can catch the whole story HERE via Bloomberg 10/24/2006 10:22:00 AM
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Diddy's Sirius Interview Makes The New York Post, Page Six
DIDDY GOES DAFFY OVER NEW CD
The New York Post, Page Six, October 24, 2006 -- MEMBERS of Sean Combs' entourage have been busy bowing to the king of hip-hop lately. Two reports have come in to Page Six detailing the high-maintenance rapper mogul's most recent antics, which were all in the name of promoting his new CD, "Press Play." Sources say Combs, previously known as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, threw a "diva fit" at Sirius studios last week while plugging his album at the satellite radio station. "He was throwing a tantrum," said our spy. "He had his team around him and he was cursing up a storm, dropping F-bombs and throwing around the N-word." The fit thrown by the rapper/fashion designer/impresario was aimed at his own management team. Combs had originally agreed to sit down with Sirius channel's Hip-Hop Nation, Hot Jamz, and Eminem's channel Shade 45. But he went ballistic on the managers after he was also asked to "tour the station" and give interviews to more channels, our insider reports. "He was clearly unhappy with the way his team was handling things," the source said, adding that Combs' behavior at Sirius was nothing new: "This has happened before. He's always yelling at his team." Reps for both Sirius and Combs say they were happy with the three interviews he gave the station, and Sirius denies asking him to do more than were initially scheduled. Neither side would comment on Combs' behavior at the studio or on whether his managers pushed for more on-air chats...read more: here10/24/2006 08:09:00 AM
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XM Sets Date For Q3 Conference Call
October 23, 2006 XM Satellite Radio has announced their Q3 Conference Call. the call will be held on Monday, November 6, 2006 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Press Release Source: XM Satellite Radio XM Satellite Radio Schedules Third Quarter 2006 Financial Results Conference Call on November 6Monday October 23, 4:41 pm ET WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XM Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: XMSR - News) has scheduled a conference call on Monday, November 6, 2006, at 10:00 AM ET to announce and discuss its third quarter 2006 financial results. Prior to the call, XM Radio's third quarter 2006 results will be posted to the Company's website at http://www.xmradio.com and released to PR Newswire and First Call. To listen to the conference call via telephone, please call one of the following numbers approximately 10 minutes prior to the planned start of the call. Call-in number: (877) 265-5808 Local call-in number: (706) 679-7931 The conference call can also be accessed through a live webcast on the Company's website at http://www.xmradio.com/about/about_us.html (click on Investor Information link). The webcast of the call will also be archived on the Company's website. If you are unable to participate in the scheduled call, a replay of the conference call will be available after 11 a.m. ET on Monday, November 6, 2006 until February 6, 2007. Playback Numbers: (800) 642-1687 Local playback number: (706) 645-9291 Conference ID#: 9516199 10/23/2006 04:54:00 PM
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Vernon Irvin Forbes Profile
 October 23, 2006 As you should be aware, XM Satellite radio added a new member to the management team today. Vernon Irvin was introduced as XM's CMO, and will begin duties in November. Looking for a little more information about XM's new CMO? Forbes has a profile on Irvin HERE10/23/2006 01:12:00 PM
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Market Watch Accepting Nominations For CEO Of The Year
 October 23, 2006 Market watch is conducting their annual CEO of the Year. This is your chance to nominate a CEO that you feel has gone above and beyond the call of duty. This is your chance to identify what CEO you feel has given his company the best chances at success and profitability. Perhaps your nomination is for a turn-around story, or perhaps it is about a series of good business moves. No matter what your reasons, you can make a nomintaion. Whether from the satellite radio sector, or any other sector, take a few minutes and nominate a CEO. Those interested in participating can do so by visiting Market Watch HERE 10/23/2006 12:33:00 PM
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XM Adds Public radio Shows To Line-up
 October 23, 2006 XM Expands XM Public Radio Lineup With Award-Winning News Programs From PRI® XM Satellite Radio10/23/2006 10:51:02 AM PRI’s “The World,” “To the Point,” “To the Best of Our Knowledge” and “The Changing World” To Be Added to XMPR Lineup Beginning November 6 Washington, D.C., October 23, 2006 – XM, the nation’s leading satellite radio service with more than seven million subscribers, announced today that it will expand the XM Public Radio (XMPR) schedule with several top shows from Public Radio International® (PRI) and its satellite radio subsidiary, American Public Radio™. Beginning Monday, November 6, the XMPR (XM 133) lineup will feature PRI’s award-winning programs “The World,” “To the Point” and “To the Best of Our Knowledge,” as well as the BBC’s acclaimed documentary series, “The Changing World.” XMPR already features several PRI shows as part of its regular programming lineup, including “This American Life,” PRI’s “Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen,” “The Tavis Smiley Show,” and “Michael Feldman’s Whad’Ya Know?” PRI’s “The World,” anchored by Lisa Mullins, is a 2005 Peabody Award-winning daily global news program co-produced by PRI, BBC World Service and WGBH Radio Boston. “To the Best of Our Knowledge,” produced by Wisconsin Public Radio and winner of a 2004 Peabody Award, is a two-hour weekly news and information program hosted by Jim Fleming. “To the Point” is a fast-paced, news-based daily discussion program produced by KCRW/Santa Monica and hosted by multiple-award-winning Warren Olney. Produced by BBC World Service, the world’s most respected news source, “The Changing World” is an acclaimed global documentary series. About Public Radio International® PRI is public radio’s leading source for innovative programming, providing diverse voices and global perspectives for the public airwaves. Through partnerships with BBC World Service and station-based and independent producers, the Minneapolis-based network provides over 400 hours of programming each week, content that is broadcast and streamed online by almost 750 PRI affiliates nationwide, which reach 29 million listeners each week. PRI owns Public Interactive LLC, public broadcasting’s leading Web services company. PRI is also the managing partner of the satellite radio company American Public Radio LLC, established with Chicago Public Radio®, WGBH Radio Boston and WNYC, New York Public Radio®. For more information on PRI and its programs and services, visit www.pri.org. About XM Satellite Radio XM (NASDAQ: XMSR) is America’s number one satellite radio company 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 music, premier sports, news, talk radio, 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, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota 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. 10/23/2006 11:48:00 AM
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SeekingAlpha Mentions Sirius
SeekingAlpha Sirius Satelite Radio: Serious Upside PotentialMonday October 23, 10:00 am ET Phil Davis submits: Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI - News) fell below its 50 DMA despite a lot of good numbers and a full-bore marketing blitz including a two-day free trial of the Howard Stern show available as a stream to your computers. This is very likely a way to introduce paid podcasting of SIRI content. There is also a 1 cent Howard TV preview on November 3-5 right after the October 30th earnings report. Would Howard want to schedule a series of major events to bookend a disappointing quarter, or are 32 analysts incapable of analyzing a subscription model? Howard came on the air in January, and revenues for the last 6 quarters were: 2005: $43.2M, 52.2M (23%), $67M (28%), $80M (19%) 2006: 127M (59%), 150M (19%). For Q3, analysts are anticipating just 168M in sales, a 12% gain based on SIRI's addition of 441K subscribers (9%) at $12.95 each. What is not taken into account is the sale of 441,000 new units which, although unprofitable, do generate revenues, as well as the bulk of the 600K Q2 subscribers coming off their discount trial periods. I don't play SIRI for a quarter, as earnings are too erratic, but they still look like a long-term winner to me, and I still like the stock anytime it hits $3.69 but I'm willing to go crazy and pay $3.72 this week!...read more: here10/23/2006 10:57:00 AM
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XM Extends Offer For Conversion of Convertible Notes
XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. Extends Offer of Premium for Conversion of 10% Senior Secured Discount Convertible Notes
WASHINGTON, Oct 20, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. ( XMSR) announced today the extension of its offer of premium for conversion of its 10% Senior Secured Discount Convertible Notes due 2009 and consent solicitation. The offer and consent solicitation will expire at 12:00 midnight New York City time, on November 10, 2006, unless extended. The number of shares of our Class A common stock to be issued in payment of the premium that we will pay for conversion of each $1,000 aggregate principal amount at maturity of the 10% Notes will now equal the premium amount as set forth in the Offer of Premium divided by the average closing price of our Class A common stock for the five-day period ending on November 8, 2006, which is the date two business days prior to the new expiration date. As of 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on October 19, 2006, approximately $22.6 million aggregate principal amount of the approximately $99.9 million aggregate principal amount of issued and outstanding 10% Notes had been tendered for conversion. ...read more: here10/23/2006 09:19:00 AM
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Howard Stern Anuncia Sus Programs Especiales
 Howard Stern anuncia sus programas especiales e invitados del evento SIRIUS Internet Radio(PR Newswire Europe 10/23 09:06:46) - Howard Sternanuncia sus programas especiales e invitados como partedel evento mundial de dos dC-as de duraciC3n SIRIUS Internet Radio - Howard Stern Show y sus dos canales originales en directo - Las estrellas de todo el mundo participarC!n en el evento gratuitoglobal de radio de los canales SIRIUS Internet Radio el 25 y 26 de octubre - MC!s de 75 canales 100% gratuitos de debate, entretenimiento,deportes ymC:sica Para celebrar el lanzamiento de SIRIUS Internet Radio (SIR), sunuevo CDde calidad en versiC3n exclusiva de Internet, SIRIUS Satellite Radio(Nasdaq: SIRI) ofrece un ensayo gratuito de dos dC-as el 25 y 26 de octubre.Durante esos dos dC-as, Howard Stern proporcionarC! su show diario de cuatrohoras de duraciC3n sin censurar, ademC!s de los programas originales de los doscanales SIRIUS de Stern. 10/23/2006 09:15:00 AM
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Stern Announces Special Guests For Free Trial
 October 23, 2006 Press Release Source: SIRIUS Satellite Radio Howard Stern Announces Specials and Guests as Part of SIRIUS Internet Radio's Two-Day Worldwide EventMonday October 23, 1:02 am ET The Howard Stern Show and his two original channels live Stars from around the world to participate in free global radio event on SIRIUS Internet Radio channels October 25th & 26th More than 75 channels of talk, entertainment, sports and 100% commercial-free music NEW YORK, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To celebrate the launch of SIRIUS Internet Radio (SIR), its new CD quality, Internet-only version, SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI - News) is offering a free two-day trial on October 25 and 26. For these two days, Howard Stern will deliver his daily uncensored four-hour-plus show along with original programs on Stern's two SIRIUS channels. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991118/NYTH125 ) Source: SIRIUS Satellite Radio People around the globe can now easily sign up online to listen to Stern along with more than 75 channels of SIRIUS' premium content, including 100% commercial-free music, unique talk programming hosted by top political, cultural and entertainment figures, and hours of pro sports talk programs for the monthly subscription fee of $12.95. "The two-day free trial of SIRIUS Internet Radio is a global event, featuring compelling, exclusive talk, music, and sports programming that exemplifies the depth and quality our current subscribers enjoy. Listeners who sign on will hear what has made SIRIUS the fastest growing company in satellite radio and the home of the most unique collection of entertainment ever put under one radio brand. The Best Radio on Radio is now The Best Radio on the Internet "said Scott Greenstein, SIRIUS President of Sports and Entertainment. To participate in the free trial, visit http://www.sirius.com/howard or http://www.howardstern.com/ and register today. Listeners to the free SIR experience on the 25th and 26th will hear Stern and the other available channels. Programming highlights from October 25th & 26th below (schedule and guests subject to change, and air dates and times updated throughout the week on http://www.sirius.com/ ): HOWARD STERN The Howard Stern Show with special guests including The Who's Pete Townshend, Sharon Osbourne, and Danny Bonaduce. The Gary Dell'Abate Roast, when Colin Quinn, Reverend Bob Levy, Lisa Lampanelli, Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling and a cast of others will all roast "Baba Booey." The Bitter Half, a radio drama about relationships, written and produced by Sam Simon, one of the original developers of The Simpsons. Howard 100 and Howard 101 breaks new ground with The Bitter Half, starring Howard Stern, Beth Ostrosky, John Stamos, Gilbert Gottfried, Robin Quivers, Fred Norris, Artie Lange, Andrew Dice Clay, George Takei, Gary Dell'Abate, Mary Dell'Abate, Allison Norris, Craig Gass and Ralph Cirella. Scott Ferrall taking calls and keeping listeners on the edge of every sport from the NFL to the World Series and everything in between. Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling is back on the Howard Stern channels with Jackie's Joke Hunt, laughing through the best comedy on radio. 100% COMMERCIAL-FREE MUSIC Rock - The final concert at CBGBs: Encore broadcast of Patti Smith's performance on SIRIUS Disorder / channel 24. - Jimmy Buffett live in concert from Chula Vista, CA on Radio Margaritaville / channel 31. - Steven Van Zandt hosts 2-part special, Little Steven's Introduction to Garage Rock, on Underground Garage / channel 25. - The Who from A to Z, exclusive interviews with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, and two special concert broadcasts on The Who Channel / channel 10. - The Stones from A to Z featuring interviews with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts on Rolling Stones Radio /channel 98. - 48-hour Bam-A-Thon featuring the best of Radio Bam, Bam Margera's weekly show, and highlights from Tony Hawk's Demolition Radio on Faction /channel 28. - Bode Miller gives his most in-depth interview since the Olympics on Faction / channel 28. - Special editions of Nordic Rox, including exclusive interview with Roxette's Per Gessle by original MTV VJ Mark Goodman, and interview with ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and the Hives' Pelle Almquist on The Spectrum /channel 18. - First international edition of Faction with extreme skier Jon Olsson on Faction / channel 28. - UK Rising Stars Showcase featuring live performance by The Feeling and Lily Allen in her first US radio performance and interview on Left of Center / channel 26. - Alice Cooper interview on Buzzsaw / channel 19. - The Top 100 Hair Bands of All Time countdown on Hair Nation / channel 23. Pop - Phil Collins interviewed by original MTV VJ Mark Goodman on Big '80s /channel 8. - GRAMMY® winner John Legend live in-studio performance on Heart & Soul/ channel 51. - Roxette's Per Gessle guest DJs on Big '80s / channel 8. - Original MTV VJs/current SIRIUS DJs Mark Goodman, Nina Blackwood, Alan Hunter and Martha Quinn share their biggest '80s moments on Big '80s /channel 8. - Ace of Base's Ulf Ekberg guest DJs on The Pulse / channel 9. Hip Hop - Eminem to appear live in-studio on his own Shade 45 channel where he'll personally world premiere a new track from Shady Records' forthcoming album Eminem Presents: The Re-Up. The new song is performed by Stat Quo and produced by Dr. Dre. Only on Shade 45 / channel 45. - Diddy interviewed about his new album on Hip-Hop Nation / channel 40. - Timbuktu talks about the important influence American hip hop artists have on the music community worldwide on Hip Hop Nation / channel 40. Country - Hank Williams Jr. guest DJs for an exclusive two-hour special on Outlaw Country / channel 63. - Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top join Hillbilly Jim for a special edition of his Moonshine Matinee show on Outlaw Country / channel 63. - A special rebroadcast of the premiere episode of Deadwood Radio, the radio companion of HBO's acclaimed Outlaw western, on Outlaw Country /channel 63. Dance - Paul van Dyk hosts The Vonyc Sessions on Area 33 / channel 33. - DJ Stonebridge on Area 33 / channel 33. - Encore broadcast from Nikki Beach-St. Tropez on Area 33 / channel 33. - Award Winning songwriter and producer Andreas Carlsson, in worldwide exclusive, debuts tracks from the upcoming, groundbreaking concept album, Dandyworld, on The Beat / channel 36. Classical & Broadway - Live broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City: Verdi's Rigoletto and Leoncavallo/Mascagni's Cavelleria Rusticana/I Pagliacci on Metropolitan Opera Radio / channel 85. - Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA and creator of Broadway hit Mamma Mia! On Broadway's Best / channel 77. - Swedish superstar Peter Joback, whose career spans both musical theater and pop music, will debut some of his most well known works, and offer his unique perspective on the influence of Broadway on international musical theater in an exclusive interview with Seth Rudetsky on Broadway's Best / channel 77. STARS & EXCLUSIVES - Deepak Chopra live on his new show Deepak Chopra's Wellness Radio on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - Steven Van Zandt and Vincent Pastore co-host special edition of The Wiseguy Show on Raw Dog Comedy / channel 104. - Encore broadcast of the Coen Brothers' and Charlie Kaufman's Theater of the New Ear, starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Steve Buscemi and John Goodman on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - Pakistani rock star Salman Ahmad performs on Deepak Chopra's Wellness Radio on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - Victoria Silvstedt, former Miss Sweden, TV host, actress, and supermodel, live on Maxim Radio / channel 108. - Ace of Base's Ulf Ekberg live on Maxim Radio / channel 108. - Dave Marsh broadcast of interview with Bruce Springsteen to mark re-release of Springsteen's "We Shall Overcome... the Seeger Sessions" CD, and publication of Marsh's "Bruce Springsteen on Tour 1968-2005," on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - The Judith Regan Show marathon featuring interviews with Nicole Richie, Gov. Jim McGreevey, Larry Miller, Tommy Chong, Danny Bonaduce and Victoria Gotti on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - Sen. Bill Bradley's American Voices showcase on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - The Jay Thomas Show on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - Conversation with NPR's Garrison Keillor on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - Interviews with the Scissor Sisters, Indigo Girls, Erasure, Josh Zuckerman, Jen Foster and Joi Cardwell on SIRIUS OutQ / channel 106. - Brooke and Hulk Hogan on Maxim Radio / channel 108. - Mojo Nixon special on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - Dee Snider hosts Fangoria Radio's Halloween Special on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. SPORTS - 2-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady joins hosts Adam Schein, Jim Miller, and Solomon Wilcots on The Afternoon Blitz on SIRIUS Football Radio /channel 124. - 2-time NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart gives an exclusive interview, discussing his upcoming weekly show on SIRIUS, on SIRIUS Football Radio/ channel 124. - New York Giant Tiki Barber and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ronde Barber host The Barber Shop on SIRIUS Football Radio / channel 124. - Taking It to The House hosted by Carolina Panther Keyshawn Johnson on SIRIUS Football Radio / channel 124. - Late Hits hosted by Jerry Rice, Carl Banks and Bryan McGovern on SIRIUS Football Radio / channel 124. - The Opening Drive hosted by Don Lagreca, Bob Papa and Randy Cross on SIRIUS Football Radio / channel 124. - Movin' the Chains hosted by Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan on SIRIUS Football Radio / channel 124. - The Red Zone hosted by Bruce Murray, Gil Brandt and Daryl "Moose" Johnston on SIRIUS Football Radio / channel 124. - Live conversations with NFL players and coaches including Dennis Green, Marvin Lewis, Jeff Fisher, Dick Jauron, Mike McCarthy, John Madden, Boomer Esiason, Mike Doss and Joseph Addai on SIRIUS Football Radio /channel 124. - NBA expert Rick Kamla hosts In the Paint, featuring interviews with the #1 overall picks from the last two NBA Drafts, Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, Suns guard Leandro Barbosa, Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani, and Bucks center Andrew Bogut, on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - The Football Show hosted by soccer superstar Giorgio Chinaglia and Charlie Stillitano on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. WOMEN - Maria Shriver hosts coverage of the 2006 California Governor's Women's Conference, featuring Suze Orman, Martha Stewart, Sarah Ferguson, Anne Sweeney, Anna Quindlen, Sally Ride and the Dalai Lama on SIRIUS Stars /channel 102. - Martha Stewart live on Martha Stewart Living Radio / channel 112. - Candace Bushnell, creator of Sex and The City, live on her new show Candace Bushnell's Sex, Success and Sensibility on SIRIUS Stars /channel 102. - Whatever with Alexis and Jennifer celebrates its one-year anniversary on Martha Stewart Living Radio / channel 112. - Richard Simmons celebrates the one-year anniversary of Lighten Up with Richard Simmons on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - Chefs Showcase featuring Bobby Flay, Marcus Samuelsson, Todd English and Sylvia Weinstock on Martha Stewart Living Radio / channel 112. - Cosmopolitan magazine's favorite lingerie experts on Cosmo Radio /channel 111. - Victoria Silvstedt, former Miss Sweden, TV host, actress, and supermodel, live on Cosmo Radio / channel 111. COMEDY - PJ Walsh and Larry The Cable Guy live from Larry's House on Blue Collar Radio / Channel 103. - Bill Engvall live on Blue Collar Radio / channel 103. - Jim Breuer's Impressionist Improv Day on Jim Breuer Unleashed on Raw Dog Comedy / channel 104. - Jim Breuer's Halloween Event on Jim Breuer Unleashed on Raw Dog Comedy /Channel 104. - Weird Al Yankovic Musical Comedy Special on Laugh Break / channel 105. - British Comedy Special on Raw Dog Comedy / channel 104. - The World Series of Comedy on Raw Dog Comedy / channel 104. PLAYBOY & PAM - Jenna Jameson live on Playboy Radio / channel 198. - Encore of Pam Anderson's backyard broadcast with Kid Rock on SIRIUS Stars / channel 102. - Gene Simmons interview on Playboy Radio / channel 198. - Live broadcast from Playmate casting call on Playboy Radio / channel 198. About SIRIUS SIRIUS, "The Best Radio on Radio," delivers more than 130 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 69 music channels. SIRIUS also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL and broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95. SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com. SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep®, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country. Click on http://www.sirius.com/ to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming partners, our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites. P-SIRI Media Contact: Elise Brown SIRIUS Music Media Relations 212.584.5290 ebrown@siriusradio.comHillary Schupf SIRIUS Talk/Entertainment Media Relations 212.901.6739 hschupf@siriusradio.comAndrew FitzPatrick SIRIUS Sports Media Relations 212.901.6693 afitzpatrick@siriusradio.comSource: SIRIUS Satellite Radio 10/23/2006 09:07:00 AM
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Directed Begins Shipping Stiletto
Directed Electronics Shipping Stiletto to Its SIRIUS Customer BaseMonday October 23, 8:00 am ET, VISTA, Calif., PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Directed Electronics, Inc., (Nasdaq: DEIX - News), announced that it has begun shipping Stiletto 100 receivers to SIRIUS retailers. The latest addition to the SIRIUS Personal Family of Products, Stiletto 100 is the first mobile radio product to have 100 hours of storage capability for live SIRIUS programming, storage and playback of MP3 and WMA content. It is also the first portable product that has the ability to access SIRIUS Internet Radio that streams through an accessible WiFi network. According to Jim Minarik, President and CEO of Directed Electronics, "We are very proud of our strong partnership with SIRIUS and are pleased to offer the exciting new Stiletto receiver to our customers."...read more: here10/23/2006 09:07:00 AM
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Ford Records 5.8 Billion Loss
 October 23, 2006 Sirius is the exclusive satellite radio partner of Ford, which similar to GM earlier this year is in the midst of some restructuring. Article Excerpt: AP Ford Reports $5.8 Billion 3Q Loss Monday October 23, 8:23 am ET By Tom Krisher, AP Business Writer Ford Loss Widens to $5.8 Billion in 3Q, Plans to Restate Results Since 2001 DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. said Monday its loss widened to $5.8 billion in the third quarter, weighed down by the costs of its massive restructuring plan aimed at reshaping the company and cutting expenses so it can compete better against lower-cost rivals from overseas.
Ford's new Chief Executive, Alan Mulally, called the latest results "clearly unacceptable." It was the largest quarterly loss for the nation's second biggest automaker in more than 13 years.
Ford also said it plans to restate its earnings for 2001 due to accounting errors involving derivative transactions. The restatement is expected to affect financial results from 2001 until the third quarter of this year.
The company expected the restatement would improve results for 2002, but said other periods are under study........Interested SSG readers can catch the whole article HERE10/23/2006 08:59:00 AM
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XM Names Irvin CMO
 October 23, 2006 Press Release Source: XM Satellite Radio XM Satellite Radio Names Vernon Irvin Chief Marketing OfficerMonday October 23, 8:00 am ET Veteran Marketing Executive to Lead XM's Next Phase of Subscriber Growth WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Vernon Irvin has been named Chief Marketing Officer, XM Satellite Radio, the company announced today. Irvin will report to Nate Davis, President and COO for the company. His appointment is effective November 14. Irvin will oversee XM's strategic marketing efforts with responsibility for a number of operating groups, including media and brand marketing; retail, direct and partnership marketing; and, marketing operations, which includes service offerings, pricing, retention and market research. XM is the nation's leading satellite radio company with more than 7 million subscribers. XM offers more than 170 digital radio channels of commercial-free music and premier sports, news, talk, and entertainment to listeners from coast to coast. "Vernon is a dynamic leader who brings to XM a winning track record of building great brands and growing businesses," said Davis. "His impressive operating experience combined with his strong creative instincts and relationships in the entertainment industry will make Vernon a driving force as we extend XM's industry leadership." "I've been at the center of cutting edge, rapid-growth businesses, and I know that XM has a great product that can continue to grow significantly," Irvin said. "I look forward to joining XM's dynamic executive team to help the company expand its leadership position through effective marketing of its outstanding content and its world-class technology." A seasoned marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience, Irvin joins XM from VeriSign, where he has served since 2003 as Executive Vice President and General Manager for the company's communications services group, with revenues of $975.7 million and more than 2,000 employees in 19 countries. While at VeriSign, he oversaw a number of areas, including sales, marketing, product management, strategic development, and network operations. He also oversaw high-growth initiatives such as the launch of Jamster, VeriSign's consumer ringtone business, which at its peak counted millions of mobile and online music consumers. During his tenure, revenue for the communications services group doubled to $850 million in two years. Prior to joining VeriSign, Irvin served as Executive Vice President of Communications, Media, and Entertainment for American Management Systems, the international business and technology consulting company catering to corporations, and government agencies. About XM Satellite Radio XM (Nasdaq: XMSR - News) is America's number one satellite radio company 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, premier sports, news, talk radio, 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, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota 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 10/23/2006 08:47:00 AM
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The Forbidden Fruit
October 22, 2006 Apple is known as the forbidden fruit. For satellite radio one needs to ask whether the temptation of apple is worth the consequences. Sure, apple is huge. Yes, they have sold millions of pieces of hardware, and have a loyal base of fans. The question is whether or not to give in to the temptation, or perhaps more importantly whether Sirius or XM need to. Apple has a pretty simple business plan as it relates to music. Sell a simple and functional device that records songs which need to be obtained from your own service. There are no worries about the RIAA, or how the songs are recorded. The consumer simply browses music, makes a selection, pays Apple, and the process is complete. What is impressive about Apple and tempting is the massive amount of hardware they have sold, and the loyal fan base they have. Music is music. You can get it from Apple, Napster, Yahoo, Urge, or any number of sources. It is not the content that makes Apple so tempting…..it is the name. The question is whether that temptation is worth it. For example, if Apple wanted 50% of the revenue on any sub they brought to the table would you jump at that deal? Two years ago the answer was maybe. Now, I am not so sure. For Sirius and XM the business is on the cusp of becoming CFBE without Apple….plus, Sirius and XM can deliver something that Apple does not yet have…..IMPULSE BUYING. Hear a song you want, press a button, and it is virtually yours. Apple can not do this yet, and this is what their latest patent application is all about. What Sirius and XM want is a taste of what Apple has in terms of hardware sales. What investors need to consider is what may look great in the short term may well siphon off profits in the long term. The idea with SDARS is to generate revenue, and to keep as much of that revenue as possible. With the Inno and the Stiletto, consumers have a capability that they simply did not have before. The trick is getting the loyal I-Pod fans to see the value in SDARS. The goal is to get those that have I-pods to consider SDARS for their next music device. The problem of course is that Apple fans who have been I-pod users for some time have a decision to make. If they have invested $1,000 into downloading songs into their I-Pod, they have a library that can not be transferred. Cutting a deal with Apple would make the transition for I-Pod users far easier. However, if a deal were to be made, Apple would demand a cut of the subscriber action. After all, they are potentially giving up some download revenue. For SDARS, the gain is more subscribers, but at this point Sirius and XM seem to feel that they can do something to woo these subscribers anyway. The bottom line is there would be synergies between Apple and either SDARS company, but are those synergies worth it in the long term. A deal is good if both parties see benefit from it. A deal is good if 7 years from now you can still feel good about the deal. Giving up a big chunk of revenue may not seem like a good business decision seven years from now. At this point the speculation is simply fruitless. Each time the speculation arises, it is actually unhealthy for SDARS. Expectations become too high, and the rug gets pulled out from under SDARS as the rumors die off. Further, such speculation also weakens the SDARS business model in the eyes of investors. If the street feels that Sirius or XM “need” this deal, the current business model begins to fill with doubt. In my opinion, there is nothing that will happen with Apple in the short term. SDARS is in a period of reaching financial metrics that may or may not validate the business models. If those models validate, it could be argued that there is no need to invite Apple to the party. In my opinion, the speculation is good for a 4% or 5% bump, followed by an equal decline when the news turns out to be nothing. As an investor, you could still score pretty well by simply waiting for confirmed news regarding Apple. The good thing I see is that fewer people are falling for the Apple hype at this point. Only one year ago, an Apple rumor was good for at least a 10% pop in share price, and the rumor would have legs that would take the price up even further. Today, the rumor is down to a one day phenomenon. I would say that Apple should be considered the forbidden fruit until such a time that concrete indications are made, and until such a time that CFBE for these companies can be demonstrated and maintained. Personally, I would be a much bigger fan of a merger between Sirius and XM rather than seeing a deal between Apple and either company. 10/22/2006 10:05:00 PM
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RIAA Removes FM Recording From Creative Zen Vision
There are a number of MP3 players that incorporate FM radio, and some that have FM recording capability. It seems like now, the RIAA is legally challenging this "record" feature as they did for XMSR. This makes Sirius' agreeement with the labels even more significant. Sunday, October 22, 2006, via Satellite Radio TechWorld ( LINK) The RIAA Claims Another Victim
CNET Asia reported on October 16, 2006, that Creative will strip away the FM recording feature from its Zen Vision:M player with firmware revision 1.50.02. The RIAA is purportedly behind this revision. Recording an FM broadcast would appear to be well within a user's right. Unless companies like XM stand up to the RIAA, the RIAA will continue to trample on the rights of listeners to timeshift their music.This issue is not dissimilar to the lawsuit brought against XM by the RIAA. Creative zaps FM recording feature in the Vision:M [CNET Asia] 10/22/2006 09:24:00 PM
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Howard Gets A Mention In Billboard And Washington Post
Country singer's debut gets boost from Howard Stern
By Ken TuckerReuters, Saturday, October 21, 2006; 10:01 PM, NEW YORK (Billboard) - The number of country artists who have appeared on Howard Stern's radio show is small. Willie Nelson has, and so have the Dixie Chicks. Add rising country star Trent Tomlinson to that short but impressive list. A native of Kennett, Mo. -- also the hometown of Sheryl Crow -- Tomlinson scored with his first single, "Drunker Than Me," a based-in-fact, humorous ode to a woman who drank more than he did on a date. While the song peaked at No. 19 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, it received enough airplay to be heard by Andrea Ownbey, a former stripper who holds the dubious distinction of being known as "Miss Howard Stern." Stern and his crew became aware of Tomlinson's single when Ownbey sang it at a karaoke contest. When Tomlinson heard about Ownbey's performance, he offered to travel to New York to sing a duet with her on Stern's show. The Sirius Satellite Radio appearance was a success. Tomlinson says Stern was "a class act. We really hit if off," he says. "It was like we were two peas in a pod." After the July appearance, sales of his Lyric Street debut, "Country Is My Rock," shot up more than 50 percent. Coupled with the airplay of his current single, "One Wing in the Fire" -- which he wrote about his father -- sales have remained steady ever since. The single is No. 26 on the Hot Country Songs chart....read more: here10/22/2006 09:19:00 PM
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Sirius S50 Vehicle Kit and Sportster3 Receive Recertification
Friday, October 20, 2006, via Satellite Radio TechWorld ( LINK) Sportster 3 Receives Recertification
The Ki Ryung Sportster 3 received re-certification today. Update: the Sportster 3 does indeed use the new FM Extender (Remote Radiator) technique. It appears that Ki Ryung is updating their radios with the new technique. The Extender is not mentioned in the User Manual. This is because it is part of the vehicle kit.Noticeably absent is the FM loop antenna. However, one can still see remnants of the loop antenna on the internal photos.One may recall that Satellite Radio TechWorld had speculated that the earlier Sportster 3 certification had been dismissed. It is shaping up to be a good quarter for both XM and Sirius as far as receiver availability goes, providing they can bring them to market Sirius S50 Car Kit Receives Re-Certification
Humax received re-certification for its Sirius S50 receiver vehicle kit today. It is unclear whether or not this includes the S-50 itself; however, one of the attached documents states that it includes a personal satellite radio plus a car kit. The internal documents show only the car kit. An FM modulator chip is shown in the car kit, so perhaps the S-50 itself does not require certification. Previously, the S-50 received its own certification. Perhaps the radio itself has not changed, therefore, not requiring recertification. 10/22/2006 09:05:00 PM
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Sirius Re-Airs Controversial Commercial For "Sinus Buster"
Sirius Re-Airs Controversial Commercial During Free Howard Stern Promotion
( EMAILWIRE.COM, October 21, 2006 ) New York, NY -- While Sirius is already booming with more than 6,000 new subscribers daily, the newly crowned Satellite King is about to pull off one of the greatest promotions of all time. On October 25th and 26th, Sirius is offering the world a free helping of their biggest meal, Howard Stern, and Sinus Buster is taking advantage of this worldwide event to re-launch their controversial commercial. “This is a huge promotional event, and it’s the perfect way to re-introduce our latest commercial,” says Wayne Perry, president of SiCap Industries, makers of the world’s first hot pepper nasal spray known as “Sinus Buster”. . ..read more: here10/22/2006 08:32:00 PM
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SSG ShoutOuts October 22, 2006
SSG shoutout is here for you the readers. It is your opportunity to let other SSG readers know how you feel about what is happening in satellite radio, and even respond to an article we posted. This weeks ShoutOuts: Todd H., United States
"You know, it's investigations like the one you did about XM's supposedextra channels that make me favor your site. Keep up the good work. I am encouraging more people to go to your site to get the truth."
SSG Response
The channel count is an interesting situation. Extra channels sound great to a consumer, but discriminating consumers will understand that the additional channels are traffic and play By Play. The sacrifice for slotting additional channels is that you are dedicating bandwidth to them. The more band width a channel has the better the sound quality.
J.S. Chicago Illionois
“Now that retail numbers are in, I think the retail numbers also mean more people like me joined on-line. I went to Best Buy and Circuit City to ask about the radios. My interest was the SL-100, but no one had it in stock. I didn't invest in a radio (I don't drive in Chicago), when I can just listen on-line using my laptop and surround sound receiver. I attend Loyola University's Grad. Business Schoolwhere we have Wi-Fi so I can take my music with me. Now the problem is my laptop is heavy. My goal is to be one the first with the SL-100 and have people gawk over me to get a peek. So Sirius, get on the ball and make more radios to distribute through the retail channel!"
SSG Response
Sirius Internet Radio is going to be well promoted. Stilettos will be hitting retailers again in short order. With you being located in Chicago, you should consider touching base with TSS Radio. They are local to you and have great product knowledge and customer service. Your point about the school having WIFI is a great point. There are many who will get great reception through WIFI on college campuses.
Kimberly – Portugal
“Great site design”
SSG Response
Thank you. We try hard to make the site enjoyable and informative
J.B. San Destin Florida
“Regarding retail share, it looks as if Sirius is executing Sirius damage! Now when do the investors stop losing Sirius damage? Hopefully soon!”
SSG ResponseIt has been a tough year to be an investor in SDARS. Hopefully as these companies begin to demonstrate that CFBE can be achieved and maintained, the street will take notice.
Jill – United Kingdom
“Thank You!!!!!”SSG Response
I am not quite sure what you are referring to, but you’re welcome
E.K. – Arlington VA
"Thanks for your site. I'm wondering if you can help me answer a few questions about the Sirius Stiletto. I live in ARlington, VA. I want to get the Sirius to record Howard Stern at night and then listen to him in the morning on my way to work (on the metro, underground, with no reception).Do you know the answers to these questions:1. Are there repeaters in North Arlington? (My houseis surrounded by trees, so I am assuming I cannot getreception.)2. Can the S100 record a few 5 hour blocks (i.e., acouple whole Stern shows)?3. Can I fast forward through content (like ads,interviews I dont' want to hear, etc.).4. Can I use regular headphones with it if I'm listening to recorded material?"
SSG ResponseI answered your e-mail personally, but thought others would benefit from your questions as well.
1. Are there repeaters in North Arlington? (My house is surrounded by trees, so I am assuming I cannot getreception.)
You can access repeater locations at http://scb147.home.comcast.net/sirius_repeaters.html
2. Can the S100 record a few 5 hour blocks (i.e., a couple whole Stern shows)?
You can record in 6 hour blocks
3. Can I fast forward through content (like ads, interviews I don't want to hear, etc.)
Yes, you can fast forward
4. Can I use regular headphones with it if I'm listening to recorded material?
You can use any headphones you want. The stiletto has a built in antenna, and a headphone antenna for improved reception. Standard headphones can be used with the Stiletto.
R.H. Boca raton FL
“The Reuters news today about SIR being available outside the US has the message boards in a controversy. Can you please confirm if the following is true? Stern's show and other Sirius programming had been available on the Internet before, but only to existing customers who had purchased a satellite receiver in addition to the $12.95 monthly radio subscription. Under the new stand-alone Internet package, users anywhere in the world can subscribe and listen to Stern online without first having to buy satellite hardware, which is sold only in North America, a company spokesman said.”SSG ResponseSirius has been available on the internet to existing subscribers with an activated receiver. Sirius Internet Radio accomplishes two things. First, it has dramatically improved sound quality with 128kbs (near CD quality). Second, it allows subscriptions globally without having to buy a sirius receiver. I hope this puts an end to the confusion.S.S. New Cumberland PA
“First off let me say that I love your site and I check it everyday, as it is by far the best. I am a Sirius subscriber and have three subs as well as have a significant amount of money invested in the stock. My S50 has not been able to play back recorded content since August. I called Sirius and submitted a claim as they were unable to fix it by reformatting the hard drive. They told me they were backordered and that they should be back in stock in about 2 weeks. 2 months later we still have nothing. Do you have any idea what is going on with the certification on the S50 and why is it taking so much longer than all of the other devices? Thanks for your time and thanks for doing a kick butt site!”
SSG ResponseThank you very much for the kind words regarding SSG. It is great to know that people appreciate the site. Regarding your S50 issue. I am sorry to say that there are some in the same boat that you are, but reportedly the numbers are not huge. This however does not help with your dilemma. If I might suggest……There has been a report that some Circuit City’s in Chicago have S50’s in stock. Perhaps a faster route for you is to return your unit to the retailer for a refund, and order one from Circuit City. Having to say that you would need to take such steps is unfortunate. I would also suggest that you reach out to Sirius’ customer service. Be courteous and kind, and ask to speak to a supervisor and let them know your situation. It is better to call early in the morning, when the customer service reps are not as busy. This will ensure that you have enough time to get your situation explained. Please remember to be as kind and courteous as possible (you get more with honey than vinegar) I would imagine that Sirius will arrange for something to try to compensate you for your frustrations. Additionally, if they are able to handle your situation be sure to thank them (I know that they are doing their job, but a thank you goes a long way). If they do a very good job, send a note into Sirius with the name of the rep that helped you. These things make overall customer service better for everyone, and because you are also an investor, this is a good goal to have. Some links: S50 car kit, S50 Home Kit, SIRIUS S50.
J. C. – United States“Just wondering what happened to your podcasts? I have not spotted one since 9-24. I hope there are more coming.”SSG ResponseThe podcasts have several contributors and take a bit of coordination to get produced, edited, and on line. Sometimes schedules of those involved simply do not line up. We would rather make sure a professional podcast goes up than to simply wing it. Additionally we are giving consideration to some upgrades on the site, and that is taking time. Because SSG is not my career, or the career of any of the contributors, I find it hard to ask anything more of those that contribute. We plan on maintaining podcasts, and hope to be able to streamline the process so that it does not take so many steps to get on the site. We rely heavily on input such as yours to help us identify what direction to take SSG. Podacsts will be coming again shortly.Thank you everyone for your participation. If readers have a ShoutOut they can submit it using the ShoutOut form located in the left sidebar. Thanks agian 10/22/2006 09:10:00 AM
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Saturday, October 21, 2006 Quick Thoughts On iPod-SatRadio Rumors
 I'm sure everyone is tired of this subject, but here are a couple of quick thoughts: Where there is smoke, there is fire...These rumors are based on actual patent applications that have been filed by Apple in 2005 and 2006. Note the timing...the rumors actually began circulating WHEN the patent applications were identified on the United States Patent Application website. These applications specifically mention satellite radio, thus, these rumors have a concrete origin. In the most recent one, it reads "AM, FM or XM". Many think that this references an iPod/XM partnership, however, my sources tell me that "XM" is a being used as a simple, generic term for "satellite radio". There has been speculation about which SatRad provider iPod will chose, however, based on preliminary technical evaluation, it seems likely that the Apple device will be designed to accomodate either XM or Sirius. Apple realizes where the market is going...eventually, SatRad devices will be interoperable, and the ultimate choice will be based on consumer preference for content. I believe that the iPod will accomodate SatRad, so it boils down to WHEN, not IF. From the most recent patent applications, the current motivating factor for Apple seems to be content sampling and tagging. But lets say that Apple does not integrate SatRad, then surely another company will (Sandisk, Creative, Toshiba, Phillips, etc). After all, it's not rocket science! Another thing to consider is cell phone integration. As wireless carriers migrate to 3 and 4G, access to the internet (and developer applications) will be greatly enhanced. With the recent introduction of "internet-only" subscriptions, it is inevitable that any bandwidth-augmented handset could double as a satellite radio receiver. Thus, streaming content would be available anywhere that cell phone service is. Now, why all the excitement about a iPod/SatRad combo device? Apple has defied the naysayers, single handedly creating an entire product category, seducing more than 60 million users to purchase iPods in just five years. The hope is that the "halo effect" will spill over to SatRad. 10/21/2006 06:38:00 AM
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Sirius' jay Thomas To Appear On Letterman
 October 20, 2006 It has been reported that Sirius Talk Show host Jay Thomas will be appearing on Letterman Wednesday October 25th. Watch for him to mention the free trial of Sirius Internet Radio. The Jay Thomas Show airs on Sirius Satrs 102. SSG readers can learn more about Jay Thomas by visiting his website HERE 10/20/2006 11:17:00 PM
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Sirius' Out Q Gets Mention
  October 20, 2006 When sirius launched Out Q it was a first of its kind format. A place where openly gay people could talk on a regular radio show. The channel has been a hit in the gay community, and perhaps to the suprise of some also garners a lot of straight listeners. This week Sirius got mention in Gaywired.com because a American Idol top 5 finalist RJ Helton came out on the Larry Flick's show Out Q in The Morning. Compelling content such as Out Q is one of many reasons why people are finding their way to satellite radio. Article Excerpt: RJ Helton, the 25-year old former American Idol contestant, came out of the closet publicly for the first time Wednesday to SIRIUS Satellite Radio’s host Larry Flick on Flick’s show "OutQ in the Morning" on SIRIUS OutQ, the gay channel on SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
Helton was a top five finalist on season one of American Idol.
When Flick asked Helton, during the on-air interview, why he stopped performing inspirational [or religious] music, Helton answered that it stemmed from a conflict between his religious views and his sexuality......Interested SSG readers can catch the whole story HERE via GayWired.com 10/20/2006 11:07:00 PM
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Sirius & XMSR Mentioned In Motley Fool Today
1 vs. 100
By Rick Aristotle Munarriz (TMFBreakerRick) October 20, 2006 Last week saw the premiere of NBC's 1 vs. 100, where one brainy contestant is pitted against a brain pool of 100 ordinary people. Like most primetime game shows, this Bob Saget-hosted show originated overseas. This time it's Holland's handiwork.... ....Anyone who tells you that the iPod is a passing craze hasn't stopped to analyze the magnitude of Apple Computer (Nasdaq: AAPL) moving 60 million of those suckers in just five years on the market. Anyone who believes that XM Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: XMSR) and Sirius (Nasdaq: SIRI) are doomed might want to take that up with the 14 million subscribers they will combine to watch over by the end of the year....read more: Here10/20/2006 07:41:00 PM
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Breeders Crown To Be Broadcast On Sirius
BREEDERS CROWN ON SATELLITE RADIOHarnesslink Admin 06:38 AM 21-Oct-2006 NZSTThe eight Breeders Crown finals for 2- and 3-year-olds will be broadcast live throughout the United States and Canada on Sirius Satellite Radio on Saturday, Oct. 28. The USTA is reporting that colour commentary will be provided by Dave Johnson, Bill Finley, and Bob Heyden. The program will air between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. EDT. The Hambletonian Society, sponsors of the Breeders Crown, are also offering advertising spots on the program, available in 30-second increments....read more: here
10/20/2006 07:38:00 PM
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Bear Stearns on Apple Rumor
 October 20, 2006 Robert Peck, analyst for Bear stearns issued a report regarding satellite radiuo and speculation surrounding an apple deal. In his report he seems to be of the opinion that an Apple deal with either Sirius or XM is happening in the near future. He Cites: 1. Apples patent application is a method by which to capture the data about a song so that an I-Pod user can purchase that song at a later date from I-Tunes. 2. He states three reasons why a satellite pod may not be a current option for Apple - A. Reception is spotty at times, especially XM2Go, which may not be acceptable to the perfection-oriented Apple. B. Chipset and battery requirements may lead to bigger size C. Economics of subscription and revenue sharing. In Peck's opinion, he feels that at the current time a relationship is not likely, but that in the future something could happen. Peck maintains an OUTPERFORM on SIRI and XM 10/20/2006 03:08:00 PM
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More iPod-Satellite Radio Rumors Today
Live In Play, www.briefing.com, Oct 20, 2006 AAPL Apple Computer: Satellite radio iPods? - LoopRumors.com (79.50 +0.51) -Update- LoopRumors.com reports a new patent published yesterday reveals that Apple may still be looking at integrating satellite radio into future iPods. The filing refers to 2 methods of integrating satellite radio into an iPod. The first is to tune in a wireless signal, beyond AM/FM and WiFi, and then to share that signal with external devices, iTV? Although the filing does refer specifically to an "in-vehicle receiver-player" and would synchronize two separate devices. The concept states that the user can 'flag' certain songs for later download on iTunes Music Store... Briefing.com note: Recall that chatter of some sort of deal between SIRI/XMSR and AAPL has been around before in recent months. For example, on Oct 18 there was a rumor that SIRI could ink a strategic partnership with AAPL. (See 12:31 comment in 10/18 archives for more) 10/20/2006 12:55:00 PM
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Integration: The Future Of Audio
Most new audio units hitting the market have AM/FM, HD, and Satellite Radio capabilities. This mirrors the evolution of television...remember when sets only accomodated network stations...? Kenwood Debuts Low Cost Car CD Unit
By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 10/19/2006 6:37:00 AM Kenwood USA announced two low-end car CD receivers including a model that offers compatibility with Bluetooth, HD Radio and Satellite radio, when used with optional adapters, for $120.... ...The new Kenwood KDC-135 also offers a removable face plate. It will be joined by the step-up KDC-MP235 that also offers front panel auxiliary input. When used with optional adapters, it further allows Bluetooth, HD Radio, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio capability, iPod radio control as well as MP3, WMA and AAC playback....read more HERE10/20/2006 07:41:00 AM
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XM SkyFi3 Receives Certification, Just In Time For The Holidays
 Thursday, October 19, 2006, Satellite Radio TechWorld SkyFi 3 Receives CertificationToday, October 19, 2006, the SkyFi 3 received certification. The details are being held confidential for up to 45 days. Technically speaking, once they announce the product and make information about it available, they lose the short term confidentially, so they should make the details available now. Delphi and XM recently announced the radio and as posted by Satellite Radio TechWorld, the User Manual has already been made available and there is a Delphi website describing the features of this product. If the TCB were informed, they would have to notify the FCC and the FCC would make the documents available.One can't tell much from the photo below, but it has been confirmed to be the SkyFi 3...read more: here10/20/2006 07:13:00 AM
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Thursday, October 19, 2006 A deeper Look At Jacoby's Report
 October 19, 2006 I took a little time this evening to digest the Bank of America report issued by Jacoby today. I found some interesting theories, some of which are more rational than others. Jacoby cites a preference for XM Satellite Radio during the next 12 months citing the lower market cap for XM, the OEM share for XM (Jacoby puts this at 60%), less exposure to the “Big 3” in Detroit, and the fact that he sees risk in Sirius sub guidance of 6.3 million. Lets look at each component of these theories: MARKET CAP
This argument has some merit. There are many out there that on the face of things believe that the difference in Market Cap is too great. Justified or not, people carry this opinion. By nature of this, it would make sense that XM should see a greater appreciation than Sirius in the next 12 months. However, there are risk factors that Jacoby does not consider in his model. Appreciation for XM needs to come with confidence that management is executing. Litigation with the RIAA and the Class Action Suits could hamper confidence in the investment community. These are clouds that make real appreciation in share price difficult. OEM SHAREThere is a common mistake made on the street regarding OEM share. Jacoby cites that XM has a 60% to 40% advantage in OEM deals. There are problems with this assessment: The deals with car companies do not define OEM Market Share. TRUE OEM Market Share is the number of Sirius or XM installs relative to the number of cars produced and sold. The market share of the exclusive OEM partners through September was at 40% SIRI and 37% XM. Jacoby and others seem to want to include Toyota and Nissan (15% and 6% shares) in the XM camp. The problem with doing this is that Toyota and Nissan install both Sirius and XM. In fact, there are very strong indications that Sirius is getting over half of the satellite radio sales from both Toyota and Nissan at this time. Both Toyota and Nissan do have factory install deals with XM, but these deals are not limited to XM. There exists a real problem in running calculations if you place all of the 21 points that Toyota and Nissan represent when maybe it should be closer to half. If you take the 21 points and assign half to Sirius and half to XM, the OEM world looks much different than Jacoby’s model. Instead of XM at 60% and Sirius at 40%, the picture becomes Sirius at 50.5% and XM at 47.5%. Subaru and Porsche are the other two companies worth 2 points. Split that and you get 51.5% for SIRI and 48.5% for XM. Remember, that Jacoby is looking out 12 months in his report. Simply stated, a company can have deals in place with OEMs that create more cars, but the number of installs could actually be less. Remember, TRUE OEM share is derived from installs relative to production. Considering his 12 month outlook, we need to look at the fact that Toyota and Nissan will still be offering both Sirius and XM. Neither Toyota, nor Nissan has demonstrated a huge commitment as yet to SDARS installs. The numbers coming out of these two companies pale in comparison to what GM, Honda, DCX, and Ford have committed to. Unless Toyota and Nissan really step up to the plate, this segment of the OEM channel is not going to be a big producer, and at that, will be offering both during the period in question. The next component that seems to not be considered is the terms of these OEM deals. The DCX deal and the Ford deal offer longer revenue generating promotional periods. This keeps subscribers on the books for longer periods of time. A take rate has not been publicized by Sirius, but Mel k has stated that he is comfortable with analysts using XM’s take rate. For XM, the Hyundai program is beginning, and will play itself out over the next 18 months with 100% installs being the end goal. XM will benefit from this, but the counting differs from the past. Hyundai subscribers in promotional periods will not be counted as subscribers (the promotional period does not generate revenue). The number of installs is an important consideration. Jacoby assumes that the sector is transitioning into an OEM dominated phase. To date, OEM has never outsold retail. Additionally, if consumers have a preference, they have many ways to get the service they want. The consumers that don’t care which service will be happy to get something for a free promotion, but half of those churn out. One problem with an OEM install is that the subscription is not as versatile. With a retail unit people can drive with satellite radio, jog with it, have it in their home, on the beach, etc. Many OEM units do not have the features and capabilities of the retail units as well. XM HAS LESS EXPOSURE TO THE “BIG 3”
This is an interesting comment because it can be looked at from a few angles. Sirius has deals with Ford and DCX, and XM with GM. Is having all of you eggs in one “Big 3” basket less risk? Or is it more risk because if they fail, you lose the partner with 25% of the cars produced? Ford accounts for 17% and DCX 13%. Is spreading out the “risk” to two companies better? Or does it make the job mor difficult? In my opinion, the “Big 3” are what they are. They will remain in business during the next 12 months that this report is concerned with, and will be within 2 points of where they currently sit in terms of market share. I do not see any real risk in any of these relationships over the next 12 months. SIRIUS HAS RISK TO GUIDANCE OF 6.3 MILLION
This is the magical question. Sirius need 1,200,000 subscribers to get to guidance. Sirius reiterated the 6.3 million only two weeks ago. So far Mel K has a track record of meeting or exceeding his targets. There are many who see 1.2 million as a tall order. There are also many who see Sirius hitting this goal. At this point it is to early to tell. What we have to go on is Mel K., higher brand awareness than last year, Sirius Internet Radio, and as yet to be determined marketing. It would seem fair for someone to assume that 1.2 million is a tough target to hit. The question is whether or not a miss would carry a huge impact on the stock. If Sirius were to announce 6.2 million, but also reach CFBE and demonstrate that they can maintain it what would happen to the stock? A lot remains to be seen, and as the quarter progresses, we will likely see more opionions and reports from many. 10/19/2006 11:18:00 PM
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iPods Ship With Virus
Microsoft AV Head Criticizes Apple
By Nate Mook, BetaNews October 19, 2006, 4:32 PM The individual at Microsoft responsible for making sure product releases ship without viruses lashed back at Apple Wednesday, after the company chided Microsoft for having an insecure operating system within an advisory regarding iPods that shipped with a virus. Apple apologized Tuesday for the roughly 1 percent of video iPods that shipped after September 12, 2006 with the mass-storage virus Win32.RJump.a. "As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it," the company said. The remark drew the ire of security professionals and Microsoft employees alike. Jonathan Poon handles the release virus scanning system for the Redmond company, and shot back at Apple in a blog posting....read more: here10/19/2006 10:37:00 PM
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iPod Moves Closer To SatRad Intergration
Apple calls this patent an "Audio Sampling and Acquisition Service". Clever of them to realize that sampling music via satellite radio is more effecient than listening to commercial-loaded, jack-formated terrestrial radio (besides, unless you have HD, there is no easy way to know the name of the song), or sitting at your computer sorting through zillions of song samples. Perhaps Apple realizes that the easier it is for consumers to sample music, the more they will buy from their iTunes store. Thursday, October 19, 2006, Satellite Radio TechWorld and Orbitcast posted the following: From Satellite Radio TechWorld:
Apple: Audio Sampling and Acquisition System Patent ApplicationApple had a patent application published today for the purchase of media items. Identifying information is recorded from a broadcast such as from "FM, AM or XM" to facilitate a later purchase. Abstract Techniques for facilitating purchase of media items, such as digital media assets, are disclosed. A computing device, e.g., a portable media device, can save media indicia pertaining to one or media items of interest to a user. The media indicia can thereafter be use to purchase the one or more media items or other products associated therewith....read more: hereExpanded upon by Orbitcast:The Satellite iPod Returns (Apple Patent) Perhaps this explains yesterday's rumor - today Apple filed for a patent application (PDF) for a method of saving media from various sources for later purchase. It's an ingenious method of grabbing snippets of audio, identifying the song and allowing the user the option to purchase that song. This patent is to date the most solid information yet that Apple actually might be considering integration with satellite radio. This is not an exclusive relationship with satrad, but rather a method for Apple to get around the "discovery" roadblock that is inherently wrong with the iPod....read more: here10/19/2006 04:09:00 PM
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Here's The Bridge Ratings Buzz
Below is the most recent Bridge Ratings Report on Satellite Radio trends. Mind you, this is the same group that released this report: "Terrestrial Radio Still Primary New Music Discovery Destination, Bridge Ratings’ new study of music consumers reflects continued satisfaction among a sample of 12-54 year olds for the role terrestrial radio plays in new music discovery...." ( Link) Bridge Ratings Consumer Trends: Satellite Radio Q4 Subscriber Trending
Updated Wednesday October 18, 2006 Retail Activity Remains Soft - Traffic Improves 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'sability 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: While retail sales at the satellite radio kiosks this week remained very slow, in-store traffic for satellite radio, in general, picked up. Bridge Ratings sample goal each week is 4000 persons across the U.S.*. This typically amounts to an average of 100 consumers interviewedper retail location* - 40 locations. In recent weeks however, retail traffic has been lighter and in order to complete our goal of 4000 interviews, we have had to expand the number of locations. Trends in interview completion improved this week averaging of 90interviews at all locations - up from 85 last week. The sector's "true retail sales" ( TRS) continue to be sluggish maintaining a soft status quo for the retail side of their business. Retail activity for XM this week continued to show hints of recovery but not at the expense of Sirius. This week's interviews regarding renewals among current satellite subscribers continued to reside just under 50%, while Howard Stern-motivated retail salesremain stagnant. The entire health of the satellite sector seems to be in question. The trending we are seeing is inconsistent,i.e. compared to earlier this year when week after week showed retail strength. Retail tracking since the last week of August '06 has not held much traction. Current consumer attitudes are significantly improved over their pre-holiday 2005 shopping act ivies as indicated in this new study. If these attitudes should flow through to actual behavior over the next six weeks, the satellite radio industry may be able to improve upon the year's disappointing growth curve. ...read full article: here10/19/2006 03:02:00 PM
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More On Bank Of America And Jacoby
I really try to maintain an impartial perspective on Satellite Radio. As mentioned in previous posts, I became involved with satellite radio based on extreme disatisfaction with terrestrial radio, and frustration with the limitations of my iPod (I could expound on this ad naseum, but will spare you at this time). From the bottom of my heart, I truly hope that both Sirius and XM continue to thrive. Satellite radio is a sector with significant barriers to entry, composed of just two competitors, in the early stages of market penetration, with a potentially huge subscriber base. Traders may notice that if the price trend of one stock is down, so is the other, and vice versa. Their charts virtually mirror each other. I believe that if one company does well, so will the other. Now about Jacoby...to have such a strong, repetitive preference for one company over the other is, in a word, odd. Sirius has met or beat subscriber estimates, XM has not. Sirius has resolved issues with the RIAA, XM has not, XM has lost market share at retail, Sirius has gained, etc, etc. I'm NOT saying that XM is NOT a company with huge potential, I AM saying that, taking recent benchmarks into consideration, Jacoby's unwavering preference simply does make sense. Is he impartial...? 10/19/2006 01:50:00 PM
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September Retail Sales
 October 19, 2006 September retail sales, as tracked by NPD, for satellite radio have come in. The quarter is already over, and subscribers have already been announced, but this data serves as a tool for how things at retail regarding satellite radio are trending. Click Chart To Enlarge Sirius gained 2 points in market share over the August numbers. Sirius has maintained a higher NPD retail share for 13 consecutive quarters Year To date share remains at 58% SIRI and 42% XM. 10/19/2006 09:10:00 AM
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Something New And Different: Jacoby Prefers XMSR
(theflyonthewall) Satellite Radio: Checks suggest weaker retail demand YoY in Q4@BO FA - Bank of America estimates retail gross adds will Satellite Radio: Checks suggest weaker retail demand YoY in Q4@BOFA - Bank of America estimates retail gross adds will decline 9% in Q4 and they see risk to SIRI's year-end sub target. Broker prefers XMSR. 10/19/2006 08:24:00 AM
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Will Tiki Retire? Hear The Latest On Sirius
Associated Press Tiki Barber Considers Hanging Up Cleats By TOM CANAVAN , 10.19.2006, 02:44 AM via www.forbes.comWalking away from the never-ending pain of professional football after this season for a career in front of a television camera might save Tiki Barber's body. It also would likely mean a significant pay cut for the popular New York Giants running back. The 31-year-old Barber, who leads the NFL in rushing with 533 yards, created a stir over the past two days by saying he is leaning toward retiring after this season... ...Barber and his brother Ronde already have a weekly radio show on Sirius, "The Barber Shop." George Gardner, director of strategic communications for the Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University, said Barber is an ideal prospect for a television slot. "He (Barber) is one of those unique packages," Gardner said. "He is popular, articulate, credible, well-liked and one of those all-time good guys. He is very marketable in New York right now." ...read more: here10/19/2006 08:06:00 AM
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Mike Bullard Signs With XM Canada Comedy Channel
Mike Bullard signs with XM Canada (via www.orbitcast.com) Mike Bullard has signed with XM Canada to host a new morning show on XM's Canadian comedy channel, Laugh Attack (ch 153). The new show, "Mike Bullard Uncensored," will also feature Canadian comedienne Judy Croon and comedian Lawrence Morgenstern, and is set to debut on Monday, October 23rd. The show will be broadcast on both XM Canada and XM Satellite Radio, five days a week, from 7am - 9am ET. Terms of the deal were not announced. Mike Bullard is the former host of the late-night talk shows Open Mike with Mike Bullard and The Mike Bullard Show. Apparently he was quite popular and it's good for Canada to get their own on-air personalities. [ Press Release] read more: here10/19/2006 07:56:00 AM
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Cramer's Favorite Subject
 Cramer's 'Mad Money Lightning Round': Wendy's SizzlesBy TheStreet.com Staff10/18/2006 7:59 PM EDT Here's what Jim Cramer had to say about some of the stocks that callers offered up during the "Mad Money Lightning Round" Wednesday evening: ...XM Satellite Radio ( XMSR - commentary - Cramer's Take): "If XMSR goes down another 2, 3 points, you know Mel Karmazin (Sirius ( SIRI - commentary - Cramer's Take) CEO) is gonna wake up [to the notion of a merger] ." read more: here
10/19/2006 06:35:00 AM
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The Sirius Stiletto Makes The New York Times
 Satellite Radio Goes With You, From the Car to the Hot SpotBy J. D. BIERSDORFER, Published: October 19, 2006, The New York Times If you can’t bear to part with Howard Stern and Martha Stewart when it is time to get out of the car and leave your Sirius radio, take them with you. The Stiletto SL100, Sirius’s new portable satellite radio, offers live reception in pocket-size form, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity for listening to live Internet radio whenever you’re in range of a wireless network. The Stiletto 100, available at retailers and expected soon at shop.sirius.com for $350, can store up to 100 hours of live Sirius programming. The device’s two-gigabyte drive can also store and play songs in the MP3 or WMA formats and is compatible with many Windows-based online music services. Measuring 4.7 inches high by 2 inches wide and an inch thick, the Stiletto 100 has a 2.2-inch color display. Kits for car or home use are available for about $70 each. Listeners can jump around among 30 preset channels, pause and rewind live radio, and even receive alerts when favorite sporting events are being broadcast — or when scores change, which could come in handy during football season....read more: here10/19/2006 06:30:00 AM
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Bubba Army Gets It Done
  October 18, 2006 The Bubba The Love Sponge Army can really make things happen. Lately they have been giving a boost to Brooke Hogan, daughter of Hulk Hogan of wrestling fame. Brooke is launching her musical career, and the Bubba Army is there to make sure she gets the exposure needed to make it in the music world. On a regular basis the Bubba Army has voted early and often in the VH1 poll to keep her video in the top 20. The video had been near the top, and began to slide. Yesterday her video was at #11. Today, it is right up at the top of the list thanks to Bubba The Love Sponge and the Bubba Army. Their grass roots effort ensures that Brook Hogan will remain at the top of the list. This will bode well for Brooke, because on Monday she is scheduled to be on the Howard Stern Show and reportedly will be singing two songs live on the show. Her appearance Monday will surely bolster the exposure for Brooke. If you want to get something done you can rely on the Bubba Army 10/19/2006 12:27:00 AM
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Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Bomb Threat To Seven NFL Stadiums: Fans, Get Your Fix On Sirius
Fox Uses a "Threat" That Was "Dissed" by Homeland Security to Terrorize its Viewers
www.newshhoud.com, Reported by Melanie - October 18, 2006 -
At 4:15 p.m. ET today (October 18, 2006) during Your World w/Neil Cavuto, Fox aired a FOX NEWS ALERT and Cavuto said, We've got news of a disturbing report coming through the Associated Press from a website claiming that seven National Football League stadiums will be attacked with radiological dirty bombs this weekend in, among other cities, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston. Again, we're not getting any indications as well what the government thinks of this although on the wires a government spokesman is skeptical of these threats. Our Katherine Herridge will have much more on them later in the show but for now, that's the threat and we just wanted to bring it to your attention. After a roundtable discussion I posted about earlier, Cavuto headed to a break with: Again, just to update you on this item we're getting. A website that's now being picked up by AP saying that some stadiums are in danger of being attacked by radiological dirty bombs this weekend. All we know is that it could be in New York, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston. The government dismissing it. We'll have more on this after this....read more: here10/18/2006 10:39:00 PM
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More On Apple Rumor
edan  October 17, 2006 Sirius investors who are enjoying this spike due to speculation about Apple may not appreciate this opinion, but it is better to have real news than speculation, and a spike on speculation that does not pan out sets up disappointment. The likelihood of an apple relationship at this juncture in our opinion is simply not very realistic. 1. Apple tends to do things their own way, and tends to want to have full control over ventures. 2. Apple rumors regarding Sirius always seem to stem from out of nowhere. 3. Apple had their big presentation a month ago. If they were stepping into the satellite radio arena they would likely have had some sort of announcement at that point. 4. Current Sirius hardware does not support Apple downloads. 5. Does Sirius really need Apple? Does Apple need Sirius? 6. When rumors come out of nowhere, investors should take them with more than a grain of salt.....Perhaps the entire salt shaker would be better when the rumor involves Apple given the past history of such rumors. In my opinion, an Apple connection at this point in time is not very likely....Especially on the hardware front. I would put odds at 95% that this type of deal is not happening. As for I-Tunes.....A slightly better chance, but again, not at all likely in my opinion. 10/18/2006 02:26:00 PM
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Sirius Adds Another Advertiser
Sara Lee Serves Up Joy of Eating Ads on Sirius' MSL Channel Katy Bachman OCTOBER 17, 2006, www.mediaweek.comSara Lee Food & Beverage is taking its Joy of Eating marketing campaign to Sirius Satellite Radio, the companies announced Monday. The partnership with Sirius centers on The Joy of Eating promotion on the Martha Stewart Living Radio channel and includes on-air advertising and a strong interactive presence on www.sirius.com/martha. The contest runs through Nov. 10.“The Joy of Eating is another great example of a blue-chip advertiser, such as Sara Lee, using Sirius’ national reach and one-of-a-kind programming to create a unique advertising opportunity,” said Scott Greenstein, president of entertainment and sports for Sirius....read more: here10/18/2006 01:31:00 PM
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Apple Speculation
 October 18, 2006 We have all heard the rumors before, and today Sirius saw a spike on speculation about a possible relationship with Apple. We have seen reports where Briefing.com and Etrade have cited the Apple rumor as the reason for the fast jump in share price on volume. As yet, nothing has been confirmed, and we at SSG would recommend that this news be treated as speculation. Yes, there would be synergies with such a relationship. This is well known. In the past each time this subject comes up it has not come to fruition. 10/18/2006 01:14:00 PM
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RadioShack Offers Free Online Training (Including Sirius)
RadioShack to Offer Free Online TrainingWednesday October 18, 7:13 am ET By Matt Slagle, AP Technology Writer RadioShack to Offer Free Online Training Courses for Consumers RadioShack Corp. thinks it has found a way to help consumers wondering how to edit digital photos or understand the difference between 1080i and 1080p high-def televisions: online classes. The electronics retailer on Wednesday announced a series of virtual training courses to help consumers learn about tech topics including digital photography techniques, choosing and setting up an HDTV, what to look for when buying a new computer, and information about satellite radio. The classes will have staggered start dates beginning this month and November....read more: here10/18/2006 11:48:00 AM
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Cardinal Egan And Sirius' Catholic Channel In The News
Time To Praise, Not Backstab, Cardinal Egan
BY ALICIA COLONOctober 18, 2006URL: http://www.nysun.comThe priests who anonymously called for Edward Cardinal Egan's removal need a lesson in humility and in judging character. The cowardly scribes have unfairly compared Cardinal Egan with his predecessor, the late John Cardinal O'Connor. I have dealt with both and found them to have singular personalities except when it came to their identical dedication to the parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of New York. While O'Connor may have been regarded as the most experienced in dealing with the New York press, Cardinal Egan is inaugurating what is probably the most innovative method of introducing the Catholic perspective to the entire world. He has created the Catholic Channel, which will make its debut soon on Sirius Satellite Radio's channel 159. Its goal is far more expansive than the usual religious programming.
Its mission statement says it all: "The Catholic Channel addresses issues in the news, and in the minds of listeners — everything from what's happening in the church today to the headline stories of current events and politics, to the latest in the world of entertainment, the arts and sports. … Bringing the Catholic perspective to the world around us — that's the Catholic Channel."...read more: here10/18/2006 07:10:00 AM
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Tuesday, October 17, 2006 Howard Stern TV Preview For A Penny!!!
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEA PENNY FOR HOWARD STERN’S THOUGHTS…
ALONG WITH CELEBRITY SEXPLOITS, PORN STARS AND WACK PACK ANTICS!
HOWARD TV ON DEMAND PRESENTS MOST OUTLANDISH MOMENTS OF ’06 WITH THE HOWARD TV PREVIEW AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL CABLE NOVEMBER 3 -5
FOR JUST ONE CENT
FANS CAN VOTE FOR THEIR FAVORITE CLIPS ON HOWARD.TV New York (October 9, 2006) – In Howard We Trust. Starting midnight on Friday, November 3rd through Sunday, November 5th, Howard Stern will give devoted fans and first timers an opportunity to relive the wildest, sexiest, funniest, most jaw-dropping moments of 2006 for just one cent with the HOWARD TV ON DEMAND PREVIEW. The weekend event will enable viewers to access an all-new special featuring the best-of antics, interviews and stunts from Howard Stern’s Sirius Satellite radio show, re-edited uncensored classic Stern show moments, original programming and excusive behind-the-scenes footage. The Howard TV Preview will add just a mere penny to customer’s regular cable bill.  The Howard TV Preview will feature the most stand-out, shocking clips from HOWARD TV ON DEMAND presented in outrageous categories including the Hottest Sybian Ride, Most Disturbing Sybian Ride, Best Celebrity Interview, Best Emotional Breakdown, Best Wack Pack Appearance, Craziest Stunt, Most Passionate Lesbian Kiss, Grossest Moment, Most Intense Fight, Sexiest Female Guest, Best Roast Performance, Best Drunken Moment and Best Original Episode. Celebrities featured in the special include Jenna Jameson, Sylvester Stallone, Pamela Anderson, Jenny McCarthy and many more.  After viewing the Preview, fans at home have a rare opportunity to voice their opinion and take part in the show’s year of debauchery by visiting www.howard.tv and voting for the best-of-the-best moments of the year. The ballot will be open on November 3rd through November 22nd. The winning clips will be shown exclusively on HOWARD TV in January.  “With the highly-anticipated launch of the Sirius Satellite show and HOWARD TV ON DEMAND, 2006 has proven to be a watershed year of renewed vitality in Howard’s shows. He is now unchained by the shackles of regulation and this one cent preview is a chance for everyone to see how great the newly uncensored format is,” said Robert D. Jacobson, president and CEO of iN DEMAND Networks.  Following the penny preview weekend, viewers will be able to pay the usual transactional On Demand price to watch the preview show throughout November. Subscribers to HOWARD TV ON DEMAND will have access to the preview show for free in the service during November. Visit www.howardtv/preview or contact your local cable provider for details.  About Howard TV On DemandiN DEMAND Networks offers Stern fans an uncensored window into Howard’s new freedom on satellite radio with digital cable’s premium video-on-demand (SVOD) service HOWARD TV ON DEMAND. The service allows digital cable subscribers to bring Howard Stern’s colorful cast of characters right into their living rooms 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As the only place to see Stern, the “all-Stern-all-the-time” themed SVOD offers opportunities to exclusively view the daily Sirius shows as well as original programming conceptualized by the sultan of shock himself.  Fans are able to get these brand new shows at the touch of a button as well as access an archive of some of the best moments from Howard’s expansive television library. The HOWARD TV ON DEMAND SVOD service is currently available to 24 million digital cable subscribers on Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, Cablevision, Charter Communications, Patriot Media and Rogers cable systems for $13.99 per month (SRP).   About iN DEMAND Networks
iN DEMAND Networks is dedicated to providing innovative, exciting entertainment that is delivered through cable television’s best technologies. The leader in Pay-Per-View (PPV), Video-On-Demand (VOD), and high-definition (HD) programming, the company is a pioneer in connecting consumers with the entertainment they want to see, when they want it. iN DEMAND delivers programming through four distinct areas of business – Premium VOD services such as Howard Stern On Demand, which brings renowned radio personality Howard Stern to his fans the way it was always meant to be; Scheduled PPV programming that includes first-run movies, mega events and the digital out-of-market sports packages MLB EXTRA INNINGS, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NHL CENTER ICE, and MLS DIRECT KICK; VOD blockbuster movies and events such as boxing, mixed martial arts and concerts; and HDTV through two 24-hour linear networks, INHD and INHD2, the most widely distributed all-HD networks on cable. The company's shareholders are Comcast iN DEMAND Holdings, Inc., Cox Communications  Holdings, Inc., and Time Warner Entertainment - Advance/Newhouse Partnership. Further information about the company can be found at http://www.indemand.com/. 10/17/2006 10:48:00 PM
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How Many Channels?
 October 17, 2006 We have all seen that XM Satellite Radio has now dropped the tag line "The Most Commercial Free Music". This is likely because Sirius added Canadian channels to the U.S. service and both companies now can claim 69 commercial free music channels. That now leaves us with the comparison of how many channels there are on each service. XM claims 172 channels and Sirius claims 133 channels. On the face of things it would appear that XM has 39 more channels than Sirius. What exactly are those 39 channels? Part Time Play By Play Baseball Channels---------14 Part Time Spanish Play By Play Baseball Channel--01 Part Time College Sports Play By Play Channels---10 Part Time Hockey Channels-----------------------05 Additional Traffic Channels------------------------09 TOTAL-------------------------------------------39There is a differing philosophy between XM and Sirius. Sirius handles Sports Play by Play by utilizing the existing bandwidth dedicated to sports channels, and also preempts some programming to facilitate games. XM dedicates channel designations to Play by Play. Most of the time there is nothing on these channels other than a message that there is currently no game being played. XM dedicates 21 channels to service facilitate traffic in 21 U.S. cities. Most cities have a dedicated channel. Sirius doubles up most cities and covers 20 U.S. cities and Canada with 12 channels. The services basically put out every similar offerings. They simply have different ways of marketing, and different ways of using their bandwidth. The more bandwidth a channel has dedicated to it the better the sound quality is. Every channel you add creates a demand on your bandwidth. Granted, the announcements that no game is being played do not carry much demand, but when games are being played, the bandwidth requirements are likely more heavy. Both Sirius and XM are planning compression methods that will allow the services to squeeze more use out of their assigned bandwidth. There you have it......The skinny on the channel counts. 10/17/2006 10:10:00 PM
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Notice Of Proposed Settlement Of Sirius Class Action Suit Dating Back To 2000-2001
The "eagle eyes" over at Satellite Radio TechWorld spotted this: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 Notice of Proposed Settlement of Class Action SuitOne has until mid-night, October 17, 2006, tonight to opt out of the proposed settlement for the linked Sirius Class Action suit. This suit stems from stock purchases between February 16, 2000 and April 2, 2001. It was over whether Sirius management misled investors about when they would begin operation. The average recovery is expected to be $0.31 per share before legal fees and expenses.This is a Federal Court authorized notice. ...read more: here 10/17/2006 09:31:00 PM
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What Cramer Said Tonight on Mad Money Lightning Round (2nd Time He Mentions SatRad In One Day)
Cramer's 'Mad Money Lightning Round': Tooting for Norfolk Southern By TheStreet.com Staff10/17/2006 7:06 PM EDT To see the full "Mad Money" Recap, please click here. Here's what Jim Cramer had to say about some of the stocks that callers offered up during the "Mad Money Lightning Round" Tuesday evening: Goldman Sachs ( GS - commentary - Cramer's Take): "Goldman Sachs is going to 225. I want you to do a 'mon back* down 2." Sirius ( SIRI - commentary - Cramer's Take): "Give me that guy Parsons who runs the XM ( XMSR - commentary - Cramer's Take). I want to merge with him," Cramer said he would say on the phone if he were Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin. ... "Until it [the merger] happens, you are ... Paddles. Clear. Nothing." 10/17/2006 09:09:00 PM
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Is Indecency Crackdown Affecting Sumner's Profits?
Sumner Redstone Speaks Out Against FCC Indecency Crackdown
October 17, 2006, www.fmqb.comIn a speech given yesterday at a Washington awards ceremony, Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone claimed that the media is operating in fear of indecency complaints and regulations. Redstone was on hand to receive the Freedom Of Speech award from The Media Institute and he certainly exercised that right during the ceremony. According to multiple reports, Redstone asked that FCC regulators "stay out of [viewers'] homes" while FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell was in attendance. He also claimed that "entertainment and news executives, musicians and artists are living in a great deal of fear" over the indecency crackdowns. 10/17/2006 05:59:00 PM
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