Thursday, March 29, 2007

Sirius Video - A Long Time Coming

March 29, 2007

Sirius Video has been spoken about for years. At the consumer electronics show each of the last three years, Sirius has demonstrated the service. The technology was there, but a market needed to be defined, and an OEM needed to take the leadership role in getting the service from concept to reality.

That day has come.

For the first time, investors can now understand what the service is, how it works, and the pricing structure. In my opinion Sirius has made a few smart moves in relation to this service.

1. You can only get Sirius Backseat TV if you are a Sirius subscriber. This means that Sirius will be getting a minimum of $19.95 per month from these people.

2. The price point of the option at $470 is not out of reach when buying a car, and with 1 year of Back Seat TV free, it makes the deal seem like a winner to the consumer.

3. The content. Sirius garnered some of the biggest names in kids programming. SSG had already informed our readers that Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network were on board back in January. The third channel being Disney is HUGE.

4. With this new service, Sirius ads value to being a Sirius subscriber. It is a convergence of technologies that is being delivered by one company.

5. Now kids can have their entertainment and parents can tune into Classic Rewind instead of Radio Disney. EVERYONE IS HAPPY!!!!!

One SSG reader, Warren, has been waiting for this day for some time. He lamented about the DVD based systems in his car. "The DVD's are great, but they wind up scratched and useless after only a short period of time, because the kids keep switching DVD's"....."A video service would actually be a better value. All I think of is that I am constantly buying DVD's only to see them become useless."

Yes, the service took some time to happen, but now it is here. Fresh and constant entertainment for the kids for only $7.00 per month........and the driver once again has control of the radio.

Labels: backseat tv, sirius, sirius video

3/29/2007 10:49:00 AM

SSG Has Merged. You Can Read All Of The Latest SSG Content By Clicking Here

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Sirius Backseat TV is Launching

March 29, 2007

SIRIUS Satellite Radio’s Backseat TV™ Launches Only on Chrysler Group Vehicles

First ever live in-vehicle TV network, exclusive to the automotive market for 2008 model-year Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles

Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network – the biggest names in family TV – will deliver three live channels directly to the vehicle

New York - SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) and Chrysler Group announced today that Chrysler Group will be the exclusive automaker to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV™ in its 2008 model-year vehicle lineup. SIRIUS Backseat TV™ is a dynamic and pioneering TV service that delivers live TV from the best family TV programmers directly to the vehicles.

Whether driving cross-country or cross-town, families will be able to access SIRIUS Backseat TV™’s high quality television entertainment and family TV fare through a simple, easy-to-operate video service. SIRIUS Backseat TV™ is live TV programming from the world’s most trusted brands in family entertainment – Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. The service will be available in select 2008 model Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles, beginning with the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, available later this year.

Three channels of children’s TV featuring many of the most well-known kids’ programming will be available, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Disney Channel’s “Cory in the House,” and Cartoon Network’s “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.”

“Chrysler Group is committed to offering innovative technologies that are right for our customers,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler Group. “SIRIUS Backseat TV™ makes its world debut in Chrysler Group’s all-new 2008 minivans and marks the third SIRIUS service – along with SIRIUS radio and SIRIUS real-time traffic – available to Chrysler Group customers.”

Mel Karmazin, CEO, SIRIUS said, “SIRIUS is dedicated to bringing Chrysler Group customers the best in-vehicle entertainment available anywhere, whether it is through radio or video. SIRIUS Backseat TV™, with its best-in-class programming from our partners - Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network - further enhances the already exceptional driving experience for Chrysler Group customers. In SIRIUS’ first venture in visual entertainment, I am pleased to have the three most original family-centered programming providers in TV. Just as we provide The Best Radio on Radio, this allows us to launch SIRIUS Backseat TV™ as the Best TV in the Backseat.”

“We're excited to work with SIRIUS and Chrysler Group to bring kids' number-one network – Nickelodeon – to even more places where our fans can experience and enjoy our hit shows and characters,” said Denise Dahldorf, Executive Vice President – MTV Networks Content Distribution and Marketing. “Like all of our MTVN brands, our goal for Nickelodeon is to be everywhere our audiences are, and the launch of SIRIUS Backseat TV™ gives kids and families even more screens to interact with us.”

“Disney Channel viewers expect to be able to access their favorite shows and stars wherever they are on a wide variety of devices," said Ben Pyne, President – Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing. "We are excited to team with SIRIUS and Chrysler Group to super-serve our young viewers and deepen their connection with our shows and brands.”

“Cartoon Network Mobile is a customized programming service designed for the on-the-go mobile lifestyle,” said Coleman Breland, Executive Vice President of sales and marketing for Turner Network Sales. “This new venture with SIRIUS is one we think parents will see the benefits of and represents the next generation of back seat entertainment.”

SIRIUS Backseat TV will also be available on the 2008 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle’s second- and/or third-row video screens, and channel name, program title and rating will be broadcast and displayed on the screen(s). For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. In addition, when the vehicle is in Park, programming can be displayed on the MyGIG screen for front-seat viewing.

SIRIUS Backseat TV is available for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $470 -- which includes the first year of service -- when packaged with Chrysler Group’s Rear Seat Entertainment System and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. After the first year, SIRIUS Backseat TV is available for $7 per month when packaged with SIRIUS Satellite Radio ($12.95 per month). SIRIUS Backseat TV will only be available to SIRIUS Satellite Radio subscribers.

Labels: backseat tv, sirius, sirus video