XM Radio -- Iconic Entertainment Service

This is a review of the Delphi XM Radio Boombox, but will also serve as a review of XM Radio subscriber radio as an entertanment venue.

So, one day not too long ago, some very enterprising folks set out to come up with the best use of some radio broadcast frequencies that the FCC was putting up for sale.

After tossing around all kinds of ideas, they finally decided that what they would do, would be to build a couple of satelites (one called Rock, the other Roll), lunch them into space 22,000 miles above the earth and set-up a central command post in Washington DC, hire a bunch of DJ's, and broadcast over 110 channels of mostly commercial free digital music, news and entertainment from the command post, up to the satelites which in turn, would beam the music back down to earth to people who buy the radio receivers and subscribe to the service.

No problem! Well, they built it and so far, over 2 million people have come. XM Radio offers virtually every kind of music and entertainment a person would ever want to listen to. Like most other radios, there are user selectable channels you can choose by either turning a knob or by pressing numbered buttons. Say for example, you feel like listening to Rock and Roll from the 1960's. Simply press #6. For the 70's, press #7. 80's 8 and so on. And yes, for a little Benny Goodman or other big band era music, press #4

There are other dedicated channels for Jazz, Classical, Country Western, Classic Rock, Soul, Blues, you name it, it's there. Feel like zonning-out to a bit of Zen? Simply go to a channel called Audio Visions, and there you will find a host of relaxation music and soothing sounds. A great form of strees relief.

But is doesn't stop there. XM offers all kinds of news programs and broadcast magazines. CNN, Fox News Channel, ABC News, BBC, ESPN Sports, NASCAR Channel, Discovery Radio Channel, Talk radio and on, and on and on. You can find comedy 24/7, one comedy channel features comedy acts from days past when profanity was not as common, and right next door to that comedy channel, XM offers X rated comedy. There is even a channel that plays nothing but Broadway Play scores and yet another one that plays only movie musical soundtracts. (I've never really understood the appeal to listening to movie music -- but I suppose if you want to put music to the world going on around you -- it's there if you want it.)

Recently, XM has added real-time, up-to-the minute freeway traffic and weather reports for almost every major US metroplex.

To receive XM Radio, you need 2 things. 1., an XM Radio Receiver and 2., a current subscription. There are several receivers avaliable including the SkyFi, which can be played through the Delphi Boombox, or any number of other outlets.

Once you have an active receiver, you can purchase different interfaces which will allow you to listen to XM Radio through your car radio, home radio or the portable Boombox.

The receiver itself, is only a tuner and does not provide amplification for speakers. You place the tuner into a holder/interface such as the Boombox or car adapter. The tuner device by itself, is small enough to be transported in your shirt pocket. You then simply place the tuner into any one of the holder interface devices and you're good to go.

The basic XM monthly subscription is $9.95 per month, and there are family plans that offer decent discounts for 2 or more receivers. To activate your receiver, you simply call the XM 800 telephone number and provide them with your receiver's ID number, your credit card and billing address. In less than 1 hour, you are listening to a world of music and information.

The Delphi Boombox works quite well and provides excellent sound quality for it's size. Very clear music reproduction, tight and distinct base, and generally very satisfying sound over-all. The Delphi Boombox can run on batteries but is best used with the AC power cord provided.

The Boombox works indoors as long as it is reasonably close to a window. It doesn't have to be right at a window, just near one. I have never not been able to use my Boombox indoors. Personally, I own 2 Boomboxes, one for personal home use and one that stays in my office at work. I simply take the SkyFi receiver from my home unit, slip it into my briefcase or coat pocket, and pop it in my office unit when I get to work. In the meantime, you can use the SkyFi in your car, as long as you have the car adapter.

Many cars are now coming from the factory with XM Radio as an option. Once you hear XM Radio music through a 200 watt Boise car stereo, you'll never go back to standard FM radio broadcast. XM Radio music played on a quality stereo system is near CD quality, and my guess is that most people could not tell the difference between a Music CD and the same tune played over XM. It's just that good. In fact, I doubt that I'll ever feel like I'll need to buy another CD.

The Delphi Boombox is an attractive, modern looking piece of gear and it goes where you go. Oh and I almost forgot, you even get a small remote control with the Boombox that lets you change channels, adjust the volume and turn the unit on and off from a distance of about 6 feet. Perfect for boats, tailgate parties, camping, picnics, hotel rooms, home and office.

You can enjoy XM Radio for 2 months for about the cost of just one CD. And a typical CD has about one or two songs that are any good.

Go for it! You won't regret it.