Author: gvtadmin

There are two important characteristics that recommend satellite radio as a service most people would like to have in their vehicles or homes: quality and content. When talking about quality we mostly refer to how clear the sound output is from satellite radio when compare to terrestrial radio broadcasts. Content, on the other hand, refers to the quality of the transited material. This is where the two giants in the satellite radio industry – Sirius and XM Radio – battle it out. The quality of the receivers and the technologies they both use are similar, but the difference can be made when it comes to exclusive high quality content. Let’s have a look at both the satellite radio quality and content characteristics:

Broadcasting quality

The broadcast quality is, when put in numbers, of 128kb/s 44.1khz for both digital radio service providers. This is the equivalent of CD quality. Although the coverage of satellite radio, which is far superior to what any terrestrial radio station can deliver, is an important factor, the quality of the sound is what brought Sirius and XM Radio more subscribers. There are many similarities to the way digital television worked or how cable TV has over 80% of the US population as subscribers, although they can receive free programming using UHF and VHF antennas. It’s the same with satellite radio – although one can get free terrestrial radio, satellite radio comes at an affordable price and offer a broadcasting quality that is superior to analog radio. Also keep in mind that satellite radio is commercial free – and this is huge selling point.
The high analog-to-digital conversion quality means that there will be no sound interferences, hissing sounds and other audio disturbances characteristic to FM and AM transmissions. This is mostly obvious when listening to music on your satellite radio system. The bass is much stronger and accurate, while the high sound levels are crystal clear. There is also a stronger mid range of sounds that you will consider to be more robust and accurate than what terrestrial radio produces. Although someone with a trained ear will tell you the music quality is not exactly as good as CD quality, it is extremely close and for the largest majority of users this difference is not even noticeable.

Content

So now that we know how good the technological side of satellite radio really is, let’s have a look at how broadcasters are trying to improve the quality of the content they provide. One of the most interesting approaches was to fight for obtaining exclusivity over some transmissions. For example, negotiations have been carried out between XM Radio and MLB in order for the satellite radio provider to obtain exclusivity rights to broadcast all MLB games. In an interview to WSJ, Edison Media Research’s President Larry Rosin declared that “it is probably inevitable that baseball radio broadcasts will go to a 100% subscription model… It will happen because there’s too much money in it not to do it.” Today, around 23% of XM subscribers are signed up to receive the MLB transmissions, so there is real potential in such a venture. Of course, this would be a terrific blow against terrestrial radio and the two sides are engaged in combat while you are reading this. Of course, content quality can also be increased by having the best people in the industry work with satellite radio. Both Sirius and XM Radio know that someone who pays $300 for a receiver and $10 – $12 each month for a radio service wants to get the best content out there. Surprisingly, when it comes to music channels, the difference in content quality between satellite radio and terrestrial radio is made in one main topic – commercials (or rather, lack of commercials on satellite radio). Since most of XM Radio and Sirius channels are in-house productions and only a small percentage are retransmits of terrestrial radio, this becomes an interesting aspect to consider.

PPPPP

(word count 662)

Q: Overview of satellite radio
A: Satellite radio means pay-radio or it may also be called a subscription radio. It is a little bit like the traditional one, but it has more programs than it. It’s available in Africa, Asia and Europe due to the services provided by WorldSpace and in North America by Sirius and XM Radio.

Q: What are the advantages of this new radio?
A: You’ll have a wide variety of programs that includes music channels (rock, modern rock, alternative, classical, pop, hip-hop, country, jazz, electronic, Christian, Latin), weather, news, traffic, sports and entertainment channels, no commercials included. All musical channels are commercial free.
This radio has a clean, digital signal and it has almost the quality of a CD. It has no static and no interference.
You can get satellite radio not only in your car, but anywhere you like: in your house, in an Rv or boat so that you can enjoy the programming variety that this radio is offering whether you are relaxing in your sofa, if you are in a vacation or if you are in your car on a business travel. The only thing you must do is to properly install the equipment that you need.
Purchasing the equipment, you will also have information which will be displayed on the radio receiver about channels, music, songs and artists.

Q: What about disadvantages?
A: Unfortunately, Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Territories can’t receive the satellite radio’s signals.
There are no local stations, but you will have local traffic and weather channels provided by XM and Sirius.

Q: What does provide XM and Sirius radio?
A: There a few differences between them. For example, the XM provides more that 150 channels and the other one more than 120 channels. The first has two Nascar racing channels, Major League Baseball, PGA TOUR coverage, plus ACC, Big Ten, and Pac-10 football and basketball coverage and the Sirius has Live NFL, NHL, and NBA play-by-play, plus English Premier League soccer and college sports game. But they have the same price $12.95/Month

Q: How do I install satellite radio?
A: There are a few things that are necessary to get satellite radio.
First you need a satellite radio antenna that picks up the signal from communicational satellites and then delivering it to you.
Then you need a satellite radio tuner that passes the signal from the radio antenna to the receiver. There are three basic types of radio turners. There are the Plug-and-play satellite radio tuners that can be used in the car or at home or with a portable boombox wherever you have satellite signal and they only need one subscription. There are three types of Satellite radio tuners for the car: universal tuners, “Satellite radio-ready” in-dash receivers and in-dash receivers with a built-in satellite radio tuner. The last basic type is the Home satellite radio tuners perfect for using them in-door.
The third item is a satellite radio receiver which helps you to select channels and categories, to view various songs or artists information.
Last but not least is a subscription to XM or Sirius radio that must be acquired in order to receive programming.

If you want to have the best quality sound in your car you can choose between these three options:
1. in-dash receiver with a built-in satellite radio tuner
2. “satellite radio-ready” receiver connected to an external satellite radio tuner
3. Plug-and-play satellite radio tuner connected to your car stereo’s auxiliary input.

PPPPP

(word count 583)

Everybody has heard about satellites. But how many people heard about satellite radios? Satellite radio is a subscription radio service. It’s somehow identical to cable television, with the difference that it provides a wider range of stations not available on a standard AM / FM radio. There are many questions to be answered about satellite radios like “How does satellite radios work?”, “What kind of equipment should I purchase?” etc. but in this article I will try to answer a question that first pops up in everybody’s mind: “HOW MUCH DOES SATELLITE RADIO COST”? This is a tricky question because the cost of a satellite radio is divided in two: installation (or activation) costs and the monthly subscription fee.

Activation costs

Activation costs refers to the amount of money that are to be spent on a XM or Sirius Satellite Radio to start the service. Although you can find many promotions that allows you to save up money, the activation costs vary, being able to make the activation by phone or by World Wide Web. To be more precise, if you activate your satellite by phone, you will pay $15.00 if you choose Sirius Satellite or $14.99 by choosing XM and, as for WWW activation, the cost of goods is somehow lower: $5 with Sirius or $9.99 with XM. As for the monthly subscription costs we will discuss this below, but, before that, I must say that recent media campaigns are dramatically dropping the prices for installation and activation, both on Sirius or XM, in some cases even offering free activation.

Typical costs for a car dedicated installation

If you want to install a satellite radio into your car you are to consider buying a new satellite-ready car stereo if you don’t have one. Although many local dealers offer built-in car satellite radio, there is still the problem of having a satellite radio receiver. And these, as you may notice, cost money. It is possible though to use the existing car stereo that does not support satellite radio. How? There are two known ways of connecting the receiver to the available non-satellite radio car stereo. First, by using the radio inputs (usually the CD) and installing a control unit for tuning up the satellite radio streams. The second method consists in installing a satellite radio receiver, which broadcasts the satellite radio signal on a FM frequency. The place where you can install the receiver depends: under the seat, in your trunk, etc. taking care of connecting the receiver to the satellite radio antenna mounted on the car’s exterior.
So, there will be a minimum cost of $350.00 and a maximum of $600, like below:

Receiver $75 – $125
Radio $125 – $250
Antenna $60.00
Labor $80.00
Activation $10

Costs for a dedicated home installation

If you choose this option, that means you will have to install a dedicated stereo receiver unit, which in some cases is similar to regular AM / FM receivers. As an additional cost, you will have to buy an antenna, which can be found at a price of $60. Here is a short review of the approximate price of installing a dedicated stereo receiver unit:

Receiver $150 – $300
Antenna $60
Activation $10

Costs for a Portable Unit

Portable units gives you the ease of using you brand new satellite radio wherever you want, but, in every room you will have to own a home kit (antennas, output cables and power supplies). The price for this option is around $400.

Receiver $120
Home kit $140
Boombox x2 $100
Activation $10

Subscription costs

As for the subscription costs, it depends if you own a Sirius or XM Satellite Radio.
Subscription costs for a Sirius Satellite Radio are paid monthly where the charge is $12.95, with a low adjustment is you subscribe to a year or two. The highest number of Sirius radios that can be activated are three for $6.99 each per month. Business subscriptions are $24.99 per month. Another interesting thing is that for $499.99, Sirius is offering a life time subscription.
On the other hand, if you have a XM Satellite Radio, you will have to pay a monthly charge of $9.99. Still, some channels are to be paid separately, like Playboy Radio, which costs an additional $2.99 per month. Commercial and Business Subscriptions cost $24.99 per month.

PPPPP

(word count 727)

This digital HD media camera is small, elegant, and
also lightweight. The Sanyo Xacti will beautifully
capture your memories in high definition. The
stylish vertical design offered by the camera will
make it easier for you to keep an arm steady while
you shoot.

2.2″ color OLED
The 2.2″ flip out organic light emmitting diode
screen will offer easier viewing of your recordings,
even in bright sunlight.

Video and pictures
The Xacti will simultaneously shoot 5.1 megapixel
still images and high definition video clips. The
HD1 can also record over 21 minutes of 720 pixel
HD video on a single 1 GB SD care, or well over 42
minutes on a 2 GB card.

MPEG 4 format
The HD1 utilizes the high quality MPEG 4 recording
format which will deliver amazing video clarity and
detail. With the files being conveniently small,
you have the ability to record long, high quality
video clips.

Start up
When you close the LCD screen, the camera will go
into standby mode. Open it back up, and you are
ready to shoot in as little as 2 seconds! The
camera also records straight to SD flash memory
cards, so it will skip the long process of getting
the tape deck started.

Image stabilizer
The image stabilizer will accurately distinguish
between the unintentional camera shake and
deliberate camera movement from pans or tilts. It
will then compensate for the camera shaking to
give you more natural results when you shoot.

Zoom lens
The highly effective and bright 10x optical zoom
lens witha maximum aperture of f/3.5 will allow you
to get up close to the action. Coupled with a 10X
digital zoom, it will give you up to 100X of zooming
capabilities.

Scene modes
You can create breathtaking pictures with the HD1
by selecting the best suited mode to the subject.
The scene selection mode will work for both still
images and video. The modes to choose from include
sports, portrait, landscape, fireworks, and even
night view.

Easy playback
You can share your pictures and video clips with
family and friends in a snap. Multiple connections
will allow for easy television playback, dubbing
to a VCR or DVD recorder, transfer to a PC for DVD
creation, editing, or just posting on the internet.

With everything the Sanya Xacti VPC HD1 has to
offer, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a HD
video camera. You can do many things with this
camera, other than taking pictures or making videos.
If you’ve never experienced a HD video camera, the
Sanya Xacti is certainly one of the first ones you
should check out.

(word count 434)

PPPPP

Sanyo has recently brought a new level of credability
to dual use, video and still image cameras with the
introduction of the new Xacti HD1. With measurements
of 3.1X4, 7X1.4 inches and 8.3 ounces, it is easily
the smallest camera to record 720p high definition
video. It will also capture 5.1 MP still images and
has a 10X optical zoom lens as well.

Just like other dual use cameras, it will record
both video and still images on a memory card, or
in this case an SD card instead of video tape.
According to Sanyo, a 1GB SD card can record up to
21 minutes of 720p 16:9 widescreen video. If you
prefer to record in standard definition, the HD1
can also record video at 640X480 pixel resolution
at either 30 or 60 frames per second. Everything
you record is with the popular MPEG 4 compression.

Just in case pocket sized HD recording isn’t enough
for you, Sanyo also put a 2.2 inch 210,000 pixel
OLED display in the HD1. The OLED is a display
technology that many thing will end up replacing
LCD very soon. The advantages offered include wider
viewing angles and faster response time.

As you probably already know, Sanyo isn’t new to
HD video cameras or digital cameras in general.
Sanyo has been around for years, proving that they
can compete with the bigger industry giants. The
small HD video cameras offered from Sanyo are
among the best as well.

If you’ve been looking for the best HD video cameras,
rest assured that anything you select from Sanyo
is going to be great. There are a few to choose
from, with the HD1 leading the pack. If you want
the best, the HD1 is everything you need – and
quite possibly a bit more.

(word count 298)

PPPPP

A luxurious beach resort in Barbados, the Sandy Lane
resort is a paradise for honeymooners. Offering a
combination of privacy, numerous activities, and
first class service, the resort is located on the
west coast of the island of Barbados. Sandy Lane
also offers three golf courses and a 47,000 square
foot spa. The resort also offers a white sand beach
and the Caribbean Sea.

The island of Barbados offers tropical climate with
year round temperatures that stay between 75 and
85 degrees. The non stop flights to Barbados take
around 4.5 hours from New York City, making the
island one of the best beach vacation spots from the
East Coast.

The country club at Sandy Lane Resort is a golfers’
paradise. The resort spa, fronted by a waterfall
and swimming pool, offers guests a combination of
relaxing and healing therapies from the Far East,
Caribbean, and even Europe. For the ultimate in spa
indulgence you should try one of the nine VIP
treatment suites with a private landscaped garden
and three hydrotherapy pools.

The 112 resort rooms are both luxurious and very
spacious, with each one offering a plasma television
and high speed internet access. The hotel also
provides 24 hour room service, and maid cleaning
service twice a day.

If you plan to go on a family vacation, the resort
offers the Tree House Club, which is a special
facility designed for children 3 – 12. Kids here
can experience exciting thrills, such as swimming
with turtles and easter egg hunts. The resort
will also offer you and your family a number of
exciting water sports, tennis, and even shopping.

The signature restaurant, L’Acajou, serves French
cuisine that features fresh island seafood and
other local treats. The restaurant also offers
you an open air setting on the waterfront, that
offers you breathtaking panoramic views.

(word count 305)

PPPPP

When selecting a vacation destination, many individuals and families select a destination that offers them excitement and relaxation, all at once. If this is what you are looking for out of your vacation, then a St. Thomas vacation may be just for you.

St. Thomas is located in the Caribbean. As one of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is known as one of the “hottest,” vacation destinations in the world. If you have never had the pleasure of vacationing in St. Thomas before, you may be wondering what awaits you there. In St. Thomas, there are an unlimited number of services and activities that you may find exciting. One of those activities is sailing.

The ocean waters surrounding St. Thomas are ideal for sailing. Beginners and even the most experienced sailors can enjoy sailing in the St. Thomas area. Since most individuals vacationing in St. Thomas fly into the area, you will have to find boat rentals. When renting a sail boat, it is likely that you will have a number of different options. Sail boats come in all different shapes, sizes, styles, and designs.

Before planning an independent sail off the coast of St. Thomas, you may need to take a number of important factors into consideration. One of these factors is your level of sailing experience. Many of the individuals and companies that provide boat rentals require that you have the appropriate level of sailing experience. You may be required to take sail boat for a test drive or you may need to show documents that show you are licensed to operate a sail boat. Many individuals and companies do this to protect their investments.

To make arrangement to rent a sail boat, it is advised that you make your reservations ahead of time. Sailing is a popular vacation pastime in St. Thomas. To guarantee that you are able to have access to an available boat, you will want to make your boat rental reservations well in advance. You can easily learn of boat rentals that can be found in or around the St. Thomas area by requesting a St. Thomas vacation packet. Your local travel agent may also be able to offer you assistance.

While sailing is an activity that is enjoyed by many, most individuals are unable to operate a sail boat. Just because you do not know how to operate a sail boat, does not mean that you cannot vacation on the waters surrounding St. Thomas. Throughout the area, you should be able to find multiple companies that offer guided sail boat rentals. In addition to paying for the boat rental, you will be provided with an experienced sailor who can take you on voyage that you will forever remember.

Sailing on the water surrounding St. Thomas is an exciting experience all on its own, but that is not the only thing you can do while on the water. While sailing on the water, you may be surprised with what you will find and see. A sail boat is a great way to vacation on the water, but sightsee as well. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also fun activities that can be combined with sailing. If you are with an experienced sailor who also is a trained scuba diver, you may be able to enjoy these two amazing activities all at once.

When you are searching for sail boat rentals, you may want to consider what the resort you plan on staying at has to offer. If you are vacationing at an all-inclusive St. Thomas resort, you may find that you are able to receive free sail boat tours. These free rides are not offered in all vacation packages, but may be able to save a large amount of money if they are.

Whether you plan on sailing yourself or you are using the services of an experienced sailor, you will be sure to enjoy your time on the water. Activities found on the St. Thomas Island are not limited. You can easily find an number of activities, many of which will be what your heart desires.

PPPPP

Word Count 682