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    CHAPTER 1

    INTRODUCTION

    1.1 SATELLITE

    A satellite is an object that goes around, or orbits, a larger object, such as a planet.

    While there are natural satellites, like the Moon, hundreds of man-made satellites also

    orbit the Earth.

    Communications antenna, radio receivers and transmitters enable the satellite to

    communicate with one or more ground stations, called command centers. Messages

    sent to the satellite from a ground station are "uplinked"; messages transmitted from

    the satellite to Earth are "downlinked."

    1.2 RADIO

    Radio is the transmission of signals by modulation of electromagnetic waves with

    frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means

    of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space.

    Information is carried by systematically changing (modulating) some property of the

    radiated waves, such as amplitude, frequency, phase, or pulse width. When radio

    waves pass an electrical conductor, the oscillating fields induce an alternating current

    in the conductor. This can be detected and transformed into sound or other signals that

    carry information.

    1.3 ORBITS

    GEO

    GEO stands for Geostationary Earth Orbit. This refers to satellites that are placed in

    orbit such that they remain stationary relative to a fixed spot on earth. If a satellite is

    placed at 35,900 km above the earth, its angular velocity is equal to that of the earth,

    thereby causing it to appear to be over the same point on earth. This allows for them

    to provide constant coverage of the area and eliminate blackout periods of ordinary

    orbiting satellites, which is good for providing television broadcasting. However their

    high altitude causes a long delay, so two way communications, which would need to

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    be uploaded and then downloaded over a distance of 72,000 km, are not often used

    with this type of orbit.

    LEO

    LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit, and it refers to satellites in orbit at less than 22300

    miles above the earth. This type of an orbit reduces transmission times as compared to

    GEO. A LEO orbit can also be used to cover a polar region, which the GEO cannot

    accomplish. Since it does not appear stationary to earth stations, however, earth

    stations need an antenna assembly that will track the motion of the satellite.

    1.4 SATELLITE RADIO

    We all have our favorite radio stations that we preset into our car radios, flipping

    between them as we drive to and from work, on errands and around town. But when

    travel too far away from the source station, the signal breaks up and fades into static.

    Most radio signals can only travel about 30 or 40 miles from their source. On long

    trips that find you passing through different cities, you might have to change radio

    stations every hour or so as the signals fade in and out.

    Now, imagine a radio station that can broadcast its signal from more than 22,000

    miles (35,000 kill) away and then come through on your car radio with complete

    clarity without ever having to change the radio station.

    Satellite Radio or Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) is a subscriber based radio

    service that is broadcast directly from satellites. Subscribers will be able to receive up

    to100 radio channels featuring Compact Disk digital quality music, news, weather,

    sports. talk radio and other entertainment channels.

    Satellite radio is an idea nearly 10 years in the making. In 1992, the U.S. Federal

    Communications Commission (FCC) allocated a spectrum in the "S" band (2.3 GHz)

    for nationwide broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS).

    In 1997 the FCC awarded 8-year radio broadcast licenses to two companies, Sirius

    Satellite Radio former (CD Radio) and XM Satellite Radio (former American Mobile

    Radio). Both companies have been working aggressively to be prepared to offer their

    radio services to the public by the end of 2000. It is expected that automotive radios

    would be the largest application of Satellite Radio.

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    The satellite era began in September 2001 when XM launched in selected markets

    followed by full nationwide service in November. Sirius lagged slightly, with a

    gradual rollout beginning February, including a quiet launch in the Bay Area on June

    15. The nationwide launch comes July 1.

    To the average user, these systems will look very similar to conventional AM/FM

    .radio systems, whether they are used in the home, office, or on the road. However the

    real difference is in what the listener won't see. Rather than receiving a signal from a

    tower antenna of a local radio station, these new radios will receive signals from a set

    of satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Programming will be up linked from ground

    stations to the satellites and then broadcast back to large geographic areas.

    The programming will be up linked to the three geostationary orbit satellites and then

    rebroadcast directly to radios in the vehicles of CD Radio subscribers. Ground based

    repeaters will be used in urban areas to provide a clear and uninterrupted radio signal.

    Figure.1.1: Basic Architecture

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    CHAPTER 2

    BASIC COMPONENTS OF SATELLITE RADIO

    Each company has a different plan for its broadcasting system, but the systems doshare similarities. Here are the key components of the three satellite radio systems.

    SATELLITES GROUND REPEATERS RADIO RECEIVERS

    At this time, there are three space-based radio broadcasters in various stages of

    development

    XM Satellite Radio launched commercial service in limited areas of the United

    States on September 25, 2001. (They were originally going to launch service

    September 12. but postponed the event because of the terrorist attacks on the United

    States.)

    Sirius Satellite Radio is now operational in the United States, with its official launch

    on July I, 2002.

    WorldSpace is already broadcasting in Africa and Asia, and will begin broadcasting

    in South America sometime soon.

    XM Satellite radio and Sirius Satellite Radio have both launched such a service.

    Satellite radio, also called digital radio, offers' uninterrupted, near CD-quality music

    beamed to the radio from space.

    2.1 SATELLITES

    2.1.1 XM SATELLITE RADIO

    While XM Radio and Sirius have merged into a single company, the two services

    aren't fully integrated yet. Part of the reason for this is due to differences in hardware

    and software.

    XM Radio uses two Boeing HS 702 satellites, appropriately nicknamed "Rock" and

    "Roll," and two BSS 702 satellites it calls "Rhythm" and "Blues," placed in parallel

    geostationary orbit, two at 85 degrees west longitude and the other two at 115 degree

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    west longitude. Geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) is about 22,223 miles (35,764 km)

    above Earth, and is the type of orbit most commonly used for communications

    satellites. The first XM satellite, "Rock," was launched on March 18, 2001, with

    "Roll" following on May 8 of the same year. A design flaw in the HS 702 satellitecaused its solar panels to function inefficiently. XM launched "Rhythm" on February

    28, 2005, and "Blues" on October 30, 2006, to replace the older satellites. Then XM

    Radio powered down "Rock" and "Roll." The older satellites remain in orbit and can

    serve as backups, if necessary.

    XM Radio's ground station transmits a signal to its two active GEO satellites, which

    bounce the signals back down to radio receivers on the ground. The radio receivers

    are programmed to receive and unscramble the digital data signal, which containsmore than 170 channels of digital audio. In addition to the encoded sound, the signal

    contains information about the broadcast. The song title, artist and genre of music are

    all displayed on the radio. In urban areas, where buildings can block out the satellite

    signal, XM's broadcasting system is supplemented by ground transmitters.

    Each receiver contains a proprietary chipset. XM began delivering chipsets to its XM

    radio manufacturing partners in October 2000. The chipset consists of two custom

    integrated circuits designed by STMicroelectronics.

    XM has partnered with Pioneer, Alpine, Clarion, Delphi Delco, Sony and Motorola

    to manufacture XM car radios. Each satellite radio receiver uses a small, car-phone-

    sized antenna to receive the XM signal. General Motors has invested about $100

    million in XM, and Honda has also signed an agreement to use XM radios in its

    vehicles. GM began installing XM satellite radio receivers in selected models in early

    2001.

    Currently, subscribers can receive the regular XM channel lineup for $12.95 per

    month. For that price, listeners get more than 170 channels of music, talk and news.

    They also get access to XM Radio online, a streaming audio service with more than

    80 channels. Many of the channels have no commercials, and none of the channels

    have more than seven minutes of ads per hour. XM's content providers include USA

    Today, BBC, CNN, Sports Illustrated and The Weather Channel. The service bolsters

    that lineup with its own music channels.

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    Figure 2.1: XM Satellite Radio

    2.1.2 SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO

    Unlike XM, Sirius does not use OED satellites. Instead, its three SS/L-1300 satellites

    form an inclined elliptical satellite constellation. Sirius says the elliptical path of its

    satellite constellation ensures that each satellite spends about 16 hours a day over the

    continental United States , with at least one satellite over the country at all times.

    Sirius completed its three-satellite constellation on November 30, 2000. A fourth

    satellite will remain on the ground, ready to be launched if any of the three active

    satellites encounter transmission problems.

    The Sirius system is similar to that of XM. Programs are beamed to one of the three

    Sirius satellites, which then transmit the signal to the ground where the radio

    receiver picks up one of the channels within the signal. Signals are also be beamed to

    ground repeaters for listeners in urban areas where the satellite signal-can be

    interrupted.

    While XM offers both car and portable radios, Sirius is concentrating on the car radio

    market. The Sirius receiver includes two parts -- the antenna module and the receiver

    module. The antenna module picks up signals from the ground repeaters or the

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    satellite. Amplifies the signal and filters out any interference. The signal is then

    passed on to the receiver module. Inside the receiver module is a chipset consisting of

    eight chips. The chip set converts the signals from 2.3 gigahertz (GHz) to a lower

    intermediate frequency. Sirius also offers an adapter that allows conventional carradios to receive satellite signals.

    Figure 2.2: Sirius Satellite Radio

    2.1.3 WORLDSPACE

    So far, WorldSpace has been the leader in the satellite radio industry. It put two or its

    three satellites, AfriStar and AsiaStar, in geostationary orbit before either of the other

    two companies launched one. AfriStar and AsiaStar were launched in October 1998

    and March 2000, respectively. AmeriStar, which will offer service to South America

    and parts of Mexico, is not yet scheduled for launch. Each satellite transmits three

    signal beams carrying more than 40 channels of programming, to three overlapping

    coverage areas or about 5.4 million square miles (14 million square km) each. Each ofWorldSpace satellites' three beams can deliver over 50 channels of crystal clear audio

    and multimedia programming via the 1,467- to 1,492- megahertz (MHz) segment of

    the L-band spectrum which is allocated for digital audio broadcasting.

    AfriStar is positioned in a 210 East geosynchronous orbit and is controlled by the

    WorldSpace Operations Center located in Washington, DC. The prime contractor for

    the satellite is Alcatel Space Industries, and Matra Marconi Space built the EuroStar

    2000+ satellite bus. The uplink frequencies are 7.025-7.075 GHz, and the downlink

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    frequencies are 1.452-1.492 GHz. Each AfriStar downlink spot beam has capacity for

    ninety-six 16 kbit/s mono-AM-quality signals that can be combined for fewer

    channels of higher audio quality. The downlink signals in each spot beam are

    combined into two Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) carriers. Uplink signalscan be. accepted as TDMA signals from control stations or, individually, as

    Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) signals from originating program

    locations.

    WorldSpace also launched AsiaStar in March 2000, a DBS radio satellite that

    currently covers Asia(1050 East orbit). In late 2000, WorldSpace plans to launch

    AmeriStar (950 West orbit) to cover Latin America.The United States is not currently

    part of WorldSpace's coverage area. The company has invested in XM Radio and hasan agreement with XM to share any technological developments. WorldSpace is

    going beyond one nation and eyeing world domination of the radio market. That

    might be overstating the company's intent a bit. But WorldSpace does plan to reach

    the corners of our world that most radio stations cannot. There are millions of

    people living in WorldSpace's projected listening area who cannot conventional

    radio station. WorldSpace says it has a potential audience of about 4.6 billion listeners

    spanning five continents.

    Figure 2.3: Worldspace

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    WorIdSpace broadcasters uplink their signal to one of the three satellites through a

    centralized hub site or an individual feeder link station located within the global

    uplink beam. The satellite then transmits the signal in one, two or all three beams on

    each satellite. Receivers on the ground then pick up the signal and provide CD-qualitysound through a detachable antenna.

    Figure 2.4: World Space Integrated Solution

    2.2 GROUND REPEATERS

    Satellite radio reception, poses threats from weather, tall building and mountains that

    can potentially interfere with broadcasts. To avoid the interference caused by tall

    structures, both Sirius and XM Radio are supplementing their satellite coverage withterrestrial transmitters, called ground repeaters. If the satellite radio antenna is

    blocked by a skyscraper, it should pick up signals from one of the ground repeaters.

    Getting signals from a satellite to receivers in cars or in the home is a tall order.

    Although the microwaves the satellites rely on are able to penetrate the atmosphere

    from space, they need a "direct line of sight" and can only reach their target if

    unimpeded by obstacles such as trees, houses, or thunderstorms. Therefore, ground-

    based repeaters are needed to prevent service interruption in cities where tall buildings

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    otherwise would block the line of sight between radio receivers and the satellites. XM

    has employed more than 1,000 of these terrestrial repeaters, which have been

    strategically placed throughout the continental United States to receive the XM signal

    directly from the satellites, and then retransmit it to XM radios in cars and homes.These repeaters have been installed in densely populated cities, on the roofs of

    buildings, and in mountainous areas where line of sight can be difficult to maintain.

    Figure 2.5: Ground Repeater

    2.3 SATELLITE RADIO RECEIVER

    Existing AM/FM car radio will not be able to receive satellite radio broadcasts. Two

    options are available. Replacement of the radio with a 3-band capable receiver (AM,

    FM, Sirius or XM Satellite). Radios can be purchased as a dealer option or can be

    directly purchased at consumer retail stores, mail order and Internet stores. All major

    manufactures are prepared to provide radios capable of satellite radio reception.

    A second option is the purchase an adaptor for existing AM/FM radios. The adaptor

    will contain the satellite receiver, along with display and control functions. Sirius and

    XM have developed slightly different technologies which mean that you can purchase

    a radio capable of receiving satellite broadcasts from one company or the other. but

    not both.. You need a receiver, about the size of squashed shoe box, which goes under

    a car in the trunk, along with a fist-sized antenna that sits on the roof or trunk lid.

    The receiving end is virtually the same for both companies, but the satellite

    configurations are different: XM Radio will use two satellites, and Sirius will use a

    combination three. These receivers, somewhat akin to AM/FM tuners, are made up of

    two parts: an "active" antenna and a receiving module.

    XM and Sirius Radio will work similarly. Each will beam a combination of original

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    and syndicated programming to orbiting communications and terrestrial satellites

    which will send out signals to the satellite radio receivers. These receivers, somewhat

    akin to AM/FM tuners, are made up of two parts: an "active" antenna and a receiving

    module.

    The antenna is active because it basically looks for available signals to pick up from.

    Satellites it recognizes. When it finds them, it amplifies them, filters out any

    accompanying noise and interference, and then sends them to the receiver, where

    most of the real work is done. En route to the receiver, the signals are converted from

    analog to digital. Once in the digital realm, they are analyzed for quality, and then

    processed and combined to produce the best digital "image" of the sound. The

    receiver also decrypts the signals and finally converts them back to analog audio,which can be sent to the radio' s speakers so one can hear it.

    The receiver connects to your existing car radio through a device called an FM

    modulator that puts the signal on an unused portion of the FM band. On the open

    road, the receivers pick up a signal from orbiting satellites. Sirius and XM have also

    built repeater stations on the ground in major metropolitan areas to maintain reception

    when the satellites are blocked by buildings or other large structures.

    One receiver utilizes a vehicles existing FM radio. A small flat 2" disk antenna is

    attached to the outside of the vehicle, a processing unit is placed in the trunk or

    dashboard and a display and control screen mounted next to the vehicle's FM radio.

    The display screen indicates the selected channel number, channel name, song title

    and artist.

    Each receiver contains a proprietary chipset. XM began delivering chipsets to its XM

    radio-manufacturing partners in October 2000. The chipset consists of two custom

    integrated circuits designed by ST Microelectronics. XM has partnered with Pioneer.

    Alpine, Clarion, Delphi Deleo, Sony and Motorola to manufacture XM car radios.

    Each satellite radio receiver uses a small, car-phone-sized antenna to receive the XM

    signal. General Motors has invested about $100 million in XM, and Honda has also

    signed an agreement to use XM radios in its cars. OM began installing XM satellite

    radio receivers in selected models in early 2001.

    .

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    CHAPTER 3

    TECHNOLOGY BEHIND SATELLITE RADIO

    3.1 INTRODICTIONAny song you hear on satellite radio stars as a recording in a specific format on

    different recording mediums. IN most cases, the recording quality has to be

    maintained fairly high, usually around 384kb/s, while also being reasonably small

    enough to be transported on CDs and DVDs. The music tracks used in satellite radio

    are cataloged using a similar system to the MP3 cataloging criteria, the ID3 tags. The

    choice for the music tracks that will be played is made by each channel individually.

    The DJ selecting the tracks usually chooses about 20-30 minutes worth of music. TheDJ has to listen to the tracks to make sure they are in proper condition and then

    simply lets the computer decode the original file. The same thing is repeated once the

    initial 20-30 minutes are exhausted and the music playing cycle repeats itself.

    3.2 SOUND ENCODING

    Encoding is one of the key elements of digital radio. Each channel is handled by a

    different encoder. The encoder basically takes the analog file and turns it into a digitalone. The digitalization process is made in real time and the music files are

    transformed into 1's and 0's. This process is carried out by powerful computers that

    analyze sound waves and frequency and break them into binary code. The encoding

    process is carried out at 128kb/s, 44.1Kh which is actually CD quality. After the song

    is encoded, it is transmitted to a multiplexer where other channels are also present

    the multiplexer basically takes all the channels of the satellite radio provider and

    combines them into a single broadcast transmission. The data is then sent to a satellite

    modem device which modulates the data and sends it to the broadcasters satellites,

    using unique transmission frequencies.

    What happens above the Earth

    Here is where the satellites are located. They receive the transmission and transmit it

    to the receivers we have in our homes and cars. The satellites are located at 23,000

    miles above usboth Sirius and XM Radio use satellites located at this distance from

    the Earth. The satellites are located in geo-sync, which means that hey orbit above the

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    location they are designated to service at all times. When the satellite receives the

    transmission encoded at 128kb/s, 44.1 khz it rebroadcasts it to the geographical area it

    covers. Both Sirius and XM Radio use satellites that cover certain areas of the United

    states mostly the East and West coasts. For example, one of XM Radios satellitescovers the western part of USA, probably an area located roughly from Seattle to San

    Diego on the West and Minneapolis to Houston on the east. The increased sound

    quality is possible because the broadcasted data (music tracks, news, sports

    transmission) dont get sliced up too many times in the decoding process. The

    antenna connected to your satellite radio receiver picks up the transmission on L-

    Band. The recent technological advances have allowed digital radio broadcasters to

    create receivers small enough to fit mobile locations. In the early days of satellite

    radio, a large parabolic dish would have to be mounted on the car in order to receive

    signal. Also, before the more compact receivers were created, the early satellite radio

    receivers needed electronic movements that directed the dish towards the satellite line

    of sight. Modern flat panel receivers have eliminated all the problems of their

    predecessors and can be fitted almost anywhere without taking up too much space.

    The receiver is the device that decodes the data, basically doing the exact opposite of

    what the encoding process was like. After receiving the signal from the antenna it

    amplifies it and converts it to usable sound. The car or home audio system is then able

    to play the selected satellite radio channel. The rest of the process is exactly like

    analog broadcasts would work, with an amplifier and speakers outputting the sound.

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    CHAPTER 4

    TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION

    4.1 INTRODUCTIONDigital radio works by combining two digital technologies to produce an efficient and

    reliable radio broadcast system.

    Firstly, an audio compression system, called MPEG, reduces the vast amount of

    digital information required to be broadcast. It does this by discarding sounds that will

    not be perceived by the listener - for example, very quiet sounds that are masked by

    other louder sounds - and hence not required to be broadcast, and efficiently packages

    together the remaining information.

    The second technology, COFDM (Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex)

    ensures that signals are received reliably and robustly, even in environments normally

    prone to interference. Using a precise mathematical relationship, the digital data

    signal is split across 1,536 different carrier frequencies, and also across time. This

    process ensures that even if some of the carrier frequencies are affected by

    interference. or the signal disturbed for a short period of time, the receiver is still able

    to recover the original sound.

    The interference which disturbs FM reception, caused by radio signals "bouncing" off

    buildings and hills (multipath) is eliminated by COFDM technology. It also means

    that the same frequency can be used across the entire country, so no re-tuning of sets

    is necessary when traveling, or taking a portable receiver to a different area. Instead of

    having a different frequency for each radio station, digital radio combines several

    services together in what is called a multiplex.

    The multiplex has a gross capacity of 2,300,000 bits. which are used for carrying

    audio, data and an in-built protection system against transmission errors. Of these

    about half the bits are used for the audio and data services. Throughout the day, the

    data capacity allocated to each service can be varied by the broadcaster. The UK

    Government has allocated seven multiplexes on the radio spectrum 217.5 230.0 MHz,

    which will be used for BBC and Commercial Radio for national. regional and local

    services..

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    4.2 GENERATION OF THE DAB SIGNAL

    How each service signal is coded individually at source level, error protected and

    time interleaved in the channel coder is shown in Figure 3.1. Then the services

    are multiplexed in the Main Service Channel (MSC), according to a pre-determined,but adjustable, multiplex configuration. The multiplexer output is combined with

    Multiplex Control and Service information, which travel in the fast Information

    Channel (FIC), to form the transmission frames in the Transmission Multiplexer. Fig

    4.1 Finally, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is applied to shape

    the DAB signal, which consists of a large number of carriers. The signal is then

    transposed to the appropriate radio frequency band, amplified and transmitted.

    Figure 4.1: Generation of DAB Signal

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    4.3 RECEPTION OF THE DAB SIGNAL

    Figure 4.2 demonstrates a DAB receiver. The DAB ensemble is selected in the

    analogue tuner, the digitized output of which is fed to the OFDM demodulator and

    channel decoder to eliminate transmission errors. The information contained in theFIC is passed to the user interface for service selection and is used to setup the

    receiver appropriately. The MSC data is further processed in an audio decoder to

    produce the left and right audio signals or in a data decoder (packet Demux) as

    appropriate.

    Figure 4.2: Reception of DAB Signal

    4.4 FREQUENCY OF OPERATION

    Digital radio is operated in a frequency range of between 215 - 230 MHz (Mega

    Hertz). This part of the radio spectrum is sometimes called Band III, or VHF, and was

    previously used for some television transmissions and by the military. The central

    frequency for the BBC National Multiplex is 225.648MHz.

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    CHAPTER 5

    SATELLITE RADIO COSTS

    Satellite radio is a subscription radio service. Its somehow identical to cabletelevision, with the difference that it provides a wider range of stations not available

    on a standard AM / FM radio.

    Cost of a satellite radio is divided in two: installation (or activation) costs and the

    monthly subscription fee.

    Activation cost 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 allow

    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 dont 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 cars

    exterior.

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    So, there will be a minimum cost of $350.00 and a maximum of $600, like below:

    Receiver $75 - $125

    Radio $125 - $250

    Antenna $60.00Labor $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.

    Receiver $150 - $300Antenna $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

    Boomboxx2 $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.

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    CHAPTER 6

    ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATION

    6.1 ADVANTAGES

    1. Over Analog Radio

    Conventional analog radio cannot meet this standard, simply because of the

    technology used and the transmission environment in which it is broadcast. In

    contrast, an un-intelligent analog receiver cannot differentiate the useful information

    from the useless noise. It reproduces the entirety of whatever signal it is tuned to

    static, 'multipath' echoes, and all.

    2. Multipath Interference

    Multipath interference occurs when radio waves bounce off buildings, hills, or other

    obstacles. This means the waves reach the set at different times, causing interference.

    This is a particular problem in the car. Digital radio sets have processors which filter

    out interference and correct errors, such as those caused by multipath, so no

    interference. In fact, digital radio is designed to use multipath to its advantage.

    3. Commercial Free

    One of the biggest advantages of pay radio is that since it's a subscription-based

    service that is supported by listeners rather than advertisers, its commercial free.

    4. Lots of Programs To Choose From Uncensored

    Pay radio services offer hundreds of programs in every genre, including music, talk,

    sports, news, regional and comedy. And because they're subscription-based services

    rather than licensed services, programming is not subject to the same regulatory

    scrutiny as regular radio.

    5. Outstanding Sound Quality

    Crystal clear sound quality is one of the hallmarks of satellite radio. And since the

    radio signal is digital, static is a thing of the past and signal strength isn't

    geographically limited. You can enjoy your favorite programs no matter where you

    are, with no degradation of sound quality.

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    6. Programming Info Available

    Ever hear a great song on the radio, but can't find out who the artist is? Satellite radio

    tuners eliminate those annoyances by displaying comprehensive information about

    whatever is playing.

    7. Local Traffic and Weather Wherever You Are

    Satellite radio programs also offer round-the-clock information about local traffic and

    weather conditions. This can be a major timesaver for travellers, commuters, or

    anyone who spends a lot of time of the road. An addition, if for any reason terrestrial

    radio stations are off the air, you can always count on getting accurate information

    from digital radio.

    Radio format Satellite radio AM FM

    8. Wide Range of Affordable Subscription Options

    Digital radio is very affordable, with a wide range of programming packages that let

    you pay for exactly the services you want and need. At the low end, "pick your

    programs" packages are available for less than $7 a month, and comprehensive

    packages that offer more than 160 programs come in at well under $20 per month.

    6.2 APPLICATIONS

    1. Virtual classrooms

    2. Best teacher to reach all

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    3. Professional needs ex. Health workers

    4. Radio for information

    Figure 6.1: Audio Broadcasting

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    CHAPTER 7

    CONCLUSION

    Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is possible to conclude that the radioindustry, initially created by amateurs attempting to find the ways to increase the

    ways of communication, gradually became a great business which potential was

    revealed at early stages of the industries development. Nowadays, the radio industry

    achieved really great results and the contemporary world is practically unimaginable

    without radio which entered every household and at the present moment it is in a hand

    reach of any individual.

    It is obvious that radio became a powerful means of communication and one of the

    major mass media This is why it is necessary to pay a particular attention to the

    development of the radio industry. At the time of downfall, after the TV and II

    revolution, the entry of satellite radio really helped the broadcasting industry to keep

    it alive.

    For many listeners who have experienced satellite radio, the enhanced features make

    the small monthly fee for the service well worth it. Certainly it offers a broader and

    potentially higher quality entertainment experience than its predecessor which makes

    it worthy of a look by those who haven't yet experienced this newer version of radio.