What was Sirius Satellite Radio, and what is its current status?

Sirius Satellite Radio was a satellite radio service operating in the United States and Canada. It launched in 2002 and was a primary competitor to XM Satellite Radio. The two services merged in 2008 to form Sirius XM, and the original Sirius Satellite Radio entity ceased to exist as a separate company after the merger closed in 2008, with the combined brand launching in 2011.

How did Sirius Satellite Radio's business model compare to cable television?

Sirius Satellite Radio operated on a pay-for-service model, requiring a monthly subscription fee from its customers, much like cable television services. This subscription model allowed Sirius to offer content that was not subject to the same regulations as traditional terrestrial radio.

What was a key difference between Sirius's music channels and its talk channels regarding advertising?

Sirius's music channels were presented without any commercial advertising, offering an uninterrupted listening experience. In contrast, its talk channels did carry commercials, similar to traditional radio programming.

How did Sirius Satellite Radio's content regulation differ from terrestrial radio?

Unlike terrestrial radio, which is subject to content regulations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Sirius Satellite Radio's broadcasts were not under the same FCC oversight. This freedom allowed Sirius to include explicit content in both its music and talk programming.

What were the primary locations of Sirius Satellite Radio's operations?

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. was headquartered in New York City. It also maintained smaller studios in Los Angeles and Memphis, Tennessee.

Who were the founders of Sirius Satellite Radio?

The company was founded by Martine Rothblatt, David Margolese, and Robert Briskman.

What was the initial name of the company founded by Martine Rothblatt in 1990?

In 1990, Martine Rothblatt founded the company under the name Satellite CD Radio, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

What significant action did Satellite CD Radio, Inc. take with the FCC?

Satellite CD Radio, Inc. was the first entity to petition the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assign unused radio frequencies specifically for satellite radio broadcasts. This move generated significant opposition from existing terrestrial radio station owners.

Why did Martine Rothblatt resign from her roles as chairman and CEO of Sirius in 1992?

Martine Rothblatt resigned from her positions as chairman and CEO of Sirius in April 1992. She stepped down to establish a medical research foundation dedicated to finding a cure for her daughter's illness.

Who succeeded Martine Rothblatt as chairman and CEO, and what was his background?

Robert Briskman, who had been an engineer at NASA and was responsible for designing the company's satellite technology, was appointed as the chairman and CEO following Rothblatt's resignation.

How did David Margolese become involved with and gain control of the company?

David Margolese, who had provided financial backing for the venture, acquired control of the company six months after Briskman's appointment. He succeeded Briskman as CEO in November 1992 and renamed the company CD Radio.

What was the process and timeline for raising funds and launching Sirius's satellites?

David Margolese spent five years lobbying the FCC to permit satellite radio deployment and another five years raising $1.6 billion. This capital was used to construct and launch three satellites into an elliptical orbit from Kazakhstan in July 2000.

When did XM Satellite Radio also obtain a license, and how did it relate to Sirius's actions?

In 1997, after Margolese had secured regulatory approval and essentially established the satellite radio industry, the FCC also sold a license to XM Satellite Radio, which followed the path Sirius had pioneered.

Why was the company's name changed from CD Radio to Sirius Satellite Radio in 1999?

In November 1999, marketing chief Ira Bahr persuaded David Margolese to change the company's name to Sirius Satellite Radio. The intention was to avoid any association with CD technology, which was perceived as becoming outdated.

Which major automotive manufacturers had deals with Sirius by July 2000?

By July 2000, Sirius had secured agreements with BMW, DaimlerChrysler, and Ford to offer Sirius receivers in their vehicles.

On what date and in which markets did Sirius Satellite Radio officially launch?

Sirius Satellite Radio officially launched on February 14, 2002. Its initial service areas were Denver, Houston, Jackson (Mississippi), and Phoenix (Arizona).

Who succeeded Joe Clayton as CEO in November 2004, and what was his previous role?

Mel Karmazin, who previously served as the president of Viacom, succeeded Joseph Clayton as CEO of Sirius. Karmazin held this position until the merger with XM.

What regulatory bodies needed to approve the Sirius-XM merger?

Because the merger would eliminate competition in the U.S. satellite radio market, it required approval from both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

When did the U.S. Department of Justice approve the merger?

The U.S. Department of Justice granted its approval for the Sirius-XM merger on March 24, 2008.

When did the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approve the merger?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave its approval for the merger on July 25, 2008.

On what date did the merger between Sirius and XM officially close?

The merger between Sirius and XM Satellite Radio was officially completed on July 29, 2008.

How did the brands and channel lineups change after the merger?

Initially, both the Sirius and XM services continued to operate under their original brands. However, by November 12, 2008, each service began incorporating the other's channel lineup.

When were the original Sirius and XM brands retired in favor of the combined Sirius XM brand?

The original Sirius and XM brands were officially retired on February 4, 2011, when the combined Sirius XM brand and its associated website were launched.

What was the typical monthly subscription price range for Sirius radio?

Sirius radio subscriptions generally ranged from $14.99 per month. An additional receiver could be added for $9.99 per month, and a lifetime subscription option was available for $699.99, though this was tied to the receiver's lifespan.

Which satellite television provider offered a subset of Sirius music channels?

Dish Network included a selection of Sirius music channels as part of its satellite television service offerings.

What types of programming did Sirius offer on its channels?

Sirius provided a diverse range of programming, including various genres of music, news, talk shows, sports coverage, and other entertainment content.

What was the source of some of Sirius's talk channels?

While much of Sirius's programming was produced exclusively in-house, some talk channels were simulcasts of programs that originally aired on terrestrial radio stations.

According to a Spring 2007 Arbitron report, what were the top five most listened-to channels on Sirius?

The top five channels on Sirius, based on average quarterly hour (AQH) share in a Spring 2007 Arbitron report, were Howard 100, Howard 101, The Highway (channel 56), Sirius Hits 1, and Octane (channel 37).

Which entertainers had deals with Sirius to executive-produce streams or channels?

Sirius had exclusive deals with prominent entertainers such as Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Steven Van Zandt (of the E Street Band), Jimmy Buffett, and Eminem, who were involved in creating or curating dedicated channels or streams.

What two stations did Steven Van Zandt create for Sirius?

Steven Van Zandt created two dedicated stations for Sirius: 'Underground Garage,' focusing on garage rock music, and 'Outlaw Country,' which featured alternative country music.

What was Sirius OutQ, and when was it launched?

Sirius OutQ was launched in April 2003 as the first 24/7 talk channel specifically targeted towards an LGBT audience.

What major sports leagues did Sirius hold exclusive satellite radio rights to?

Throughout its existence, Sirius held exclusive satellite radio rights to the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). It also had exclusive rights to broadcast NBA games from 2003 until November 2008.

What major college sports events did Sirius have exclusive radio rights to starting in 2005?

Beginning in 2005, Sirius secured exclusive radio rights to cover the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.

What European soccer leagues and tournaments were broadcast on Sirius?

Sirius broadcast select Premier League matches and acquired the exclusive radio rights to broadcast the ESPN television feed of the Euro 2008 championships. They also added UEFA Champions League soccer to their lineup in September 2006.

What was the arrangement regarding Major League Baseball games after the Sirius-XM merger?

Initially, Major League Baseball games remained exclusive to XM Radio due to an arrangement dispute. However, by August 2013, an agreement was reached allowing all Sirius XM customers with premium subscriptions to listen to MLB games.

What was Sirius Backseat TV, and what was its primary target audience?

Sirius Backseat TV was a service designed to relay live satellite television programming to in-car entertainment systems. It was primarily targeted at families with young children.

Which automotive brand initially offered Sirius Backseat TV exclusively?

Sirius Backseat TV was initially offered exclusively in Chrysler vehicles, debuting with the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.

What request did Sirius XM make to the FCC regarding Puerto Rico in September 2009?

In September 2009, Sirius XM requested and received special temporary authority from the FCC to operate 20 terrestrial repeaters for its satellite radio service in Puerto Rico.

What partnership was formed to introduce Sirius in Canada, and which commission reviewed the application?

A partnership involving Sirius, Standard Broadcasting, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation filed an application with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to launch Sirius in Canada. The CRTC approved the application in June 2005.

How many carriers did the Sirius signal utilize, and what was the purpose of the third carrier?

The Sirius signal was divided into three carriers. One carrier was for each of the two satellites, and the third carrier was dedicated to the terrestrial repeater network where it was available. This allowed for signal diversity.

What was the intended purpose of the four-second delay between Sirius satellite carrier signals?

The intentional four-second delay between the two satellite carrier signals allowed the receiver to maintain a substantial buffer of the audio stream. Combined with forward error correction, this buffer helped ensure continuous playback even if the signal was temporarily lost, such as when driving under an overpass.

What technology was used for forward error correction in Sirius receivers?

Sirius receivers employed concatenated Reed-Solomon block coding and Forward Error Correction (FEC) encoding and decoding to recover signals impaired by interference and fading.

What was the primary function of the custom ASIC chip called the Baseband Integrated Circuit (e.g., STA240) in a Sirius receiver?

The Baseband Integrated Circuit, such as the STA240, is the core component of a Sirius receiver. It digitizes, demodulates, error-corrects, de-interleaves, and decrypts the incoming signals, and uses SDRAM to buffer audio streams for signal combining.

What is the function of the tuner ASIC (STA210) in a Sirius receiver?

The tuner ASIC, like the STA210, is connected to the antenna. It receives the satellite and terrestrial signals at 2.315 GHz and downconverts them to intermediate frequency (IF) signals around 75 MHz for processing by the baseband chip.

What advice was given for optimal antenna placement for Sirius receivers?

For optimal reception, Sirius antennas should have an unobstructed view of the sky, ideally placed on rooftops without eaves or trees. If wall mounting is necessary, the antenna should face the southern continental United States to minimize signal blockage.

Why were Sirius's satellites named Radiosat?

The satellites were named Radiosat because a fleet of satellites already existed named 'Sirius,' which were launched by Sweden's NSAB (now SES Sirius) for general telecommunications and satellite television services in Scandinavia.

What type of orbit did satellites Radiosat 1 through Radiosat 3 fly in, and what was the advantage of this orbit?

Satellites Radiosat 1 through Radiosat 3 flew in Tundra orbits, which are highly elliptical and inclined with respect to the equator. This orbit ensured each satellite spent approximately 16 hours daily positioned high over the continental United States, providing a better elevation angle and reducing signal blockage in urban areas compared to geostationary orbits.

What was the stated purpose of the new geostationary satellite, FM-5?

The FM-5 satellite was designed for a geostationary orbit with the specific purpose of providing more consistent reception for users in fixed locations, addressing reported difficulties some subscribers had with repositioning antennas for optimal signal clarity.

When was the XM-5 satellite launched, and what was its purpose?

The XM-5 satellite was launched on October 14, 2010, and placed into a geostationary orbit. It serves as an in-orbit spare capable of replacing either the Sirius Radiosat satellites or the XM satellites.

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What Was Sirius?

Satellite Audio Service

Sirius Satellite Radio was a satellite radio service operating in the United States and Canada. Launched in 2002, it offered a pay-for-service model, akin to cable television, providing commercial-free music channels and talk channels that carried advertisements.

Competition and Merger

Sirius primarily competed with XM Satellite Radio. This rivalry concluded in 2008 when the two services merged to form Sirius XM, a significant consolidation in the satellite radio market.

Unregulated Content

Unlike terrestrial radio, Sirius was not subject to the same FCC content regulations. This allowed for broadcasts, both music and talk, to include explicit content, offering a broader range of expression.

History & Development

Founding Vision

Sirius was founded in 1990 as Satellite CD Radio, Inc. by Martine Rothblatt, who envisioned a new era of audio broadcasting. Rothblatt, having previously established international satellite television and navigation systems, secured the first FCC petition for satellite radio frequencies, sparking significant interest and debate among terrestrial broadcasters.

Building the Infrastructure

After Rothblatt's departure to focus on medical research, David Margolese took control in 1992. Over the next decade, Margolese secured $1.6 billion in funding and oversaw the development and launch of three satellites into elliptical orbits in 2000, laying the groundwork for the service's infrastructure.

Launch and Expansion

Sirius Satellite Radio officially launched on February 14, 2002, initially serving markets like Denver and Houston. Service expanded across the contiguous United States by July 2002. The company headquarters were in New York City, with additional studios in Los Angeles and Memphis.

Merger with XM

Strategic Consolidation

In February 2007, Sirius announced its intention to merge with its main competitor, XM Satellite Radio. This move aimed to consolidate the market but required approval from the U.S. Department of Justice and the FCC due to antitrust concerns.

Regulatory Approval

Following regulatory review, the Department of Justice approved the merger in March 2008, with the FCC granting its approval in July 2008. The merger officially closed on July 29, 2008.

Unified Brand

Initially, Sirius and XM continued operating under their separate brands. However, by November 2008, channel lineups were integrated. The distinct Sirius and XM brands were retired by February 2011, with the launch of the unified Sirius XM brand and website.

Core Services

Subscription Model

Sirius operated on a monthly subscription basis. Pricing varied, with options for additional receivers and even lifetime subscriptions tied to equipment. An activation fee was standard for each new radio activated.

Exclusive Content

Sirius secured exclusive rights to a variety of high-profile content. Notably, the highly popular Howard Stern Show moved exclusively to Sirius in 2006, significantly boosting subscriber numbers. Other exclusive deals included Martha Stewart, Steven Van Zandt's channels (Underground Garage, Outlaw Country), Jimmy Buffett, and Eminem.

Sports and Entertainment

The service offered extensive live sports coverage, holding exclusive satellite rights for the NFL and CFL. It also broadcast NBA and NHL games, NASCAR races, and major college sports. Entertainment programming included channels dedicated to specific genres and personalities.

Programming Channels

Music Variety

Sirius provided a diverse range of music channels, covering numerous genres from rock and country to hip-hop and classical. Many channels were curated by artists or personalities, offering a unique listening experience.

Talk and News

Beyond music, Sirius featured a robust lineup of talk channels. This included news simulcasts from networks like Fox News Channel, channels dedicated to specific interests like the LGBT-focused Sirius OutQ, and lifestyle programming from figures like Martha Stewart.

International Broadcasts

Sirius also integrated international programming, broadcasting BBC Radio 1 and various channels from Canada's CBC Radio One and CBC Radio Three, expanding its content offering to a global audience.

Underlying Technology

Signal Architecture

Sirius utilized a sophisticated signal architecture involving three carriers: two from satellites and one from a terrestrial repeater network. This multi-signal approach, employing advanced error correction and a four-second time delay between satellite signals, was designed to ensure robust audio delivery, minimizing dropouts even in challenging conditions like tunnels or dense urban areas.

Satellite Constellation

Initially, Sirius employed satellites in Tundra orbits, a type of highly elliptical orbit designed to maximize time over North America. Later, geostationary satellites were introduced to improve consistent reception for stationary users. These satellites, manufactured by Space Systems/Loral, formed the backbone of the broadcast network.

Receiver Innovation

Receiver technology was central to the Sirius experience. Custom chipsets, developed by companies like STMicroelectronics, handled signal processing, decryption, and audio decoding. These receivers integrated features like real-time text display for song and artist information, and advanced buffering for signal resilience.

Receiving Sirius

Automotive Integration

Sirius receivers were widely integrated into automotive audio systems by major manufacturers like BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and others. Many automakers offered Sirius exclusively, while some provided options for both Sirius and XM before the merger.

Home and Portable Devices

Beyond vehicles, Sirius service was accessible via home radios and standalone portable devices. The Stiletto line offered portable media player functionality, while series like Starmate, Sportster, and Stratus provided compact tuners for various listening environments.

Online Streaming

Sirius expanded its reach through online streaming services. Sirius Internet Radio (SIR) offered a selection of channels globally via the internet, accessible without a satellite receiver. Subscribers could also stream channels online through Sirius.com, often at higher bitrates for improved audio quality.

Business Services

Sirius Music for Business

Sirius partnered with companies like Applied Media Technologies Corporation (AMTC) to offer "Sirius Music for Business." This service provided commercial-free music streams to businesses, with AMTC handling performance royalties to ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, ensuring legal compliance.

Reliable Delivery

The SiriusXM for Business service utilized the same satellite delivery platform as consumer services, offering greater reliability than some terrestrial alternatives. The introduction of geostationary satellites aimed to further enhance signal consistency for stationary business locations.

Satellite Fleet

Radiosat Series

Sirius's satellite constellation, named Radiosat, consisted of spacecraft manufactured by Space Systems/Loral. The initial fleet utilized Tundra orbits, providing extended coverage over North America, with a system designed for robust signal reception.

Evolution of Orbits

While early satellites operated in elliptical Tundra orbits, later additions like Sirius FM-5 and FM-6 were placed in geostationary orbits. This shift aimed to provide more consistent signal reception for fixed locations, complementing the existing satellite network and terrestrial repeaters.

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References

Michael Wolff, "Cruise Control", New York, September 25, 2000.

Mark Lewyn, "Space Case", Wired, April 2009.

"Robert Briskman appointed chairman and CEO", Satellite News, HighBeam Research, June 1, 1992.

Philip Shenon, "Justice Dept. Approves XM Merger With Sirius", New York Times, March 25, 2008.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Sirius Satellite Radio Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding audio technology, broadcasting, or business services. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Sirius Broadcast

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What Was Sirius? ℹ️

📡 Satellite Audio Service

⚖️ Competition and Merger

🔊 Unregulated Content

History & Development ⏳

🚀 Founding Vision

💰 Building the Infrastructure

📻 Launch and Expansion

Merger with XM 🤝

➡️ Strategic Consolidation

✅ Regulatory Approval

🌟 Unified Brand

Core Services 🎵

💳 Subscription Model

⭐ Exclusive Content

⚽ Sports and Entertainment

Programming Channels 📻

🎶 Music Variety

🗣️ Talk and News

🌍 International Broadcasts

Underlying Technology 🛰️

📡 Signal Architecture

⚙️ Satellite Constellation

💡 Receiver Innovation

Receiving Sirius 🔊

🚗 Automotive Integration

🏠 Home and Portable Devices

🌐 Online Streaming

Business Services 🏢

💼 Sirius Music for Business

🛰️ Reliable Delivery

Satellite Fleet 🚀

🛰️ Radiosat Series

🔄 Evolution of Orbits

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What Was Sirius?

Satellite Audio Service

Competition and Merger

Unregulated Content

History & Development

Founding Vision

Building the Infrastructure

Launch and Expansion

Merger with XM

Strategic Consolidation

Regulatory Approval

Unified Brand

Core Services

Subscription Model

Exclusive Content

Sports and Entertainment

Programming Channels

Music Variety

Talk and News

International Broadcasts

Underlying Technology

Signal Architecture

Satellite Constellation

Receiver Innovation

Receiving Sirius

Automotive Integration

Home and Portable Devices

Online Streaming

Business Services

Sirius Music for Business

Reliable Delivery

Satellite Fleet

Radiosat Series

Evolution of Orbits

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice