It's a tuner. It operates the same way your AM/FM radio does. Sirius has a pipe and they carve out channels within the pipe. The radio tunes the frequency for the channel you want to play.
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I also have a diploma in electronics tho I'm no guru. It's not a tuner, but similar. More like a tuner with a dedicated frequency for the sats to receive data from the head units. A regular tuner doesn't allow you to make a like list, or know what you've been listening to. Yes a tuner uses frequency to broadcast it's signal, as does anything that uses bandwidth/frequency, but it's not using 1's and 0's to broadcast that data, hence digital, not analog radio. That's all for tonight. Gla tomorrow.
That's the ultimate question... can Sirius XM provide internet via it's "network." If the answer is no, then they have 2 options. First, they build their own network OR they partner with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc. Then it's ALL ABOUT THE APPS :)
If Sirius XM can provide internet service via it's network, then it's all about the apps. They won't need the wireless carriers.
I don't know how Sirius XM's satellite works but if it's one way, then they have a problem to solve.
Remember when Amazon first came out with the Kindle? They initially partnered with Sprint and then AT&T to provide internet access so customers could purchase books. The interesting part about it is Amazon "subsidized" the data connection at no cost to the consumer. Amazon basically paid AT&T and Sprint for the data connection.
What would happen if Apple or Google did this? They provide the "hardware" (i.e. like the iPad) and Software (apps) and subsidize the internet data connection for their customers. This would make them viable competitors BUT it would also allow Sirius XM to focus on the Sirius XM app while using the subsidize data connection from Apple or Google or anyone else doing it.
Just a thought...
If I remember correctly, all sats in orbit are 1 way...........but the current grounded new sat that has been pushed back several times for X?? reasons (MaloneCo).......is a 2 way sat.........are will deploy within a few months.
There you go Denco... if they are launching a 2 way satellite, then Sirius XM will not only be able to provide internet access but also the applications. All of this for a reasonable monthly fee. At least a lot cheaper than paying AT&T for the data connection and Sirius XM for the content service.
p.s. I am heading to bed. I will catch you guys on the flip. Great discussion tonight! Take care...
To be continued.....
Did I enter the wrong forum? I was interested in stock talk.