Sirius XM’s New Satellite Up And Running
While official word has not yet been released, we have the understanding that Sirius XM’s new satellite is up and operational. The new satellite was launched at the end of the second quarter and has been undergoing various tests prior to the company accepting delivery and pumping content through to subscribers.
This latest satellite was contracted by Sirius Satellite radio prior to the merger. Unlike the other satellites in the Sirius constellation, this satellite sits in a fixed geostationary orbit. This satellite is more powerful than the higher orbiting satellites utilized by Sirius in the past. Subscribers to the Sirius feed may notice changes in reception in areas where they were getting “drop-outs” in the past.
If you are a Sirius subscriber, we here at SiriusBuzz would be interested in knowing if anyone notices any differences in their reception of the Sirius signal.
Position – Long Sirius XM Radio
Anyone know if this satellite capable of sending signals to both XM and Sirius radios (for future services)?
Tyler
To your knowledge . . . are there ANY final installments of ANY kind to be paid once Sirius XM assumes complete control of the sat??
They would have a final payment upon acceptance of the satellite.
ok. fine . . I don’t disagree
now . . would you care to take a stab at how much that final “acceptance payment” might be based on how prior purchase structures were negotiated??
and . . might that payment already have been accounted-for/expensed at the time it may have been placed in an escrow account (or bonded for) but not yet “released” if in fact that is how the payments are structured . .
basically . . will any expensing of this final “acceptance payment” show up in the Q3 operating statements??
It’s funny that you write about that, I just notice that signal was much better in the places where I had lots off drop signals. I was thinking that something is difrent, good news for subscriabers and investors.
Usually when I pulled my car into the garage I would lose all service and the music would stop. I noticed maybe two days ago that I now have service in my garage which is pretty nice.
For the last 4 or 5 days, I have had no drop outs – in the house – which is unprecedented. I have always has at least several drop outs per day in the past – necessitating adjustment of the antenna each time. This has been a pain in the ass having to re-orientate the freaking antenna, so hopefully the signal will stay consistently available. I suspect the new satellite is responsible for the improvment.
Why is it that we don’t hear things like this from Sirius/XM? Is SiriusBuzz the PR dept?
driving along the West Side Highway at about 7 AM between 125thSt and 96th St the reception is bad
My home radio boom box is coming in better after putting it near the window. not sure if it is from the new satellite but it is clearer.
Richard
>>>This satellite is more powerful than the higher orbiting satellites utilized by Sirius in the past.
Had to think about that for a moment Tyler — but this is correct. While perigee is only about 24,000Km, the apogee is about 47,000Km.
When Siirus’ HEO satellites are at their perigee point, they are technically over the southern hemisphere; but when at the apogee point, it is over the northern hemisphere… so technically at that point (when it is in operation) it is well above the 5 XM and Sirius GEO satellites — which are constantly at about 35,000Km.
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If it doesn’t bring service to Hawaii or additional areas then it’s a waste of time!!! You need more subscribers!
At work use the antenna extender though I would have a signal drop out after 1130 am to about 2:00pm . The windows at my office building are coated so that would also keep me from getting a good Terestrial reading.
Since about mid-last week I’ve been able to get the signal all day , no drop outs and another person in my office on the east side of the office was able to use the same setup and now gets a signal as well.
My signal in my office in Austin, TX is far better. I’m pleased. dwc
Nope. As soon as we pull our vechiles into the garage, our reception on our Sirius radio still goes dead. We still have difficult time getting any reception in our home.
Does this improve sound quality? I thought the sound quality was a bit better Monday evening (Aug.31st) on my drive home, less cutoff of high notes, more dynamic range and clearer background instruments/sounds. Overall better quality sound.
I was wonderng that as well. Maybe my ears are playing tricks on me, or I just WANT the sound quality to be improved.
Funny thing, I have actually noticed more service dropouts than usual within the last few weeks on my Iphone in Boston. It could be problems with the application.
Your iPhone is not using the satellite feed.
I noticed I’m still losing signal when I shut mine off?
I don’t have an iPhone. Maybe my reception would be better if iBought one?
I STILL GET POOR RECEPTION
I hope this brings in extra bandwith to bring back The BEAT and some other channels lost in the terrible merger.
My antenna sitting on my windowsill is picking up a MUCH better signal as of last week. I think it’s true – FM5 is online.
I live in socal los angeles riverside county no change!! Alot of tech for nothing. I’m really a little disappointed in this. I would tell new subs wait til the new satellite. You’ll see the difference. Nothing!! thank you
FM5 has been officially broadcasting since Aug 25th @ 2:04pm. Was supposed to be a PR release by the company by now, guess they forgot.