Used cars are not normally a market you think of when you think about satellite radio. For most consumers, that thought comes with new vehicles, free trials and built in satellite radio functionality. However, that functionality does not leave a vehicle, simply because it is not new. XM Satellite Radio has broadened their net and has begun marketing through Auto Trader.com in an attempt to bag more of the market.

Most used car buyers (it must be assumed) simply choose to ignore the built in XM or Sirius radio functions in their vehicles. Perhaps they assume that the service is too expensive or that it applied only to the original owner. There is a myriad of reasons why they might not think about it. Regardless, XM is making it known that the radios in all GM, Honda and Acura vehicles can be activated by the vehicle’s new owner and often times the activation fee can be waved. This service comes with a free 3 month trial of XM’s service.

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Whether it’s television, radio or telephone service that’s desired, if satellite power is what a person wants, satellite descrambler devices will be needed to get the job done. Not all satellite descrambler devices are alike, however, but most come along with the packages purchased.

A satellite descrambler is nothing more than a device that makes a satellite signal understandable. For example, a descrambler hooked up to a television receives and deciphers the signal so the picture appears on the screen. The same basic concept is behind these devices for use with radios and telephones, too.

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SIRIUS Satellite Radio recently launched a new music channel dedicated exclusively to the Grateful Dead on channel 32 and here’s it what I heard in just the first couple of hours. To kick off the new channel, SIRIUS aired a rarely heard recording of a 1974 concert from the Hollywood Bowl as well as a talk session with Bob Weir.

In listening to the newly added channel over the weekend I was able to tune into archived as well as recent interviews with some of the band members, jam out to some sweet music that I haven’t listened to in a long time, and reminisce with some fans about their incredible experiences with the Dead. If you often refer to yourself as a bona fide Deadhead then I think its time you checked out this station for your road trips.

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Because HD radio is a relatively new technology, the cost of HD radios is a bit on the high side. For example, the Radiosophy Web site lists its MultiStream radio for $269. This compact, tabletop radio has a 4″ x 8″ , removable receiver (it can be removed from its speakers) that can be easily taken from room to room. It also has a large, easy-to-read LCD monitor that can be read from across the room. Radiosophy also says the MultiStream HD radio receives everything – analog AM and FM, HD AM and FM and sub channels.

The suggested retail price of Boston Acoustics’ Recepter radio HD is $299 but there is a $50 rebate offer at this time, bringing the price to a more reasonable $249.. You can get more information on Boston Acoustics HD Radio prices and availability, by visiting the Boston Acoustics Web site.

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Here’s good news for HD radio fans.

There are now two lower-cost home (tabletop) HD radios on the market.

RadioShack and Sangeon HD Radios

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What exactly is HD radio and how does it compare to Satellite Radio?

You have probably noticed an increasing amount of advertisements promoting this new thing you’ve never heard of before: HD Radio. They say you can hear “undiscovered content” and digital quality audio. You probably even heard the best part of the entire advertisement, “No subscription fee!”

Let me help you learn a little bit about HD Radio. I will try to keep it simple so as to giving you all the information you need with as little technical lingo as possible.

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Radio is one of the oldest media forms in the world. Long before television existed, radio served to bring the nation together to listen to news, stories and generally enjoy a common experience. Television has largely filled the role that radio once held, but radio as a medium has grown into places that television can never completely control if the status quo remains the same.

For example, while in car television is popular, it does not have the potential offered by radio. This is due largely to our society and our mentality about driving alone. Millions of commuters everyday tune into their favorite radio shows, rather than watching television, because we’re talking about drivers, rather than passengers.

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Satellite Radio has, in recent years, swept the nation. The unique programming offered by providers providers like XM Radio and Sirius Radio, combined with the no-commercial or little-commercial format, has people buzzing. It is taking hold so strongly that it is becoming one of the most popular options in new cars. In fact, the demand for Satellite Radio as an option for new cars has increased greatly, surpassing most other popular options. For example, from 2003 to 2005, the demand for these being equipped from the dealership rose by 300 percent, while the demand for side air bags increased only 16.8 percent.

There are good reasons why Satellite Radio is becoming a popular option in new cars. When they are equipped from the dealership, the customer doesn’t have to worry about positioning the antenna, running wires, or hooking it all into their existing stereo. For many people, this is good enough reason by itself to have XM or SIRUUS Radio installed at the dealer. In many ways, having this in a new car is like having FM radio in a new car so many years ago; it is a symbol of status, and in some circles, of taste.

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