RADIO IN
SPACE: How Satellite Radio Impacts the Music Industry on Earth
by Darcie-Nicole Wicknick, Special to MusicBizAdvice.com
XM SATELLITE RADIO
Where offered: Continental U.S. for radio, limited overseas function online
Stations offered:
* Over 150 digital channels
* 100% commercial-free music
* Over 30 channels of News, Sports, Talk & Entertainment
* 21 channels of XM Instant Traffic & Weather
* The industry's deepest playlists, including over TWO MILLION titles.
* XM Radio Online — Over 75 XM channels streamed over the Internet
Broad genres: Comedy, Classical, World, Latin, Dance, Lifestyle,
Jazz/Blues, Urban, Rock, Christian, Hits, Country, and Decades
Each genre has sub-categories and shows.
Available in Cars: Yes. Car manufacturers include Acura, Chevrolet, Honda,
Infiniti, Lexus, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, and Toyota, to name just a
few.
Programming openness for unsigned artists: On the CONTACT US PAGE you can
fill out an inquiry form online regarding this question.
How to use: Subscription based service, with necessary reception equipment
called "radios" plus available models for person, in the car, and other
accessories.
Where to purchase: Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, and online retailers,
plus dealers nationwide (you can search for these on the site by zip code)
Subscription rates:
1 YR $142.45
2 YRS $271.95
3 YRS $359.64
4 YRS $479.52
5 YRS $599.40
Add
family plan for added 6.99 per month for 2nd-5th radios BUT for each radio
you own, you must pay for a full subscription for each unit! Sometimes they
have sales on this, but it is sporadic.
Small business rate is $27.95 per month with no contract.
Cancellation Policy: Cancel anytime for prorated refund (limitations apply.)
Do I need a credit card?: Yes for online-only subscriptions, no for radio
subscriptions, though it is preferred.
System Requirements:
PC:
* Internet Connection: Broadband
* Processor: Pentium III 1 GHz
* Memory: Minimum 256 MB RAM, minimum 64 MB Video RAM
* Operating System: Windows XP
* Sound: Soundcard w/ speakers or headphones
* Additional Software: Windows Media Player 10, Flash 7
* Browser Compatibility: Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 1.0+, Netscape 7+
(Opera not supported)
Mac:
* Internet Connection: Broadband
* Processor: G4
* Memory: 256 MB RAM, 64 MB Video RAM
* Operating System: OS X
* Sound: Soundcard w/ speakers or headphones
* Additional Software: Windows Media Player 9, Flash 7
* Browser Compatibility: Firefox 1.0+ (Internet Explorer not supported)
What is required to upgrade to XM? *direct quote from site*
"In order for an XM Ready radio to receive XM programming, you will need a
XM Ready radio, a tuner box and an antenna. Cassette Adaptor and
FM-modulated units are available and will work with your existing car or
home stereo. The tuner box enables the radio to receive and transmit the XM
signal. The antenna needs to be installed or mounted on the outside of the
automobile where it will have the maximum exposure to the sky."
Terms Synopsis (a synopsis drawn from the full contract):
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reserves right to change services and terms at any time without notice
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Termination permitted if customer is displeased with service
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Limited content in online module
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Copy and distribution of included content forbidden
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Users may access online service internationally but must possess a physical
address in the US. Service level is not guaranteed out of service area.
Safety guidelines
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Precaution that NASDAQ and other stock related material is delayed by
approximately 25 minutes. You may only use stock quotes for your personal
use and not for commercial reasons. Risk regarding following information is
on the customer. XM is indemnified on losses suffered by customer regarding
stock trading information.
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Imposition of content blocking on certain stations lies on the customer. The
customer must initiate such filters.
ASCAP BMI and SESAC
Royalties
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*direct quote from site*
"If you use only XM's Radio Service in a commercial establishment, you are
not responsible for the payment of any copyright royalties to ASCAP, BMI,
SESAC or for any sound recordings, as these are included in your
subscription fee, unless you operate an establishment that charges an
admissions or membership fee (e.g. a theme park, skating rink, dance club,
health club, etc.) or use music sources other than XM's Services (e.g. CDs,
DJs, live music or terrestrial radio, etc.), in which case you are
responsible for payment of any copyright royalties to ASCAP, BMI, SESAC or
for any sound recordings. Our subscription fees and other charges and fees
are subject to change. Please do not include comments or questions with your
payment."
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The online version of XM Radio is not permitted for commercial use.
Miscellaneous Terms
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XM provides a disclaimer about weather and topographical changes that may
affect radio service, and similar disclaimer regarding online services.
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Authorized dealers are the only ones who may install or repair the units
used to play the XM services
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Loss of Radio *direct quote from site*
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"You should report to XM and cancel your subscription if your XM Radio is
lost, stolen, sold, transferred or otherwise removed from your possession
without your permission. Otherwise you will continue to pay for the
Services."
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XM indicates their technical specs and prohibits manipulation or
duplication/reverse engineering of technology.
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Payment must be received in advance, preferably by credit card.
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Additional administration fees may apply, circumstantially
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Penalties for late payments may include cancellation or downgrade of
services
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XM may investigate credit history
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Cancellation with notice permitted, refund of prorated service payment
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XM may share your portions of their member list and/or personal information
with your consent
-
XM also offers safety guidelines, Limitations and Liabilities
disclaimers
Miscellaneous information
For the whole contract, we encourage you to visit
XMradio.com or email the
Listener Care Department.
Part 1
Part 2
Conclusion |
