- Plan the entire service arrangement at the time you set up an account with Sirius Radio. Waiting until you have an account and equipment before choosing a channels list will put you in a bad position. You might have to return equipment. Choose a service that enables you to enlarge the list of channels with choices from XM Radio. The "Sirius Everything" and "Family Friendly Everything" give you the option to add nine XM channels at sign-up or later.
- The typical Sirius radio can receive up to nine XM radio channels. But once you install the typical radio system in the car, you do not have all choices. The remaining channels from 170 XM channels, including the 69 commercial radio channels, become out of reach. Unless you want to buy a new radio, you have to stay content with listening to only nine XM channels. Two radios give access to a large selection of XM channels: a MiRGE interoperable satellite radio and a Starmate 5. If you prefer an extensive selection list, buy one of the two. All XM channels can transmit to the MiRGE. Choice selections from dozens are available on the Starmate 5.
- With the right radio, the XM channel availability depends upon the Sirius service package choice. Sirius offers five dual service packages. "The Best of XM Radio" adds nine channels to the Sirius "Everything" account: Oprah Radio, MLB Home Plate, NBA, The Virus, NHL Home Ice, The PGA Tour Network, College Sports, XM Public Radio and the IndyCar Series. The Family Friendly package excludes the channels that regularly send out mature content to radios, and costs a little less.
A MiRGE can take in the broadcast for a "Sirius XM All in One" package. The package offers all the channels from each radio service, under 200 from Sirius and nearly 250 from XM, including C-Span, XM Public Radio and Family Talk. You pay the most for this complete dual package. A little more moderate in price, the "A La Carte Gold" package offers listeners a choice list of up to 100 channels chosen from about 200 Sirius and XM channels. The Starmate 5 gives the needed reception for this select dual package.
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