Newly merged Sirius XM details "Best of Both" plans

Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:03PM EDT

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Want to hear XM stations on your old Sirius radio, or vice versa? Starting next month, you can—but you'll only get seven specific stations, and you'll have to cough up extra cash for the privilege.

Sirius XM—the new name of the combined XM/Sirius satellite radio service, which won FCC approval in July—says it will launch its "Best of Both" plans starting October 6, for $16.99 a month (about $4 more than the standard $12.95/month subscription).

The service will let those with Sirius radios listen to a package of seven XM Radio stations on their existing Sirius receivers. Got an XM receiver? Then you'll get seven Sirius stations.

So, the details:

"Sirius on XM" stations
Howard 100, Howard 101, Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius NFL Radio, Sirius NASCAR Radio, Playboy Radio

"XM on Sirius" stations
NBA, NHL Home Ice, Oprah & Friends, The Virus, Public Radio with Bob Edwards, College Sports, PGA Tour

Overall, it's good news for XM listeners looking for a daily dose of Stern or NFL action, while Sirius users will finally get a crack at pro and college hoops; Martha and Oprah fans will be covered, as well. Missing from the lineup, however, is MLB on XM—although by Oct. 6, the regular season will be over anyway.

Want to pick and choose any combination of XM or Sirius stations? Well, you'll need a new receiver, and according to Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin, such dual-mode radios won't be available until next year. Brutal.

So, satellite radio users: Willing to shell out $16.99 a month for a taste of both XM and Sirius? Or will you wait until dual-mode XM/Sirius receivers hit the market?

Comments on Newly merged Sirius XM details "Best of Both" plans

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  • 1 Posted by ed.odyssey@prodigy.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have a Honda and XM was included in the radio. How do I choose other stations available on Sirus? I cannot replace the radio so what am I supposed to do? Open all channels to be used on either radio. I can go for the extra charge, but let the end user decide what they want, not Sirus/XM.

  • 2 Posted by iscsidude on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    I thought the whole justification to the merger was to allow the user to pick and choose the stations they want. i.e. I could pick 10 XM and 10 Sirius stations. For less money than I am paying today for my ~100 XM stations. Needless to say, this is nowhere near my understanding.

  • 3 Posted by scottiecordes on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:08PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have both Sirius, and XM. Given the music genre I listen to, Sirius is so much better. I too got XM via my purchase of a new Honda. I still don't know if I will pony up and pay for it. If I could choose the Sirius channels to play on my XM, it would be a slam dunk. I am not satisfied at all with my options. By the way....baseball is on XM now, and pro hoops are on Sirius now. I think you got those bakswards Ben. Or your wording is a bit confusing.

  • 4 Posted by keithndi on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've had XM for 7 years, I was hoping for a better selection of Sirius stations. Those 7 stations are worthless.

  • 5 Posted by ispeak3 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    y would u merge now if everyone has to pay extra!! and dual radios wont be out till next year!! wats up with that??

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