Smart Home Lifestyle

April 16, 2007

You can take satellite TV and radio everywhere you go this summer

If you thought satellite radio was the coolest thing to hit the airways, wait until you hear about Sat-Go, the new portable satellite TV from DirecTV. Sat-Go can take your favorite TV shows by foot, by plane by boat and then back home again.

“DirecTV Sat-Go will revolutionize the way people stay connected to news and information no matter where they are in the United States,” said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DirecTV Entertainment. “Not only is this product a die-hard sports fan’s dream and an absolute essential for the ultimate tailgate party, but it will also provide an important value for emergency services who need to stay connected to up-to-the minute news and information while they are stationed remotely.”

Less to lug

Sat-Go looks like a briefcase, complete with a handle for easy transport. Simply unfold the unit to reveal a 17-inch LCD monitor. The satellite receiver and two speakers are included in the package. Sat-Go even has a remote.

Sat-Go goes where you go, thanks to its rechargeable and replaceable laptop-style battery. Plus, Sat-Go offers a standard plug and an included cigarette lighter adapter. Sat-Go has component and composite A/V inputs so you can attach your DVD player.

And when it’s not out and about, Sat-Go acts as a stand-alone, in-home DirecTV receiver and TV.

So, any hangups? Just remember you’ve got to be in range of a DirecTV signal for it to work.

Some Sirius satellite

And don’t forget about satellite music. The Stiletto 100 brings fashion, form and function to your fingertips. The Stiletto is similar to any other MP3 player, but it’s also a satellite radio receiver. And the best part? You can schedule and record up to 6-hour blocks of Sirius programming.

The stiletto stores 2 GB- up to 100 hours of programming. It also allows for MP3/WMA files. Plus, like your home theater’s DVR, you can pause, rewind and replay 44 minutes of live radio. Stiletto costs just under $400, with a $100 discount currently from www.sirius.com.

The Sirius S50 is another great option with many of the same Stiletto features.

"The wearable Sirius S50 provides subscribers with extensive versatility when it comes to when, where and how they receive their favorite Sirius programming," said Jim Meyer, President of Operations and Sales for Sirius. "This small satellite radio is full of exciting, easy to navigate features for everyone from the least to the most tech savvy consumer."

The S50 costs just under $300 and has the benefit of voice navigation, a great feature for safety and simplicity. In the car, eyes stay safely on the road, and at the gym, workouts remain uninterrupted.

Merge me

So, what about this new XM and Sirius merger? What’s that all about?

“We are excited for the many opportunities that an XM and Sirius combination will provide consumers,” said Gary Parsons, Chairman of XM Satellite Radio and Hugh Panero, CEO of XM Satellite Radio, in a joint statement. “The combined company will be better positioned to compete effectively with the continually expanding array of entertainment alternatives that consumers have embraced since the FCC first granted our satellite radio licenses a decade ago.”

This 13 billion dollar merger is still a “what-if,” and may not happen until the end of 2007 with the approval of shareholders, the FCC and other regulatory review and approval.

Well, if there’s going to be a merger, is it worth buying receivers now?

According to Sirius, Sirius radios will not become obsolete with the XM merger. This guarantee comes as a bit of a relief, especially for those of use who have Sirius radios built into our cars.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec