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Just "found" my satellite radio

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Mendel Leisk, May 31, 2011.

  1. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    We got our Canadian Touring Model a bit over 6 months back. Maybe a couple of times I've tapped the AM button into satellite radio, listened to some sort of infomercial. Didn't pursue it further: assumed that was as good as it got, until you phoned someone up, bought a subscription.

    Anyway, last Friday night, just before we were going to leave on an extended road trip, I switched to satellite again, and had the stroke of genius to try turning the tuning dial, LOL.

    What do you know: several hundred stations/channels for the asking. Been sitting there all this time. And perfect timing for discovery, on the eve of our trip.

    I assume since I've "found" it, we're now in some kind of grace period, and a few months down the road this free preview might wrap up until we commit to a contract.

    Anyway, is that the case? How long does the free period run? How much do they charge? Haggle room? Worth it?
     
  2. Zorba

    Zorba New Member

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    Canada could be different. In the states, we get 3 months free and then have to sign up. The plans start at $12.99 a month and that give me everything I want. I've got all the music I want, all the talk I want and I even have traffic updates every 4 minutes.

    I never thought I'd like the service, but now, I'll be getting it when my 3 months are over.

    Z
     
  3. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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  4. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    The last few years around this time, they've had a free promo period (I believe it's 2 weeks). Somebody posted about it a few days ago, so I listened the other day, and it reminded me how bad the sound quality is.
     
  5. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Someone posted that there was a two week free trial period going on.

    Most on here have been able to get the 1/2 price deal for $77 per year plus royalty fees that comes out to about $95 per year. I have renewed for the second time. I love the fact of not having to change radio stations on my drive to work, or on trips and not having to listen to commercials. I like the channel and music type choices along with the sports channels.

    I plan to keep renewing as long as I can get the 1/2 price special. Not worth the full price to me, though.
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Thanks for the info.

    Hmm: is there anyway I could be being billed right now? I don't think so, until you are contacted by some provider, asked if you want to continue. How does that happen? Email, phone call?
     
  7. 13Plug

    13Plug Active Member

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    There is a free 2 week trial right now for all Sirius/XM subscribers from what I've heard. Source @ I fired Sirius.... but it refuses to quit! : Ford Flex Forum

    On the last vehicle I had when the initial 6 month trial period was up, Sirius called me. The dealer or Toyota sends the info to Sirius/XM, and you can expect mailings and phone calls. They will deal with you, I got 1 year prepaid for about $105 or so. Prices are apparently a little cheaper in the US.
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I see it's XM we currently have. Is there any obstacle to subcribing to Sirius, ie: is the hardware compatible, or whatever? From what the above poster says I think not, but just thought I'd ask. CBC is on Sirius I believe.
     
  9. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    Sirius and XM are owned by the same company and have the same programing now. Looks like ch 151 thru 159 have Canadian programing.
     

    Attached Files:

  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I see that now. Last night, I found and printed out (((XM))) schedule first. Then the "SiriusXM" one you posted above. At first glance thought they were different, but just looking through them I'm seeing a lot of the same channels, on the same numbers. Just some minor differences in the descriptions.

    Thanks.
     
  11. samsprius1

    samsprius1 HEV Fanatic

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    Just upped my SiriusXM for a year got the "best of" I was going to cancel but they made me an offer I couldn't refuse! $116.65USD!
    Online service included listen on my Iphone or computer anywhere. It's not just for the Car anymore!
    check out Jam On Channel 29!
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Well our satellite radio just disappeared. Not sure if it was a really short trial period, or it's been sitting there for 6 months or so, unnoticed. Not a major loss I guess.
     
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I started a one year subscription Sunday, so far pretty underwhelming:

    Our radio is not connecting properly: multiple refresh attempts myself, then last night on the phone with them no further progress. They say they will call back with a plan "within 24~48 hours".

    General impressions: spent a long time on hold, and the people manning the phones are pretty green about their product, reading from scripts. Definitely not clear on the details of the refresh process, ie: radio on, tuned to channel 001, and so on.
     
  14. markderail

    markderail I do 45 mins @ 3200 PSI

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    No grace period. FREE !
    I discovered mine worked about a year ago, also a Canadian Prius.
    I think it's a bonus in exchange for the thousands of dollars we have to pay EXTRA for our 2010 model versus the US model - just for Daytime Running Lights.

    Seriously, try the comedy channels. :attention: Loads of laughs.

    I'll never pay for it - it cuts way WAY too often to be of use. Probably too far East, the satellite must be too low on the horizon. (Montreal, Quebec)
     
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Ours worked per about a week, then no more :confused:

    Yes, very funny.


    Same experience with cutting out: I think it's due to satelite being much further to the south? Things like rock outcrops, or even trees. Occasional soft outages too: where the sound is still there but going "digital".

    Addendum:

    Finally got reception sorted last night, 3 days after starting the contract. I'm not too impressed with their support: not enough people manning the phones, very mixed knowledge of their product, and very cavalier customer treatment. I had to inititiate phone contact every time, to get it sorted.

    I also see, in reading the fine print: they practice "negative billing", in other words: if you've signed a 1 year contract, they will auto-renew it (at full price). I've contacted them and changed: supposedly they will now send me an invoice, in advance of expiration date. Knock on wood.

    Anyway, all sorted, got our XM ;)