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XM questions

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by JerryR, Nov 22, 2006.

  1. JerryR

    JerryR New Member

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    I've been reading up in the forum on XM options and I have a few questions. Note: I have a 2007 Touring if it matters for the following discussion.

    1. Is there any reason _not_ to go with the $250 unit from Metro? It's about $50 cheaper than Coastal or Factory Interactive. At this point are they all 16 digit capable?

    2. Given that I don't have a Nav system, but do have the JBL upgraded head unit, does this mean I won't have voice capability with an XM unit?

    3. I've read a bunch of things about antenna placement and still don't have a clear idea on the best place to put it (and which type of antenna to get) as far as looks and reception. Any input on this is appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Jerry
     
    #1 JerryR, Nov 22, 2006
  2. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    1) The only reason I can see with not going with Metro is if you don't want a built-in. On another post someone installed a unit that was only $99, but it was a 10 character limit.

    2) I have a portable (18 characters), which is attached to the AUX input of my DICE, so I can't help you there.

    3) I have the XM antenna mounted behind the regular antenna.
     
    #2 aaf709, Nov 22, 2006
  3. BobR

    BobR Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JerryR @ Nov 22 2006, 04:33 PM) [snapback]353228[/snapback]</div>
    I'm not sure but I believe Metro, Coastal and F.I. are selling the older Solara XM radio kits. There is a 10 character limit with these. I think you would be happiest with the current factory XM radio which supports 16 characters.
     
    #3 BobR, Nov 22, 2006
  4. JerryR

    JerryR New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BobR @ Nov 22 2006, 08:08 PM) [snapback]353295[/snapback]</div>
    Coastal and F.I. both say they are selling 16 character units on their sites, and Metro's site says:

    "For 2006-07 Prius

    Vehicles with Audio Head Unit model #51830 can only display 10 characters of text on the display when using Toyota factory XM Radio Kit. Please check your vehicle before ordering."
     
    #4 JerryR, Nov 22, 2006
  5. Jim1eye

    Jim1eye Shaklee Ind Distributor

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    Yeah, then instead of the artist being Hootie and it will say Hootie and the B

    or the song It's Still will be It's Still Rock

    Do the extra six characters really matter that much? You're supposed to listen to it, not read it.
     
    #5 Jim1eye, Nov 22, 2006
  6. BobR

    BobR Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jim1eye @ Nov 22 2006, 11:44 PM) [snapback]353377[/snapback]</div>
    I would make sure Metro is selling the latest factory XM radio that supports 16 Characters. If so, that's a great deal.

    It appears Coastal and PriusXM are selling the new factory XM Radio. You would be surprised how you miss the extra six characters. I had the "Solara" XM radio which worked great but found the 10 Character limit was annoying. In my 2005 Prius I upgraded to the Vais SLX with the Terk XMDirect which supports 16 Characters.
     
    #6 BobR, Nov 23, 2006
  7. Metro

    Metro Your OEM Q & A Resource

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    I would like everyone to know that I am in fact selling the factory XM Kit for the Prius. I am still selling the Solara kits for the 2004-05 vehicles since I cannot find out 100% that the new kit is reverse compatible. I would rather not sell it for those 2 years if I cannot be positive. I cannot say why the one model number is still limited to 10 characters, but 2 very good and very patient customers and PC members help me find out the hard way. I got no help from Toyota and had to do all the legwork on my own. I would like to thank another PC member who works for Panasonic for his help also. So please be aware of what you have before you order.
     
    #7 Metro, Nov 24, 2006
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