Delphi announces XM Skyfi 2 with pause/replay features!

Here's the press release:

DELPHI AND XM INTRODUCE "SKYFi2" SATELLITE RADIO RECEIVER

All-new SKYFi2 includes first-ever pause and replay features

Washington D.C., August 18, 2004 -- Delphi Corp. (NYSE: DPH), a pioneer of in-vehicle entertainment and electronics, and XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR), America's No. 1 satellite radio service, are introducing another breakthrough product, the new Delphi XM "SKYFi2" - the next generation SKYFi satellite radio receiver.

The Delphi XM SKYFi2 takes SKYFi, the best selling satellite radio receiver ever, and makes it even better by adding several new exciting features, including the first-ever "pause" and "replay" functions for satellite radio. Utilizing leading edge technology, the "30 Minute Replay" function continuously and automatically saves the last 30 minutes of programming - including programming from multiple XM channels. In addition, listeners can pause the program they are listening to with the option to playback that programming within 30 minutes. The unit also has a built-in wireless FM modulator, personalized stock ticker, personalized sports scores, a clock, TuneSelectâ„¢ by song and artist and much more.

The new vehicle kit is upgraded for wireless FM modulation through the antenna allowing users to easily self-install SKYFi2 in their vehicle. SKYFi2 also features a new, easier to read display and will work with all existing SKYFi accessories including the Delphi CD Audio System. Additional features include a large scroll wheel, convenient remote control, direct channel entry, the ability to preview and channel search by channel name, artists and song titles, and 30 channel presets. All of this combines to give users the most opportunity to experience more than 120 XM channels of revolutionary programming including news, sports, traffic, weather, and 68 commercial-free music channels.

"Our new Delphi XM SKYFi2 is the first satellite radio receiver to offer listeners the ability to pause and replay their favorite XM program," said Joe Damato, director of consumer electronics for Delphi Product & Service Solutions. "Everyone has experienced the frustration of an untimely telephone call or wished they could 'hear that song again' while enjoying their favorite program. SKYFi2 addresses these problems simply and elegantly - making it a 'must-have' product for dedicated XM listeners."

The Delphi XM SKYFi2 will be available at most major consumer electronics retailers this fall for $129.99 MSRP. Optional new home and vehicle adaptor kits are also available for $69.99 MSRP.

"We are excited about SKYFi2 because in addition to the pause and replay functions and the personalized stock quotes, XM listeners can customize and access for the first time scores for pro football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, golf, NASCAR, and your favorite college sports while listening to XM," said Dan Murphy, senior vice president, product marketing and distribution, XM Satellite Radio. "These innovations round out the industry's most feature-rich plug and play model available."

Delphi satellite radios have received many industry recognitions, including Roady2, named "Editor's Choice" by PC Magazine in its recent five-star review, as well as the original SKYFi which was recognized by Consumer's Digest as a "Best Buy" - a rating awarded to fewer than three percent of the competing models in any given product category.



--Just to be clear on this, the 30 minute buffer time does mean that if you're listening to the 80's channel for 15 minutes, then switch to the 90's channel for another 15, the buffer isn't lost over multiple channel changes (as pvr's do with tv) - so if you were to rewind, you'd get 15 minutes of the 80s, then 15 min of the 90's. And no, it doesn't record over all streams constantly, just what you've been listening to.

Personally, I'm quite excited for it! very cool added features!

-m.

 

Yes, if I don't have it by xmas as a present, I'll buy it for myself, and then my skyfi1 will be on ebay for dirt cheap!

-m.