XM Recommendations, please?

Might be worth holding out until Sirius/XM merger details emerge.

 

I just bought an 05 that has XM and I am pulling it out to put in Sirius. It's a standalone tuner with remote that the previous owner put in the dash storage compartment.

It's not he factory setup, but I would let it go very inexpensively. I am pulling it out as soon as my sirius setup arrives.

PM me if interested.

 

From what a friend told me, right now may not be the best time with the Sirius and XM on the verge of a merger. That's why I chose not to have the dealer install a Sirius radio. Supposedly, there are no interoperable satellite radios at this time. Before you get the XM, just do a little research because if (when) the merger is finalized, there may be a need to upgrade your radio to an interoperable version.

I'm not an expert and my friend usually knows what he's talking about. He's a Sirius subscriber himself and he keeps himself informed on tech-related topics.

Hopefully someone else can debunk my friend's theory but I'll hold out a little longer and enjoy the 6 cd changer or get an mp3 player soon.

 

I went the cheap way and used my receiver that I already have (expressR) and the handy AUX plug in the centre console that came with my Prius. I just stash my receiver in the centre console, and the antenna in the glove box when not needed. Takes 2 seconds to pull them out and plug in the antenna. (I just put the antenna on the dash) The receiver sits perfectly on the lid of the storage thing on the dash.

 

They have developed interoperable satellite radios but none are manufactured yet. I'd wait until they manufacture the interoperable radios.

 

Tina, I wish I had seen this before you ordered from Coastal. I would have suggested a thorough search around here to get a good sense of their customer service record. I haven't bought from them, but reports of poor service are commonplace among those that have. You should be OK if the item is in stock and you need no support. It might be a whole other story if they're out of stock or you need to contact them.

FYI, there are other options. I have the Vais Tech unit as described here. Factory Interactive also sells one, apparently with a very well done instructional DVD for installation. Then there's the Toyota OEM unit.

I'm not worried about the effect of the merger. If any radio you buy now creates a problem, then every radio sold before now would too. I am confident that the company(s) won't turn their back on half their customer base by doing something to render existing radios obsolete. Sorta defeats the purpose of the merger.

What is your source for that information?

 

"The parties did in fact develop an interoperable radio and my understanding is they have one," he continued. "But there's a difference between developing something and market acceptance of something."
The companies subsidize the cost of equipment, which reduces the upfront cost to subscribers. An interoperable radio might lead to a more expensive radio, Barnett said, and it would be unclear who would subsidize the cost.

XM-Sirius merger abandons one-radio idea
Questions linger over antitrust approval of XM-Sirius merger - TwinCities.com

 

Thanks for that! I hadn't heard/read it before.

 

A few months back I decided to just by the cheapest Sirius radio I could find ($29) that way I could have it now and wait to see how the merger plays out. When they start selling the radios that pick up both services I will buy a new one that integrates.

 

Thanks Tina:
I'm in the same situation as you and would like to find a "friendly solution." I miss not having my XM in this 08 prius.:car:

 

Vais also sells an XM unit with iPOD integration. I'm not as familiar with it as their basic XM unit. (I don't have an iPOD.) I would check their site for more.

As for a DVD player ... hmm, not sure about that. That might be illegal anyway. Some states (mine among them) prohibit video players that can be seen from the driver's seat.