'Satellite radio' (SR)  (also known as 'subscription radio') is a term that refers to the device, technology, or service that provides a user with audio programs and other audio content delivered by communications satellites which broadcast the digital radio signals over a very wide geographical range.

Satellite radio is now a significant alternative to terrestrial radio station services in the United States and other countries.  Because it employs communications satellites to deliver its radio signals, its audio programs can reach a very large geographical area, allowing its subscribers to listen to its audio programs anywhere they go across the continent they're in.

The antennas of satellite radio receivers must have a clear sight of the satellites in order to perform well. Thus, in areas where there are tall structures that obscure the satellite signal, the satellite radio service provider must install repeaters to make the satellite signals available to its subscribers.

Two major players in the satellite radio business are Sirius and XM, both of which are now owned by a single holding company (Sirius XM Radio).  These companies provide satellite radio services to the U.S. and Canada and charge monthly fees for them.  As of this writing, Sirius channels are commercial-free while some XM channels (but not all) already have commercials. Commercial-free music channels are available from both services.

Listening to satellite radio is done with a portable receiver that receive the satellite radio signals.  Accessories that attach to the home stereo system, portable boom boxes, or even the PC are also available for satellite radio listening. 

   

Figure 1.   A Satellite Radio

   

The quality of sound used in satellite radio broadcasting differs from station to station, depending on the content being delivered.  Some deliver CD-quality audio while others use bandwidths that are suitable only for speech.  In general, however, satellite radio delivers better audio quality than most (but not all) AM and FM stations.  Table 1 shows a comparison of satellite radio to AM/FM radio.

Table 1. Comparison Between Satellite Radio and AM/FM Radio 

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