More XM

[b2089]

http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?i=3f46d329efb4c1c7e65c100e6825a328

I hope the link works. Basically XM is now standard is Saab, Buick, and Hummer as well as being standard equipment in all other GM makes as far as I know.

How does this bode with the XM / Sirius merger?
Will XM radios always be compatible or will it be another onstar issue where you may one day soon have to take your car in for an expensive compatibility upgrade?

[Matt95GT]

Nobody really knows what will happen with the hardware following the merger. The 2 technologies aren't compatible with each other. But from what I read so far, they don't want to abandon any customers by discontinuing support for one type or the other... which means they'll likely continue to run both services simultaneously for some time.

I've never been all that impressed with any OEM stereo systems anyway, so if I had the choice between basic stereo or 'premium' w/ sat radio, I'd opt for the basic. That money could be better spent on other vehicle options.

[Nighthawk243]

It could be possible that they'll run the same programming, just use two frequencies.

Anyways, alot of cars come with the capability to do XM now. Its near impossible to find one without the capability to reflash it to let XM work.

[b2089]

My understanding from the article is that this basically is filling the last holdouts so now all GMs have XM and three months free service. It seems like XM would have to be a winner then because you know some of the customers will like what they hear.

I still can't shake a similar feeling as to what Matt expressed about factory audio though. While factory audio has gotten better while simultaniously becoming harder to switch out I still have a bad taste from the cheap speakers they used to or still use (I'm not sure on that) and other issues. Any sound system that is mass produced and designed with cost as the major goal has to have limitations. Those limitations however haven't bothered me too much with my factory Monsoon system.

[Nighthawk243]

Well... its not the speakers that are as hard to change as it is the head unit. I could have no problems changing the speakers out in the G5, but its when I would try to touch the HU.

[kielu84]

I have to say that I have an 03 Grand AM GT with SC/T styling and it never came with XM so I bought XM direct kit and it wires right into the radio. Sirus has a much better channel line up so I'm looking forward to the merger. From what I understand from a friend who works at the GM Tech Center in Warren Michigan that XM will simply gain a lot of channels offered by Sirus and Sirus will simply gain channels that XM has to offer. Radio's will contiune to work the same and there will be no upgrades to be done at the dealership because the radio units automaticly upgrade from the sat's and reprogam themselves.

[04alyGT]

Yeah if i get satellite i'm going with serius, i know my HU is ready for it i just have to buy the box.
But i agree with the HU becoming harder to change, i don't even want to touch mine unless i happen to pick up a nav unit from an 05 GTP