Delphi SA10035 Roady XM Satellite Radio Receiver
Great performance in a small package
Small size, but what great entertainment! If you are considering satellite radio - this is the one to get! Despite the smaller size, it has no problem matching the bigger ones - performance is excellent. In the vehicle, it performs as well as a built-in on a rental car. As I wrote this, I was listening to it in my office - with a false ceiling, metal trusses and a wood roof overhead! (Update: turns out I was listening to a terrestrial [earth] repeater. But after almost a year the Roady is going strong and I am still loving it. (and an XMPCR went into the office and the Roady is either in the car or portable))<br /><br />A neat feature is its portability - the best of both worlds. It can be readily moved between car and home or wherever. When it's out of the car, you just need an antenna, power (get a cigarette lighter adapter, and you can use the included cord)and either headphones or some amplified speakers. The home kit (optional) can help here. (For somewhat permanent installations in the car, using the Sky-Fi's wired FM modulator gives a great improvement over the cigarette lighter FM gadget. It's pricey, but was totally worth it - it eliminates competition with FM stations)<br /><br />As far as reception goes - you have to have expectations in line with how the signal gets to you. In the case of XM, the satellites are in a fixed position over 22,000 miles above the earth. Just as with broadcast FM, if something gets between you and the broadcast antenna, the signal will fade or disappear. Unlike FM, digital signals don't \\"fade\\" and allow scratchy, weak reception, they just drop out when not enough information is reaching the receiver. The sound is either there in quality or it's not at all. So, set your expectations knowing that you may not be able to receive the satellite(s) when something significant is between you and it. Having said that - I have very few dropouts, only tunnels, mountains/cliffs that are close, and snow-filled fir trees seem to interfere at all. And those are somewhat temporary (in the car).<br /><br />The biggest consideration is antenna placement. Some homes won't allow reception inside or certain areas. This is why long cords are available to get the antenna nearer to a \\"view\\" of the satellite's signal. Note that vehicle antennas need at least 6 inches of metal around the antenna. Follow the rules, and you will be very happy with it! There's nothing like it - so many choices. About $10-$12 a month to eliminate commercials is completely worth it!are somewhat temporary (in the car).    The biggest consideration is antenna placement. Some homes won't allow reception inside or certain areas. This is why long cords are available to get the antenna nearer to a \\"view\\" of the satellite's signal. Note that vehicle antennas need at least 6 inches of metal around the antenna. Follow the rules, and you will be very happy with it! There's nothing like it - so many choices. About $10-$12 a month to eliminate commercials is completely worth it!