The Delphi plan for an XM signal repeater (described below) is interesting.
Something I have not seen mentioned anywhere is that there already exists an alternate delivery mechanism for XM Radio. In addition to the satellite signal, there is a terrestrial signal. The XM receiver can select whichever source is delivering the currently best data. I think this is available only in major metro areas and intended primarily to deal with building obstructions. I imagine the signal I receive is intended for either the Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale areas, where taller buildings abound. Since my satellite antenna is aimed at a fairly high angle - near the equator as I am - the problem of buildings in the line of sight is less here anyway, were there any.
In fact, my XM PCR reports three different signal strengths, east and west satellite, and terrestrial. Most of the time, the terrestrial signal is the strongest at my location, but only by a little over the east coast satellite. The terrestrial signal seems to have the widest level swings of the two. Not surprisingly, the west coast satellite signal is substantially the weakest.
I have no idea where the terrestrial signal originates in my area, nor do I know if all XM radios can receive the signal. Interestingly, following our rash of hurricanes this past season, the terrestrial signal all but disappeared for a while, even beyond the week long power outage we experienced here. It has dropped out briefly at other times too, but the satellite just keeps on chugging.
Does anyone else have experience with or knowledge of these XM Radio terrestrial signal sources?
W. Curt Deegan
Boca Raton, Florida
-------Original Message-------
Date: 01/11/05 06:33:02
Subject: [IRCA] XM Indoors
Delphi Reveals XM Signal Repeater System
Homes, Offices Receive Transmitted Programming
Delphi Corp. said it's expanding its satellite radio product line-up with the introduction of the Delphi XM Signal Repeater - a system that wirelessly rebroadcasts the XM satellite signal throughout most homes and small offices.
The repeater system includes both a transmitter and receive module. The transmitter down-converts the XM signal through the XM home or audio system antenna and rebroadcasts it through interior walls and floors at an expected distance between 75 and 100 feet.
While in range, one or more receive modules can acquire and up-convert the signal back to the natural XM frequency - passing it through just like a typical XM antenna. The end result is continuous XM programming wirelessly throughout an indoor environment.
The Delphi XM Signal Repeater will debut this spring, at an expected retail price of $169 for the complete system and $69 for each additional receive module. For more information on XM, visit http://www.xmradio.com.
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