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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