History of Satellite Radio

Satellite radio is a more refined alternative to terrestrial-based services. The option of capturing radio frequencies via satellite intervention enables access to a mobile radio service. Companies such as Sirius, XM and Worldspace, the pioneers in the use of the technology, not only allow their dedicated listeners to span the continents, but also capture audio programming at any remote location. Satellite radio functions along the dictates of fixed-location receivers, dish antennas and signal repeaters. These commercial investments are made by providers of the services, allowing the listeners to enjoy hands-free communication over vast geographical areas. It enables access to coverage around tall buildings and bridges, in any weather, without the slightest interruption. The dish antennas and signal repeaters are invested in and set-up by the providers of the technology, to make signals or frequencies available to listeners within a predetermined range.

History

The history of satellite radio dates back to 1992. Till around this time, radio services were provided by commercial ventures. They were largely subscription-based and subject to the clarity permitted by proprietary signals and specialized hardware. Sound reception was dictated by the extent of decoding and playback demanded over a specific population density. Most earlier providers of radio frequencies did cover news and weather updates, reports from the world of sports and music as well as stock market readings. However, most of the time broadcasts were subject to weather conditions and proximity to structural obstructions. But, all this changed with the advent and commercial use of the satellite radio. The use of orbiting satellites to refine sound quality and frequencies slowly replaced the redundant Digital Audio Broadcasting and HD Radio.

In 1992, XM Radio and Sirius became the first companies to earn FCC licenses, to commercially manufacture and facilitate the use of satellite radios. These two companies delivered SDARS or Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services across the United States of America. The venture took around a decade since inception was to be delivered. Finally, in 2001, digital satellite radio was launched nationwide. XM is recognized as the first to deliver the national digital radio service, beginning with over 100 channels. Today, the pioneer caters to demands in music, current affairs, celebrity controversies, sports, science and children's programs through more than 170 channels. It is now encoded using the state-of-the-art CT-aacPlus technology. The highly digitized CD quality not only delivers robust and crisp radio signals, but also proves its superiority over analog radio signals, with little or no loss of signal quality.

Satellite radio is facilitated from impressive recording studios and stations. These studios are empowered by flawless sound quality delivered on account of satellite broadcasters set in geo-stationary orbits. Higher elevations and inclination angles around 60 degrees are consistently sought to enable access to a clearer 'line of sight' and fewer structural obstructions. The use of a number of omni-directional arrays and high quality land based repeaters located at various select locations, guarantee reception of optimum satellite frequencies. Companies providing these services are now equipped with transportable and vehicle mount antennas, to take receiver-configurations to the next level. Satellite radio, like AM, is an evolutionary stage in the life of the radio industry. Like FM grew out of AM, satellite radio, too, is paving the way for further innovation in spectrum technology.