In what might be a sign of things to come, “connected-car” company, USTelematics announced this morning that they will be making Sirius programming available through their Voyager product line.  Voyager provides live and downloaded wireless mobile internet protocol TV (IPTV) and audio programming for rear-seat passenger vehicle infotainment, and integrates a broad suite of features and functions, including the creation of a mobile Wi-Fi internet hotspot to enable online computer usage in the car and on the road, as well as DVD, movies, TV, Xbox and other computer games, and more.

TWICE is reporting that Directed Electronic has debuted 3 new products for Sirius fans at CES.  The first 2 are the HON-SC1 for Honda and Acura, and TOY-SC1 for Toyota, Lexus and Scion.  These work with Sirius Connect tuners to allow XM-rady OEM readios in these makes to play Sirius.  The other is the long-rumored aftermarket kit for Backseat TV.

Sirius is sharing DEI’s booth, so one would expect them to make the biggest splash with Sirius.

In what apparently passes for news in western Iowa (and apparently here at Backstage!), Sirius is reportedly increasing their use of local call centers staffed by employees of Stream.  Both KMEG and KTIV have run reports in the last few days about the expanded relationship and the importance of these call centers in Sirius’ efforts to drive OEM subscribtions.

It’s been rumored for a while that Sirius is not having as much success as XM at converting OEM trial subs to paying subs.  This appears to be an effort at changing those numbers.

Sirius and NPR announced earlier today that they have created a new channel, only available on Sirius Internet Radio, that collects select NPR programming and makes it available to SIR subscribers. http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/Page&c=Channel&cid=1186052421026

Sirius describes the channel as follows…

NPR SIR-1 offers in-depth news, features, and entertainment produced and assembled by NPR for SIRIUS Internet Radio. Featuring public radio favorites like Talk of the Nation, Day to Day, Marketplace and the Diane Rehm Show as well as new productions from independent producers and public radio stations nationwide.

This is a great add for users of wi-fi enabled radios like the Stilletto (although early reports are some are having trouble getting it on the Stilletto).

Thanks to member, dlnester for the find!!

This morning, Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin stopped by the Howard Stern show for nearly an hour. The Stern staff and callers asked him questions regarding plans for the merger.

He said that merger Talk began nearly two years ago. XM passed on it then, but talks have been ongoing since. The companies’ lower stock prices combined with greater external competition has made the deal more appealing to both sides.

Click here to listen to the interview (54 minutes)

22MB // MP3 Audio // Credit: Guins

Monthly Price

When asked if rates will increase:

Mel: Sirius charged $12.95 when they started, and still charge $12.95 after signing Howard and Nascar. They’re not in a price war with XM, they’re in a price war with free radio.

He hinted the tiered programming plan may allow some subscribers to pay less than they do now. The pricing and the subscriber packages are still vague at this point, but pointed out there have been no rate hikes since he’s been CEO.

In response to Artie’s concern about vending machine prices increasing:

Mel: I don’t know how long we can keep the current pricing on our vending machine. Our service, we’re not going to raise the prices on our service, but I never said anything about the vending machine.

Robin: If they don’t approve it [at first], could they say if you do this, this, and this…?

Mel: For example, if someone said ‘we’re concerned about pricing, is there something you can do to guarantee prices won’t increase’?. I mean, there are a number of things we’re prepared to do or trade off in this event.

(more…)

We at Backstage have been saying for some time that OEMs are driving the video project at Sirius.  Today, Dodge announced that they will be offering factory-installed Sirius with video product in it’s 2008 Magnum line.  Regardless of whether you see video as a bandwidth waster, or a dream come true….it’s on it’s way.  Joe promised it, and Mel’s delivering.

PR link.

 

Comment here

I’ve always felt that Apple’s iPod is the single largest competitor to SIRIUS - even bigger than XM or terrestrial radio.

The road got a little steeper Tuesday, as Apple Computer signed with six major airlines to let passengers play video and music from their iPod digital devices on in-flight entertainment systems beginning in mid-2007.

Air France, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, KLM and United Airlines will begin offering their passengers iPod seat connections, which power and charge iPods during flight and allow the video content on the devices to be viewed on seat-back displays, Apple said.

XM is already partnered with the widely loved JetBlue, which also offers Directv on seatback screens.

With iPod hookups growing toward ubiquity every day, in cars and now airlines, SIRIUS would be well served to get in more “idle spaces” - the place between home and work - whether it’s a plane, taxi, rental car or subway.

Comment here and let us know where SIRIUS should go next.

Wendy’s International signed an agreement with Clearwater-based AMTC to provide a select number of SiriusBusiness channels into the restaurants. The move will allow the restaurants from all over the country to choose from 67 channels of 24-hour, commercial free music from SIRIUS Satellite Radio using sound equipment provided by AMTC.

Dave MacLeod, senior vice president of franchise and customer technology services with Wendy’s, said adding Sirius is part of the chain’s cost-cutting measures designed to enhance profitability of the restaurant. “Remarkably, after evaluating our options and cost of the music programming on Sirius, we’re convinced that this cost-reduction measure will help to both meet our business objectives and actually enhance our guest experience,” said MacLeod in a release.

Source: Bizjournals.com

Comment here.

Anyone looking for new Catholic content on channel 159 today has been greeted with some great music…and little else.  Bumpers suggested that the promised programming was “coming soon”

 

Noted Catholic blogger, Rocco Palma, posted last night that delays were due to Cardinal Egan’s recent health issues..

 

 At the request of Cardinal Edward Egan, tomorrow’s anticipated launch of The Catholic Channel on Sirius Satellite Radio “has been put on hold for the next few weeks.”

As the archdiocese is responsible for putting together the channel’s content, Zwilling — who has served as the chief liaison for the project since its May announcement — said Egan’s request was “very reasonable.”

The change of time-frame will allow the 74 year-old prelate to take a full part in the launch, the revised date of which was not disclosed.

 

More details at Rocco’s blog, Whispers in the Loggia

 

Comment Here

Metropolitan Opera Radio will replace Sirius Classical Voices, no word on when, but it may be part of the rumored Sept. 26th lineup change.

El PR…

Sirius Satellite Radio and the Metropolitan Opera plan to announce Wednesday that they will launch a new channel to broadcast four performances a week during the company’s 32-week season, part of the company’s vast media expansion under new general manager Peter Gelb. Metropolitan Opera Radio will debut with Monday’s opening-night gala of a new production of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” When not broadcasting live performances, the channel will air operas from the Met’s archive of 1,500 radio broadcasts that date to 1931.

The announcement follows deals to broadcast six live performances this season in high definition to movie theaters in North America and Europe, which will be televised later on PBS, and to stream live performances on the Met’s Web site, which launched its redesign Tuesday.

The PR goes on to say the following “[Scott]Greenstein would not say how many new subscribers Sirius hopes to get because of the Met channel.” I’ll answer that for them, -100 to 0.
Comment here.