XM On-line Radio - Decision to pull XM PCR illuminated

XM On-line Radio
Decision to pull XM PCR illuminated
(old news - 12:04PM Wednesday Sep 15 2004)
tags: Radio · hardware

XM Radio recently stopped selling their XM PCR (personal-computer receiver) after programmers began offering programs like TimeTrax, which allowed users to download and organize XM radio content to their hard-drive. That decision became much clearer today as the company announced they'd be launching XM Radio Online, a subscription on-line radio service, in October. XM will charge $8 per month for unlimited listening, or $4 per month if you're a subscriber to their traditional service.

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Forums » XM On-line Radio


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C0deZer0 Oc'D To Rhythm And Police Premium join:2001-10-03 Davenport, FL	Get ready... I wonder how long until these XM PCR's come along ringing up a price like $400 over original retail price on eBay?
	permalink · 2004-09-15 12:02:28 ·

krobar
Is this thing on?

join:2002-09-15
Columbus, OH

Re: Get ready...

seen some on ebay going for about 300 recently already.

I also agree with what the other guy below me said, that it sucks because it's going to use bandwidth, had I known about the xm pcr prior to them pulling it I would have been very interested, being able to listen to music while playing a game online and not have it interfere with my speeds OR use up a lot of resources (ala some mp3 players) I'd have been all over it, now it looks like if I want the service like that I'll have to find someone selling theirs on ebay.

--
Power corrupts. Absolute power is kinda neat.

permalink · 2004-09-15 12:28:56 · Print ·

roamer1
sticking it out at you

join:2001-03-24
Atlanta, GA
clubs:

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Re: Get ready...

said by krobar :
had I known about the xm pcr prior to them pulling it I would have been very interested, being able to listen to music while playing a game online and not have it interfere with my speeds OR use up a lot of resources (ala some mp3 players)

If all you want to do is listen to music, it's easy enough to hook a regular XM (or Sirius, or DirecTV...) receiver to a sound card. All you lose is the "seamless" control from the PC.

-SC
--
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permalink · 2004-09-15 13:55:06 · Print ·

felix_j Premium join:2004-08-24 Harrisonburg, VA ·Comcast	Re: Get ready... You also lose the clarity of digital input. The PCR is digital, the new portable units they're pushing are analog, and if you have a high-end speaker system (like I have in my car and computer), you can really tell the difference. They better offer 256kbps or higher for the online service.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 15:56:16 ·

pike
Premium,MVM
join:2001-02-01
Cleveland, OH
clubs:

·Vonage

·AT&T Midwest

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Re: Get ready...

said by felix_j :
The PCR is digital

Well, not exactly. While the service is digitally broadcast the XMPCR and most current receivers are equipped with standard analog ouputs.

There are some retailers selling modified receivers with TOSLINK outputs (such as www.myradiostore.com), including the XMPCR. There is also a Polk Audio home receiver that will be released shortly with digital out.

-Mike

permalink · 2004-09-15 17:50:40 · Print ·

felix_j
Premium
join:2004-08-24
Harrisonburg, VA

·Comcast

Re: Get ready...

Good, I'm tired of seeing all these analog units for sale. Hopefully I can save up for a new Pioneer hardwired unit before they're discontinued, my old one is getting, well, old, I got it from the Crutchfield here the day it came out.

I currently have one of the original Sony portables sitting on my desk, and it would sound much better if I could run it through SPDIF or even optical. In addition to the reduced processing power of the standalone unit, it's also easy to layer music over my games, and I can even mute WAVE and still get my satellite feed [hugs his SP Audigy]

I've been a fan of XM ever since they came out, but crap like this is a tad unsettling.

permalink · 2004-09-16 17:10:45 · Print ·

djrobx

join:2000-05-31
Valencia, CA

·DSL EXTREME

edit:
September 15th, @09:10PM

I love my SAT radio ... don't get me wrong, but XM and Sirius sound quality is awful. It's probably not even as good as a 128kbps mp3. They also employ dynamic range compression ontop of the heavy digital compression in order to keep the audio level normalized for typical car audio use. The amount of loss caused by going through a line input on your sound card is going to be extremely negligible compared to the digital and dynamic compression that goes on before it even reaches your computer.

--
\\ROB - a part of the SCB local network

permalink · 2004-09-15 21:08:06 · Print ·

steelerboy26 join:2002-02-24 Oakland, CA	SBC/Yahoo has LaunchastPlus for free if you are a subscriber. Can't really see paying for a streaming service that I have no control over on my PC. At least with launchast you can skip songs. Steeler
	permalink · 2004-09-16 21:07:56 ·

technick Premium join:2000-12-16 Loganville, GA	This is good.... IMHO I think this is great, they are going to offer XM Radio Online. Though I wonder, why pull the XM PCR? If it's on a computer, it can be copied a thousand times over, but there's still folks that have dialup that wouldn't be able to enjoy the cd quality streams.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 12:16:19 ·

pcscdma
Chocobo Chocobo Random Battle
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Winterset, IA
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Re: This is good....

said by technick :
IMHO I think this is great, they are going to offer XM Radio Online. Though I wonder, why pull the XM PCR? If it's on a computer, it can be copied a thousand times over, but there's still folks that have dialup that wouldn't be able to enjoy the cd quality streams.

They have a super duper DRM system that is completely unhackable and they decided that they want to use that.
--
I registered on DSLReports/BroadbandReports to talk about Broadband and DSL. Did you see GWReports or JKReports because I sure as hell didn't. Enough with the political bullshitting already.Free Kevin

permalink · 2004-09-15 13:04:59 · Print ·

GorbGuy

join:2003-09-23
Middleville, MI
clubs:

·AT&T Midwest

Re: This is good....

I think it probably has more to do with the RIAA.

"It is believed the company decided to discontinue the product based on piracy litigation concerns; recording companies and the Recording Industry Association of America have aggressively pursued vendors who market technologies or services they perceive as violating copyright guidelines."
--
Your mouse has moved. Windows NT must be restarted for the change to take effect. Reboot now?

permalink · 2004-09-15 14:35:17 · Print ·

JoeOnSunset Doublethink Is Doubleplus Ungood. Premium join:2002-11-25 Ormond Beach, FL	said by pcscdma : They have a super duper DRM system that is completely unhackable Yeah, right.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 15:26:29 ·

Doctor Four
My other vehicle is a TARDIS
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said by pcscdma :

They have a super duper DRM system that is completely unhackable and they decided that they want to use that.

If it can be played on a PC (aka streaming radio like
Rhapsody & others) it can be recorded, DRM or not. But
then INDUCE ought to take care of that. The content
cartel is very concerned about closing the so called
"analog hole". Well I say the biggest hole they have is
in their heads...
--
"Kayura or Badamon, whichever you are, you should know that I will never give up this battle. By the will of the Ancient, I shall succeed!" - Shuten (Anubis) from the Ronin Warriors.

permalink · 2004-09-15 15:49:28 · Print ·

Roundel Blau Und Weiss Premium join:2002-03-24 Westport, CT clubs:	Not that great an offer.... Stupid Move by XM IMO, Sirrius provides free online service to their customers free. -- ANYBODY EXCEPT BUSH/CHENEY 2004 I hope everybody learned their lesson.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 12:16:26 ·

jose3030 Premium join:1999-08-17 Manassas, VA	Re: Not that great an offer.... a free online service for FREE??? wow. that's awesome. i thought a free online service would cost at least $10 a month
	permalink · 2004-09-15 13:09:49 ·

ropeguru Premium join:2001-01-25 Hollywood, FL clubs:	Re: Not that great an offer.... said by jose3030 : a free online service for FREE??? wow. that's awesome. i thought a free online service would cost at least $10 a month If it is anything like unlimited broadband that isn't unlimited it would.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 13:59:09 ·

minidu
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Re: Not that great an offer....

said by ropeguru :

said by jose3030 :
a free online service for FREE???

wow.

that's awesome.

i thought a free online service would cost at least $10 a month

If it is anything like unlimited broadband that isn't unlimited it would.

Everyone can access the online streams from Sirius, (all but the talk/entertainment channels) for 4 hours free, subscribers can listen 24/7 it is included in our monthly billing for Sirius.

It isnt super high bandwith, but it does sound decent. You have to use the website to listen though as it is embedded windows media format.
--
Experience -- a great teacher, but the tutition fees... . BOFH

permalink · 2004-09-15 18:33:45 · Print ·

djrobx join:2000-05-31 Valencia, CA	I'm guessing XM's paid stream quality will be better than Sirius' free 32k streams though. - Rob -- \\ROB - a part of the SCB local network
	permalink · 2004-09-15 14:36:48 ·

BosstonesOwn join:2002-12-15 Everett, MA clubs:	Re: Not that great an offer.... If your a paying subscriber the quality is better. And it is free with your subscription to use. -- "It's always funny until someone gets hurt......and then it's absolutely friggin' hysterical!"
	permalink · 2004-09-15 17:31:22 ·

moonpuppy join:2000-08-21 Glen Burnie, MD	Gee..... Sirius Satellite Radio offers this free with their subscription. Now, XM, with this online streaming, is more expensive than Sirius.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 12:16:55 ·

Master_AMD join:2003-12-16 Dowagiac, MI clubs: ·Verizon Online DSL	Things must come to and END. Well all good things must come to an end. I don't like the notion at all. Why did they pull a perfectly good service, and replaced it with a crapier one??????? They shouldn't have becasue I like the idea of being able to download music "legally" on to my computer with out having to pay for each song.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 12:18:31 ·

Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
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1970 442 W30
clubs:

Is XM even making any money?

Last year (2003) and the previous (if I'm reading the story below correctly) they were bleeding out red left and right.

»news.com.com/Satellite+network+g···ag=st.rn
Published: August 7, 2003, 12:19 PM PDT
By Ben Charny
Staff Writer, CNET News.com

quote:
...in a conference call to discuss XM's second-quarter loss of $161.9 million, or $1.38 per share. That compares with a $117.2 million loss reported from the same period a year ago.

How do I run a business like that and make the salary these execs do??

If I were an investor, I'd be asking where is my $$ was at??

permalink · 2004-09-15 12:32:07 · Print ·

The Beer I Love It When A Plan Comes Together Premium join:2001-07-24 Omaha, NE clubs:	Re: Is XM even making any money? The XM subscriber bubble was last Christmas. Prior to that they were about 700,000 subs, they are now 1.5 million plus and growing like a 3 year old. thus the loss last year
	permalink · 2004-09-15 12:54:29 ·

pike Premium,MVM join:2001-02-01 Cleveland, OH clubs:	Re: Is XM even making any money? Actually they are at 2.5 million+ subs right now and their stock is sitting pretty at $29.00+ and has been for quite a while. -Mike
	permalink · 2004-09-15 17:47:09 ·

The Beer I Love It When A Plan Comes Together Premium join:2001-07-24 Omaha, NE clubs: ·ViaTalk	Re: Is XM even making any money? I stand corrected! I remember the million mark was around Christmas and then seeing the 1.5 figure somewhere. I can't wait until they get the new XM radio that will interface to the Sirus hookup on my Kenwood. I miss having XM, but I'm not doing another roady.
	permalink · 2004-09-16 00:20:55 ·

xirian Premium join:2003-01-26 Beacon, NY	whats the point? Theres plenty of free streams from shoutcast to choose from, why would anyone wanna pay $8 for this? -- Pier-44 IRC Net
	permalink · 2004-09-15 12:39:54 ·

ke4pym

join:2004-07-24
Charlotte, NC

·RoadRunner Cable

·Verizon BroadbandA..

Why?

I have a XMPCR connected (optically) to my PC at work. No one notices.

If I'm going to stream XM over the network, then a lot of ears will perk up (Networking, Security, etc). Well, never mind the fact that our firewall blocks all inbound media streams that are not preapproved (and XM wouldn't be approved).

Good to see them offering the streams, but why do streaming users get a $1 break?

Still a stupid move to remove the XMPCR.

permalink · 2004-09-15 12:54:10 ·

obviousx @insidemedia.net	it will be hacked I don't care how "super" they're DRM is, it will be hacked and you'll see an XM streamripper in less than 3 months. Then any XM content of relevance (O&A?) will be posted on suprnova anyway. dumb move dumb move
	permalink · 2004-09-15 13:35:06 ·

BosstonesOwn

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Everett, MA
clubs:

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Re: it will be hacked

said by obviousx:
I don't care how "super" they're DRM is, it will be hacked and you'll see an XM streamripper in less than 3 months.
Then any XM content of relevance (O&A?) will be posted on suprnova anyway.
dumb move
dumb move

Not that I condone hacking DRM, but damn my truck has Sirius already in it And I will be damned if Im gonna rip out my dodge cd changer and all for O and A. SO I look forward to seeing the streams on the net

--
"It's always funny until someone gets hurt......and then it's absolutely friggin' hysterical!"

permalink · 2004-09-15 17:34:31 · Print ·

xmrocks I like Sirius Better Premium,MVM join:2003-09-23 clubs:	There's already shareware programs that record streaming music. So what are rambling on about hacking for again??
	permalink · 2004-09-15 22:27:49 ·

Count Hogula3 John Forged Kerry Premium join:2004-07-10 Corona, CA	Not for ANOTHER $4 There are too many sources for free web radio to be paying $4 a month for it. For me fidelity doesn't matter since my workstation's PC speakers suck anyway. -- »www.scaryjohnkerry.com \| »media1.streamtoyou.com/rnc/080304v1.wmv \| Don't have it, demand it!»www.theanimenetwork.com
	permalink · 2004-09-15 13:49:21 ·

roamer1 sticking it out at you join:2001-03-24 Atlanta, GA clubs: ·VoicePulse Connect ·Teliax VOIP ·Speed Factory	Dumb... XM is charging while Sirius offers subscribers unlimited listening to online streams for free! I'm SO glad I chose Sirius...even though they've never offered anything like the PCR. SC
	permalink · 2004-09-15 13:53:41 ·

See 6 replies to this post

arundc join:2004-08-11	so what happens to people who have the XM PCR? like me. I've had it since day 1 and would hate to loose it. Its great at work since it does not use any bandwidth. I may as well consider a Roady II now?!?!?! If people can still use the radio, is it worth much?
	permalink · 2004-09-15 14:09:23 ·

xmrocks I like Sirius Better Premium,MVM join:2003-09-23 clubs: ·Comcast	Re: so what happens to people who have the XM PCR? I have an XMPCR too, and it won't be deactivated. It'll still work. Of course you could sell it and make a fortune, if you so choose to do so. The Roady 2 is also really nice... -- Team Discovery Member! XM411.com/MyRadioStore.us for all of your XM needs!
	permalink · 2004-09-15 22:25:06 ·

Brian Grif_n Wireless Guru join:2001-01-17 Reno, NV ·Packet8 ·Callcentric ·AT&T Yahoo ·AT&T DSL Service	sound quality and portability I should sound decent if they have the streams at 128 Kbps or better. And maybe it will work with wireless music players like the Linksys WMLS11B »www.linksys.com/products/product···&scid=38 But there are still programs available that can capture and record streaming radio.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 14:44:16 ·

insomniac84 join:2002-01-03 Schererville, IN	This is stupid Why not just make a PCR with drm built in, because its stupid to use up bandwidth when you can just stick an antenna out your window and get much better sound quality.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 16:49:14 ·

xmrocks
I like Sirius Better
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join:2003-09-23
clubs:

·Comcast

TimeTrax didn't kill the XMPCR

To all of the people who post articles before actually looking and backing up their facts:

The XMPCR was going to be discontinued long before TimeTrax came along. It's not the sole reason it was discontinued.

quote:

XM recently discontinued the PCR product, shortly after the release of a Windows-based software product that touted its ability to record and edit digital files of music from the XM PCR. Many believe the company decided to discontinue the product based on piracy litigation concerns, but Mr. Patterson denied such rumors, saying the life-span of the PCR product had run its course and was not as popular a product as its standalone XM Radio products. In addition, Mr. Patterson said plans had been in the works for a number of months to discontinue the XM PCR and launch the streaming online service.

»www.macobserver.com/article/2004···.9.shtml

Stop publishing rumors.
--
Team Discovery Member!
XM411.com/MyRadioStore.us for all of your XM needs!

permalink · 2004-09-15 18:16:18 · Print ·

kennydillon Premium join:2002-06-09 Goddard, KS	Get Sirius!! I have had Sirius Radio for about 6 Months now. I am a former XM listener and I do believe that Sirius is allot better than XM anyhow. And as long as you are a subscriber to Sirius then you can listen online for FREE. Yes that is right FOR FREE!! KENNY DILLON
	permalink · 2004-09-15 19:25:28 ·

tunes Run Away join:2002-01-31 Grosse Ile, MI	Re: Get Sirius!! I'm listening to my online Sirius right now as I write this. It would be nice if a higher bitrate version was available, but for free I can't complain. -- Why?
	permalink · 2004-09-15 20:20:38 ·

Ben67

join:2000-07-08
Monroe, GA

Re: Get Sirius!!

I sent them(sirius) an email about the bitrate deal and they came back with some response about bandwidth(lack of)and that my speakers may suck. They were quickly corrected on both. Just bumping the bitrate a little would make a marked improvement. They replied that they would have the web dept check into it(probably bs). But if enough people email and suggest a higher bitrate maybe they'll do it.
--
P4 2.4c@3.4,P4P800,512meg hyperx pc3500,256megPNY FX5600,SBlive,2x36G WD Raptors raid0,18.1" Sunmicrosytems LCD, yada,yada

permalink · 2004-09-16 18:53:54 · Print ·

yousawnothing @comcast.net	Just use Winamp I use the integrated radio in Winamp. There are over 6000 stations and a wide range of genres. Both Winamp and the radio streams are free.
	permalink · 2004-09-15 23:23:45 ·

Brian Grif_n
Wireless Guru

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Reno, NV

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Not impressed with XM Radio online

WMP view of XM Radio interface

XM Radio online went live today »listen.xmradio.com . It uses Windows Media Player. It's "high" speed is only 65 Kbps, compared to 128 Kbps for some Shoutcast streams. Only about 75 of their channels are available - no news, no traffic, no Radio Disney (for my daughter). They do have a 3-day trial. But until they get more content, I won't be adding $4/month to my car's subscription.

permalink · 2004-10-11 11:28:37 · Print ·

Ben S Stahlhood II

@adelphia.net

Re: Not impressed with XM Radio online

We were the company featured on news.com and slashdot.org for reverse engineering the XM Direct and XM Commander.

Here is the magic byte codes to get the XM Direct and Commander units into a PCR mode Once this is done all original byte codes for the PCR work fine...

You send 3 commands to the commander or direct and then it will accept all original XMPCR commands.

They are the following, sent in this order:

5AA50003740001740D
5AA5000474020101740D
5AA50003740B00740D

Hope this helps!

Thanks

--
Ben S. Stahlhood II
Chieft Software Architect
Hybrid Mobile Technologies LLC
»www.hybrid-mobile.com/

permalink · 2004-10-17 03:36:18 · Print ·

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Get ready...

Re: Get ready...

Re: Get ready...

Re: Get ready...

Re: Get ready...

Re: Get ready...

This is good....

Re: This is good....

Re: This is good....

Not that great an offer....

Re: Not that great an offer....

Re: Not that great an offer....

Re: Not that great an offer....

Re: Not that great an offer....

Gee.....

Things must come to and END.

Is XM even making any money?

Re: Is XM even making any money?

Re: Is XM even making any money?

Re: Is XM even making any money?

whats the point?

Why?

it will be hacked

Re: it will be hacked

Not for ANOTHER $4

Dumb...

so what happens to people who have the XM PCR?

Re: so what happens to people who have the XM PCR?

sound quality and portability

This is stupid

TimeTrax didn't kill the XMPCR

Get Sirius!!

Re: Get Sirius!!

Re: Get Sirius!!

Just use Winamp

Not impressed with XM Radio online

Re: Not impressed with XM Radio online