Satellite Radio

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The Radio Guide: Tune in Online

If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could find a radio station that exclusively broadcasts video-game theme songs, it’s time to let go of the dial, and take hold of your mouse. The Internet is home to an abundance of stations that include FM, AM, online-only, and satellite; you can even create a station yourself. The sites below help you find stations, make stations, find programming, and choose services. You’ll also get a dose of radio history. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.

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Find Online Radio Stations

With online radio stations, the rule tends to be: if you can dream it up, it’s probably ... read more »

Personal Internet Radio Stations

If the hundreds of radio stations online fail to provide you with what you’re looking for, ... read more »

Satellite Radio

Although listening to satellite radio typically necessitates the installation of a special radio in your home or car, you also have the option of listening right from your computer. Whether you’re already a member looking to set up your free online account, or you’re trying to decide if satellite radio is for you, the sites below show you how to choose and where to get started.

Dulcinea's Insight

If you plan on using satellite for regular radio listening, both XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio offer discounts when you sign up for longer periods of time. Since you’ll need to purchase a special radio to hear stations anyway, you’ve made a commitment. Explore the plan that will save you the most money.

Both stations allow you to sample the product for free. Use this time to compare the programming to other free radio available on the Web before you make an expensive purchase.

If you’re already a subscriber, you can listen online for free. You may need to set up an online account first, as you’ll be asked to log in.

One of the advantages of satellite radio is the convenience factor. While it’s true that you can find a lot of free stations and programming online, you may have to go through multiple steps for streaming and downloading, or put up with a lower-quality product. You also won’t see any ads.

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To learn about satellite radio …

SatelliteRadioUSA is a comprehensive, unbiased guide to satellite radio that includes information about cost, history, systems, and technology. However, unless you’re an aspiring historian, avoid the news section: you’ll notice the most recent article announces Howard Stern’s new show on SIRIUS, which occurred in 2005.

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CNET explains the technology behind satellite radio, the minor differences between the two major companies, and the reasons why it might be in your interest to upgrade from standard radio. The article was written in 2005, so the comparison of satellite radio stations by genre is a bit dated, but it’s still a worthwhile gauge.

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For satellite radio stations …

XM Satellite Radio offers free online listening to current members and the option to sign up for the online service only. Regular membership starts at $12.95 a month, whereas an online membership can be obtained for $7.99 a month. Note that regular XM Satellite Radio includes more than 170 channels; the Web version offers around 80. Explore your options with the free online trial.

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SIRIUS also provides an online radio service; however, you’ll get a few less channels and pay a higher price: $12.99 a month. What you do get is Howard Stern and the option to upgrade to CD quality sound for $2.99 a month. Standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio is the same price as XM and also includes Internet listening.

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