Can the XM Roady be (reprogrammed) to receive Sirius? – I just signed up for the Sirius 3-day trial (via the net/web) and I kind of like the rock line up a little better – especially channel 20 – “Octane” -- I thought I read on one of the forums that most current model satellite radio receivers can receive both XM and Sirius. I’m pretty ‘committed’ to XM because of all the accessories I bought for it – ie; - 2 home kits – special in-car mounts – 50ft ant. extension cable, etc. – That’s why I was wondering if the XM Roady will work with Sirius broadcast – I really don’t want to buy all new equipment if I do decide to change over to Sirius.
- Gary
I contacted both SIRIUS and XM and posed that question to both companies. Here are the responses:
"Indeed, SIRIUS radios can only receive SIRIUS broadcasts and XM's can only receive XM service. A few years ago, the FCC ordered both companies to jointly develop a receiver that is capable of receiving both SIRIUS and XM. Indeed both companies have funded a development team to work on an interoperable radio. The technical challenges of such a project are enormous, and we have no announcement regarding when this radio might be ready for sale."
- Ron Rodriguez, Media Relations, SIRIUS Satellite Radio
"For the most part, the two companies' hardware is not compatible. However, XM has XM Direct, a line of XM products that can convert any non-XM satellite head unit to XM. So, owners of Kenwood, BMW, Ford and Chrysler satellite ready radios can get XM integrated into their systems. XM Direct includes the XM receiver (black box) and converter cables that connect to the receiver and the car's radio."
- Chance Patterson, VP Corporate Affairs, XM Satellite Radio
