Thanks to SatelliteGuys, we’ve suspected for a few weeks that SiriusXM (SIRI) intended to shuffle their channel lineup. And, the satellite radio provider has just unveiled the details:
We’re reordering our channels in a better way, to make it easier for you to find the programming you like and improve the experience for all our listeners. As a result, many of the channels you listen to will have a new channel number beginning May 4.
Both XM and Sirius radios will see many channels remapped in what appears to be the programming culmination of their 2008 merger. Well, not entirely… “some differences will remain between the Sirius and XM channel offerings due to technical reasons or agreements with content providers.” Visit www.siriusxm.com/channelupdate and choose your radio, XM or Sirius, to peruse the old and new channel positions.
In terms of programming itself, “a few channels will be combined, some content will be moving from our satellite radio lineup to the SiriusXM Internet Radio lineup.” But in return, we’ll receive a new station dedicated to weather in Pittsburgh and Minneapolis… cities that may not even share the same time zone. Hit the detailed FAQ for more info.
As for me, with XM hardware, there’s no apparent downside other than learning a few new numbers… and possibly reprogramming my car radio favorites. And even that may not be an issue as, “your radio preset buttons should automatically ‘follow’ any channels that you’ve preset to their new locations.” I still currently dwell within the rosy end of my SiriusXM love/hate spectrum and dig satellite radio in the car. Additionally, I find myself tuning in more frequently via their iPhone app. Yet, my subscription is up in about 6 weeks and I’m not sure it’s compelling enough to pay full price (>$200/yr) given all my other recurring service fees. Perhaps I’m feel more agreeable should rumored Satellite Radio 2.0 features arrive in the near future.
