Home Receivers
Get tips on home receivers
Satellite radio is the newest audio experience to add to your home theater. Whether you are looking for something to match your stereo receiver and sit in the cabinet or something smaller to sit on your bedside table, there are lots of options in this emerging market.
Component Systems
For those looking for a home satellite radio to add to their existing collection of audio-visual machines, the component system is the way to go. Like your turntable, CD changer or Blu-ray disc player, satellite radio receivers fit in your home theater cabinet, piping in Sirius or XM’s channel selection. Your program information is displayed on an independent display on the receiver, or it can be displayed on your TV. Component systems also provide the best sound quality, since they are routed through your amplifier.
In order to play satellite radio, home receivers require the addition of an indoor or outdoor satellite radio antenna and a subscription to one of the satellite radio providers.
Connect and Play Systems
XM satellite radio’s technology is known as “connect and play”—a chip the size of a flash memory card is docked with your system, acting as your connection with the satellites. Known as the XM Passport mini tuner, it can be used in your home receiver, your car stereo head unit, your portable device or your alarm clock, as long as they all have XM-ready technology. This is a good option if you want satellite radio as part of your home theater but also want to bring it with you everywhere.
Stand-Alone Systems
There are also affordable home satellite radio units for those who want what satellite radio offers but are not in the market for a whole stereo system. Much like stand-alone CD players or tape decks, these home receivers have an included speaker, so the unit is all you need to play music. Most come with an included indoor antenna, too, so you are ready to go out of the box.
Many models are monotonic— all the sounds come from one speaker—resulting in a flat sound. Extra radio speakers can be connected to create stereo sound, adding depth. Some units come stereo-capable, so keep an eye out for these when shopping.
Depending on your budget and the intended use of your satellite radio, there is a home option for everyone. Remember to compare the options available on similar systems in order to match your needs.
