How to Compare Satellite Radio to Conventional Radio

The arrival of satellite radio has revolutionized radio entertainment. While the conventional AM/FM radio stations are still popular, satellite radio has provided an added dimension for radio listeners. Digital quality and a large format selection has begun to attract more and more followers. Here’s how you can compare a satellite radio with a conventional radio.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Compare the difference in technology used by the two types of radio services. Conventional radio signals are beamed from the radio station to your boom box directly. With satellite radio, signals are sent to communication satellites which redirect them back to your tuners.

2. Look for the difference in audio quality. Satellite radio offers a sustained CD-like sound quality unlike many conventional radio stations which depend on signal strength and are at the mercy of geographic features.

3. Compare the coverage area for both services. Satellite radio’s coverage includes thousands of miles unlike traditional radio.

4. Compare the difference in pricing. Satellite radio comes with a monthly or yearly subscription whereas local radio stations are free.

5. Compare the portability of both kinds of radio. While you can’t carry your conventional radio set wherever you go, you can carry your satellite radio anywhere you want without missing out on your favorite station and show.

6. Understand the variety of choices offered by the two. While the conventional radio offers you very limited stations, a satellite radio offers you in excess of a hundred radio stations ranging from music, news, talk shows and sports.

7. Satellite radio broadcasts all types of content due to very low government regulation unlike traditional radio. However, adult and other content deemed unfit for children can be blocked using a parental control facility provided by satellite radio services.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you invest in a satellite radio, also make a comparison between the satellite radio service providers. Each service provider offers a wide variety of technical as well as programming features.