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Step 1
Compare the difference in technology used by the two types of radio services. With a conventional radio, signals are beamed from the radio station to your boom box directly. On the other hand, with satellite radio, signals are sent to communication satellites that redirect them back to your tuners.
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Step 2
Look for the difference in audio quality. Satellite radio, which is beamed through satellites, offers a much better sound quality (almost CD-like quality) than conventional radio. While a conventional radio works well only within a given periphery, satellite radio offers you the liberty of traveling around without worrying about fuzzy sounds.
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Step 3
Understand the variety of choices offered by the two. While conventional radio offers you very limited stations, satellite radio offers you in excess of a hundred radio stations, ranging from music, news, talk shows to sports.
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Step 4
Compare the difference in pricing. While satellite radio comes with a monthly (or yearly) subscription, local radio stations come for free.
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Step 5
Realize the extent of commercials in your programming. While local radio stations bombard you with commercials, most satellite radio stations are commercial-free. Even the ones with commercials offer respite to a great extent.
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Step 6
Understand the portability of both forms. 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.
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Step 7
Compare the coverage area for both services. Satellite radio’s coverage includes thousands of miles unlike traditional radio. It is for this reason that conventional radio is either not available or of poor quality in low density regions.
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Step 8
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.
