XM Radio -- Computer version or stand-alon

**Wrongway** · 06-30-2004, 12:50 AM

Hey Folks. I am in a bit of a dilemma... I am not sure whether to get the XM radio that connects to the computer or the standalone version. Anybody had a good experience either way?
Thanks in advance

**MoFo** · 06-30-2004, 01:20 AM

go with the computer version. I've had both.

The computer version (XM PCR ~$50) displays all the songs currently playing on every channel.
It also has cool features like the ability to save favorite songs and artists and then notify you when that artist or song is playing on another channel.

One problem is that the XM PCR comes with a directional antenna that (in most areas) wont get good reception in a mobile enviroment. To overcome this problem I used the XM omnidirectional antenna that came with my stand-alone Delphi unit. Now my reception is always top notch. These omnidirectional antennas are available for purchase. I think they cost somewhere around $30.

I would definately recommend going with the XM PCR as oppose to using a stand alone unit.

**philstuf** · 07-03-2004, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by Wrongway

Hey Folks. I am in a bit of a dilemma... I am not sure whether to get the XM radio that connects to the computer or the standalone version. Anybody had a good experience either way?
Thanks in advance

Personally, I like the XMPCR due to its "integrateability" (Is that a word?)

MediaEngine is going to have support for the XMPCR in an upcoming release:
http://www.mediaengine.org

but until then, you could use TouchXM for touchscreen applications:
http://www.touchxm.com/download/TouchXMSetup.zip

Cheers.

-Phil

P.S. I snagged the blitzsafe XM car antenna when I ordered my XMPCR. Seems to work nicely (Full signal 90% of the time), but I am in Georgia, in relatively rural areas.

**chut** · 07-03-2004, 08:46 PM

We have three versions of XM radio tuners in my family, The RF modulator in my wifes car (she likes her stock radio) the ip bus connection on the Pioneer in my truck and the XMPCR in my BMW. By far, my favorite is the XMPCR. The software that is available is much much better than the tuning you can do with either the ipbus or the fm modulator hardware. I'm going to change my XMPCR install in my car so I can take it from the car and attach it to my multimedia PC in my tv room easily. Take a look at xmfan.com or this link right here will take you to the software developements going on.

http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=7459

Good luck!
Peter