XM Radio

[mekaleka]

I would like to add XM to my 04 nav unit, but the search on "xm" doesn't list anything.

I've found a "pt546-06040" receiver at toyotapartsstore.com for $271.15.

Give me some feedback/ideas, please. Is this the only/best unit, or are there others you would recommend?

Also, does this include all that I need to complete the install?

[MCOjerry]

I'm no expert, but you need the receiver and the kit to install. So, make sure that part includes both or you will have to buy the installation kit separately.

I chose to save a lot of money and just get a separate unit, but I'm sure with a nav unit, you don't want to do that.

$271 seems awfully low. When I wanted Sirius, the dealer wanted $299 just for the receiver, kit was extra. So, might not include the kit.

[Jack Soulfire]

You do know that XM and Sirius have merged right? From what I hear current units will be able to still function after the two companies have combined, but personally I'd wait, especially when chunking over about $300 for something that could be outdated very soon.

[MCOjerry]

You do know that XM and Sirius have merged right? From what I hear current units will be able to still function after the two companies have combined, but personally I'd wait, especially when chunking over about $300 for something that could be outdated very soon.

They haven't merged yet, only expressed intent. It's no been approved by the FCC yet. Might not be approved.

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

Great... I was just going to pick up some Sirius equipment pretty soon too; FM radio is getting crappier and crappier; the nerve of some people to call it "the entertainment capital" when we have 3 R&B stations, 5 rap stations that play mostly R&B (Ironic, isn't it?), a rock station that plays mostly emo (I was in tears happy when they had real rock like Staind and Tool in Fresno.. I was SO tempted to move up there!)... That has 50 minutes of the hour in commercials!

Sorry to thread-jack, but I hope they complete the merger soon; I can't take it anymore!

[netherland24]

You do know that XM and Sirius have merged right? From what I hear current units will be able to still function after the two companies have combined, but personally I'd wait, especially when chunking over about $300 for something that could be outdated very soon.

They haven't merged yet, only expressed intent. It's no been approved by the FCC yet. Might not be approved.

yup wont happen... then it will become a monopoly

[PXLpainter]

You do know that XM and Sirius have merged right? From what I hear current units will be able to still function after the two companies have combined, but personally I'd wait, especially when chunking over about $300 for something that could be outdated very soon.

They haven't merged yet, only expressed intent. It's no been approved by the FCC yet. Might not be approved.

yup wont happen... then it will become a monopoly

Sorry, but you're wrong. It's already happening...

http://www.xmradio.com/merger/promise.xmc

I just hope my Sirius receiver still works for awhile... haven't even installed it yet! Maybe I can sell it and wait for the new shiz to come out... but maybe it will at least work on the existing channels... check this out from Sirius:

http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentSe ... 2002269210

So much for competition, eh?

Doesn't seem like there's much control over monopolies anymore - look at the banking industry, broadcasting, hotels, retail *cough*walmart*cough*, etc... don't get me started!

[MCOjerry]

Jeff, it still has to gain FCC approval. I'm not saying that they won't approve it, but it's not a definite yet. They want to do it, but that doesn't mean they will get their way.

Nef, go ahead and get one if you are so inclined. They can't make existing radios obsolete, or they's each piss off about 24 million people. That's a lot of angry customers! Plus, think about all the people who have satellite hard wired as part of their car purchase, integrated into thei HU. Oh...they can't tell everyone they need a new radio.

Netherland, if the FCC does aprove, I'm sure whatever approval they give will have limits on pricing and such, so as not to fall into the traps a monopoly will bring. Besides, if they kept raiing the price, listeners would not stand for it. There are other media out there, satellite is not a necessity. There are new radios out there that you can download all your music collection to...that's almost as good as satellite. Of course, it won't replace the proprietary programming like sports and Howard Stern, but satellite is not the be all, end all...and they know it.

[PXLpainter]

^^ Correct - read the links I posted above...

[MCOjerry]

^^ Correct - read the links I posted above...

I read 'em. Just wanted to make sure everyone was clear that it's not approved yet.

I don't really know if I am in favor of this or not.

[Jon11582]

^^ Correct - read the links I posted above...

I read 'em. Just wanted to make sure everyone was clear that it's not approved yet.

I don't really know if I am in favor of this or not.

Instead of two companies losing about a billion dollars a year, it will be one big company losing 2 billion dollars a year. Magnificient.

I think they need a little bit of a monopoly to survive for much longer.

[**PoshPepper**]

If they end up doing the merger I just hope that they do not continue with the XM channels that have commercials... that is the only reason why I have satellite radio -- no commercials.

[MCOjerry]

^^ Correct - read the links I posted above...

I read 'em. Just wanted to make sure everyone was clear that it's not approved yet.

I don't really know if I am in favor of this or not.

Instead of two companies losing about a billion dollars a year, it will be one big company losing 2 billion dollars a year. Magnificient.

I think they need a little bit of a monopoly to survive for much longer.

As one company, they may go into the black. If there is only one company, they will be able to reduce overhead. I'm sure there is tons of duplication in the organizations that could be cut.

If they end up doing the merger I just hope that they do not continue with the XM channels that have commercials... that is the only reason why I have satellite radio -- no commercials.

Wow, XM has music channels with commercials? Why would anyone put up with that on a pay service. It's bad enough that I have to listen to the DJs on Sirius, but if there were commercials, I'd cancel.

[tribander]

I have a 2004 Solara SLE with JBL sound no Nav unit and here's what I did as an alternative to Toyota’s very expensive factory unit but provides exact same results. The kit is from TERK and sells for $149.95. Mine was $99.95 back in Nov. 2006. Here's a link to buy it:

http://store.xmfanstore.com/texmfortovex.html

You can ask them if it works with the NAV unit. If the NAV unit has a SAT button and the same connector (see photos in link below) then I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Here are some pics I took during the installation:
http://www.imageviper.com/pages/show_album.php?aid=616

I love the system and back in Nov. the price was only $99.95! But even at $149.95 it's hard to beat!

[MCOjerry]

^^Wish they made one of those for Sirius. Couldn't find one.