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How do I Install XM Radio in my Car?
XM Radio is a type of satellite radio that is extremely popular with people that want more entertainment and programming choices from their radio with less commercials and interruptions. XM Radio is similar to cable TV, where you pay a small fee each month to receive superior programming. In XM Radio's case, you can receive over 150 different channels, many with commercial free music, talk show personalities and quality sports programming such as Major League Baseball and NASCAR.
In order to receive XM Radio, you must first have a special receiver that includes a chip set and usually an antenna to acquire the signal, encode it and decompress the signal so that you can hear near CD quality broadcasts either in your car, at home or on the go in a portable unit. Because most people listen to the radio when they drive, the vast majority of XM Radios are car audio units; here are some tips on installing an XM Radio in your car.
Types of XM Radio Units for Your CAR
There are three main types of XM Radio units that can play in your car. They are portable receivers, aftermarket car stereos that include built in controls for XM Radio and car manufacturer's stock radios that include a compatible XM Radio car stereo. These stock radios already include a special XM Radio antenna and any other hardware necessary to enjoy XM Radio.
Installing an XM Radio in Your Car
There are five main methods to installing an XM Radio in your car; they include Cassette Adapters, Wireless FM Modulators, Hardwired FM Modulator, Aftermarket Hardwired Adapters and XM Compatible Stock Radio.
Cassette Adapter FM Modulator
The cassette adapter FM modulator is an extremely easy way to connect your portable XM radio or XM Radio receiver to a car's stereo. This method is only good for vehicles that obviously have a cassette player. The cassette adapter plugs into the headphone jack or audio output of your XM radio or receiver and then on the other end, the wired cassette is inserted into your car's cassette player. The car radio reads audio signals that are sent from the XM radio or receiver through the cassette player instantly giving you XM Radio. Cassette adapter are extremely easy to use and very affordable, usually costing less than $20. There performance is usually rated as average.
Wireless FM Modulators
A wireless FM Modulator is another easy way to enjoy XM Radio. A wireless FM Modulator is a small device that plugs into any XM Radio receiver (usually through the audio output or headphone jack) and sends the audio signal as a radio frequency that is then picked up on your existing car stereo's radio. Wireless FM Modulators work on specific radio frequencies, so both the Wireless FM Modulator and your car's stereo must be both on the same frequency (for instance 89.5). The Wireless FM Modulator is powered by a single battery (usually AA or AAA) and can cost as little as $20. The quality of sound for Wireless FM Modulators is usually very good, similar to your FM radio reception.
Hardwired FM Modulator
A Hardwired FM Modulator is similar to an FM Modulator, however it is not wireless, it is directly connects between an XM Radio receiver and your cars antenna, which also can be connected to an XM Radio antenna. Hardwired FM Modulators are usually installed for XM Radio receivers that are installed permanently in your car. Three advantages of having a Hardwired FM Modulator is that it is powered by the car's battery, offers better reception than a wireless unit because it is connected with a cable and lastly the permanent installation makes your receiver in your car look much cleaner and professional.
Aftermarket Hardwired Adapters
Aftermarket Hardwired Adapters give a person the ability to control their XM Radio through their existing car's aftermarket radio. The Aftermarket Hardwired Adapters include everything that is necessary such as the receiving component and chipset to receive XM Radio all that is necessary is a compatible XM Radio car receiver and antenna. Aftermarket Hardwired Adapters usually vary by different car stereo manufacturers, but are usually installed behind your dash board and powered by your car's battery. You can then control all the functions of your XM Radio through your cars stereo. Obviously, you will still have full use of your car's stereo.
Aftermarket hardwired Adapters are perfect for a clean and professional looking installation. They offer great sound and features. They are usually affordable costing from $100 to $200 depending on model. It is important to note that you first need an aftermarket XM Radio compatible car receiver for the adapter to work.
XM Compatible Stock Radio
For the ultimate in ease and function an XM compatible stock radio is the best way to listen to XM Radio. If you are buying a new car, certain car manufacturers offer XM Radio as a premium feature with your car's sound system. With this type of unit, there is absolutely nothing that needs to be installed. Everything is already installed for you meeting the highest quality standards; you just need to subscribe to the XM Radio service.
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