1. The company(s) would need to freeze prices for three years.
2. "A la carte" options would need to be available within three months of the merger.
3. 8% of their airspace (24 channels) would need to be dedicated to noncommercial and minority programming.

Also of note, the FCC has leaked that Sirius and XM have agreed to open manufacturing on the radios to all companies, creating more marketplace competition (and hopefully some better tech). It's looking more and more like this deal is gonna happen...sometime. [NYTimes]

Though the function to grab sweet sounds from its partner-to-be isn't listed in the Starmate 5's spec sheet, a memo between a testing firm and the FCC authorization staff hinted at Sirius XM interoperability. In a letter asking the testing firm to do another bandwidth test, the FCC said that it "used the satellite radio signal coming from either XM or Sirius."

If the hint means what we think it means, the Starmate 5 could be the first hybrid satellite radio receiver out on the market — kind of a bold move, considering the FCC isn't even thinking about voting on the merger until late May or early June. [Electronista]

LAS VEGAS, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — CTIA Booth #4544 —
XM (Nasdaq: XMSR), the nation's leading provider of satellite radio with
more than 9 million subscribers, and QuickPlay Media, the leader in mobile
TV and video solutions, today announced that XM Radio Mobile has selected
QuickPlay's OpenVideo(TM) as the first media management platform to make XM
Radio Mobile universally available on select BlackBerry(R) smartphones from
Research In Motion (RIM). The service, which can run across major U.S.
mobile service providers' networks, enables consumers to get 20 exclusive
XM channels of commercial-free music and 24-hour comedy programming for
just $7.99 per month with an option for a complimentary 24-hour trial.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070313/XMLOGO )

The XM Radio Mobile offering provides BlackBerry smartphone users with
unlimited access to a wide selection of the most popular commercial-free
music channels, including XM's 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s decade channels,
20on20 (Top 20 Hits), Ethel (New Alternative Rock), The City (Hip-Hop/R&B
Hits), XMU (Indie Rock), Watercolors (Easy Jazz) and Highway 16 (New
Country Hits). Customers can also listen to XM comedy channels, The Virus
(outrageous uncensored talk) and XM Comedy (uncensored comedy).

"Together with QuickPlay, XM Radio Mobile will provide BlackBerry users
with access to a compelling selection of XM's acclaimed music and comedy
programming virtually anywhere they go," said Vernon Irvin, EVP and Chief
Marketing Officer, XM Satellite Radio. "Today's announcement reinforces
XM's commitment to making our industry-leading content available to
consumers in ways that fit their lifestyles."

All XM channels are easily accessed via a simple user interface with
graphical icons for content genres and channels. While listening to one XM
Radio Mobile channel, users can see the song title, artist and album, as
well as what's currently playing on other XM Radio Mobile channels.
Subscribers can also multi-task as XM Radio Mobile can run in the
background while the user accesses other data applications on their
BlackBerry smartphone.

BlackBerry smartphones supported by the XM Mobile Radio service require
BlackBerry Device Software 4.2 or higher and include the BlackBerry(R) 8800
Series, BlackBerry(R) 8700 Series, BlackBerry(R) Pearl(TM) Series and
BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) Series smartphones with a BlackBerry data plan on
major U.S. mobile carrier networks. The service, and a complimentary
24-hour trial, is available via a downloadable application that can be
easily accessed by visiting http://www.xmradio.com/bb from the BlackBerry
smartphone's browser, or by texting "XM" to 47201 and clicking on the
download link provided. Subscribers can opt to have their purchase charged
to their credit card or where available billed directly to their service
provider.

"QuickPlay Media is thrilled to partner with XM, the leader in audio
entertainment, to offer BlackBerry smartphone users the ability to easily
discover and enjoy music and comedy from XM Radio Mobile, regardless of
which U.S. service provider they subscribe to," said Wayne Purboo,
president and CEO, QuickPlay Media. "Additionally, we are proud to continue
to expand our portfolio of services for the BlackBerry platform, including
the first audio streaming service for BlackBerry, called QuickPlayer; and
the first free video streaming service for BlackBerry, called
VideoStreams."

[PRNewswire]

Next stop is the FCC. Chief Kevin Martin is vocally hot on competition, so he'll probably squeeze them pretty hard on following through, though he's likely to take the same stance as the DoJ: The environment's so scrambled right now, a single satellite radio company isn't really going to harm consumers. And if they do raise prices and start sucking, people have plenty of other options to abandon them for. On the other hand, they were both already on life support, so this jolt might not be enough to fully re-animte them. [Breitbart]

This BFG is ironically called a "M134 Minigun" (or it could be a XM214 Microgun, we're not sure), firing 7.62mm bullets at a rate of about 4,000 rounds per minute. That'll probably be enough to scare off even the most determined evildoers. Get those windshield wipers going, Secret Service dudes—even wiping at full speed, they'll barely clear the spent shell casings out of the way fast enough to see through the windshield. [LiveLeak]

It's also got a buffer that records the last 60 minutes of programming so you can go back to hear what you missed, and it stores 10 of your favorite songs (as opposed to hundreds or thousands, presumably satisfying some pledge to the feisty recording industry). It also lets you select 10 channels as presets for instant recall—just like my car radio has done for like 20 years. [XM]

XM REDEFINES THE LISTENING EXPERIENCE WITH ALL-NEW RADIO FEATURING ADVANCED BROWSING TECHNOLOGY

XpressRC, first-ever satellite radio featuring full-color split-screen display, 60-minute replay and song storage, will be music to subscribers' ears

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Aug. 13, 2007 - XM (NASDAQ: XMSR), the nation's leading satellite radio company, today unveiled an all-new radio that provides the richest possible listening experience, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in XM's impressive breadth of dynamic content. The XpressRC features advanced browsing capability with a real-time programming guide displaying multiple channel information, artist names and song titles. The XpressRC will redefine the music lover's listening experience with a vibrant full-color split-screen display, 60-minute pause and replay, and the ability to save up to 10 favorite songs to listen to later.

"You don't live in a black and white world, so why should your XM experience be limited to black and white? The XpressRC is vibrant and offers a wealth of features and functions, ensuring the richest satellite radio experience available," said Vernon Irvin, XM Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "The debut unit promises to take music, sports and entertainment lovers by surprise, reinventing the way they receive and experience XM content. The listening experience will never be the same."

The XpressRC features:

• A stunning customizable, color display that allows XM listeners to view the content they want, including channel, artist name and song title. The split-screen lets listeners view the current channel information on the left side, while browsing to view what is playing on up to three different channels on the right side. The split-screen allows listeners to easily browse to discover what XM content is playing on multiple favorite channels without having to change the dial.

• A buffer that saves the last 60 minutes of programming so listeners can easily replay what they just heard. XpressRC users can also pause the XM programming they are listening to with the option to play that programming as long as it is within the 60-minute timeframe and the unit is not powered off. Never miss a beat, sports play or news item again.

• The ability to easily save up to 10 favorite songs for future listening. The split-screen option enables listeners to see the artist and song that is currently playing on the left side of the screen, and view up to five other saved songs on the right side at the same time.

• Quick channel navigation with the option to pre-set up to 10 favorite channels, or press number buttons to enter and move directly to the desired channel. The new radio also features a remote control with pause, replay and direct channel entry buttons. The radio display automatically adjusts brightness from day to night while in the car and includes a customizable stock and sports ticker. It also includes a TuneSelect feature that alerts listeners whenever their favorite songs, artists or sports teams are being played on another channel.

The XpressRC is compact and lightweight and can move easily from the car to a second vehicle, the home and the office with additional accessories.

The XpressRC includes a new FrequencyFinder feature, which conveniently scans and locates FM frequencies for listening to XM through your FM radio.

Manufactured by Delphi, the new XpressRC radio will be available beginning fall 2007 for a suggested retail price of $169.99.

The XpressRC joins a family of Xpress plug-and-play radio products, including: the entry-level XpressEZ, mid-tier Xpress, and the XpressR split-screen radio with 30-minute pause and replay.

To learn more or pre-order the XpressRC, visit www.xmradio.com/xpressrc.

Today discovering new XM content just got easier. With 170 channels to find what turns you on, there's always something surprising just a channel away: a new song, an old favorite, a story, breaking news or a big game.

How about 50 channels of your choice from either XM or Sirius for $6.99 per month? The two companies also say you'll be able to add additional channels for 25 cents apiece. This is a far cry from the $13 a month Sirius and XM subscribers are paying now.

The companies are gunning to get this merger done before the year is out, and they're trying to calm down complaints that the result would be a monopoly, leaving a company that could charge whatever it wanted for its one-of-a-kind services. One thing we're wondering, though: What's going to keep this monopoly service from raising its prices as soon as it gets regulatory approval?

We're now paying $13 a month for Sirius Satellite Radio, and find that to be an excellent value, considering the high quality of its radio stations and high fidelity of its signal. For $6.99 per month, we're thinking this new service would be irresistible. No wonder old fogy radio companies are opposing this merger so strongly. Bring it on. [Reuters]

You know, like how when people learned how to tape songs off the radio in the '80s it almost killed the industry. They're trying to avoid another disaster like that. The RIAA is using the proposed XM-Sirius merger to get their anti-consumer message out there, requesting that the whole approval process hinge on their wishes. It's all about you, isn't it RIAA? So selfish.

You've got to love the fact that the RIAA is throwing their weight around to put pressure on a couple of companies that actually get money from music fans. Why work with them when you can send legions of flesh-eating lawyers after anyone who tries to build a successful business model around music? [News.com]

"Dual-mode" allows both signals to be downloaded to a radio at once, as if you were receiving AM and FM concurrently. But that difference—between needing or not needing to switch between music providers—would not be worth the cost of upgrading components to most consumers.

Let me make this one clear to Sirius and XM: if you offer me both services through the stuff I already own, you have a much better chance of up-selling my subscription.

[orbitcast]
We stole their nice picture, too.

In addition to the actual reports and updates from the war, there will be era music and commentary about the day from members of NBC's news staff. I am particularly interested because I really want to hear the reports and get a feeling for how media treated war 60 years ago, compared with what it has turned into today. It is also a great way to reflect on the servicemen that lost their lives on that day. –Travis Hudson

XM recreates D-Day radio coverage in real-time [Orbitcast]

Commenter elvindeath does bring up an interesting inquiry in this post— since Opie and Anthony were suspended for 30 days, does the two-day outage mean that they will have to go two more days suspended? I assume not, but I could see those XM assholes pulling a move like that.

By the way, people are still smashing the hell out of their receivers because of the O&A shenanigans.

XM offering two-days credit for downtime [Orbitcast]

"We quickly identified the problem and are working hard to return to our normal levels of service. The problem occurred during the loading of software to a critical component of our satellite broadcast system, which resulted in a loss of signal from one of our satellites. We expect normal service to resume midday today (eastern daylight time)."

David Cavossa of the Satellite Industry Association has a more interesting quote about the situation: "Once they're launched we can't just send the Maytag repairman up there." That got me thinking, why not? Maybe that is a potential new career path for me. Screw blogging, I want to be a space Maytag man.

Oh well, at least XM is back just in time for the afternoon replay of Opie and Antho... oh wait. –Travis Hudson

XM's full signal is back! [Orbitcast]

"We are experiencing a temporary degraded performance issue, which has affected some of our customers. We expect to return to normal service levels this evening."

And if you want to blame someone, I would suggest Opie & Anthony for making comments that pissed off the world. Karma is a bitch. –Travis Hudson

BREAKING: Is XM down? [Orbitcast]

Opie and who? Get the backstory and hear the very NSFW clip that started all of this nonsense after the jump. Oh, and that merger may also be in trouble.

To catch you up, Opie and Anthony had "Homeless Charlie" on the air recently. Charlie spoke very vulgarly about what kind of things he would like to do to the Secretary of the State Condoleeza Rice and George Bush's wife. In the age of Don Imus, XM decided to suspend Opie, Anthony and their popular morning talk show for 30 days.

This could also have massive implications in the current XM and Sirius merger. XM and Sirius are trying to woo Capitol Hill for a smooth merger amid heavy scrutiny from antitrust forces, and I'm sure a homeless man describing what things he would like to do to two of the most powerful ladies in Washington, D.C., can't be helping things along.

–Travis Hudson

XM Subscribers backlash over O&A suspension [Orbitcast]

Product Page [Via Dealhack]

So, this certainly adds value, though it doesn't make the costs go down: once you've spent the $799 on the Rock-N-Road, you'll want to pony up another $250 for the super-sweet license-plate-frame "collision avoidance" camera.

Then there's $50 for the special Rock-N-Road cradle that powers the unit, routes satellite radio and turn-by-turn directions through your car stereo, and tells the Rock-N-Road when you are in reverse, automatically activating your camera. The new cradle requires a professional install, unless you're handy with auto A/V and electrical.

Once you're set up, you have to buy the XM Mini Tuner ($30) and subscribe to XM Radio ($12.95 per month) and to NavTraffic as well (an extra $3.99 per month, or $9.99 monthly if you don't care about the radio).

You may be saying, "Why don't I just buy an aftermarket in-dash system instead?" The answer, to me, is that when you travel, you can pop out the Jensen and stick it in a rental car, using the original cradle that came with it. So the cost will add up to more than a Nuvi, in the end, but it's a cool platform. Hey, sometimes you gotta spend money to spend money. – Wilson Rothman

Rock-n-Road Portable Navigation System Features XM Satellite Radio and Real-Time Traffic Capability [Audiovox]

Elsewhere, it has a 1.3-megapixel camera, weighs 2.7 oz., and will cost you $49 after a $50 mail-in rebate. It qualifies for Alltel's My Circle as well, which is their all you can call for free plan. A nice, anorexic addition to the Alltel lineup without any of the associated health problems. – Jason Chen

Alltel

Audiovox Express EZ features [Orbitcast]

And hey, some states don't even need to pay for tax. Price is good for today only, so get to buying already. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Buy.com - Thanks Zach!]

If you're wondering what's sitting on top of the T-4555P...

it's Onkyo's DV-SP405, a DVD player that'll upconvert your standard DVDs to 1080p via HDMI. It's slated to come out in July for $149, which is nothing revolutionary, but nicely priced nonetheless. – Louis Ramirez

Onkyo USA

Moreover, Arbitron exec Bill Rose told the Times, "Heavy users of digital media don't think, 'If I'm doing this more, I'm doing the other thing less.' "

This directly contradicts what NAB President David Rehr wrote in a letter to the chairman of the House Judiciary Antitrust Task Force in March: "Simply put, every person who listens to satellite radio is one person not listening to a local radio station..."

Isn't there a way to let the customers decide what they want? If the XM/Sirius lovechild is as horrible as Rehr makes it out to be in his anti-monopoly spiel, they'll simply quit paying for it, and look for programming elsewhere, won't they? This study implicitly backs that up, beyond its more obvious conclusions. When it comes to media consumption, perhaps people are just little bit smarter than you've giving them credit for, Mr. Rehr. – Matt Buchanan

Digital Subscribers Like Free Radio, Too [NYT]

His full remarks on satellite radio after the jump.

This next clip is Mel Karmazin, familiar to some of you as the CEO of Sirius satellite radio, testifying before Congress recently. As you will see, he is attempting to define moving from two companies to one company as a merger, not the duopoly to monopoly that it is.

And on this point, Mel and I agree.

This merger will not be approved.

No matter how much Mr. Karmazin and everyone else at Sirius and XM use the word, it is not a merger they seek. It is a monopoly. It is a government sanctioned monopoly.

Now some of you might not be aware I am an economist by training. I ask you, when has a monopoly ever served the interests of the consumer?

In 1997, when the FCC authorized two nationwide satellite radio operators, it specifically prohibited them from merging. The bad business decisions of XM and Sirius — should not be rewarded with a government bailout in the form of a monopoly.

This certainly would not be in the consumer's benefit.

It will be a huge consumer headache because the companies use two different technologies which are not compatible with each other. Like beta and VHS. No, this is not about the consumer. It is not about advancing technology. It is about lining the pockets of financiers and corporate executives.

A monopoly is a monopoly is a monopoly, and we at NAB will continue to adamantly oppose it.

Of course, everyone has vested interests even as they spout that they're only acting on your behalf. Whether or not the merger is truly anticompetitive or totally consumer friendly remains to be seen, though if Karmazin keeps his word, it's looking more like the latter. – Matt Buchanan

The NAB: A history of hypocrisy [Orbitcast]

Audiovox XpressR and XpressEZ plug-and-play XM Radios Introduced [eCoustics.com]

Would you stop reading Giz if I start telling more Chinaman jokes?

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

CBS Fires Imus [SFgate]

It was also demoing in-car video, but the XM rep said not to expect it for a while because they're unsure of how viable it would be and rolling it out would commit them to the service for years, even if it was flop, chewing up tons of bandwidth.

The screen uses touch controls, but in actual production models it will be built into the dashboard rather than stuck up on the windshield, so it will be much easier to reach. Rundown and gallery of the "info" features after the jump.

The point of XM Weather—besides sating Weather Channel junkies—is to give you an idea of what kind of conditions you're driving into, and offer alternative paths if you want to avoid minor inconveniences like rain or tornadoes. All the data's live (obviously) and has an impressive amount of depth and customization options, in terms of what data you want to see and how.

ParkingLink tells you how many spots are left in a parking garage in a given location, though for now the only garages in the database are those owned by Standard Parking Corporation. Not exciting, but useful.

I obviously can't show you any pictures, but the voice controls seemed to work well enough—as long as you had key words in the phrase, it seemed to sort out of the fluff of normal speech to get at what you wanted, though the woman's robotic tone and the weird modem dialing sound in between responses has got to go.

– Matt Buchanan

New York Auto Show [NY Auto Show]

Product Page [Via Dealhack]

Personally, something like this would confuse the hell outta me and unless this is a gadget that I use everyday, it'll probably have a steep learning curve too. No word on when we'll see any of these new touch-screen gadgets. – Louis Ramirez

XM's Touchscreen Patent Application [Orbitcast]

The RIAA filed a similar lawsuit against XM last year that is still pending. The NMPA represents musicians under Famous Music, Warner/Chappell, Sony/ATV, and EMI publishers. Gizmodo angry, Gizmodo smash! –Travis Hudson

NMPA files suit against XM Satellite Radio [Orbitcast]
Related: RIAA Boycott Coverage

"After the merger, customers may elect to receive fewer channels at a monthly price lower than $12.95; substantially similar programming at the existing $12.95 price; or more channels ... at a modest premium to the cost of one service, and considerably less than the cost of subscribing to both services."

When challenged about pricing, Karmazin made a promise to the suits in the Senate:

Those antitrust hearings are still going on, where Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl called out the Sirius CEO, saying the merger would result in "a fabulous monopoly" and "a real bad deal for consumers."

Karmazin tried to put out that fire by assuring the senator and his colleagues that the combined company's not going to raise prices. Sure, he says that now. Just like the kid says to daddy when he's begging for the Corvette keys, "I promise not to speed, really." – Charlie White

Sirius, XM to offer reduced price plan after deal [Reuters, via Yahoo News]

From the rumor mill: Pioneer developing Sirius' own "Inno"? [Orbitcast]