XM Satellite Radio questions

[Sabs]

I am planning to get my father this radio setup for christmas, but I have some questions. I've only seen this at Best Buy, and needless to say not all the sales people know what they're talking about.

He currently has a Buick with in-dash cd player + a cd changer. Here is what we were looking at:

Tuner with FM Modulator GEX-FM 903XZ - $250

CD Deck with tuner: GEX-FM 900XM $400

We'd like to know if he can still use his changer with either of these. Also we were told with his factory cd deck that he might lose the signal to the FM88.3 station it must be tuned to. So, is it better for us to get the separate tuner to use with his current system, or the in-dash cd player with tuner? Also, any recommendations for good prices on equipment online?

 

[UNCjigga]

Most likely the changer won't work with a new head unit. I don't understand what the sales guy was tellin' you about the signal...just make sure your dad's ol' buick radio can tune down to 88.3 (don't all cars tune to those extremities?) As long as you can get it on the dial, it should be fine. I'd go with the FM modulator if I were you.

Just so you know, by next summer there will be THREE (3) separate, incompatible satellite radio networks. XM (owned by DirecTV) and Sirius (launching February 2002) are two private networks. The third network is the most intriguing, because it has more data capabilities, including GPS-based services and graphical display capabilites (local weather, etc.) This third standard is also backed by some huge consortium as I understand it. I can't find info on this one yet, but it is not set to launch until the summer.

EDIT: Oops, the other format I was referring to wasn't satellite based at all: rather it is in-band on-channel (IBOC) terrestrial digital radio. This uses existing AM/FM broadcast/receiving equipment to send digital radio signals to your car. The biggest difference between this and satellite is that you are still limited to broadcasts based on location. However, with IBOC you have much greater range than ever before. Because the FCC is taking a big step in regulating IBOC, don't expect a standards war. Two companies bidding on creating a standard recently merged to form iBiquity digital radio, which will work with the FCC in developing the standard. The first band to go digital will likely be AM, since it is useless right now. When broadcasters feel that they need to add more content, the FM dial will also be opened up to digital radio (imagine 48khz multichannel DTS-quality audio in your car!)