Delphi’s potent and pocket-friendly SA10000 XM SKYFi satellite radio receiver flits easily between home and car and puts XM Radio’s wealth of music, sports, and news offerings at your fingertips, whether you’re accessing the service’s 100-plus channels via the receiver’s stylish faceplate or through the supplied remote control. We found the receiver’s display and controls well laid out and easy to navigate. More importantly, XM’s radio service is every bit as enjoyable as its hardware is simple.Use of the receiver requires a paid monthly subscription to XM Satellite Radio ($9.95 per month, no contract required). You’ll also need either a car or a home docking apparatus such as the Delphi SA10002 XM SKYFi vehicle kit or the Delphi SA10034 XM Portable CD audio boombox (whose use is by no means limited to the home). The receiver pulls in the signal, while a docking station provides DC power and traditional features like speakers, headphone jacks, and antennas, depending on the accessory. For this review we used the XM portable boombox. It bears repeating: the SA10000 receiver will produce no sound without an ancillary listening device.

The XM service offers good music with minimal repetition whichever direction you turn, all conveniently arranged by category or by channel. Using the remote’s display button, you can even view the artist or the name of the song currently playing as you scroll past stations. XM’s channels break down into 68 music channels (all of them commercial free), 33 channels of news (ABC, CNN, Fox, and a host of other mainstream networks), sports (led by 2 ESPN and 2 NASCAR channels), talk, and entertainment (Discover, E!, others), as well as instant traffic and weather updates for 21 major U.S. metropolitan areas.

Within the major music categories–rock, “hits” (pop), country, jazz/blues, and urban–subgenres abound, offering many exciting places to revisit classics and discover new favorites. Notably anomalies are channels devoted to new age (Audio Visions), progressive-rock/jazz fusion (XM Music Lab), rock bands lacking record contracts (Unsigned), and great moments and music from films (Cinemagic). There’s even a channel for Starbucks’ excellent HEAR Music, centered on jazz musicians and singer-songwriters and the musicians who inspired them.

Underserved are classical music (3 channels cover orchestral music, vocal music, and single movements of larger works), children’s music (teens may enjoy Disney radio, but XM Kids is just plain soggy), world music (7 channels, 4 of which are Latin and 1 of which is devoted to music from Jamaica), and–most surprisingly–electronica. XM’s dance and electronic music leans heavily on beats, going mainstream with hip acts like Royksopp, Moby, and Zero 7.

The receiver offers 20 station presets (2 banks of 10) and 10 memory settings, which recall artist, song, and station after the fact so you can make notes or hunt out CDs later.

To evaluate XM’s sound quality we fed the headphone output from the SA10034 boombox to an integrated amplifier and speaker setup. Quality proved remarkably consistent channel to channel. Relative to our CDs and MP3 music files, the quality of the XM service sounds closest to 128 kbps MP3–wholly listenable and usually downright enjoyable, if not as smooth, full-bodied, and detailed as linear (uncompressed) CD sound.

Bass is decent–a little hyped on rock material, like FM radio–and the treble frequencies sound natural and free from most of the artifacts often heard in lossy digital compression. XM’s classical programming sounds even better than its rock programming, with fewer artifacts and a wider stereo soundstage. Better than FM? For its silky background quiet and slightly wider dynamic range, we’d have to say yes. –Michael Mikesell

Pros:

• Simple setup
• Excellent sound quality
• Great indoor reception
• Consistent audio quality, station to station
• Commercial-free music channels
• Excellent pop and alternative-rock selection
• Dedicated progressive-rock/fusion channel
• Deep country/folk, urban/R&B, and jazz/blues offerings
• Includes a new-age channel
• Localized traffic and weather updates

Cons:

• Not usable without ancillary hardware (a headphone jack would be nice)
• No NPR (though XM Public Radio is a good approximation)
• Minimal electronica coverage
• Limited classical selection
• Weak children’s offering

What’s in the Box
Delphi XM SKYFi radio receiver (SA10000), wireless remote control, 1 CR2032 lithium battery, and operating and quick start guides.

Step into the future of radio with the Delphi XM SKYFi radio receiver, which connects to the XM satellite radio network and over 100 channels of programming. You’ll get crystal-clear reception, whether at home or on the road, thanks to XM’s powerful satellites and vast network of repeater stations throughout the continental U.S.

With the SKYFi vehicle kit, the SKYFi radio receiver is easy to set up for satellite transmission through your car stereo.

Note that the SKYFi radio receiver requires a monthly subscription, as well as either the separately available home or car connection kit to receive XM radio signals.

The sleek, compact SKYFi radio receiver features a large orangish-red 5-line display (with adjustable font size) that displays song title, artist, channel category, and channel name/number information. It has control buttons for on/off, saving song information to memory, and preset programming (up to 20 presets), as well as a scroll wheel that enables you to quickly search through the channel categories and stations. The SKYFi radio receiver also comes with a remote control with the same control buttons as well as an audio mute control. The remote control uses a 3-volt CR2032 lithium battery, available at most retailers that carry electronic products.

The SKYFi radio receiver inserts neatly into the SKYFi Boombox for satellite radio wherever you want to take it.

You can listen to one station while previewing program information on up to five other channels. Additionally, you can save the song and artist information displayed on the SKYFi radio receiver to help you remember your favorite songs when you hit the CD store. The line-out level control adjusts the audio level if it is too high, causing distortion, or too low for your car.

What Is XM Satellite Radio?
XM Satellite Radio was the first satellite radio service to be offered in the U.S. It features a state-of-the-art broadcast center in Washington, D.C., two Boeing 702 satellites (providing 18 kW of power–the most powerful commercial satellites ever built), and approximately 800 terrestrial repeaters located throughout the continental United States for seamless transmission. Service is not available in Hawaii or Alaska.

XM Satellite Radio offers 101 channels, including 70 music channels, over 35 of which are commercial-free, and 31 news, sports, talk, and children’s channels, broadcast coast to coast in digital quality. Basic service is available for a monthly subscription fee of $9.99, with premium channel(s) available at an additional monthly cost. Under the XM Family plan, subscribers get a discounted rate of $6.99 per month for additional radios.

XM’s programming partners include Sesame Workshop, NASCAR, Associated Press, ABC News, CNBC, CNET, BBC World Service and BBC Concerts, Radio One, CNN/Sports Illustrated, Hispanic Broadcast Corporation, Disney, and ESPN.

What’s in the Box
Delphi XM SKYFi radio receiver (SA10000), wireless remote control, one CR2032 lithium battery, and operating and quick start guides.

Product Description
The Delphi XM SKYFi radio combines the advanced features with a compact design and ease of installation, all at an affordable price.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Technical Details

• Model: SA10000
• Type: Digital satellite radio receiver
• Compatibility: Works only with XM Satellite Radio service
• Monthly fee: Yes ($9.95 per month, no contract required; see www.xmradio.com for more details)
• Required component: Use of this receiver requires the additional purchase of a car kit, home kit, or boombox (not included)
• Music channels: 68 (all commercial-free): decades: 6; pop: 9 (including Broadway and Cinemagic); rock: 14 (including progressive rock/fusion); country: 7 (including folk); urban: 7 (including hip-hop, R&B, and gospel); dance: 4 (including disco); jazz/blues: 5; classical: 3; Latin: 4; world: 3 (including Jamaican); lifestyle: 3 (including Starbucks, new age, and eclectic); kids: 2 (including Disney Radio)
• Sports channels: 6 (including ESPN and NASCAR)
• News channels: 12 (including ABC News and Talk, BBC World Service, CNBC, CNN, CNN Headline News, CNN Spanish, and Fox News)
• Talk/entertainment channels: 12 (including MTV Radio and VH-1 Radio)
• Traffic and weather: Channels for 21 major metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington DC
• Channel presets: 20
• Audio outputs: Proprietary multi-pin output
• Audio inputs: 0
• Headphone jack: No
• Includes remote control: Yes (wireless)
• Antenna included: No
• Antenna aiming (home installation): Yes
• Search: Yes (channel, category, artist name, or song title)
• Memo button: Stores up to 10 artist/song combinations for perusal later
• Direct tuning: Yes (10 buttons)
• Display: 5 lines, adjustable font size, adjustable brightness and contrast, orange LEDs
• Display settings: Adjustable font size; shows channel category, channel name and number, signal strength, keypad mode (direct-entry, preset bank A, preset bank B), artist name, and song title)
• Factory reset: Yes
• Mute: Yes
• Tone controls: None
• Sleep timer: Yes (can be set to turn off after 60, 120, or 180 minutes)
• On timer: No
• Alarm function: No
• Program alert: No
• Power input: DC 6V (via car or home docking station/boombox)
• Power consumption: 1 mA (maximum)
• Item width: 4.7 inches
• Item height: 2.9 inches
• Item depth: 1.5 inches
• Item weight: .89 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year parts and labor for original owner
• In the box: Delphi XM SKYFi radio receiver (SA10000), wireless remote control, 1 CR2032 lithium battery, and operating and quick start guides

If you have an Audiovox Xpress or a Delphi Roady XT satellite radio receiver, then the F5X007 XM Audio System is a great addition to your XM radio repertoire. This sharp-looking boombox allows gives you complete freedom to experience XM satellite radio programming in almost any environment. With the molded handle, water-resistant cover, and an attractive ergonomic design, the F5X007 is versatile enough to go from the boat to the kitchen with ease.An Xpress or Roady XT connects firmly into the Audio Systems docking station. Load the system with eight C-cell batteries and, with the help of the integrated portable antenna, you’ll be ready to tune your favorite XM programs anywhere you roam. Of course, you can use the FX5007 indoors, too. You can use the external antenna in place of the integrated antenna. This allows you to position the external antenna in the optimal spot for perfect reception of the XM satellite signal. It comes equipped with an indoor power adapter, and even offers a headphone jack for private listening. Plus, with the included wireless remote you have across-the-room radio control. Indoors or out, the FX5007 features a two-way stereo speaker system that uses separate woofers and tweeters to deliver a clear, forceful sound.

What’s in the Box
F5X007 XM audio system, power adapter, remote control, external home antenna, and user guide.

Product Description
As the weather warms, it’s time for the outdoors. Whether you’re camping, picnicing, beaching, or patio-ing, this boombox adapter lets you listen to XM radio through great speakers with excellent sound. The XM Radio Audio System allows users complete freedom to experience XM Satellite Radio programming in virtually any environment. The Audio System is designed to be compatible with your Delphi RoadyXT or Audiovox Xpress XM Satellite Radio receivers. With the integrated handle, water-resistant cover, and stylish looks, the Audio System is versatile enough to go from the poolside or boat to the kitchen. The Audio System operates on eight C-cell batteries (optional – not included) or an AC adapter (included). Requires subscription to XM satellite radio service. Water resistant external volume controls Wireless remote control

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Technical Details

• Model number: F5X007
• Compatibility: Delphi RoadyXT XM satellite receivers, Audiovox Xpress Plug-and-Play XM satellite receivers
• Speaker: 2-way speaker system
• Speaker drivers: 4-inch woofer and 13-millimeter tweeter
• Antenna: Built-in
• Remote control: Wireless
• Power supply: 8 x C batteries, AC adapter (included)
• Water-resistant: Yes
• Dimensions: 18.0 x 9.0 x 5.75 inches (WxHxD)
• Warranty: 1 year

The Samsung YA-CD100 Helix Home Docking Kit provides you with everything you need to connect your Samsung Helix XM satellite receiver to a home stereo system. The Samsung Helix XM satellite radio/MP3 player initially comes with everything needed to play it over any home stereo, so the YA-CD100 can either allow you to connect to a second home or office stereo system without purchasing another subscription, or it can simply offer replacement parts for the original accessories that came with your Helix receiver.The YA-CD100 kit includes a desktop cradle and docking stand, an indoor antenna, an AC wall-style universal power adapter, and an RCA-to-3.5mm mini-jack audio cable. All the elements in this kit are easily installed and completely plug-and-play, requiring you to simply make the signal and power connections at the cradle, and position the antenna for optimal reception. While plugged in, the home docking cradle serves to recharge your Helix’s built-in battery. This kit has the same parts as those that originally came with the Samsung Helix, that are set-up the same way, and includes a convenient remote control as well. The YA-CD100 home kit requires the Samsung Helix in order to operate, and is backed by a manufacturer’s 1-year warranty.

From the Manufacturer
The Samsung Helix XM satellite radio/MP3 player comes with everything needed to play it over any home stereo. This handy home kit allows connection to a second home stereo, and offers replacements for the original home accessories.

The kit includes a desktop cradle, an indoor antenna, a power adapter, and an audio cable. Make all signal and power connections at the cradle, and position the antenna for optimal reception. When it’s plugged in, the cradle also recharges the Helix’s built-in battery. The Helix is sold separately.

Features and Benefits

• Home accessory kit for the Samsung Helix
• Includes desktop docking cradle
• Easily installed indoor antenna
• Universal power adapter
• Minijack to RCA audio cable
• One year warranty

Product Description
A home kit that is specifically designed for the portable Samsung Helix XM Satellite Radio

Get ready for total music freedom with the Samsung Nexus digital audio device. The Nexus takes the concept of a personal digital audio player to the next level with the addition of XM satellite radio. Using the supplied dock, and an included XM Connect-and-Play antenna, you can record your favorite XM programming to the device.

The Nexus is the perfect way to carry all your favorite XM content and personal digital music files.

With the XM + Napster service, you can own the tunes you hear on XM that strike your fancy.

XM radio offers an incredible selection of music, sports, talk, and more.

Then, listen to your tunes and talk radio while you’re on the go. In addition to handling XM content, you can also play songs from your existing library of MP3 and WMA music files (including purchased downloads). Plus, you can mix your recorded XM content with your music files — create a playlist with XM recordings and your own digital music.Because the Nexus is an XM ready device, it’s designed to interface with the XM Connect-and-Play antenna. Simply plug the home antenna into the Nexus and you’re rocking to XM’s 150-plus digital channels. No additional accessories or installation are required. In addition to charging the device’s battery, the included home docking station lets you use the Nexus as an XM receiver to play live XM content through your home stereo (the dock features stereo RCA outputs).

Featuring a full array of programming — from talk shows, comedy programs, and live Major League Baseball broadcasts to just about every musical genre from bluegrass to jazz — XM Radio is the fastest growing satellite radio network in the world. All XM metadata is displayed on the Nexus’ front panel display, including full song title and artist name, as well as information extras such as stock and sports score tickers.

At 3.4 x 1.9 x 0.7-inches, the Nexus is pocket friendly and designed to go wherever you go. The embedded 512 MB of internal memory gives you ample space for storing your music — up to 25 hours of content will fit on the device. Music is transferred between your PC and the Nexus via a high-speed USB 2.0 connection.

Another cool aspect of the Nexus is its support for the XM + Napster music service. If you hear a song you like on XM radio, simply “tag” it and easily purchase and download that artist or song via Napster. It’s a great way to discover and own the music you like.
What’s in the Box
YP-X5X XM radio/MP3 player, XM passport, battery, earbuds, remote control, home dock/cradle, home XM antenna, AC power adapter, RCA audio cable, USB cable, carrying case/holster, user’s guide, and software CD-ROM.

Product Description
Samsung YP-X5X NeXus 25 – XM Satellite Radio delivers over 170 channels; including music, talk, sports, comedy, and news programming. Including unique offers like The Opie&Anthony Show and Major League Baseball. With the Samsung NeXus, you can listen to this content live and in realtime, wherever you go! It’s an extremely portable unit that has 512MB of storage space. Use it to store up to 25 hours of XM radio content, or to play your favorite MP3 and WMA music files. Passport Tuner Chip Connects to a PC via USB 2.0 Unit Dimensions – 1.9 (w) x 3.4 (h) x 0.7 (d)

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Technical Details

• Model number: YP-X5X
• Storage: 512 MB
• Audio file format: MP3 (64 to 320 kbps), WMA (64 to 192 kbps), WMA DRM (Secure WMA), XM content
• Playing time: Up to 25 hours
• Tuner type: XM satellite radio tuner
• Connectors (main unit): 3.5-millimeter stereo mini jack
• Connectors (home dock/cradle): Line output, Antenna connector (RF SMB), USB jack, AC adapter jack
• Display: 1.5-inch FSTN display
• Power supply: Rechargeable lithium ion battery (included), AC power adapter (included), USB charging
• Battery life: Approx. 8 hours
• Remote control: Yes
• Battery for remote control: 1 x CR2032 battery
• System requirements: Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4/XP SP2 Home or Professional Edition; Intel Pentium-class CPU; 64 MB of RAM or more; 13 MB of available hard disk space or more for XM+Napster application; USB port; CD-ROM drive; Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher; Windows Media Player 9 or higher (Windows Media Player 10 recommended for Windows XP); Internet connection (broadband connection recommended)
• Dimensions (XM radio/MP3 player): 47 x 86 x 17 millimeters / 1.9 x 3.4 x 0.67 inches (WxHxD)
• Weight (XM radio/MP3 player): 130 grams / 4.6 ounces
• Dimensions (remote control): 39 x 95 x 12 millimeters / 1.5 x 3.7 x 0.47 inches (WxHxD)
• Warranty: 1 year
• In the Box: YP-X5X XM radio/MP3 player, XM passport, battery, earbuds, remote control, home dock/cradle, home XM antenna, AC power adapter, RCA audio cable, USB cable, carrying case/holster, user’s guide, software CD-ROM

From the Manufacturer
In the trunk, in the glove compartment or under your seat, this Sony 10-CD changer will give you more choices at the touch of a button. And, with Sony’s CDX-454RF, you can connect to any FM radio so it’s ideal if you have a leased car or if you’re not handy with a screwdriver. Mount your CD changer in the trunk and control it through the slim-line display that doubles as a wired remote. Keep more music at your beck and call with the CDX-454RF, another example of awesome Sony mobile technology.

Product Description
Professional Installation Recommended
1-Bit D/A Converter Built-In RF Modulator D-Bass Super Suspension Shock Isolation Supplied Low-profile Wired Commander (RM-X82RF) XA-250 10-disc Magazine Sony 1-Year Warranty

Enjoy the freedom of Sirius satellite radio in your car with this easy-to-install dock with a built-in wireless FM transmitter. Compatible with the Audiovox SIRPNP1 or SIRPNP2 Sirius radio tuner, this docking station connects to your in-dash car stereo with the included RCA audio cable. If your car stereo doesn’t have an audio connection, the FM transmitter can send the Sirius radio signal to one of four FM frequencies (88.1 MHz, 88.3 MHz, 88.5 MHz, or 88.7 MHz).The base has a swivel ball for adjustment of the dock, and it can be mounted to your dash using the included adhesive strip or included screws. The antenna has a magnetic base that enables you to mount it on your car’s roof or trunk; it connects to the docking cradle with a 20-foot antenna cable.

Sirius satellite radio is a subscription service that provides up to 100 channels of programming, from digital-quality music to news, talk, and sports.

What’s in the Box
SIRCK1 cradle, base with adhesive pad, audio cable, vehicle antenna, DC (cigarette lighter) power adapter, screws and washers, and printed installation guide.

Mobile Docking kit for Audiovox SIRPNP1 or SIRPNP2 Sirius tuners. A built-in wireless FM-modulator allows for easy installation of Sirius Satellite Radio to any vehicle with an FM tuner. (Requires SIRPNP1 or SIRPNP2 tuner – sold separately)
Audiovox became a pioneer in the wireless industry, selling its first vehicle-installed wireless telephones in 1984 as a natural expansion of its automotive aftermarket business. Its extensive distribution network and its long-standing industry relationships have allowed Audiovox to benefit from growing market opportunities in the wireless industry and to exploit niches in the consumer electronics business.PRODUCT FEATURES: Sleek low profile docking station; Cigarette lighter power adapter; Mounting bracket; Small low profile roof mount antenna; FM transmitter with 4 frequency adjustments incorporated into docking station for wireless connection; 1/8″ jack to male RCA connectors for integration into the vehicle audio system; Multiple mounting options.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Technical Details

• Satellite radio: No
• Cradle: Included
• Antenna: Included
• Audio connection: RCA cable (included)
• FM transmitter: Yes
• Cradle width: 5.3 inches
• Cradle height: 3.6 inches
• Cradle depth: 2.1 inches
• Antenna width: 2.3 inches
• Antenna height: 0.9 inches
• Antenna depth: 2.9 inches
• Item weight: Information unavailable
• Warranty: 1 year
• In the box: SIRCK1 cradle, base with adhesive pad, audio cable, vehicle antenna, DC (cigarette lighter) power adapter, screws and washers, and printed installation guide

Consumers in search of great entertainment and connectivity on the road will find the AVH-P4000DVD the ideal in-car solution. Features a 6.1 inch video screen plus unprecedented audio and video qualities and versatile connectivity to iPod players, portable audio devices and Bluetooth cell phones.

For improved design and vehicle integration, consumers installing this unit has a variety of colors to choose from for button illumination and graphic user interface (GUI). Users can customize its illumination by selecting from 112 color variations for its display and panel illumination.

Product Description
Connect your iPod to the AVH-P4000DVD with an optional adapter for direct control of iPod audio and video menus, functions and selections via on-screen touch panel. The head unit keeps song, artist, time and album information displays very clear and user-friendly, and control is exceptionally easy with the Touchscreen control. While listening to a specific artist you can hold List button down and it will pop up folders containing that specific artist. Allows passenger to use the iPod directly to browse and select music, while connected to the head unit for playback. Take control of your networked life with the ability to have two devices connected at same time. USB 2.0′s capability allows nearly limitless expandability for portable media players and USB memory devices. Pioneer’s AVH-P4000DVD plays various digital compression formats from DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW discs, and easily connects to a variety of digital audio devices. Play your MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC and even DivX files. Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any digital portable player and other external auxiliary devices. The AVH-P4000DVD has front panel input for extra-convenient access. The AVH-P4000DVD is smartly designed to expand your system, customize your experience, and provide superior sound quality and easy operation.

Product Features

Technical Details