Listening to Your Satellite Radio in Your Car

If you are thinking about buying a satellite radio for your car, keep in mind that most aftermarket satellite radio receivers for your car need to be installed.  Many people love the benefits of satellite radio, but don’t realize that in order to listen to satellite radio when they are in their car, they have to first buy a receiver and then install it.  This can add hundreds of dollars to the start up costs of satellite radio. 

Besides aftermarket satellite radio receivers there are two other options.  You can buy a new car with a stock receiver which includes satellite radio or buy a satellite radio unit with an RF modulator to send the satellite radio to your already installed car receiver.

Most new cars come with the option of satellite radio.  Depending on the car manufacturer you can have the option of choosing either XM satellite radio, Sirius satellite radio or both.  However, most manufacturers have a contract with only one satellite radio provider.

For many satellite radio listeners it is much easier to buy a portable unit that doubles as a RF modulator.  This way they can listen to their satellite radio on the go as well as send signals to their car stereo, home stereo or radio at work when they need to.  Most portable units cost about $200 and up, but are well worth the price tag because they offer so much functionality.  If you are looking to buy a satellite radio, look into the different ways that you can listen to it in your car.