I was wondering what everyone's experience is with their xm reception. I travel the same route to work every day (Ridgefield CT to Greenwich CT) on back roads with lots of trees. I get what I would consider horrible reception. About 1/3 of my ride I get static, white noise, and constant drop outs. I was considering this normal for the roads im driving on as I also get almost no AT&T cell phone reception on this route. However, since my MAX is in the shop, I have the pleasure of driving a Chrysler Sebring (POS) with sirius. On the same route to work I had not a single drop out of reception. Is it a sirius vs. xm thing? Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

I experience the same thing when going under bridges sometimes, but most of all right in front of Mohegan Sun on Rt. 32. There are large stone walls to the right that appear to block the signal. I have occasionally had trouble with very vegitated roads with tall trees as well. It really bugs me, but doesn't happen nearly enough to be a real neusance. I thought satellites would be reliable for signal strength but we are proven wrong. That is very interesting that you didnt get the same problem in the Sebring.

 

XM=Sirius. The frequency differences are very, very tiny. Same band plan, split in 2 for "competing companies" that recently merged.

Sirius's sat locations are a bit higher in the atmosphere which provides for a better reception (less obstructions). XM uses terrestial repeaters to try to fill in the coverage gaps.

So.... Depending on how far North you are in North America will help decide your reception.

 

I have the same issues. Going under trees blocks the reception.

 

I have similiar issues hear on LI. I get bad reception on the Southern State Parkway. I can pass under a bridge and still get reception and then I exit and am in the clear and the signal fades. My bro in law saw that his does this also in his Accord. I think that it is ridiculous.

 

Well, glad im not alone, and i dont think i will make an issue of it with the dealer, but it does suck and am considering cancelling xm over this.

thanks for the responses.

 

My XM does not like buildings for some reason....

 

I have the same issue, and I also had it in my last car where I installed an aftermarket XM radio. The problem with the trees will clear up somewhat in the winter, when the leaves fall off the trees. As for "building shadowing", you just got to live with it sometimes.

 

How will the Sirius/XM merger affect current subscribers. I currently have a "portable" sirius receiver in my '07. the new Max which I will get into in December will have XM. Do I set up another account, or can I roll over. Any thoughts?