XM Radio 2001 Annual Report Download - page 9

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Technology
“… The overall sound quality was superb, with good dynamics, crisp frequency
response, and virtually inaudible distortion … Of course, the most telling comparison
came when we switched over to FM … Comparing FM with digital radio is a bit like
comparing an LP with a CD, or a videotape with a DVD. They might as well exist in
different universes …” — Popular Science
“The system worked as promised, with virtually flawless performance. Even snaking
around the tallest high rises; the signal stayed with us … ” — Hartford Courant
XM succeeded in pulling together an outstanding team of technology and
manufacturing partners to complete the development, design and application of
breakthrough technology in just four short years.
XM is a technology that delivers world-class science and innovation from the far
reaches of outer space to your inner ear. In 2001 we deployed:
• Proven chipset technology. XM and its partner STMicroelectronics, a
world leader in its field, completed, validated and shipped chipsets to
XM’s manufacturing partners. These two custom integrated circuits
flawlessly and reliably process the satellite and repeater signals and
decode the music, speech and data streams to ensure an outstanding
multi-media listening experience.
• Superior sound quality. XM uses the most advanced audio technology
to produce outstanding digital-quality sound, transforming radio which
has not had a technological change since the introduction of FM almost
40 years ago.
• Two of the most powerful communications satellites and a
comprehensive repeater network. On March 18, XM’s satellite “Rock”
lifted off — followed by “Roll” on May 8. Settling into geostationary
orbits over the east and west coasts, respectively, “Rock” and “Roll”
broadcast signals across the 48 continental states. That signal is
augmented in urban areas by a system of approximately 800 repeaters
that ensure quality signal reception even in areas near tall buildings.
• A full line of XM radios. Pioneer, Sony, Alpine and Delphi Corporation
delivered a full line of 24 XM radios: AM/FM/XM car stereos and radios
that can adapt any existing car stereo to receive XM, including the
Pioneer universal receiver and Sony’s award-winning “Plug and Play”
radio that works in the car, home or office. Alpine recently introduced
an XM universal receiver and Sony will soon offer XM in its Xplod line
of in-dash radios. All XM radios offer digital-quality XM sound along with
a display of the artist name and song title, and of course access to AM
and FM.
• A state-of-the-art broadcast complex: Our Digital Broadcast Complex in
the heart of Washington, D.C., provides the perfect transmission platform
to support XM’s 100 channels. Our 80-plus digital studios create the
superior XM sound, with access to more than 1.5 million songs in our
central server (the largest ever built by IBM). The result of this
unprecedented technology collaboration is simple: XM works. With
digital quality sound and coast-to-coast coverage, XM is adding a whole
new dimension to the concept of audio performance.
The system performed flawlessly …
“— Popular Science
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XM SATELLiTE RADiO 2 001 Annual Report
AR 2001 TEXTPGONLYFINAL 4/9/02 12:07 PM Page 7