XM Satellite Radio Introduces XM Direct
Universal Tuner for Car Stereos Now Available for Third-Party Developers, Distributors
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 -- XM Satellite Radio , America's #1 satellite radio service, today formally introduced XM Direct, an ultra-compact XM tuner module for car stereos.
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XM Direct is a universal tuner that can be connected to any satellite- radio-ready car stereo with smart digital adaptors developed and distributed by third-party companies. XM Direct uses an open operating system to give third parties the opportunity to develop a wide range of adaptor cables to satisfy consumer demand in the automobile aftermarket and OEM segments. The third-party adaptors connect the XM Direct to the in-dash stereo system so drivers can tune into XM Radio using their existing stereo controls.
"With XM Direct and smart digital adaptors, automobile dealerships and retailers can now satisfy customers who want to listen to XM through their in- dash stereo, regardless of vehicle or car stereo brand," said Dan Murphy, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Distribution, XM Satellite Radio.
The companies Blitzsafe and Terk Technologies are currently developing a variety of smart digital adaptors for XM Direct. Blitzsafe has developed and shipped the first adaptor for 2003 and 2004 BMW and Mini vehicles, which is sold through Satellite Radios Direct. Consumers will be able to purchase XM Direct from participating BMW and Mini dealers for $299 plus installation.
Ira Marlowe, President of Blitzsafe, said, "This reminds me of the early days when we were instrumental in getting CD changers to become more widely available as a new audio platform. We are very excited to be offering the very first digital adaptor for XM Direct for BMW and Mini. It accurately transfers the superior digital sound quality of XM with full functionality, and it enables key features that can't be found on the existing BMW and Mini satellite systems. And this is just the beginning. We look forward to introducing more adaptors for more applications in the near future."
Blitzsafe is working with Alpine to develop an adaptor for its aftermarket car stereos available early next year.
Terk plans to introduce adaptors for other exciting applications in January at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. All of these adaptors for XM Direct will connect the tuner to the manufacturers' equipment and provide seamless operation and digital sound quality.
Satellite Radios Direct will sell both the XM Direct tuner and the Blitzsafe BMW/Mini adaptor to provide dealers with one distributor contact for both components through its web site www.SatelliteRadiosDirect.com or by calling 1-888-XM4-CARZ (1-888-964-2279). Consumers who are not near a participating dealer can purchase XM Direct through the website www.radiosandmore.com.
Companies interested in learning more about the XM Direct Development Community can contact Rocco Tricarico, Director of Product Marketing & Distribution for XM Satellite Radio, at xmdirect@xmradio.com.
About XM Satellite Radio
XM is America's #1 satellite radio service. With over 1 million subscribers, XM is on pace to exceed 1.2 million subscribers later this year. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City and Nashville, Tennessee at the Country Music Hall of Fame, XM provides its loyal listeners with 101 digital channels of choice: 70 music channels, more than 35 of them commercial-free, from hip hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues; and 31 channels of premiere sports, talk, comedy, kid's and entertainment programming. Compact and stylish XM satellite radio receivers for the home, the car, the computer and even a boombox for on the go are available from retailers nationwide. In addition, XM is available in more than 80 different 2004 car models. XM is a popular factory-installed option on more than 40 new General Motors models, as well as a standard feature on several top-selling Honda and Acura models.
XM is proud to actively support the lifesaving efforts of The Marrow Foundation and the National Marrow Donor Program to increase the size and diversity of the national Registry of unrelated blood stem cell and marrow donors.
For more information about XM, visit http://www.xmradio.com/.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for the Company's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 6-03-03. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department.
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