Is there a difference between Sirius radio and SiriusXM?

Yes, there is a fundamental difference between Sirius radio, XM radio, and the modern SiriusXM. The distinction is primarily rooted in the underlying technology and hardware of the radio receivers, a legacy of a time when Sirius and XM were two separate, competing companies before they merged. While the company is now unified, the type of radio you own still dictates the services you can receive visit  https//siriusxm.com/activate tv.

A Tale of Two Companies

Before 2008, Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio were rival services in the North American market. Each company built its own independent satellite network, used different broadcasting and compression technologies, and signed its own exclusive content deals. For example, Howard Stern was famously exclusive to the Sirius platform. Because their technologies were completely different, a radio built for Sirius could not receive XM signals, and vice versa. In 2008, the two companies merged to form the single entity now known as SiriusXM.

The Key Difference: Radio Hardware and Technology

The most critical distinction for consumers is that “Sirius,” “XM,” and “SiriusXM” refer to three different hardware platforms. The technology your radio was built on determines which subscription packages it can access.

• Sirius Radios: These are older, pre-merger devices that can only receive legacy Sirius subscription packages.
• XM Radios: These are also legacy devices from before the merger that can only receive XM subscription packages.
• SiriusXM Radios: This is the modern standard for all new radios. These devices are built for the consolidated post-merger network and can access all current SiriusXM subscription plans. The SiriusXM platform is considered more advanced, often offering better sound quality and more channels than the older networks.

Because the underlying compression and signal access systems are different, the hardware is not interchangeable. You cannot use an old Sirius radio to receive an XM package, even though the parent company is the same.

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How This Affects Subscriptions and Channels

After the merger, SiriusXM consolidated its channel lineups, bringing the most popular content from both services to a wider audience. However, the specific subscription plan you can purchase is still tied directly to your radio’s platform.

If you have a very old car with a factory-installed “Sirius” radio, you would subscribe to a legacy Sirius plan. If your car has an “XM” radio, you would get a legacy XM plan. While these packages offer much of the same core content as modern plans, there can be slight differences. All new vehicles and standalone radios are equipped with SiriusXM hardware, giving them access to the full and most current range of subscription options, including top-tier Platinum plans.

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The Modern SiriusXM Experience

Today, the consumer-facing brand is simply SiriusXM, and all new hardware is built for this unified platform. The company has continued to evolve its technology with offerings like the SiriusXM 360L platform, which is found in many new cars. This advanced system combines the satellite signal with a vehicle’s built-in internet connection, allowing for a hybrid experience that includes more channels, on-demand content, and personalized recommendations, blending the best of satellite and streaming radio.