Satellite Radio Product Report

Raymarine’s E-Series Multifunction Navigation System is Now Even More Powerful With SIRIUS

2008-02-14T18:37:00.000-08:00

The E-Series Navigation System is available with two sizes of ultra-bright sunlight viewable displays: the 8.4” E80 and the 12.1” E120. New features offered with E-Series v4 include:

Enhanced Chartplotting
The re-loaded E-Series offers new chartplotter capabilities including animated tide and current graphics, user-enabled radar style range rings, improved heading and course vectors display options and improved distance track intervals. In addition, the E-Series 3D chartplotter includes a new 3D “depth plane” control that graphically highlights user-selected depth values, enabling captains to visualize the depth plane contour through shades of color.

Platinum Plus Compatibility
The expanded cartography capabilites include support for 2007 Gold Plus and Platinum Plus cartography and a softkey to select standard Navigation charts or Fish’n’Chip charts. Platinum Plus charts offer boaters a number of benefits including higher resolution aerial photo charts, improved panoramic port photos and smoother 3D rendering. In addition, coastal pilotbook data is now linked to every port icon.

HD and Super HD Digital Radar
With the software upgrade, E-Series owners can now take advantage of Raymarine’s ground-breaking HD Digital radar and exclusive Super HD Digital Radar technology using Raymarine’s SeaTalkhs network. Raymarine’s HD Digital technology brings radar users the power of digital signal processing with a truly adaptive transmitter and receiver that automatically adjust to changing environmental and sea conditions. E-Series v4 and Raymarine Digital Radars feature Dual Range mode, enabling the captain to view both long and short radar ranges simultaneously. HD Digital Radar features also include user-selectable color palettes and Auto Gain Modes with four presets (Buoy, Harbor, Coastal and Offshore). E-Series v4 and Raymarine Super HD Digital radar scanners deliver twice the performance of conventional radar systems of the same power and size through advanced Super HD Digital signal processing, which reduces the effective antenna beam width, enabling increased resolution and performance.

HD Digital Fishfinder
The re-loaded E-Series is also compatible with Raymarine’s DSM400 HD Digital Sounder Module, the ultimate weapon in the hunt for fish. The DSM400 is armed with four independent digital sonar transceivers supporting simultaneous multi-frequency operation. Transmitting with up to three kilowatts of power on 28, 38, 50 kHz and two kilowatts on 200 kHz, the module takes Raymarine’s patented HD Digital technology to a new level. Raymarine offers a wide range of professional grade transducers for maximum performance and a new softkey interface with four preset screen modes for quick access to each frequency.

Sirius Satellite Radio Service
Raymarine’s SR100 Sirius Satellite Receiver for E-Series now allows boaters to tune into Sirius Radio channels directly through the E-Series display. In addition to accessing animated weather forecasts from Sirius’ Marine Weather Service, E-Series owners can also enjoy over 130 channels of original satellite radio programming, including commercial free music, sports, news, talk and more.

New Data Displays
With the new E-Series v4 display, graphical trim tabs and engine tilt are available, along with a graphical compass steering bar option.

SeaTalk Autopilot Integration
E-Series v4 allows owners of Raymarine SeaTalk compatible autopilots to integrate their autopilot with their navigation system. New features include the ability to put the autopilot in auto or standby mode and an option to both engage and disengage autopilot waypoint tracking directly from the E-Series display.

The E-Series v4 upgrade is free for all current E-Series owners via a quick and easy download from raymarine.com to a blank CompactFlash card.

XM Satellite Radio and SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT Reach Agreement on Pioneer Inno

2008-02-12T01:27:00.000-08:00

XM Satellite Radio and SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT today announced that they have resolved the lawsuit brought by SONY BMG against XM over its Pioneer Inno, a portable satellite radio with advanced recording features. The companies did not disclose terms of the deal.
SONY BMG is the third music company to resolve its dispute with XM regarding radios with advanced recording functionality. Similar agreements were announced in December 2007 between XM and both Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. SONY BMG has withdrawn as a party to the complaint filed by the major record companies against XM in May 2006.

Bushnell ONIX 400 Handheld with XM Radio and XM NavWeather Now Available at Wal-Mart and REI

2008-02-12T01:18:00.000-08:00

Real-Time XM NavWeather Available as Stand Alone Package or as a Combined Package with XM Radio in Bushnell ONIX 400

XM, the nation's leading provider of satellite radio, announced today that the Bushnell ONIX 400 is now available through additional retail, including Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, REI, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Gander Mountain.

The ONIX 400 is the first handheld to offer XM NavWeather™, which is available as stand-alone package or as a premium package coupled with XM Radio.

The ONIX 400 is the first fully integrated portable device that can simultaneously access GPS location data; XM's 170 plus channels of acclaimed music, sports and entertainment; and XM NavWeather, the first, personalized local real-time weather tracking service in the United States. XM NavWeather utilizes Threat Matrix™ technology to track and provide immediate alerts on developing weather threats, such as rain, hail, tornado and storm warnings.

XM NavWeather transmits detailed nationwide weather information for more than 20 different weather conditions, scaled and customized for the user's specific location and displayed in color on the ONIX 400's GPS mapping screen. XM NavWeather also provides multi-day forecasts based on weather monitoring stations across the U.S.

"Up-to-the-minute environmental condition information is imperative for any outdoorsman," said Roderick MacKenzie, VP, advanced applications, XM. "Now consumers can continuously hold the most intuitive, up-to-date and comprehensive weather data and entertainment content in the palm of their hands."

XM NavWeather was developed with Baron Services and utilizes Baron's exclusive Threat Matrix technology. Baron Services is also XM's weather partner for its award-winning XM WX Satellite Weather, a trusted information source for professional pilots and mariners. XM NavWeather builds upon the success of this professional grade service by providing a "consumer friendly" interpretation of the dynamic weather data direct to the ONIX 400's display screen.

Acura and XM Announce Acura RL to Offer XM NavWeather

2008-02-12T01:08:00.000-08:00

Ground-Breaking, Real-Time, Weather Tracking Service for GPS Navigation Unveiled in 2009 Acura RL at 2008 Chicago Auto Show

Acura and XM announced today that the 2009 Acura RL will offer XM NavWeather™ featuring Threat Matrix™ technology as a part of its AcuraLink® service. The new Acura RL was unveiled today at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and will be on display in the Acura booth. Acura is XM's first automotive partner to debut the XM NavWeather service.

2009 Acura RL drivers will be able to experience real-time, personalized weather tracking service directly through the in-dash navigation system. XM NavWeather utilizes exclusive "Threat Matrix" technology to track and provide drivers immediate alerts on developing weather threats, such as hail, floods, tornado and storm warnings. To help inform RL drivers of weather conditions at a glance, the easily understood icons are integrated into the luxury sedan's large map display.

XM NavWeather transmits detailed nationwide weather information for more than 20 different weather conditions, scaled and customized for the driver's specific route and displayed on the vehicle's navigation screen. XM NavWeather also provides multi-day forecasts based on weather monitoring stations across the U.S.

XM NavWeather was developed with Baron Services and utilizes Baron's exclusive Threat Matrix technology. Baron Services is also XM's weather partner for its award-winning XM WX Satellite Weather, a trusted information source for professional pilots and mariners. XM NavWeather builds upon the success of this professional grade service by providing a "driver friendly" interpretation of the dynamic weather data direct to the vehicle's navigation screen.

"Acura was the first automotive partner to debut our award-winning real- time XM NavTraffic service, which makes it fitting that they are first to offer XM NavWeather," said Steve Cook, executive vice president, Automotive, XM Satellite Radio. "Drivers will soon find the convenience of both services impossible to live without."

"Acura is a leader in developing the latest in customer relevant technologies that advance the driving experience," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, Acura sales. "The real-time weather system featured on the new 2009 Acura RL further connects the driver to the world around them, allowing them to get where they need to go more quickly, safely and efficiently."

"Drivers don't have time to scrutinize every bit of weather data, so we've done all the analysis before it reaches their vehicles," said Robert O. Baron, President and CEO of Baron Services. "This streamlined, driver-centric philosophy helps drivers stay informed about perilous road and weather conditions, while being able to focus on safely reaching their destinations."

XM NavTraffic, powered by NAVTEQ Traffic, is the nation's leading real- time traffic service that offers the most comprehensive information and coast- to-coast updates every minute, ensuring that the driver has the latest and most detailed information at his or her fingertips. XM NavTraffic is now available in 80 major North American markets.

In addition to the Acura RL display, the XM NavWeather service will be demonstrated in the XM Infotainment Vehicle during press days, February 6-7. The Infotainment Vehicle is designed to illustrate how XM's next-generation technology can be implemented by its automotive partners.

All-New 2009 Traverse is First Chevrolet Vehicle To Offer Award-Winning XM NavTraffic Service

2008-02-12T00:42:00.000-08:00

XM announced that the all-new 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, unveiled today at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, will be the first Chevrolet vehicle to offer XM NavTraffic as a factory- installed feature. XM NavTraffic, XM's real-time traffic information service, will be available on Traverse vehicles equipped with navigation.

XM Radio, which offers more than 170 channels of commercial-free music, sports, talk, news and entertainment, will be standard on the 2009 Traverse.

"XM is pleased with Chevy's commitment to providing the best in entertainment and technology by making XM NavTraffic and XM Radio available on the 2009 Traverse," said Joe Verbrugge, senior vice president, automotive partnerships and international operations, XM Satellite Radio. "2009 Chevy Traverse customers will benefit from the experience of real-time traffic data and more than 170 channels of entertainment."

"XM NavTraffic is certain to save drivers of the all-new Chevy Traverse precious time and money," said Ed Peper, general manager, Chevrolet. "We think we have a great-looking family vehicle with lots of utility in the Traverse, and NavTraffic just adds to that."

Now available in 80 major U.S. markets, XM NavTraffic feeds data on incidents, such as accidents and road construction, directly to a vehicle's GPS navigation system via XM's nationwide satellite broadcast system. The driver is alerted to these incidents through the vehicle's navigation screen, allowing him or her to route around a jam before getting caught in traffic. XM NavTraffic also provides information on traffic flow where available. This allows users to view a color-coded overlay that indicates the average speed of travel along the driver's planned route.

XM NavTraffic, powered by NAVTEQ Corporation, is the nation's leading real- time traffic service that offers the most comprehensive information and coast- to-coast updates every minute, ensuring that the driver has the latest and most detailed information at his or her fingertips.

XM NavTraffic is already available as a factory-installed feature on the Cadillac CTS.

The Traverse is on display this week at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show in the Chevy display. The XM Infotainment Vehicle will also demonstrate XM Radio and XM NavTraffic, along with its next-generation technologies for the vehicle, during press days, February 6-7, in the XM booth.

For more information and photography on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, please visit http://www.media.gm.com/.

2009 Hyundai Sonata's New Touch-Screen Display Enhances XM Radio Listening Experience

2008-02-12T00:16:00.000-08:00

XM, the nation's leading provider of satellite radio, announced today that 2009 Hyundai Sonata buyers will experience an enhanced XM radio listening experience through the vehicles available color, touch-screen navigation display. The Sonata's navigation display, unveiled today at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, will make for a richer XM listening experience.

The brand-new display on the 2009 Hyundai Sonata allows listeners can use the high-resolution touch-screen display to easily scan through XM's more than 170 channels of entertainment. The display will feature sophisticated graphics, making it easy to glance at the XM channel name, song title, artist name, and category to select music, sports, talk, news, comedy or traffic and weather.

"XM fans will truly appreciate the enhanced user experience through the Hyundai Sonata's new touch-screen display. Now, listening to XM Radio in the vehicle is richer and easier than ever before," said Joe Verbrugge, senior vice president, automotive partnerships and international operations, XM Satellite Radio.

XM has been standard on all Sonata models since 2007. Every Hyundai equipped with XM Satellite Radio also comes with a three-month complimentary subscription.

This is the first time a navigation system has been incorporated into the Sonata.

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata will be on display throughout the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.