Digital satellite systems have a number of advantages over traditional cable-television providers. Digital satellite systems are used to deliver data from a satellite down to a consumer. Beginning in 2005 Sirius has exclusive radio rights to cover the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.

Sirius Radio offers satellite car radios and home entertainment systems, as well as car and home kits for portable use. With any Sirius-enabled radio, the user can see the artist and song information on display while listening to the stream. All of XM Radio's music channels are 100% commercial free.

In October 1997 XM Radio obtained one of only two satellite digital audio radio service licenses offered by the Federal Communications Commission. 
 To enjoy XM Radio's incredible programming variety, you'll need an XM-compatible tuner to receive the satellite signal. XM Radio's listeners still have access to their local AM & FM stations for local content.

XM Radio's service includes 67 different music channels, 39 news, sports, talk and entertainment channels, 21 regional traffic and weather channels and 23 play-by-play sports channels.
 The idea behind satellite radio is quite basic. Satellite TV services are especially popular in rural areas with poor broadcast reception .

Currently, two companies offer satellite radio: XM and SIRIUS. Plug-and-play satellite radios are compact units that work with sets of accessories to play over both your car and home stereos. Typically, car satellite radios have an extra input, called a pass-through, that allows you to connect another same-brand component (such as a CD changer). Because it's a direct, high-grade connection, a brand-specific satellite radio offers the best sound quality out of all the options you have for your vehicle.