It is getting tough to tell who’s side is whose in the terrestrial vs extra terrestrial battle going on as all consider the merger of XM and Sirius radio.  Some, like the Department of Justice, see no problems.  Others like two lawmakers who on Friday announced we should take a good, long, hard look at the damage a satellite radio merger might reap and how they should protect us.

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AOL is no longer carrying feeds from satellite radio provider XM now that contract the two companies had has expired. Presumably this also means that subscribers to XM’s online streaming service will no longer have access to AOL Radio. The announcement has been particularly upsetting to listeners from outside the U.S. and Canada, where XM service is unavailable. AOL radio was the only way for them to enjoy the over 80 commercial free music channels XM provides. XM does offer online streaming of their channels, but the service is once again, available to U.S. residents only. In an effort to make up for the loss, XM is offering a special deal to AOL subscribers in which they can sign up for the online service for just $2.99 a month. The company is currently awaiting FCC approval for its much anticipated (and for some, dreaded) merger with rival Sirius Satellite Radio.

Via [CrunchGear]

Another day another product leak from the FCC, the latest is the Starmate 5 from Sirius, which in by itself would not be that exciting. However in this case based on a memo that switched hands from a “testing firm and the FCC authorization staff” included the possibility of the Starmate 5 supporting Sirius channels as well as XM.

“We used the satellite radio signal coming from either XM or Sirius,”

Which assuming that happens, and note as of now its just speculation as nothing official has been announced, this would be the first hybrid satellite radio receiver. Sounds like a great move, however a very risky move, while the DOJ has given their seal of approval on the merger, its still pending FCC approval which is not expected to take place until sometime late in May or possibly into June.

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Following approval of the Department of Justice, legal counsel of both Sirius and XM met with the FCC on Wednesday to discuss the merger proposal of the two companies. The merger proposal was given the nod by DOJ, and so XM and Sirius seem to wasting little time in getting the FCC’s approval.

Based on record of filing at the FCC, the meeting was held last Wednesday before FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. Together with the legal counsel of Sirius and XM, others who were present during the meeting were Daniel Gonzales, Chairman of Martin’s Chief of Staff and Michelle Carey, Chairman Martin’s Senior Legal advisor.

The record of filing also indicated that the meeting discussed programming packages and proposed pricing which were previously announced by both Sirius and XM.

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It has been in the works for a long time, just over a year now and at this point many were thinking the approval would never happen. However, it seems the latest two month extension for the merger deadline was just was they needed. The Department of Justice has approved Sirius’s $5 billion buyout of XM Radio, however no information was given on just when the merger will officially take place.

According to the DOJ: “Evidence Does Not Establish that Combination of Satellite Radio Providers Would Substantially Reduce Competition”

Keep reading for the full Department Of Justice Statement below…

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At 3:48 pm today, a Boeing 702 model satellite was launched aboard a Sea Launch ZEnit-3SL rocket from the Odyssey Launch Platform.The new satellite called the DIRECTV 11 was introduced to enhance the HD capacity of DirecTV. Which means that subscribers will be getting an additional 150 new HD channels by this September. 

Today’s launch is just the first of two satellites that DirecTV is working on. The second satellite is currently being readied to deliver up to 200 HD channels sometime next year. The newly launched satellite is reportedly DirecTV’s tenth operated and owned satellite. The tests are not yet complete but if successful, subscribers can expect to surf more and more HD channels. 

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While the Sirius/XM merger still seems far away from being completed, the original date for the merger, which was March 1 has expired and they have agreed on a two month extension. Based on the new date, they now have until May 1, 2008 to receive regulatory approval, that is unless they agree upon another extension.

Sadly, this merger is almost getting to the point of not caring either way, we will just be happy when its finally over. We have been getting teased with a possible merger and better plans for over a year now.

Read [Reuters]

The much hyped merger of Satellite radio providers XM and Sirius has stalled, and the deadline is looming. The original deal was struck on February 19, 2007 and the termination date is Saturday. Sirius is desperate for the merger but regulators have still not approved the plan. Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin said he expects the boards of both companies to meet to extend that deadline. The DOJ seems to be stuck on the question of whether the merger would result in a monopoly. The answer to most is no, given that most satellite radio usage happens in cars, where DVD players, iPods, and free radio are also options. Since February 20, 2007, Sirius shares have fallen 22% to $3.05, while XM shares have sunk 15% to $13.13.

Read [Reuters]

New to Insignia’s rapidly expanding line of shelf systems is their NS-HD2114. The compact player/speaker system can play your CDs, DVDs, favorite (HD) Radio stations, and even has support for your iPod. While the NS-HD2114 may not replace your current home theater setup, for $128, it acts as a great device to put up in your bedroom or kitchen.

Input/Output

Before I delve into the features of the NS-HD2114, I’d like to put up a list of the input and outputs found on the device.

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Back in September, EchoStar had acquired Sling Media for $380 million and have now announced plans to spin Sling Media off into a separate business. EchoStar will be broken down into two businesses, they will have Dish Network for the satellite broadcast service and EchoStar Holding Co that will include fixed satellite services and set-top boxes. The current CEO, Charlie Ergen will remain a head for both companies.

EchoStar Holding Co will incorporate Sling Media and the Slingbox will become one of the possible set-top boxes that could be sold to other cable or satellite providers. Which means that its possible that we may see local cable or satellite providers offering a Slingbox as an option in the future. Of course, this is most likely just wishful thinking and no plans have been announced.

Via [Crave]