BACKGROUND MUSIC

XM Frequently Asked Questions

What is XM Satellite Radio?
XM Radio is broadcasting over 160 digital channels of totally new music, news, sports and children's programming directly to your home, car, or place of business. The XM content is broadcast through both satellite and terrestrial repeaters, which ensures a seamless transmission.

All of the channels originate from XM's broadcast center, the world's largest all-digital studio complex in Washington, DC, and uplink to XM’s two Boeing 702 satellites. These satellites transmit the signal across the entire continental United States, providing coast-to-coast coverage. XM Satellite Radio is changing the way people listen to radio in the same way cable changed television.

What will I hear on XM?
XM offers a huge variety of stations you'll never hear on commercial radio. Many of our music channels are commercial free. Most are unique and innovative XM Originals, which include totally new programming.

Virtually every musical style is represented in depth and variety. Some channels include Fox News Channel, BBC World Service, PBS's News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Bloomberg News Radio, NASCAR, CNN News, Radio One, Salem Communications, The Weather Channel, and many more.

Does XM carry local stations?
XM Satellite Radio is revolutionizing radio by offering exciting and unprecedented coast-to-coast programming. Listeners need to tune to the XM band on their XM radio to tune into our programming. XM's listeners still have access to their local AM & FM stations for local content.

Does XM have commercials?
XM has the most commercial-free music channels in satellite radio. Today's FM stations carry 18 minutes or more commercials per hour.

How much is a business subscription for XM Radio?
The business subscription is $27.95 per month and includes all of XM’s 160 channels of content.

Is it legal to use XM Radio in my business?
Absolutely! The monthly fee of $27.95 includes all of the royalty payments to the licensing organizations that manage payments back to the artists and musicians. In short, all ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC fees are included in the $27.95 monthly service fee, which makes all 160 channels of XM content fully legal for use as background, foreground, or telephone on-hold music in your business.

Why is XM Radio so much less expensive than Muzak, DMX, and other legacy commercial music providers?
XM has over 6 million consumer subscribers, which allows them to spread the costs of providing the music over both consumer and commercial customers. Since Muzak, DMX, and other legacy music providers only market to businesses, they have to charge more to cover their costs. In short, the extensive volume of XM customers allows business users to enjoy a much lower cost for a superior product.

Can I filter out some of the content, like the comedy channels, that may be inappropriate for my business?
Yes. Any channel can be blocked from reaching your radio. In fact, XM has eight channels identified as XL (or extreme language) that are almost always filtered from commercial use. Your Dynamic Media consultant is very familiar with the XM programming content, and can make recommendations as to what stations may not be suitable for your business.

How do I make sure the commercially inappropriate channels are blocked?
Upon order, your Dynamic Media consultant will contact XM to activate your radio. During activation, your Dynamic Media consultant will ensure that all requested channels are blocked inline with your request. Your radio will be tested prior to shipping, at which time all blocked channels are confirmed.

Do I have to sign a contract for XM Service?
No. Over 98% of XM’s customers keep the service once they try it. Because of this high retention rate, XM does not require you to sign any contract. If you decide to stop the service in the middle of a month, you will receive a prorated refund of your subscription fee.

Can I listen to the XM service before I purchase it?
Yes. You can stream the XM service directly to your computer for three days at no charge. Simply click here and complete the form. A Dynamic Media representative will contact you to setup your demo.

My business is comprised of multiple facilities located at different physical addresses. Can I get XM Radio for each facility? Is there a discount for multiple subscriptions?
Yes. You will need to purchase a unique receiver and business subscription for each individual facility. The subscription rate for each individual office is $27.95. Dynamic Media offers discounts on both parts and installation for multi-location businesses. Although you will need to purchase multiple subscriptions, your Dynamic Media representative can structure your account such that there is a single invoice that consolidates all XM charges.

Can I play different XM channels in different areas of my office? Is there a discount?
Yes. You will need a unique XM receiver for each “zone” of your business. If you have multiple radios playing at a single physical address, you will qualify for XM’s Commercial Plus Program, which charges $27.95 for the first radio, and $9.99 per month for all additional radios.

How much do you charge to install the XM Radio?
Installation ranges from $150 for the most basic installation, and increases from there depending on your environment and music requirements. We can generally install a radio within five business days of your order.

Can I install the equipment myself?
Yes. An understanding of basic electronics is all you need to install the XM radio. Important to note, the satellite antenna must be mounted external to the building with a clear view of the southern sky. If you choose to self-install the radio, Dynamic Media will provide every part you will need to complete the installation, along with printed instructions and 800-phone support.

How far can the antenna be extended from the radio?
Our basic antenna extension kit provides all of the adapters, line amplifiers, and cables required to extend your satellite antenna up to 125 feet from the radio. The antenna can be extended up to a maximum distance of 350 feet the radio. This allows for the use of XM radio in cases where you may be located on the ground floor of a multi story building. If you have unique installation requirements, please contact one of our consultants to discuss the specifics your environment.