Getting Sirius About Going Mobile

The ways content is becoming portable, wireless and untethered is expanding...especially is the younger backseat drivers can be offered multiple video choices..and why not some quick sports, news and entertainment updates with visuals...after all, how much attention do you really need to keep on driving..and yes, Comcast is making its own play in this space as well...



Sirius Satellite Radio is getting into the video content business with a roll out expected in 2006. Check that - make it mobile video content. That is video in vehicles, more specifically 2-3 channels targeting the backseat viewers - kids. Video and DVD watching in automobiles has become a mainstay for many families, and for the automotive industry has become a prime feature in new family car sales. "We will take the DVD experience to the next level, offering the best content easily available to families and consumers," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS. Sirius will collaborate with Microsoft in the development of the video applications. With that announcement comes the additional news that Delphi Corp. has inked a deal with Comcast Corp. to also provide video content that is first uploaded at home and then transferred to the family car. Delphi is in the process of developing the hardware; while Comcast looks at software and access to that software. Delphi/Comcast expect to full development and launch their service in the next 6-18 months. While all this is going on, XM Satellite Radio has deal with Toyota, Lexus, General Motors and Honda to factory install XM radios. Sirius has similar deals with DaimlerChrysler and Ford Motors. Sirius ended 2004 with approx 1.1 million users to XM Satellite's 3.1 million users.