Mustard

Is there any way, convoluted or simple, to get reception of UK radio stations while driving in Europe?

I can get Sky in the S-W of France, so get the radio channels on TV, but other than blue-toothing the Nokia phone via a laptop powered by the 12v output ( if COMAND II allows it), and at enormous cost, what are the alternatives?

Is there a car satellite receiver, or does it require line-of-sight? will DBS work in the appropriate car stereos? Does COMAND II have DBS capability? Do we have XM on the way?

There's either a big opportunity here or its being done - French radio is so awful, especially since the goverment prevented so many Anglo-saxon songs being played.

Having BBC Radio 3 & 4 would sure help the journeys.......

Mustard

Does anybody in the US have satellite radio in their benzz?

If so, how does it work out? Good reception? Is the satellite footprint country wide?

Lynn

There are two satellite services for the US. One has its satellites in geosychronous orbit, and the other uses a highly elliptical orbit and three satellites. The have a nation wide foot print except perhaps for Alaska and Hawaii. Both use ground repeaters in urban areas where tall building may block the signal.

They are XM Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio.

The only European system I am aware of is in the development stage and will not be available until 2005 at the earliest. It will also provide navigation service. It is called Rely Europe

Mustard

thank you, Lynn.

Can you get it in a US spec Mercedes, or is it a total after-fit?

Lynn

There is supposed to be a Sirius capable MB headunit by the end of the year, but then that is what MBUSA said last year. Starting sometime next year, all satellite receivers are supposed to be able to receive either service.

Mustard

Thanks again. It doesn't help my problem, but very interesting.