trumpet1

Have you guys noticed the changes in the names of the Sirius radio stations? I usually listen to what was JazzCafe and it is now called Watercolors.
I took a look at my presets and almost all of them have changed names although the format is the same.
I guess this has something to do with the merge of XM and Sirius. If so, have we just received additional channels as well???
Also, just in the past 2 or 3 weeks I've noticed that my radio gets stuck in the 'updating channels' mode for quite a long time. Usually after leaving the house, while music is playing, the radio's screen is going through a process of updating the channels. I have never noticed it doing this in the past and I'm wondering if this might have something to do with the name changes and that it is forcing my radio to learn these new names, storage, etc.

ajm0623

you got it! the network updates itself every once in a while. i was like - wtf? - the first time it happened. then i realized what was going on. it's all good in the end. you should have received an email from sirius telling you all about the changes. it looks like to me from a review of the email that sirius adopted a lot of the xm names. anyway - if you did not get the email, which provides all the new channels and their names, you can find it here: www.sirius.com/newlineup

konigstiger

All models as of MY08 equipped with Satellite Radio

As part of the SIRIUS XM merger, additional paid-subscription channels will be offered to current and new subscribers. SIRIUS XM is currently conducting transmissions testing within their programming broadcast that requires using additional RF bandwidth. The transmission testing started 9/10/08. Customers may experience minor audio interruptions/mutes that are caused by out-dated firmware in the Satellite Radio Receiver that will be remedied over the air from SIRIUS XM over the next few months. The firmware update takes place when the vehicle is running and in reception of the SIRIUS XM satellites. No action or intervention from dealership or customer is needed.

trumpet1

Thanks for the updates guys. If you recall, my car is a 2007 model S600 but I had the 2008 upgrade done a year ago and that is apparently why mine is doing this along with newer cars. Glad I had it done.

Thanks for the hyperlink ajm ,,,,,and thanks konig for the tech explanation.

NJBoy115

I noticed the same thing in my CLS55...I was a little confused about it at first until I heard it was because of the Sirius/XM merger. I guess the channels are the same just different names.

vonbeeler

Trumpett,

I also had Sirius installed through the command system on my 07. Completely factory except the dealer said they needed to use a Sirius receiver on the roof. They mounted it directly behind the existing roof antenna so its fairly tasteful. However now I have 3 antenna. Did they need to use a Sirius antenna on yours or were they able to use one of the two existing. I thought it was a little odd that they couldn't use one of the existing two.

trumpet1

Whoa. I'm kinda lost on that story. My existing Sirius radio has worked from day one using the factory installed antenna and components of the radio. You must have an early build 07. What is the build date of your car?

trumpet1

It may just be my imagination but it also seems I'm hearing additional songs that I've not heard in the past on the new merge. I certainly hope so as many of the songs on Watercolors (and other stations of course) have been played over and over into the ground.

///MB

I don't subscribe to Sirius or XM, but I was riding in a friend's car yesterday and his radio was updating to get the new channels. He mentioned that he also didn't like how the sirius stations would repeat the same songs if you listen to it all the time. He was happy that the newer channels that were migrated from XM play a bigger variety of songs.

trumpet1

I thought I was hearing some new tunes

ajm0623

i noticed that today, too, trumpet! more/different songs for no more coin. nice for a change, 'eh?

vonbeeler

Yes very early 09/05! Must have been on the first boat over.
It did not have SAT RADIO as an option.
But install works seamlessly through command just as if it was factory with the exception of the third antenna.
I think the merger is providing a good benefit for us. Especially for xm. I've always preferred Sirius.

trumpet1

I wouldn't be surprised at all if yours was on the first boat. That means the 07's were spanning at least a good part of 3 different years! I can't recall any car with that kind of year range.

vonbeeler

I think they were anxious to replace the W220!

AustinGuy

I've been getting quite a bit of literature from Sirius/XM in the mai lately. Just the the other day I got a packet with all their new channel listings....

Looks like they have some new live music channels like the "E Street band" and "Margaritaville" stuff. Pretty cool since I'm into 70's and other classic rock

konigstiger

DTB S-B-82.60/640a NOV08

SIRIUS planned offering of Best of XM, SIRIUS Everything + XM, and SIRIUS Family + XM will be available at an additional subscription cost to subscribers. Depending on the model vehicle and the installed Satellite Radio Receiver generation type it may not be possible to receive additional channels, a Telematics Head Unit software update will be required for vehicles listed equipped with receivers able to receive additional channels. Note this bulletin is only applicable for models referenced and only when a customer subscribes to the additional channels.

2009: 164 (M), 230 (SL), 251 (R), 463 (G)
2008-2009: 171 (SLK), 211 (E), 216 (CL), 219 (CLS), 221(S)

Customers with vehicles not listed should contact SIRIUS XM; it will be determined if the installed receiver will be capable of receiving the additional channels.

jpohl402

the new channels suck. they didn't only change the name, but most of the content as well. my favorite sirius channels are now direct from XM, names, programming, playlists, djs, etc....

for this reason- i called and complained and cancelled my subscription. i would rather hear silence than that garbage.........