Comsats on wheels

Troy, MI -Delphi Automotive Systems has demonstrated one of the first mobile Satellite Digital Audio Receiver Service (SDARS) systems to make a connection to a digital radio signal. The digital music signal was received by an SDARS remote Delphi receiver.

The remote receiver is equipped with a custom chipset designed to make the radio satellite-capable. Slated to be available in 2001, satellite radio will deliver digital-quality music and other programming directly via satellite to vehicles and residences. Mobile users will be able to listen to their favorite programming options coast-to-coast, never changing the dial because the signal is always present. The service will cost about $10 per month.

Delphi's premium radio with a 24 data- character screen easily handled all 16 characters required for the satellite information display. SDARS provides more programming information than traditional vehicle radios. The alphanumeric display shows the station title, song title, artist name, and program type.

Robert Schumacher, Delphi director of mobile multimedia, says "This technology will change radio the way cable and satellite have revolutionized TV. We expect many interesting developments in these markets."