Sirius announces Backseat TV at CES

Posted Jan 11th 2007 3:40PM by Melly Alazraki
Filed under: Products and Services, Launches, Consumer Experience, Competitive Strategy, Ford Motor (F), XM Satellite Radio (XMSR), Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI)

Yesterday, Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (NASDAQ:SIRI) finally announced its expected live TV called Sirius Backseat TV. The TV is marketed mainly as an entertainment device for the kids.

Although a month ago (when shares of Sirius changed hands around $4.25), Mel Karmazin, Sirius CEO said the live television service will be in cars by late 2007. Spring 2007 is now the scheduled time for the launch of the service. Back in October 2004, Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) and Sirius first displayed the technology.

I'm not going to comment about the the obvious kids related question that comes out of this -- do kids really need to watch TV in the car? That's up to the parents, I guess. As a technology and gadget enthusiast, however, I am going to say that I think the device is really cool. I also believe the device has a great sales potential, especially with the car company deal.

Sirius also announced the $300 SiriusConnect SC-V1 A/V Tuner, which is a multi-zone unit, meaning it allows for audio in the front and video in the back.

After seeing what XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:XMSR) showcased at CES, I'd say that as far as CES is concerned, Sirius came out ahead.

At 2:30 p.m. today, and after their big rally yesterday, Sirius shares are down 2% and XMSR down 1.8%.

More Sirius Backseat TV pics here.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-11-2007 @ 8:06PM

steven said...

i guess my stocks in sirius will never go up,damn howard gets all the cash...what about the stock holders?

1-12-2007 @ 10:22AM

ROBERT CAIRE said...

I THINK THE HOWARD STERN BONUS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DELAYED UNTIL THE STOCK GOT BACK TO $7.00 so the stockholders get a chance to get even with their investments. I'M OUT SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS AND HOWARD IS ROLLING IN MONEY. NOT TO SAY THAT HE IS NOT ENTITLED TO EVERY PENNY BUT A LITTLE DELAY WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.

2-10-2007 @ 9:58AM

EMIL J KOVACH JR said...

As I Said before--Do your own Market reasearh--As You Drive Around--look In The Back seat.It's either Empty--Or Full Of Kids Watching DVDs Or Playing Video Games--Or Disney Movies--If Mel Thinks He Can Compete With all That--And Have Something even Better--Let's See It--He Fighting A Short attention Span Here.
Not A lot On television That looks good On The Small screen--I'm sure That's Why Big Screen Is Through the Roof.
EMIL J KOVACH JR

3-30-2007 @ 2:43PM

Max said...

I do not about you but when I traveled with my kids the best way to keep the relax is to have a video in the back seat the only problem is the audio in the front. With this sys you do not have that problem and who knos if in the near future the ad a sport channel(that will be great your wife driving and you sitting in the back)