If you are like most people, you probably have a few favorite radio stations that you preset on your car radio. However, whenever you travel a significant distance from the source station, the signal breaks up, and all you hear is static. The majority of radio signals are only capable of traveling 30 or 40 miles away from their sources. On longer excursions, you probably end up changing radio stations every hour as the signals fade in and out. This can be distracting when you are trying to navigate.

Suppose there were a radio station that was capable of broadcasting its signal from more than 22,000 miles away. Imagine that the signal could be heard on your car radio with complete clarity. Now, what if the station were free of both static and commercials?

The new reality of radio is satellite radio. XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio have both launched services that provide uninterrupted, CD-quality music beamed right to your car or home. For a few years now, car manufacturers have been offering satellite-ready car stereos. Satellite radio companies compare the impact of this service to the influence that cable TV had on television. With satellite radio, listeners have access to hundreds of stations that offer an exciting variety of musical genres.

If you find this idea intriguing, there are things you will need in order to receive satellite radio. A control module will allow you to select channels and categories. It also displays artist/disc/track information. A satellite radio tuner delivers the satellite signal, which is picked up by the satellite radio antenna. You will also need a satellite radio subscription, either to XM radio or SIRIUS radio service. If you will use satellite radio in your home as well as your car, look for a portable unit that's designed to do double duty (such as the SKYFi line).