Sapphire Black or Monaco Blue?

[X5FX]

I wish I chose HD Radio...Sirus sucks, the sound quality is very poor.

[chris24]

Originally Posted by BG624

...you can check it out on their web site which shows what stations transmit in HD...

Sorry, read over this part before my previous post.....

[chris24]

Originally Posted by X5FX

I wish I chose HD Radio...Sirus sucks, the sound quality is very poor.

I'm seeing a few people on hear saying that. Might have to either order both or reconsider. I don't have satellite now, but figured with the travelling I do for work, could be worthwhile and might as well have it built into the car (and built into my lease).

I hear XM is better, but only Sirius seems to be available on the X5. Will be interesting to see what happens if the XM/Sirius merger goes through.

[X5FX]

you cant get both...its either HD or Sirius.

btw- if you travel alot Sirius is better simply because of the quantity of stations and access anywhere even in remote areas. But if quality is your concern, dont get Sirius.

[chris24]

That's exactly why I was thinking Satellite, but I was also under the impression that sound quality with that was supposed to be better than regular FM stations and I've been getting used to the quality using my Ipod in the car, so it's hard to settle for lesser quality.

The bmwusa website lets me add both Sirius and HD, but I guess that doesn't necessarily mean it's correct.

[X5FX]

imo regular FM sounds better than Sirius, but neither sound as good as CD's and thats the only way you will appreciate your Premium Sound.

[chris24]

I'm also noticing that there's plenty of HD stations nationwide (a number I'm sure is growing..). So, that and my iPod I'm sure would suffice. Baseball games would be nice to have through the satellite, but if the merger doesn't go through, can't get that on Sirius anyway...

[BG624]

Originally Posted by chris24

Any idea if the "regular" FM stations I'm used to may also broadcast in HD (ie as TV channels such as ESPN do...)? Or is it just that you pick up extra HD stations..?

I'm in Westchester, just outside of NYC, so I'd imagine there should be plenty of HD broadcasts.

Yes, regular FM stations are also transmitting in HD. I'm on Long Island and almost all the stations I listen to also transmit in HD, you should check out the HD radio web site for specific stations. I wasn't going to order it until I heard it and saw how many stations transmit in HD.

[chris24]

Just found that site, looks promising. Thanks for the idea.

[BG624]

Originally Posted by X5FX

you cant get both...its either HD or Sirius.

btw- if you travel alot Sirius is better simply because of the quantity of stations and access anywhere even in remote areas. But if quality is your concern, dont get Sirius.

Yes you can get both. I added HD to my X5 order which already has Sirius and the factory accepted the order.
I have XM in my Audi and it sounds very good, I wonder if it's the Sirius receiver BMW uses or does Sirius just transmit a low quality highly compressed signal.

Here's the link to HD radio's web site www.hdradio.com