Sirius_Rich

Bulletin sent to Ford Dealers

SIRIUS System Updates

Intermittent Muting of Some Channels Beginning July 22, 2008

SIRIUS will be changing the format of their broadcast on July 22, 2008 to allow for additional programming. Unfortunately, this change may cause some intermittent open sky muting on some channels. SIRIUS will begin broadcasting a corrective firmware patch in the middle of August to fix vehicles in the field with this symptom. When downloading is complete, this patch will resolve the muting issues. There is no serviceable defect with the SDARS receiver or antenna in these vehicles, and there should be no warranty repairs attempted to replace the receiver or antenna for this complaint.

Affected vehicles All MY 2008 and 2009 Ford / Lincoln / Mercury with SDARS (Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services)

What customers may experience prior to receiving SIRIUS system updates Customers receiving the download will be able to use their radio normally. However, while listening to some channels, the customer may experience intermittent open-sky muting

What customers may experience following SIRIUS system updates It will take between one day to four weeks for a typical customer to receive and install the download, depending on customer drive times. The vehicle must be on and receiving the SDARS signal to receive the download. A vehicle that is on continuously for 2.5 hours with uninterrupted SDARS signal will likely receive half of the entire update. With an ignition cycle and the vehicle on continuously for another 2.5 hours with uninterrupted SDARS signal they will likely receive the second half of the download.

After a vehicle has received the entire download, the next time the ignition is turned on, the SDARS receiver will install the update and the open-sky muting issue will be resolved. Depending on the radio display type, the customer will see the following prompt for approximately 45 seconds when in SDARS: "SIRIUS", or "SIRIUS UPDATING, PLEASE WAIT".

Resolution to Customer Complaints There is no serviceable defect with the SDARS receiver or antenna in these vehicles, and there should be no warranty repairs attempted to replace the receiver or antenna for this complaint. The intermittent open-sky muting is a SIRIUS broadcast issue, and therefore customers should be directed to call the SIRIUS Customer Call Center at 1-888-539-7474 for further information regarding this issue.

http://siriusnewsrumors.blogspot.com...d-dealers.html

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crfceo

I've speculated, you got any thing on this?

DoublEE

My guess....the Bridge is going to be replaced by the Franke and the Knockouts channel.

All Franke, all the time!

semipenguin

The Who is touring again. They need Sirius 12 to promote it...

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duane...

edalen

I would guess it has to do with the sports block channels -- 162-194, or whatever it was -- that briefly appeared on June 24, and then disappeared on the 25th. Just a guess.

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NHTracker

I don't get it? This change is so crucial that they must do it prior to a new firmware release? You would think Sirius would be smart enough to follow up with the patch immediately following the change.

I find it strange that all of our radios except fords will be able to handle it. I also find it strange that they can update the firmware in the radios. I think everyone has been under the impression that it wasn't possible.

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Originally joined as NHTrac on 7/16/2003.

PACanesFan

I remember some news article a while back that Ford was having massive problems with their OEM units. Perhaps this is the fix.

Southern

I’ve read speculation that this update has something to do with adding al la cart channel capabilities to the radios/ I tend to think your suggestion is more to the point. Why would Sirius update only one radio type if the former is correct? A five hour update is a lot of data, it sounds like a firmware replacement aimed at correcting issues with those particular radios. Then again, it could be a test for al la cart

Does anyone have any solid info?

TSS Taylor

People really read into every single thing going on with Sirius Radios and products and think all of it is merger related. Sure it's possible, but I've seen so many times that it's not.

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DRC

Sirius_Rich

If Ford Motor Company bought their radios from TSS-Radio.com, I bet this bulletin would have never been sent.

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TSS Taylor

I don't think so. I will say this. TSS-Radio.com is in talks to buy Ford.




Perhaps a Festiva or old Contour.

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DRC

Sirius_Rich

I would rather you buy a FCC Commissioner. I hear there is a sale going on, but not many left.

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Santinelli

strangely enough I received a channel update on my JVC receiver tonight..... Hmmm......

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loadfet17

I received two on my starmate3, but only when plugging into car, not boombox at work.

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rainwater

Huh? It's doubtful this has anything to do with ala cart. Being such a large update, it is obvious it is to fix some of the issues Ford is having with these OEM radios.