XM TO ADD 5.1 SURROUND SOUND CHANNELS

Satellite broadcasting company XM announced last week that they are planning to offer two of their channels full time in Dolby 5.1 surround sound. This is a very exciting development. Musical Ramblings is hopeful that this will be the beginning of a trend. The two channels are XM's Fine Tuning (eclectic) and XM Pops. There are also plans to include various XM specials and live concerts in 5.1 surround.

This from XM's CEO, Hugh Panero, via Radio & Records: "XM is the first radio company — satellite or terrestrial — to broadcast 5.1 Surround Sound on the radio 24 hours a day. Terrestrial radio stations are just starting to convert from analog to digital. XM has been broadcasting in digital format since the day we launched in 2001, and now we are taking another leap forward with the introduction of 5.1 Surround in partnership with Neural Audio."

In other XM Radio news, they've added new channels to the lineup and a few new shows. Snoop Dogg is hosting his own XM hip-hop station. Also the NHL has signed on to XM for all their play-by-play action and Duke University's Coach K will be doing a regular sports commentary show on XM 191-199 at 4 pm eastern. Also joining the lineup are (Un)Signed, Air Musique (French rock), Fox News Talk, and Laugh Attack. Check out the complete XM lineup via pdf by clicking here.