XM Radio To Debut Surround Sound

XM Satellite Radio will be the first to offer 24-hours a day programming in HD surround sound, according to an XM press release. This is great news for audiophiles.

Beginning in March, XM will upgrade two of their channels to include 5.1 HD broadcasts. The two channels are Fine Tuning (Ch.76) and XM Pops (Ch.113).

Additionally, XM plans to include other special shows and live broadcasts in surround as well.

However, to listen to broadcasts in surround a special player will need to be purchased. Currently, Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer and Yamaha plan on selling home audio systems able to receive and play the XM HD Surround signal. No word yet on how much each will cost, but my guess is somewhere in the $200-$400 range.

This surround sound achievement was made with a partnership between XM and Neural Audio Corporation. Neural Audio is a company that specializes in creating solutions for broadcast and electronics involved with digital signal processing.

The XM and Neural team will demonstrate the XM surround January 5-8 at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This is a can't miss if you plan on attending the CES this year.