XM PCR

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XM PCR Receiver

The XM PCR is a satellite receiver sold by XM Radio and discontinued in 2004, admidst piracy concerns. Programs such as TimeTrax allowed users to record every song played on an XM channel, quickly and cheaply building an MP3 library.

1 History
2 Enhancements
3 Replacements
4 References

[edit] History

The PCR was first announced in 2003.^[1] The next year, XM pulled the PCR's from the market, reportedly due to music piracy.^[2] However, that didn't stop demand: Some units were reportedly selling for more than US$300 on EBay. As of Februrary 2007, prices have settled down to around US$30-50.

[edit] Enhancements

Several enhancements have been created for the PCR, but software and hardware.

In the software arena, PCR Replacement programs have been sprouting up on Internet forums and web sites. These are software packages that replace the interface included with the PCR, XMMT. Several features have been added to these new programs, including the ability to rip songs and build an MP3 library, time shift shows so that the user can listen at a more convenient time, control the radio via a web browser, and stream audio to other computers. Some web sites also offer a playlist log, which allows a user to browse a list of all the recently played songs or shows.

The PCR's hardware itself has also been tweaked. Most notably, some individuals have figured out how to added a TOSLINK optical output, allowing the radio to interface directly with a home theater system or PC sound card with digital inputs.

[edit] Replacements

XM Direct Receiver with homemade Smart Cable

The XM Direct receiver, also marketed as the XM Commander, can now serve the same purpose as the PCR. While the XM Direct is intended for automotive use, the unit itself is controlled by RS-232 command signals, and so is easily adapted to PC control. When combined with a "smart cable", which is really just a USB to Serial cable and a wiring adapter to connect to the XM Direct's control port, the XM Direct supports some features not found on the original PCR.

The XM Mini tuner may also hold promise for hardware tweakers. It uses the newest XM tuner and is much smaller than the XM Direct. Like the Direct, the Mini is designed to be used with an external system, in this case a home theater receiver. Unlike the Direct, the Mini is also capable of receiving XM's newest technologies, including HD audio. ^[3]