The Sirius Orbiter reciever SR4000 is a discontinued item from Radio Shack. I can understand why it has been discontinued aside from the fact that it was the oldest model.
Being a SR4000 owner, I have been disappointed in the quality of the product. The main problem with this unit is how poor it is vented to allow adequate air flow through the receiver when it is docked. This in turn makes the unit very hot to the touch. I have found out that the excessive heat causes problems with the backlight for the display. I got very aggitated when this happened about 3 months after I got it. When the unit is cool, the light mostly stays on steady. As soon as it warms up, the backlight will flicker and then eventually darken unless you squeeze the unit or give it a good whack which isn't too good to do either.
I had done some research about this problem and found out that I was not the only one with the problem. It obviously was a very common problem and I am sure that is also a reason to discontinue the product.
One piece of warning to those of you who come across auctions for the Sirius Orbiter receiver which includes a free subscription. The subscription is only a store demonstration subscription so that retailers can show the item working. You do not get all of the channels and the subscription is only temporary. It will only last 1-2 months and then get cancelled. You'll end up paying the $12.95/mo. which IS well worth the price for such a great service.
Basically, if you are looking for a decent Sirius receiver, I recommend not to buy the Sirius Orbiter SR4000. There are many other models out there to choose from. Don't pay the extra price for the "free subscription" on an old and used receiver which is only how a seller gets higher bids. Use your money wisely and get yourself a newer and more reliable receiver and subscribe to Sirius. You won't go wrong.
Good luck!
Being a SR4000 owner, I have been disappointed in the quality of the product. The main problem with this unit is how poor it is vented to allow adequate air flow through the receiver when it is docked. This in turn makes the unit very hot to the touch. I have found out that the excessive heat causes problems with the backlight for the display. I got very aggitated when this happened about 3 months after I got it. When the unit is cool, the light mostly stays on steady. As soon as it warms up, the backlight will flicker and then eventually darken unless you squeeze the unit or give it a good whack which isn't too good to do either.
I had done some research about this problem and found out that I was not the only one with the problem. It obviously was a very common problem and I am sure that is also a reason to discontinue the product.
One piece of warning to those of you who come across auctions for the Sirius Orbiter receiver which includes a free subscription. The subscription is only a store demonstration subscription so that retailers can show the item working. You do not get all of the channels and the subscription is only temporary. It will only last 1-2 months and then get cancelled. You'll end up paying the $12.95/mo. which IS well worth the price for such a great service.
Basically, if you are looking for a decent Sirius receiver, I recommend not to buy the Sirius Orbiter SR4000. There are many other models out there to choose from. Don't pay the extra price for the "free subscription" on an old and used receiver which is only how a seller gets higher bids. Use your money wisely and get yourself a newer and more reliable receiver and subscribe to Sirius. You won't go wrong.
Good luck!
Guide created: 07/23/06 (updated 01/14/09)

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