XM unveils Canadian lineup
On the heals of Sirius’s Canadian content announcement, XM Canada has revealed its lineup. The exact date of the launch is yet to be disclosed, but when XMC finally goes on the air, Canadians will be able to listen to a big variety of American and Canadian content including over 1,000 NHL broadcasts.
But the question on the minds of most Canadians has been what Canadian content will be available?
For its Canadian content, an uncensored comedy channel spotlighting Canadian comedians will be available on Laugh Attack, and a 24-hour national news and information channel called Canada 360 will offer news, weather, sports, business and entertainment information. XM will broadcast popular and emerging musicians, comedians and personalities through XM Canada Originals, produced in French and English.
A channel called Home Ice will feature hockey talk, with coverage from well-known commentators and former NHL stars. A breakthrough rock music channel called (un)Signed will feature emerging and recently established Canadian rock artists. The channel is designed to champion Canadian music.
French channels include Air Musique, an original trend-oriented music channel playing a fusion of punk, hip-hop, metal, electronic and alternative rock music; Franc Parler, a news, talk and information channel with an emphasis on sports, including French NHL play-by-play games; Sur La Route, a music channel featuring a blend of modern and classic pop, folk, rock and roll, chanson and soul, and Quoi de Neuf, an arts and entertainment news and information channel covering new movies, DVD releases, concerts, shows and theatre activity.
Seems like a good variety, eh? I think most subscribers will be pleased with the selection available to them.
One clue as to when the service may launch was revealed in the article: XM’s service is being positioned as a “stocking stuffer” with on-the-go portable receivers as well as the sleek Delphi RoadyXT ($99.99 on promotional sale) being pushed heavily. Three XM2go receivers will be available in Canada this year: Delphi XM MyFi XM2go; the TAO XM2go, and the Pioneer Airware XM2go. This should also help XM in proving its
hardware and pricing superiority, an important part of the battle against Sirius Canada during the launch.
That’s all for now. Merry “XMass” to all, and to all a good night.
