Sirius XM to file for bankruptcy; End is near for satellite

Readers who subscribe to Sirius XM claim that satellite radio is just too wonderful to die, that somehow its sheer awesomeness will pull it through the hard times.

But the world doesn't work that way, unfortunately. The company was in dire trouble before the recession, and now the economic downturn will kill Sirius XM off and bury satellite radio forever.

In fact, even last year, the company's survival depended entirely on an enormous uptake in new subscribers. The company entered into 2009 with $3.4 billion of debt, some $300 million of which comes due on Tuesday. The company gets a huge percentage of its new subscribers from new-car buyers who choose the satellite radio option. Thanks to the recession, there has been an enormous drop in new car sales. And among those who are buying cars, a smaller percentage are choosing satellite subscriptions.

The bottom line is that there's simply no way Sirius XM can pay its bills. That's why, according to the New York Times, the company is preparing to file for Chapter 11.

(Original Post: blogs.computerworld.com)

Rumor: Apple planning TV with iTunes integration and DVR capability

In a recent note issued to clients, Apple analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray predicts that Apple will eventually come out with an Apple-branded television set with DVR functionality, and the ability to stream content directly from iTunes.

"We expect Apple to design a connected television over the next two years (launching in 2011) with DVR functionality built in. These recorded shows could then sync with Macs, iPhones and iPods over a wireless network. The device would push Apple further into the digital living room with interactive TV, music, movie, and gaming features. With its iTunes ecosystem, Apple could develop a unique TV without any set-top-boxes or devices attached."

(Original Post: www.networkworld.com)