XM Satellite Radio has a little problem with its PCR units -- they are very cool and a steal at less than 50 bucks. But very few potential purchasers actually understand what the device is.

Mention the phrase "PC Radio" and most computer users immediately think of those mediocre Internet streaming services that you access through computer music player software. This is exactly what PCR isn't. PCR is a full-fledged satellite radio system that uses your computer solely as a control panel.

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XM is a $10-per-month subscription service that delivers CD-quality music, news, talk, sports and traffic reports via satellite. It is starting to appear in more and more cars, and the PCR is intended to be a convenient way to add XM to your home or office. (It will require a second subscription, which is $6 per month.)

The PCR unit is a flat black plastic box with connections on the back to plug in the power supply, the antenna that picks up the XM signal, an audio output, and a USB cable that goes to your computer. The closest thing to a working part is a LED on the front to let you know whether it is on.

To set it up, you first install the XM PCR software on your computer from the included CD. You then plug the aforementioned antenna, power supply, and USB cable into the PCR, and connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer. The software is Windows only, but I did run it successfully on a Mac using Microsoft Virtual PC (software that runs an instance of Windows XP on a Mac).

A crucial point: where the audio output goes is entirely up to you. You can hook it up to the Line In jack on your computer's sound card, but that is unnecessary. While that would let you make analog recordings of the XM feed, it can degrade the sound by adding in your system's electronic "noise." A better choice is to plug the audio into an auxiliary jack (if there is one) on your PC speakers, or even hook up to your home stereo system.

Next you launch the XM PCR software. The first time it runs, it will come up on XM's test and preview channel, which lets you make sure you can receive a good signal before you pull out your credit card and pay for your subscription.

To get get the best reception from its two satellites, XM recommends that the antenna be positioned near a south-facing window or outdoors with a clear view of the southeastern sky. This, of course, can be a problem if, like me, you live in a condo or apartment and cannot chose the correct exposure. So XM also has a network of land-based antennas to supplement its signals. My satellite reception is zero, but the land system gives me excellent reception.

The advantage of the PC interface is that it brings up a full list of everything that is on the air on XM at any given moment. So if you are listening to a jazz channel and your favorite rock artist comes up on another channel you see it and change the program. PCR, in fact, lets you create a favorite artist list so you don't even have to check -- a pop-up box will appear to notify you.

I suppose at this point I am obliged to make some lament about homogenized national radio broadcasts driving away local stations with local flavor. Forget it. Genuine individual style on radio died years ago, giving way to corporate ownerships and unimaginative playlists. There are currently more than 185 channels on XM, most of which are more interesting than broadcast fare. (I personally have become addicted to XM's "Fine Tuning" channel, an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, and classical.) Moreover, starting this year, all the music channels are commercial-free.

Better sound quality. More interesting programming. More choices. No annoying ads. What's not to like?

(c) 2004 Al Gordon.

In addition to his computer interests, Al Gordon is a principal in the Boston-area strategic consulting firm, Mary Fifield Associates, www.maryfifieldassociates.com

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You can reach Al Gordon at:

al@tnpcnewsletter.com