Do I need to put up an aerial outside to make satellite radio work?!

Do I need to put up an aerial outside to make satellite radio work?

I live in an apartment. I would like to get satellite radio if it would work with an inside antennae. Also which is better XM or Sirius. I only care about music & talk shows. Can't stand Howard Stern.

Depends on where you are, both in your building and in what city. It's very similar to satellite TV. For best signal you need "a clear view of the southern sky." But with sat radio, you can use an inside antenna. You usually need to be near a southern window. The antennas come with very long cables so you can stretch them across the room.

Some larger cities have land repeaters for the satellite signals, so the signal is extra easy to pick up. If you live in New York City, for instance - you need land repeaters because of all the tall buildings (signal echo).

I have been on XM for about three years. Works for me! When I bought my set up (at Circuit City) I made sure I could return it if I could not get signal. It was easy to set up and works great in my home, car and office.