What happens when you take an already great satellite radio receiver and improve it? You end up with the Delphi SKYFi2 for XM Satellite Radio. We loved (and still love!) the original SKYFi, but the SKYFi2 has a long list of improved features that make it even more entertaining, functional and all-around better.

The SKYFi2 can be used at home, in a portable boom box or in the car. Of course, a subscription is required to receive XM's 170-plus channels, which include 69 commercial-free music channels.

The SKYFi2 has several major improvements over its predecessor. First of all, the SKYFi2 adds a handy FM transmitter (Delphi calls it an FM modulator) that lets you listen to the XM signal over your car's stereo system via an unused FM channel, all without connecting any wires. The package also includes a cassette adapter for directing the signal to your stereo through the tape deck. However, directly linking the SKYFi2 through your sound system's auxiliary input makes the best connection.

Another entertaining feature is the SKYFi2's Pause and Replay functions. Like TiVo for satellite radio, an internal memory buffer lets you pause and rewind up to 30 minutes of programming (compared to Sirius tuners' 44 minutes). You can hear your favorite song over again, or you can pause the radio to take a phone call or ask for directions. Delphi has also enhanced the TuneSelect function. Not only will the SKYFi2 tell you when your 20 favorite songs are playing on other stations, it will also alert you when your favorite artist is playing on any station.

The new and improved display on the SKYFi2 can scroll a stock or sports ticker across the bottom of the screen, and you can choose what stocks and games to track. Also useful is a Jump button that quickly switches back and forth between the last two channels to which you were listening. The SKYFi2 has an automatic-on feature, turning on when you start up your car.

If you have the original, you will understand why the update to the SKYFi is so exciting. If you're just getting started, the SKYFi2 XM Satellite Radio tuner will make a believer out of you too.


Pros: Memory buffer lets you pause and replay, integrated FM transmitter, TuneSelect now includes favorite artist, stock and sports ticker
Cons: Blue display doesn't have other color options

Warranty
1 year