[Satellite TODAY Insider 10-18-11] Sirius XM Radio has introduced its new Edge dock and radio satellite unit, which aims to enable users to receive an expanded lineup of commercial-free music channels, sports and comedy, as well as the SiriusXM Latino suite of Spanish-language channels, SiriusXM announced Oct. 17.

   The satellite broadcaster said the launch of its Edge product line is part of the first phase of a major upgrade and evolution program for its satellite and Internet delivered service. The SiriusXM 2.0 program spans hardware, software, audio and data services, and employs new modulation and compression techniques to deliver 25 percent more bandwidth capacity. SiriusXM said it would expand its audio and data services without affecting the broadcast quality of existing channels.

   “Edge will be available at 2,500 retail locations by the holiday shopping season. Additional radios and features in upcoming phases of 2.0 will bring even more content and capabilities to our satellite and Internet platforms, all providing exciting complements to our core radio services for subscribers,” SiriusXM President of Sales and Operations Jim Meyer told Satellite TODAY Insider.

   The SiriusXM Edge, which will be sold in U.S. retail shops at an MSRP of $139.99, receives all of the channels of previous SiriusXM satellite radios, while allowing customers to pause, rewind and replay live satellite radio programming.

   The product’s SiriusXM Latino service component includes exclusive commercial-free Latino music channels and a wide variety of music genres. Meyer added that SiriusXM listeners would get 24/7 news and talk from RadioFormula Mexico and Spanish-language coverage of world-class professional sports on multiple Deportes en Vivo channels. “SiriusXM Latino also will include Cristina Radio from Iconic talk show host Cristina Saralegui, and featuring lifestyle, health and family programming for Latinas. Cristina Radio, produced by National Latino Broadcasting, is launching in the coming months,” said Meyer.