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XM Satellite Radio to launch first 24- hour music channels in 5.1 surround sound
MUMBAI: XM Satellite Radio, the satellite radio company, will broadcast select XM music channels in ‘5.1 surround sound.’ This will be the first time that a radio company will be broadcasting round-the clock in ‘5.1 surround sound.’
The audio breakthrough was announced by XM and Neural Audio Corporation, a provider of digital signal processing and surround sound technology for the broadcast industry, ahead of the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Beginning in March 2006, XM will broadcast the free-form music channel Fine Tuning (XM channel 76) and the classical pops music channel XM Pops (XM Channel 113) in XM HD surround. XM will also broadcast a variety of special shows and live music performances at the XM studios in XM HD surround.
“XM is the first radio company — satellite or terrestrial — to broadcast 5.1 surround sound on the radio 24 hours a day,” said XM president and CEO Hugh Panero.
“Terrestrial radio stations are just starting to convert from analog to digital. XM HD surround is the latest example of the technological edge that has made XM the number- one satellite radio company,” said Panero.
“XM was the first company to offer satellite radio, the first to introduce satellite radios for the car and home, and the first to offer portable, live satellite radios. Now we’re the first to offer radio channels in 5.1 surround every minute of every day. We have an outstanding partnership with Neural Audio, which shares the same passion for high-quality sound that we have at XM,” Panero added.
“XM HD surround is setting the bar at a new level with surround sound that enriches the listener’s experience with full envelopment and image detail never before available in traditional broadcast,” said Geir R. Skaaden, Neural Audio CEO.
The new offering of ‘5.1 surround’ on XM is called XM HD surround, which provides content with six discrete channels of digital full fidelity audio powered by Neural Audio technology.
XM manufacturing partners such as Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., and Yamaha will introduce home audio systems capable of playing XM HD surround powered by Neural Audio in 2006.
XM will demonstrate XM HD surround broadcasts at the 2006 CES January 5-8 in the XM booth #4606 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Home audio systems enabled with neural surround will deliver the full surround experience of XM HD surround. These broadcasts can also be heard on any existing mono, stereo, or matrix style receiver.
XM Satellite Radio is America’s satellite radio service with more than five million subscribers broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City and Nashville at the Country Music Hall of Fame, XM offers 160 digital channels of choice from coast to coast.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
