If you're eager to jump on the satellite radio wave, here's a guide to get you started.

Many choose a provider based on its program offerings. XM offers baseball, hockey, and talk radio host Bob Edwards. Sirius offers football, basketball, and, beginning in January, Howard Stern.

There are three types of satellite radio: in-dash car radios, dedicated home-audio components and plug-and-play head units. Here's a look at some of XM's and Sirius's products.