0ur opinion:

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The sleek Sportster4 includes SlRlUS Replay, advanced sports features, a large, easy-to-read display, rotary tuning knob and moves easily between your car, home or boombox with universal docking capability.

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Get in the game with the plug-and-play Sirius Sportster 4 satellite radio receiver, which sports a new slim profile while still maintaining the same great features for which the Sportster series is known. Just like other Sirius-compatible receivers, the Sportster 4 offers a large, easy-to-read display, a rotary tuning knob, and accessible buttons, but now moves seamlessly into your car, home, or boombox. More significantly, the Sportster 4 maximizes the listening experience of Sirius radio's broad sports lineup, with the ability to decode the incoming Sirius digital-quality signal from more than 120 music, news, and sports channels. lt's also easily transportable, and thanks to the bundled car kit, lets you listen to your favorite satellite radio programs while driving.

An easy-to-read, six-line display tells you the channel name and number, category, artist name, song title, and time simultaneously. The receiver also lets you program up to 30 presets of your favorite streams, as well as search by stream, artist name, song title, or category. And with a quick press of the 0ne-Touch Jump button, you can instantly switch between the traffic and weather reports for your city or any of the other music, news, or entertainment channels. 0ther programming details include an S-Seek function that stores your favorite artists and songs and alerts you when one is playing on any of the music channels, direct station tuning via the numeric buttons, and a channel lock option. Time functions, meanwhile, include an onscreen clock, alarm, and sleep timer, as well as a program alert that allows the unit to switch to a preprogrammed stream at a selected time.

The Sportster 4 really earns its stripes, however, with its variety of enhanced features designed specifically for sports lovers. The Game Alert feature prompts you when your favorite NFL or other sports teams are playing on Sirius. The Game Zone lists all of your favorite teams in one virtual category and lets you select a different team from each of the various sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and college sports. And what sports fan could do without the Sportster's instant replay function, which lets you pause, rewind, and replay 44 minutes of live radio? As soon as you tune to a channel, the receiver automatically begins storing the audio for later playback.

The Sportster 4 also includes a built-in FM transmitter that sends Sirius radio programming to your vehicle's FM tuner, so you don't have to make a direct connection to enjoy the full array of channels. Simply set an empty FM frequency on your radio and tune the Sportster 4 to the same frequency. This function also works with other FM tuners, such as the one on your home stereo, but is easily paired with the car thanks to the bundled vehicle kit, which includes everything you need for listening to Sirius while driving. Components include a vehicle docking station, a suction cup mount, a vent mount, a DC power supply that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter, a roof-mount antenna, and mounting hardware.

Sirius satellite radio is a subscription service that provides more than 120 channels of programming, from digital-quality music to news, talk, and sports. lt is available only in the lower 48 states--not in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories. The Sportster 4, which measures 4.5 by 2.9 by 0.6 inches (W x H x D), is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Sportster 4 satellite radio receiver, wireless remote control, lithium battery, vehicle docking station, roof-mount antenna, suction cup mount, vent mount, cigarette lighter power adapter, mounting hardware, installation guide, Sirius channel information card, user's manual.

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Buyer's feedback: - * What Sirius (and XM) don't want you to know. ...
SPORTSTER 4 (SP4TK1) VS. SPORTSTER REPLAY (SPTK2)
The main difference between the Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) and the Sportster Replay (sptk2) is the sp4tk1 is slimmer and sleeker and the vehicle dock/cradle has an auxiliary input for an MP3 player or other device to transmit over the FM transmitter to your car radio. A major change is the sp4tk1 is now FCC compliant and will not emit FM transmissions as powerfully as the sptk2. While you will no longer broadcast to nearby drivers tuned to the same FM frequency as you, you are almost guaranteed to have major interference on your radio. Thus, it is critical that you install an FM modulator relay switch with the sp4tk1, unless your radio has an auxiliary input and you do not plan on listening to AM or FM radio. The sp4tk1 car dock now wires directly to its back. Thus, it will not lay flat against a surface without some modification to your dashboard for a clean look. The sp4tk1 now operates on 5 volts versus 12 V for the sptk2. Thus, it does not heat up like older Sirius receivers have been notorious for. The sp4tk1 is not compatible with the old sptk2 cradles or boom box. The sp4tk1 has fewer buttons also. There are no loss of functions as some buttons are now dual use or multifunctional. This is my first experience with satellite radio so I cannot be certain about my comparisons between receivers. Apparently, the old Starmates (st2) could only tune their FM transmitters to about 30 FM frequencies. The sptk2 could broadcast to 100 frequencies. I believe the sp4tk1 is the same as the sptk2 in this respect. It has been claimed the new sp4tk1 cannot tune below 88.1 FM but I believe 87.9 and 87.7 are the only stations available below 88.1. Also, the sp4tk1 can save up to 30 song titles, artist names, or sports teams. This memory is saved even after powering off the units. I'm not sure if this is an upgrade over the sptk2. I believe it is the same as the sptk2 in this regard.

FACT OR FICTION?
It has been rumored that all the new Sportsters, Streamers, and Starmates (st2) will be compatible and interchangeable with each other's vehicle and home docks. Some web sites are claiming the Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) has a built in FM modulator relay switch. This is not true. There are also rumors that there will be a Sportster 3 that will not have the replay function. Thus, it will be cheaper than the sp4tk1, which does have the replay option. The sp4tk1 stays true to the old replay receivers by deleting the 44 minutes of stored audio when you change the channel, turn it off, or turn off your car. There may also be a Sportster 2 which will have an amber display screen which will also be less expensive but this is doubtful. The sp4tk1 is only available in the blue black display screen. It is also suspected that the sp4tk1 has some new unique interior software that enables some new function or compatibility with some as yet unknown device or technology. This would persuade long time Sirius subscribers to purchase new receivers or perhaps for those of us with the sp4tk1 to buy some new secondary device with our hard earned cash. Perhaps as Sirius releases sp4tk1 accessories and other new receivers this will become apparent. Some people say the new "chip set" may allow the new receivers to pick up more stations like some new Canadian stations currently. This may be due to differences in broadband bandwidth signals or bit rates. Another possible software update may be the designation of Howard 100 and 101 in their own category. As of this posting, the sp4tk1 is only in limited release with no accessories available. Sirius has not begun an aggressive ad campaign touting the sp4tk1's bells and whistles.

WISHFUL THINKING
The Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) is still a true plug and play (PNP) device versus the old starmates (st2) which were not true PNP because they wired to the docks. However, the receiver remains a tight fit to the dock. It would be wonderful if it docked and undocked as smoothly as an anti-theft car stereo detachable face plate. The geniuses that designed this unit couldn't have made it anymore awkward if they had tried. It is a tight fit to the dock and there is no place to grip the receiver to easily undock it. It requires two hands. One to grip the receiver and the other to grip the dock. The home dock (suph1) is currently unreleased as of this posting. The old st2 home dock had a line out for direct connection to your home stereo or PC to avoid having to use the FM transmitter mode, which is susceptible to interference by local FM radio stations. The sptk2 home dock only allowed FM transmission. It is hoped the suph1 will have the line out option. The sp4tk1 uses the dot ultra low profile antennae which is notorious for weather corrosion, or just defective units, after 5 months with the Sportster Replay (sptk2). It is hoped Sirius has corrected this problem but it seems unlikely as they probably have tons of these things in inventory. All of Sirius' old receivers are notorious for push button burn outs and just plain defective radios. If this is attributed to the high operating temperature of the old units, perhaps the lower 5 V vs. 12 V operating voltage will reduce these problems. The sp4tk1 should come with a hard case for transport to protect its liquid crystal display (LCD). Ever pressed too hard on your watch or calculator's screen? A PNP device should be expected to be carried in backpacks and purses between cars and houses and it is almost an "absolute metaphysical certitude" that it will be dropped, crushed, or cracked.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Sirius is notorious for poor customer service. Sirius subscribers should be aware of the tinny sound of talk radio due to signal wavelength compression broadcast by the orbiting satellites and received and converted to FM by your receiver. If it is digital "CD quality" sound, it is digital "CD quality" sound of people with really tinny voices. Sirius does cut out under bridges, tunnels, and the rare tree when you are out of the line of sight of the satellites in outer space. If you are near a ground based repeater signal relay/amplifier station, you may have slightly better luck, but this is rare. Your receiver is activated when you subscribe by phone or go online and provide your receiver's unique serial identification (SID) number. Sirius then briefly emits a signal for about an hour over it's satellites that will "unlock" your specific receiver. You must pay an "activation fee" to accomplish this. Sirius will continue to charge your credit card even after your subscription ends along with "subscription fees," unless you specifically "unsubscribe." If your receiver is stolen and you notify Sirius, they will de-activate your receiver for two months. After 2 months, the thief can subscribe using your receiver and unique SID. Thus, Sirius condones a black market of stolen receivers due to their policies of corporate greed and unethical business practices. If you end your subscription or stop paying, it is highly speculative how Sirius deactivates your receiver. It is thought that they broadcast a continuous deactivation signal that is specific to your receiver's SID for 2 months, probably the same if your unit is stolen. It is also speculated that every month a continuous universal signal is broadcast that upgrades the encryption codes (or signal converter code or signal decryption key) to all receivers everywhere. If you miss two upgrades in a row over two months, your receiver is no longer able to convert the signal. If you were simply out of town, when you call Sirius to complain they will check your account status and confirm your payment history is current and briefly broadcast a new activation code specific to your receivers SID for one hour. If you are a thief, they will ask you to subscribe. Thus, if you are a thief or are late with a payment, they will broadcast a specific deactivation code to your receiver's SID for two months. If you try to tune in illegally inside these two months your receiver will be deactivated. If you avoid this deactivation signal for two months, you have missed the last two universal signal conversion updates and your receiver can no longer decode the signal. This is all highly speculative. It is thought that Sirius keeps this aspect secret to avoid individuals from tuning in illegally with pirate receivers much like is done in the cable television industry. It is only a matter of time before industrial Americans with the right know how begin producing pirate units, if they haven't already. Another word of advice concerns the "lifetime" subscription. It is only valid for 4 progressive receivers. The first at purchase price plus a $15 activation fee, the next 3 at purchase price plus $75 "subscription transfer" fees. If you are lucky enough to get four defective receivers in a row, your "lifetime" subscription is terminated. You may upgrade from your original receiver three times, but for the fifth receiver you would have to begin a "new" subscription plan. It would also be wise to purchase an extended warranty plan beyond Sirius' 1 year warranty which does not cover the antennae.

MY INSTALLATION
I own a '91 Chevy S10 pickup with no moon roof or rear window cargo access. I used a professional installation service for $80. The magnetic antennae is very susceptible to vandalism. My antennae is centered on the roof of my truck's cab next to the windshield. The adhesive wire cover included with the receiver was unusable as it is straight and my truck cab slopes down to the windshield. Even the magnetic antennae does not sit flush on this curve. The rubber molding around my windshield is rock hard from 15 years of sun rot and it was a risky venture getting the antennae wire inside it. There is a Sirius mounting bracket available from Pro Fit International made for the '87 to '93 S10. However, I had some blanks in my dash above the lighting controls and had my sp4tk1 mounted there. Of course, I also purchased the FM modulator relay switch. Also, the sp4tk1 docks in a straight down motion and undocks straight up. Thus, you need a half inch clearance directly above the dock. There is also a lock/unlock sliding knob and notch behind the right side of the dock that locks the sp4tk1 in the cradle. Thus, you need a space for your finger behind the dock and to the right for your finger if you desire to use this feature. I also had it hard wired to my truck to avoid using the cigarette lighter power adaptor.

CONCLUSION
The Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) is a slight improvement over the Sportster Replay (sptk2). The sp4tk1 is slimmer, sleeker, operates at a lower temperature, and has an auxiliary input in the dock. However, it's FM broadcaster is much weaker than the old receivers. It is practically a necessity to buy and install an FM modulator relay switch and Sirius really should include one in the vehicle installation kit, but they don't. I have been on the fence about Sirius for 7 months. I have been without Howard Stern and Ba ba booey from Jan '06 to July '06. With the resolution of the CBS lawsuit and Howard now being in possession of his past 20 years of shows, interviews, and sound clips now unedited I have finally been convinced to jump in the satellite game despite all it's shortcomings. If that doesn't validate the "Stern Effect," I don't know what does. Sportster 4?...nah. How 'bout the Sternster 4? But, he would never sell out like that. After 7 months without Stern, it was good to hear their voices again. FIRE!

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Buyer's feedback: - What Sirius (and XM) don't want you to know.
SPORTSTER 4 (SP4TK1) VS. SPORTSTER REPLAY (SPTK2)
The main difference between the Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) and the Sportster Replay (sptk2) is the sp4tk1 is slimmer and sleeker and the vehicle dock/cradle has an auxiliary input for an MP3 player or other device to transmit over the FM transmitter to your car radio. A major change is the sp4tk1 is now FCC compliant and will not emit FM transmissions as powerfully as the sptk2. While you will no longer broadcast to nearby drivers tuned to the same FM frequency as you, you are almost guaranteed to have major interference on your radio. Thus, it is critical that you install an FM modulator relay switch with the sp4tk1, unless your radio has an auxiliary input and you do not plan on listening to AM or FM radio. The sp4tk1 car dock now wires directly to its back. Thus, it will not lay flat against a surface without some modification to your dashboard for a clean look. The sp4tk1 now operates on 5 volts versus 12 V for the sptk2. Thus, it does not heat up like older Sirius receivers have been notorious for. The sp4tk1 is not compatible with the old sptk2 cradles or boom box. The sp4tk1 has fewer buttons also. There are no loss of functions as some buttons are now dual use or multifunctional. This is my first experience with satellite radio so I cannot be certain about my comparisons between receivers. Apparently, the old Starmates (st2) could only tune their FM transmitters to about 30 FM frequencies. The sptk2 could broadcast to 100 frequencies. I believe the sp4tk1 is the same as the sptk2 in this respect. It has been claimed the new sp4tk1 cannot tune below 88.1 FM but I believe 87.9 and 87.7 are the only stations available below 88.1. Also, the sp4tk1 can save up to 30 song titles, artist names, or sports teams. This memory is saved even after powering off the units. I'm not sure if this is an upgrade over the sptk2. I believe it is the same as the sptk2 in this regard.

FACT OR FICTION?
It has been rumored that all the new Sportsters, Streamers, and Starmates (st2) will be compatible and interchangeable with each other's vehicle and home docks. Some web sites are claiming the Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) has a built in FM modulator relay switch. This is not true. There are also rumors that there will be a Sportster 3 that will not have the replay function. Thus, it will be cheaper than the sp4tk1, which does have the replay option. The sp4tk1 stays true to the old replay receivers by deleting the 44 minutes of stored audio when you change the channel, turn it off, or turn off your car. There may also be a Sportster 2 which will have an amber display screen which will also be less expensive but this is doubtful. The sp4tk1 is only available in the blue black display screen. It is also suspected that the sp4tk1 has some new unique interior software that enables some new function or compatibility with some as yet unknown device or technology. This would persuade long time Sirius subscribers to purchase new receivers or perhaps for those of us with the sp4tk1 to buy some new secondary device with our hard earned cash. Perhaps as Sirius releases sp4tk1 accessories and other new receivers this will become apparent. Some people say the new "chip set" may allow the new receivers to pick up more stations like some new Canadian stations currently. This may be due to differences in broadband bandwidth signals or bit rates. Another possible software update may be the designation of Howard 100 and 101 in their own category. As of this posting, the sp4tk1 is only in limited release with no accessories available. Sirius has not begun an aggressive ad campaign touting the sp4tk1's bells and whistles.

WISHFUL THINKING
The Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) is still a true plug and play (PNP) device versus the old starmates (st2) which were not true PNP because they wired to the docks. However, the receiver remains a tight fit to the dock. It would be wonderful if it docked and undocked as smoothly as an anti-theft car stereo detachable face plate. The geniuses that designed this unit couldn't have made it anymore awkward if they had tried. It is a tight fit to the dock and there is no place to grip the receiver to easily undock it. It requires two hands. One to grip the receiver and the other to grip the dock. The home dock (suph1) is currently unreleased as of this posting. The old st2 home dock had a line out for direct connection to your home stereo or PC to avoid having to use the FM transmitter mode, which is susceptible to interference by local FM radio stations. The sptk2 home dock only allowed FM transmission. It is hoped the suph1 will have the line out option. The sp4tk1 uses the dot ultra low profile antennae which is notorious for weather corrosion, or just defective units, after 5 months with the Sportster Replay (sptk2). It is hoped Sirius has corrected this problem but it seems unlikely as they probably have tons of these things in inventory. All of Sirius' old receivers are notorious for push button burn outs and just plain defective radios. If this is attributed to the high operating temperature of the old units, perhaps the lower 5 V vs. 12 V operating voltage will reduce these problems. The sp4tk1 should come with a hard case for transport to protect its liquid crystal display (LCD). Ever pressed too hard on your watch or calculator's screen? A PNP device should be expected to be carried in backpacks and purses between cars and houses and it is almost an "absolute metaphysical certitude" that it will be dropped, crushed, or cracked.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Sirius is notorious for poor customer service. Sirius subscribers should be aware of the tinny sound of talk radio due to signal wavelength compression broadcast by the orbiting satellites and received and converted to FM by your receiver. If it is digital "CD quality" sound, it is digital "CD quality" sound of people with really tinny voices. Sirius does cut out under bridges, tunnels, and the rare tree when you are out of the line of sight of the satellites in outer space. If you are near a ground based repeater signal relay/amplifier station, you may have slightly better luck, but this is rare. Your receiver is activated when you subscribe by phone or go online and provide your receiver's unique serial identification (SID) number. Sirius then briefly emits a signal for about an hour over it's satellites that will "unlock" your specific receiver. You must pay an "activation fee" to accomplish this. Sirius will continue to charge your credit card even after your subscription ends along with "subscription fees," unless you specifically "unsubscribe." If your receiver is stolen and you notify Sirius, they will de-activate your receiver for two months. After 2 months, the thief can subscribe using your receiver and unique SID. Thus, Sirius condones a black market of stolen receivers due to their policies of corporate greed and unethical business practices. If you end your subscription or stop paying, it is highly speculative how Sirius deactivates your receiver. It is thought that they broadcast a continuous deactivation signal that is specific to your receiver's SID for 2 months, probably the same if your unit is stolen. It is also speculated that every month a continuous universal signal is broadcast that upgrades the encryption codes (or signal converter code or signal decryption key) to all receivers everywhere. If you miss two upgrades in a row over two months, your receiver is no longer able to convert the signal. If you were simply out of town, when you call Sirius to complain they will check your account status and confirm your payment history is current and briefly broadcast a new activation code specific to your receivers SID for one hour. If you are a thief, they will ask you to subscribe. Thus, if you are a thief or are late with a payment, they will broadcast a specific deactivation code to your receiver's SID for two months. If you try to tune in illegally inside these two months your receiver will be deactivated. If you avoid this deactivation signal for two months, you have missed the last two universal signal conversion updates and your receiver can no longer decode the signal. This is all highly speculative. It is thought that Sirius keeps this aspect secret to avoid individuals from tuning in illegally with pirate receivers much like is done in the cable television industry. It is only a matter of time before industrial Americans with the right know how begin producing pirate units, if they haven't already. Another word of advice concerns the "lifetime" subscription. It is only valid for 4 progressive receivers. The first at purchase price plus a $15 activation fee, the next 3 at purchase price plus $75 "subscription transfer" fees. If you are lucky enough to get four defective receivers in a row, your "lifetime" subscription is terminated. You may upgrade from your original receiver three times, but for the fifth receiver you would have to begin a "new" subscription plan. It would also be wise to purchase an extended warranty plan beyond Sirius' 1 year warranty which does not cover the antennae.

MY INSTALLATION
I own a '91 Chevy S10 pickup with no moon roof or rear window cargo access. I used a professional installation service for $80. The magnetic antennae is very susceptible to vandalism. My antennae is centered on the roof of my truck's cab next to the windshield. The adhesive wire cover included with the receiver was unusable as it is straight and my truck cab slopes down to the windshield. Even the magnetic antennae does not sit flush on this curve. The rubber molding around my windshield is rock hard from 15 years of sun rot and it was a risky venture getting the antennae wire inside it. There is a Sirius mounting bracket available from Pro Fit International made for the '87 to '93 S10. However, I had some blanks in my dash above the lighting controls and had my sp4tk1 mounted there. Of course, I also purchased the FM modulator relay switch. Also, the sp4tk1 docks in a straight down motion and undocks straight up. Thus, you need a half inch clearance directly above the dock. There is also a lock/unlock sliding knob and notch behind the right side of the dock that locks the sp4tk1 in the cradle. Thus, you need a space for your finger behind the dock and to the right for your finger if you desire to use this feature. I also had it hard wired to my truck to avoid using the cigarette lighter power adaptor.

CONCLUSION
The Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) is a slight improvement over the Sportster Replay (sptk2). The sp4tk1 is slimmer, sleeker, operates at a lower temperature, and has an auxiliary input in the dock. However, it's FM broadcaster is much weaker than the old receivers. It is practically a necessity to buy and install an FM modulator relay switch and Sirius really should include one in the vehicle installation kit, but they don't. I have been on the fence about Sirius for 7 months. I have been without Howard Stern and Ba ba booey from Jan '06 to July '06. With the resolution of the CBS lawsuit and Howard now being in possession of his past 20 years of shows, interviews, and sound clips now unedited I have finally been convinced to jump in the satellite game despite all it's shortcomings. If that doesn't validate the "Stern Effect," I don't know what does. Sportster 4?...nah. How 'bout the Sternster 4? But, he would never sell out like that. After 7 months without Stern, it was good to hear their voices again. FIRE!

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Buyer's feedback: - * Great Product, Poor Mounting Bracket... ...
The Radio works great, looks cool, and is very easy to use. They have made quite a few minor improvements over previous versions that my friends have. The only problem is that the window mount swivel is not "lock-able". When you go over harsh bumps the radio jiggles around and gets crooked/turns/ect...my only complaint-it's not a deal breaker, but really annoying...

Overall, still great!

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Buyer's feedback: - A disappointing unit
Eager to get it, I finally ordered the new Sportster 4 online. It didn't take long for me to be profoundly disappointed in the unit.

The problem is with the Sportster's FM converter: It's essentially worthless. I was unable to find a single frequency that wasn't subject to some sort of interference. Even the frequencies I use with the Starmate Replay were picking up static and/or bursts of music from elsewhere. In fact, at the lower end of the FM spectrum (the 88's and 89's) I got nothing. Zip. Nada. Even on the completely blank frequencies there was just nothing there. Finally around the 90.1 range you would be able to make out whichever channel you were trying to listen to. The upper frequencies were "listenable," provided you were willing to put up with the interference.

I finally decided to hook up the old Starmate again and put the units through a head-to-head competition. I set both receivers to the same FM frequency and the Starmate consistently overpowered the FM transmitter from the Sportster. I've actually tried the same experiment before, between the Starmate and an XM unit, and the result should be one signal or another getting through, but with a lot of interference. The bottom line is that the Sportster's FM converter is weak almost to the point of being non-existent.

I don't know what effect using a direct connect FM modulator would have on this shortcoming.

The second problem is that the power and antenna cables connect directly to the back of the cradle, NOT the sides. The end result is that the back of the radio is no longer a smooth surface, and you can no longer simply velcro the unit to the dashboard. It does come with that annoying standard-issue suction cup mount or a vent mount. I'm not a big fan of either mounting method, however.

On the plus side: If you are able to playback with either a cassette adapter or a direct connect cable, you will like the Sportster 4. It's a beautifully sleek looking unit and the various controls are laid out well. The blue backlight is just a bit weak during the day, but unobtrusive at night.

Buying additional cradles--whether for the house or other cars--makes moving the radio from one location to another a snap since you don't have to deal with connecting and disconnecting various cables.

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Buyer's feedback: - * AWSOME!!! ...
This new tuner that sirius came out with is far superior to any other model... bright blue display, nice sleek,slim design... YOU EWILL BE EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH THIS DEVICE!!!! 30+ presets, game alert, channel alerts...

JUST GREAT!