Delphi SkyFi3 (XM)
Manufacturer: Delphi Corp. Part number: SA10224
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Delphi SkyFi3 XM receiver/recorder is a flexible solution for home, car, and on the go for those who don't want to spend big bucks.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/02/2009 |
| XMFanStore | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 12/02/2009 | |
 | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 12/02/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Delphi SkyFi3 (XM) price range: $56.98 - $84.80
- Reviewed by: James Kim
- Reviewed on: 10/25/2006
- Released on: 10/17/2006
The good: The Delphi SkyFi3 is a competitively priced plug-and-play satellite radio receiver/recorder. It can pause and replay programming up to 30 minutes, is lightweight and easy to use, and includes a large and legible screen. It plays back digital audio files via the expansion slot and can be used while afoot with optional antenna headphones. It includes a car kit and a remote control.
The bad: The Delphi SkyFi3 has a budget build quality, with a monochrome screen with no channel graphics and no built-in antenna, so you must use optional headphones for true portability. It lacks a Micro SD card, has subpar rated battery life, and can't store your own digital audio files on internal memory. It has a substandard FM transmitter and charging the device over USB isn't guaranteed.
The bottom line: The Delphi SkyFi3 XM receiver/recorder is a flexible solution for home, car, and on the go for those who don't want to spend big bucks.
The SkyFi3 doesn't really bring anything new to the market, except, of course, a Micro SD expansion slot. Its broad feature set mimics those of the Pioneer Inno/Samsung Helix (twins separated at birth), but both of those so-called deluxe portables cost a bit more than the SkyFi3's $200. However, the Inno/Helix are more compact, include vibrant color screens, and are really designed to be used on the go, as they have integrated receivers. The SkyFi3 has a monochrome screen that's much less flashy and a build that feels a little cheap, and its on-the-move Live XM capability relies on a pair of $49 headphones that have the receiver antenna built right into them. Still, the SkyFi3 makes a nice audio companion for those who spend lots of time in their autos, and it's flexible enough to be used almost anywhere. Plus, its 30-minute time-shift capability is three times that of the Inno/Helix.
Looks aren't everything
Measuring about 4.4x2.25x0.7 inches, the SkyFi3 looks and feels like a big-screen, high-capacity MP3 player (it has very little internal storage, though). It's extremely lightweight, too. By design, it's meant to be stashed in a pocket or bag; even without the optional receiver headphones, the SkyFi3 can be used in much the same way as the Samsung Nexus: to play back MP3 and protected WMA files or any recorded XM content. The respective caveats: your personal digital music collection needs to be stored on tiny Micro SD cards (up to 2GB these days) that fit in the slot on the top of the unit, and you get up to 10 hours of recorded XM content. While digital audio files can be stored internally on the Inno/Helix, you're limited to only 1GB.
The 2.8-inch screen features large text, and the backlight makes the display very easy to read, even from a few feet away. Viewing many channels listed on a single screen is a nice treat. The unit's buttons are substantial as well--a five-way navigation controller (the center being play/pause) and the Mode/Power (MyMusic, LiveXM, and Auxiliary input), Display (portrait or landscape), and Menu buttons.
The SkyFi3's right spine includes a lightweight plastic (read: cheap) volume rocker and a hold switch, and you'll find a headphone jack and a Micro SD slot on top. The bottom includes a power port, a standard USB port, and the dock connector. As shipped, the unit can be charged only within a car via the cigarette lighter adapter--there is no wall charger in the package.
If you want to extend the SkyFi3 into the home (without the antenna headphones), spring for the $60 Home Kit, which includes an AC adapter. Unfortunately, while we were able to get our unit to charge over USB, Delphi states that the SkyFi3 doesn't officially support it-- so it may not work for you depending on your system. Still, the way Delphi sees it, 80 percent of satellite usage use is in the car.
Of course, the device's primary objective is to offer an intuitive and safe way to enjoy XM (more than 170 channels at $12.95/month) in a car. The SkyFi3 comes with a vehicle cradle, which includes five two-way buttons (each way represents a number, or one of 30 presets broken down into three banks); additionally, three of the buttons can be pressed in the center to record content, store a preset channel, or to either input channel numbers directly or choose from a list. The cradle's buttons are tactile and easy to press, though it takes a bit of practice to consistently press the center buttons. The cradle also features a line input (for your iPod, for example) and a line output (just in case your stereo has a line input).
The SkyFi3 ships with a car charger, an XM antenna, a remote control, earbuds, a USB cable, and two car-mounting kits--one that mounts to your vent and the other that sticks on your dashboard. When mounted, the SkyFi3 is extremely accessible. It can be positioned in either landscape or portrait mode--we prefer landscape--and it makes for easy and safe control while driving. While we don't recommend advanced procedures such as setting the FM transmitter frequency while hurtling down the interstate at 80mph (the built-in transmitter effectively beams XM or other audio to your car's FM radio), this unit is definitely easier to use than many other receivers, including Delphi's own Roady2. By the way, like most receivers, you'll have a mess of wires coming off the cradle unless you take the time to tidy things up.
Lots of features for a fair price
At $200, the SkyFi3 can do what $400 products can do. That is, outside of simply receiving XM content, it can play back digital audio by way of an expansion slot, pause/replay the last 30 minutes that you were listening to (time-shifting), record any song you want (its buffer allows you to capture an entire song even if you pressed Record a quarter of the way through it), and list them by name in your library. This recorded content will not be accessible if you stop your XM subscription.
Searching for content is no problem on the big display; you can sort by artist, category, channel, and recording session and add songs to custom playlists. Though your MP3s must be added to your collection via Micro SD cards, you can mix and match content in playlists. As extras, the SkyFi3 includes a programmable stock ticker as well as the Artist and TuneSelect feature that locates favorite artists and songs on the XM network when they are available.
Once you stop your car, you can take the SkyFi3 along with you on your jaunt into the park. Listen to recorded content or get the funky-looking antenna headphones to listen to Live XM. While it's not as all-inclusive as the Inno/Helix, the SkyFi3's portable experience is not bad at all. Like other like devices, you can't take your XM recordings and transfer them to a computer, though you can tag songs to be purchased on XM+Napster (a tweaked version of Napster that, among other things, allows you to access XM streams online and facilitates Micro SD transfers). The SkyFi3 is also firmware upgradeable.
Sound quality is decent, with Live XM programming coming in punchy and powerful (though a tad compressed sounding). You can choose from nine preset equalizer settings. The FM transmitter isn't as powerful as we'd expected it to be. In downtown San Francisco, we had a difficult time with a clear signal on our fave channel, 88.1 (hmmm, could the FCC have forced Delphi to ratchet the signal strength down?). Anyway, it works fine in some areas of the Bay Area, but we weren't too impressed as we've seen some transmitters overpower the 88.1 signal. Of course, with all satellite radio receivers, be prepared for signal dropouts as you go underground, in and out of the concrete jungle, under bridges, and so on. Our MP3s sounded pretty decent, too, though not as good as the best-sounding MP3 players. Definitely switch out the earbuds with your own pair of good headphones.
Battery life is rated for 8 hours while using the SkyFi3 on the move and listening to recorded content. CNET Labs mustered about the same in its drain tests. From the Delphi Web site: "The Standard Live Wearable Kit (SA10252) allows users to enjoy live XM for up to 90 minutes with power from the SkyFi3's internal battery. The Premium Live Wearable Kit (SA10228) provides up to 7 hours in 'live XM' mode and 40 hours in stored music mode with an external rechargeable battery." Finally, speaking of these headphones, some retailers are currently offering a promotion where they are included for free with the SkyFi3.
User reviews
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Great until it stopped working.. now I am XM-less!!
by dnuccia on July 2, 2007
Pros: Everything you read in the editor's review is spot on.
Cons: Two defective units.... I'm done with Delphi!
Summary: Had the Myfi for 2 years, loved it, it died. Bought the SkyFi3 and thought it was 'flimsy' compared to the rugged MyFi but thought I'd give it a ...
Summary: Had the Myfi for 2 years, loved it, it died. Bought the SkyFi3 and thought it was 'flimsy' compared to the rugged MyFi but thought I'd give it a try. First unit I received had very outdated firmware. Couldn't get the firmware updated and couldn't use the info extra feature (sports scores and such). Returned/replaced that unit with a new one. Worked great for 2 weeks then started wigging out. First it would come on and lock up on the checking media screen. Had to wait for the battery to die before it turned off. Recharged it and got it working again until I stopped to get gas the other day. Turned the car off, which turned the radio off. Turned the car on, have never been able to turn the Skyfi3 back on again. Amazon told me it is a widespread problem and won't give me another one as a replacement. So can anyone recommend a decent comparable XM radio????
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A good XM reciever for the money
by loessn on August 5, 2007
Pros: I like the screen and the storage of songs
Cons: Terrible instruction booklet, covers no real questions and is very confusing
Summary: I have owned this unit for a month and have finally figured out how to operate it just by playing around with it. It has frzen up 2 times and ...
Summary: I have owned this unit for a month and have finally figured out how to operate it just by playing around with it. It has frzen up 2 times and in another review, I think if he would press the mode and volume button at the same time, the unit would reset. It does come with a one year warranty and the Delphi Premium Sound System has great sound.
Updated
My Skyfi3 has storage for 10 hours + of music, that I download free from XM. The only thing that I do not like is the owners manual which does make figuring out the radio up to the user. I am not fussy so the screen colors, or lack of does not matter to me. What's not to like?2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worst Radio I have owned
by galaxieford on December 6, 2007
Pros: Great Idea to record songs!
Cons: Unreliable, keeps loosing memory and locks up
Summary: This is number 3 and I am switching to a different brand. I leave mine running in the car so I can back it up to listen to my talk...
Summary: This is number 3 and I am switching to a different brand. I leave mine running in the car so I can back it up to listen to my talk
show and EVERY time it will play it for a while, then it will delete it's previously
recorded stuff! VERY FRUSTRATING! I have returned it twice and all 3 of them do it.
I called the factory and they said they are aware of this and it should be corrected in the next software update. That was 6 months ago. Today I had to reboot it about 6 times to get it to work, and it had deleted all of my recorded songs
Thats it, I'm getting something else. I am very glad I gout the extended warantee! Just so you know I have never filled one of these forms out before,but I registered just so I could save someone else from buying a hunk of junk like I did. Remember, if you still want to buy one, get the warantee, you will need it!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Haven't been able to use it...buydig.com sent me a deffective unit
by dontusebuydig on April 16, 2007
Pros: Looks pretty cool
Cons: Didn't work
Summary: I read the review of Skyfi3 last week and through the recommendation of cnet.com chose buydig.com to purchase one. I received the player in two days and had ...
Summary: I read the review of Skyfi3 last week and through the recommendation of cnet.com chose buydig.com to purchase one. I received the player in two days and had it professionally installed (80). The product did not work, and on the box it had a blue sticker on it that said "write verify failed." Delphi customer support was great and told me it was a defective unit. When I called Buydig.com they gave me only the option of returning all parts of the unit, which included the parts I had to professionally install. Which would mean I would have to have the unit uninstalled from my car. I called delphi and they told me all i had to do was send the receiver to them and they would send me a replacement. i can't wait until i get my replacement in a few week. DO NOT USE BUYDIG.COM
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Junk - worked for 10 mins then died. Can't listen to liveXM without additional hardware
by gmorelos on June 6, 2008
Pros: None - doesn't work
Cons: need addition hardware to listen anywhere but your car
Summary: I purchased this to be able to listen to live XM outside my car - my car already has satellite radio. When I purchase this directly from XM I told ...
Summary: I purchased this to be able to listen to live XM outside my car - my car already has satellite radio. When I purchase this directly from XM I told them what I wanted to do, but wasn't told the device was unable to do this without additional hardware at the cost of a minimum of $50. Very dissapointing!! To top it off it died after 10 mins. while waiting to be activated. I will be sending this paper weight back. DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE!!!
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This is a piece of Junk.
by Michael Oyler on May 23, 2008
Pros: Nice looking.
Cons: Locks up all the time. Connection to antenna is a pain.
Summary: I bought the SKYFI3 because XM Radio recommended it. Turns out to be the worst radio I have ever bought. Screen locks up, cannot turn off until battery gives up. ...
Summary: I bought the SKYFI3 because XM Radio recommended it. Turns out to be the worst radio I have ever bought. Screen locks up, cannot turn off until battery gives up. Unit refuses to accept the delphi firmware updates.Called Delphi for help, and was led through a bunch of instructions so fast that I really did not have clue what was going on. Result was that the tech: got me up and running, only to have it quit several days later.All in all the design and technical details are very very bad. I will not buy another one, and I am stuck with the one I got.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Does not do the one thing I asked for: Play live XM.
by skd86mld on May 15, 2008
Pros: Its light, nice headphones!
Cons: Does not play live XM when away from the house.
Summary: I asked specifically during the buying process if I would be able to listen to live XM while walking the dog.
It arrived as promised, I got it activated, and ...Summary: I asked specifically during the buying process if I would be able to listen to live XM while walking the dog.
It arrived as promised, I got it activated, and all setup. But it did not play live XM during my first walk.
The only reason I asked it do, and it does not work.
Additionally the staff is like dealing with a time-share or used car salesman.
The XM Radio's in the cars are our favorites, but the portable units have been a complete disappointmen.
The one thing I need, it does not do and the sales people would not give me a complete and accurate answer to my questions about the product.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very poor design with numerous defects - do not buy the SkyFi3!
by Warner_9876 on September 23, 2007
Pros: Lots of features
Cons: Serious operational deficiencies.
Summary:
Updated...
If you want to listen to one channel all the time this unit might be okay for you. Otherwise, buy something else!
I've had my SkyFi3 for aSummary:
Updated
If you want to listen to one channel all the time this unit might be okay for you. Otherwise, buy something else!
I've had my SkyFi3 for a little over 2 months. In that time it has locked up numerous times, requiring the battery be removed to reset the unit.
In the list view the text is too small to view comfortably form 2 feet away while driving. There is no option to increase the text size (thus reducing the number of channels listed).
The "sure-connect" system is anything but sure - driving through a city will almost certainly require an extensive search for an open radio channel and it is very touchy about which one you select. Crackling and popping are the norm on this unit unless the selected channel is completely free of broadcast signal.
The remote control unit works poorly and is far far to small. It is nearly impossible to operate anything but the forward/back/select button set at the top of the remote using just one hand. Furthermore, the remote works poorly - buttons often do not work when pushed, and holding down a button will result in intermittent communication.
The interface on the cradle is even worse. Some functions are nearly impossible to access, and others are difficult. For instance it is hard to "record" using the "rec" button without accidentally hitting a "1" or "2" which results in a channel change.
Even if the interface (remote or cradle) works for you, the system design sucks. For instance, lets say you are listening to channel 40 but wish to scan the other channels by scrolling through the list. A song you want to listen to comes on channel 40 - if you do not scroll back to channel 40 the unit will switch to whatever channel you have under the selection cursor if you stop scrolling for about 15 seconds.
I have a 1 Gig SD memory chip added to my unit. The intent was to collect songs for playback. However, as you add more songs the SkyFi3 tends to chop off the beginnings or ends of those you've already collected rendering them worthless. Deleting a corrupted song will probably corrupt one or more other songs.
I bought a SkyFi2 for my Mother some time ago, and she loves it so I figured I'd give the SkyFi3 a shot without seriously researching it.
Very few electronics products I've purchased have been as disappointing as the Delphi SkyFi3.
Warner1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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VERY unreliable
by somedude74 on November 28, 2009
Pros: Recording time, auto-tune beeps throught the speakers, pause feature, auto off back light and user adjustable brightness
Cons: freezes up way too often, erases presets for no apparent reason then won't allow you to re-program them for anywhere for a few minutes to days.
Summary: I've had the SkyFi3 for about 1 1/2 years and originally loved it. I also have had the SkyFi and the SkyFi 2. After a few months, the ...
Summary: I've had the SkyFi3 for about 1 1/2 years and originally loved it. I also have had the SkyFi and the SkyFi 2. After a few months, the SkyFi3 became unstable and I would have to reset it every so often. The problem with resetting it is that any songs you may have recorded are gone. In addition, the reset may not solve the problem the first FEW times you do it. I never had any issues with either the original or the SkyFi2. And yes, I have done every firmware update, however, trying to update it from 1.15 to 1.19 the updater states that my SkyFi3 already has the latest update.... what??? Do yourself a favor, skip the SkyFi3. Either get the SkyFi2 or find another receiver that is rated much higher. It really is too bad, the features are rather good on it.......
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Unit keeps shutting down. Won't stay on live radio.
by beatlesbird on November 13, 2009
Pros: Bought this SkyFi3 about 2yrs ago. This portable unit worked great and sounded fantastic in the truck and bought the accessories and hookd it up on his MC also and he was very happy riding around listening to XM. Very nice and portable.
Cons: Recently started shutting off, Ch1 kept coming on, mode/vol wouldn't reboot it after awhile. Nothing worked to fix the problem. It would automatically go to the recorded material we accidentally recorded trying to fix it!
Summary: If it still worked I would say it's the greatest things since sliced bread but it's seems like it has turned out to be a crappy radio instead. ...
Summary: If it still worked I would say it's the greatest things since sliced bread but it's seems like it has turned out to be a crappy radio instead. It's upsetting to buy all the accessories needed to use it in more than one vehicle enjoy it so much and it crashes and burns. Short of installing an indash XM both in the truck and on the MC that performs as it should it's back to FM (oh the thought makes me cringe). I know there are people that love it and have had no problems but after 2 yrs this unit should be working as good as good as it did when I purchased it. Due to this issue I would not recommend anything from Delphi because it does sound like it has some sort of software glitch that will probably never be fixed by Delphi. I wonder if the same people that designed Windows Vista were consulting with Delphi at any point!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Delphi Corp.
- Part number: SA10224
- Description: The Delphi SKYFi3 comes with everything to start enjoying XM in any vehicle equipped with an FM radio. A low-profile car dock with direct channel and preset-favorites access allows for both horizontal and vertical mounting options. The car dock also provides for a single auxiliary line input so users can listen to an external audio. SKYFi3's orientation flexibility, bright 2.8-inch display screen and ease-to-access car dock buttons offer improved readability and control for safer operation while driving. In today's fast-paced, multi-tasking world interruptions while listening to our favorite songs are unavoidable. The SKYFi3 features a 30 minute Pause-Replay function that continuously and automatically saves the last 30 minutes of music, sports, comedy or talk - regardless of whether the user changes channels. At any point during live listening, users can pause a song or program with a single button press. As long as playback resumes within 30 minutes, users can enjoy what they would have otherwise missed. The Delphi SKYFi3 can time-shift up to 10 hours of fresh and continuously updated XM programming on its non-removable internal flash memory. Recordings can be started anytime during the live listening mode or by using SKYFi3's scheduled recording feature. A subscription to XM must be maintained to listen to stored XM programming.
General
- Product type XM radio tuner / digital player
- PC interface(s) supported USB
- Flash memory installed 256 MB Integrated
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 4.3 in
- Width 2.4 in
- Weight 4.1 oz
- Carrying case None -
- Included accessories XM antenna, Software kit, Mounting hardware, XM radio cradle for car
Audio Features
- Digital storage None
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Timer Sleep
- Built-in clock Timer, Digital clock
- Additional features Upgradeable firmware, Built-in FM transmitter, XM radio recording capability
Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards MP3, WAV, WMA
- ID3 tags support Yes
Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
- Diagonal size 2.8 in
- Backlight display Yes
CD System
- CD system type None
Cassette System
- Cassette system type None
Radio
- Tuner type Digital XM radio tuner
- Tuning display LCD display
MD System
- MD system type None
Remote Control
- Remote control Remote control - Infrared
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural Ear-bud
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Connectivity technology Wired
Connectivity
- Connector type 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x XM antenna SMB, 1 x USB, 1 x Docking station
- Slot(s) provided 1 x microSD
Battery / Power
- Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player battery
- Mfr estimated battery life 5 hour(s)
- Power device type Power adapter - car
System Requirements
- Peripheral / Interface devices CD-ROM, USB port
- Operating system Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4
Manufacturer info
- Delphi Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Delphi Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.delphi.com/
- Address:
5725 Delphi Dr.
Troy, MI 48098 - Phone: 248-813-2000
- Fax: 248.813.2670
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