Satellite radio shrinking

A new generation chip will shrink receivers for theSirius Satellite Radio system from the their current video-cassette size to a single integrated board the size of a credit card. The new technology should make it simpler to integrate satellite radio with existing mobile sound systems, doing away with separate under-the-dashboard units.

In addition to its dramatic size reduction, the new chip is said to cut total system costs by 50%, as well as reduce power consumption and improve heat control.

The new chips for second-generation Sirius radios will be introduced before the end of the year, according to the company.