Sirius Satellite Radio SR-H550 User Manual

SIRIUS Satellite Radio Home Receiver

SR-H550

User Guide

CONGRATULATIONS! Your new SR-H550 SIRIUS® Satellite Radio Home Receiver lets you enjoy

SIRIUS Satellite Radio’s digital entertainment in your Home. Use this guide to familiarize yourself with
the SR-H550’s features and capabilities. For the latest information about this and other SIRIUS
products, please visit http://www.siriusradio.com.

Table of Contents

FCC Warning .................................................................... 4

Safety Precautions ............................................................ 5

Cleaning the Receiver ....................................................... 5

SR-H550 Receiver Controls and Features........................ 7

Remote Control ................................................................. 8

Installing Batteries in the Remote................................. 8

Introduction ..................................................................... 10

Installing Y our SIRIUS Receiver...................................... 10

Installation/Wiring Precautions .................................. 10

Cabling Interconnections ........................................... 1 1

Installing/Positioning the Antenna .............................. 1 1

Connection Diagram .................................................. 11

Antenna Placement .................................................... 12

T esting Antenna Signal Strength ............................ 13

Operating the Receiver ................................................... 14

Activating your SIRIUS Subscription ......................... 14

CHANNEL Up/Down Buttons and ENT/SEL Button .. 15

Category Buttons Up/Down Buttons .......................... 15

Memory (MEMO) Button (S-SEEK Function) ............ 15

Display (DISP) Button................................................ 16

Menu (MENU) Button ................................................ 16

BAND Button (BAND)/Preset Tune (P. TUNE).......... 16

Scan Button ............................................................... 16

Keypad Buttons 0-9.................................................... 16

Basic Operation .............................................................. 16

Tuning By Category.................................................... 17

Content Listing Options (Look Ahead) ....................... 17

Direct Tuning.............................................................. 18

Setting/Using Channel Preset Buttons....................... 18

Preset List Mode ........................................................ 19

Display Button (DISP)................................................ 19

Memory Button (S-Seek Function) ............................. 20

Storing Song T itles or Sports Games ..................... 20

Replace/Cancel Options ........................................ 21

Viewing Programmed Information Stored in Memory. 22
Deleting a Artist/Song/S ports T eam Stored in Memory ... 23

Activating the S-Seek Alert Option ......................... 23

Menu Display Operations ................................................ 25

Sirius ID ..................................................................... 26

Game Alert ................................................................. 26

Display Settings ......................................................... 27

Confirm T one Options ................................................ 28

2

SR-H550 User Guide

Table of Contents (continued)

Add or Skip ................................................................ 28

Lock Options .............................................................. 28

Lock/Unlock Default Code Function........................... 29

Edit Code ................................................................... 29

Audio Level Options ................................................... 29

Antenna Aiming .......................................................... 29

Memory Options......................................................... 30

Time Based Features................................................. 30

Clock ...................................................................... 31

Format .................................................................... 31

Time Zone .............................................................. 31

Daylight Savings Time (DST) Observance............. 31

Alarm Clock: .............................................................. 32

Set Alarm (Default = Off) ....................................... 32

Alarm Time ............................................................. 32

Program Alert ............................................................. 32

Time/Day ................................................................ 33

Channel.................................................................. 33

Program Alert On/Off ............................................. 33

Sleep Mode ................................................................ 33

© 2005 SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. “SIRIUS”, the SIRIUS dog logo and channel names and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS Satellite
Radio Inc. “NFL” and the NFL Shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League. NHL and the NHL Shield are
registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. “NBA” and the NBA silhouette logo are registered trademarks of NBA
Properties, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks and logos are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved.
Hardware, subscription and activation fee required. For full Terms & Conditions, visit sirius.com. Prices and programming are subject
to change. Not available in HI and AK. Equipment and subscription sold separately. Installation required with some equipment.

SR-H550 User Guide

Factory Default........................................................... 34

Troubleshooting............................................................... 35

Specifications.................................................................. 36

3

Safety Precautions

Warning

Take the following precautions to prevent fire and
avoid personal injury:

• The use suggestions contained in this user
guide are subject to any restrictions or
limitations that may be imposed by applicable
law—the purchaser should check applicable
law for any restrictions or limitations before
installing and/or operating this Receiver.

• Failure to follow these safety instructions and
warnings may result in a serious accident.

• To avoid short circuits, never put or leave any
metallic objects (coins, tools, etc.) inside the
Receiver.

• If the Receiver emits smoke or unusual odors,
turn the power off immediately.

• Do not drop the Receiver or subject it to strong
shocks.

• If the LCD display on the Receiver becomes
damaged or broken, do not touch the liquid
crystal fluid. The fluid can be dangerous to your

4

health. If the liquid crystal fluid contacts your
body or clothing, immediately wash it off with
soap and water.

• Do not open the Receiver.

• Do not install the Receiver in a position that
obstructs viewing of any home entertainment
component, such as a Television or stereo
system indicators and displays.

• Remember to provide a clear line-of-sight to
the front of the Receiver so that commands
from the Remote Control are not obstructed in
any way.

• By adhering to these safety precautions and
warnings, serious accidents and/or personal
injury can be avoided.

FCC Warning

This equipment may generate or use radio
frequency energy. Changes or modifications to
this equipment may cause harmful interference
unless the modifications are expressly approved
in this user guide. The user could lose the
authority to operate this equipment if an
unauthorized change or modification is made.

SR-H550 User Guide

Note: This Receiver complies with the

interference limits relative to a Class B digital
device, applicable under Part 15 of the FCC Rules
regarding installation in a residential environment.
These rules are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference. This
equipment may cause harmful interference to
radio communications if it is not installed and
used in accordance with these instructions.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
of more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment
and the Receiver.

• Connect the equipment to a different circuit
from the one to which the Receiver is
connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio
technician for help.

Cleaning the Receiver

If the Receiver becomes dirty, turn its power off
and wipe it clean with a soft dry cloth. Do not use
hard cloths, paint thinner, alcohol, or other volatile
solvents to clean the Receiver. These may cause
damage to the plastic or remove indicator
characters.

SR-H550 User Guide

5

SIRIUS SR-H550 Satellite Radio Home Receiver Box Contents

Unpack your SIRIUS SR-H550 Satellite Radio Home Receiver and be sure that everything shown here is
present. If anything is missing or damaged, or if your Receiver fails to operate properly, notify the dealer
or retailer where you purchased the product immediately. It is recommended that you retain the original
receipt, carton, and packing materials in case you need to return or ship your Receiver in the future.

Digital Satellite Radio Receiver

SR-H550 Sirius Satellite Radio Tuner

CHANNEL

POWER

CATEGORY

Remote Control

& 2 AAA Batteries

2

3

1

5

6

4

8

9

7

PREV

0

DIRECT

CH+

DISP

MEMO

CAT- SEL

CAT+

CH-

BANDMENU

6

Window Sill Antenna

2 3 4 5

SIGNAL

STANDBY

1

1 2 3 4 5

678910

SCAN ENT/SEL DISP

MEMO

MENU BAND

DC Power Adapter

Optical Cable

AC Power Cord

NOTE: An optional bracket mounting kit can be

purchased separately. The kit consists of left and
right rack mount brackets, mounting screws, and
an installation sheet. (Part Number: SRH550BK)

User Manual

SIRIUS Satellite Radio Hom

SR-H550

User Guide

e Rec

eiver

Audio Cable

SR-H550 User Guide

SR-H550 Receiver Controls and Features

CHANNEL

CATEGORY

3 5

SIGNAL

STANDBY

1

SR-H550 Sirius Satellite Radio Tuner

POWER

642

1. POWER Button : Turns the Receiver On
and Off.

2. Remote Control Receiver: Receives signals
from the wireless remote control.

∧ ∨∧ ∨

∧ ∨

∧ ∨∧ ∨

3. CHANNEL Buttons (

))

): Navigates through

))

channels and display screens, and highlights

∧∧

∧

items on the display. Pressing the

∧∧

button

increases or moves up in the menus. Pressing

∨∨

∨

∨∨

the

button decreases or moves down in the

menus.

4. CATEGORY Buttons (< >): Navigates through
the Category List Screen which displays SIRIUS
Channel Categories.

SR-H550 User Guide

7 8 9 10 11

2 3 4 5

1

1 2 3 4 5

678910

SCAN ENT/SEL DISP

MENU BAND

MEMO

12 13 14

5. Signal Indicator: When lit this indicates that
the Receiver is receiving the SIRIUS signal from
the antenna.

6. Standby Indicator: When lit this indicates that
the Receiver is turned off, but not unplugged.

7. Display Screen: This area displays tuning and
information about the Receiver.

8. Preset Number Buttons (1-10): Sets and
selects preset channels.

9. SCAN button: Causes the Receiver play each
Channel/Preset in ascending order for 10
seconds. Scan is terminated when the SCAN,

Continued...

7

ENT/SEL, CATEGORY, or CHANNEL button is
pressed.

10. ENT/SEL Button: Selects an option displayed
on the screen.

11. DISPLAY (DISP) Button: Toggles display
between category/channel name and time/date.
Holding this button down switches the display
to the channel list mode.

12. MEMORY (MEMO) Button (S-Seek
Function): Saves and recalls Artist Names/

Song Titles and Sports Teams. You can store
up to 20 Artist Name/Song Title combinations,
or Sports Teams.

13. MENU Button: Used to access menu options
to change the Receiver setup and features.

14. BAND Button (P.Tune): Pressing and releasing
switches between the three preset banks (A, B.
C), which hold ten presets each. Pressing and
holding enables the “Preset Tune Mode”, which
allows for viewing and listening of stored presets
with the Channel Buttons.

Remote Control

The wireless remote control supplied with the
Receiver is capable of operating most of the
features from a remote location. Each button on
the remote control functions in the same way as
the button on the Receiver. For a full description
of a keypad button or function, refer to the
sections in this user manual where they are
described. For optimal operation of the remote
control, always aim it toward the Remote Sensor
on the front panel of the Receiver.

Installing Batteries in the Remote:

1. Remove the battery cover.

2. Install the two AAA batteries as indicated.

3. Replace the battery cover.

8

SR-H550 User Guide

1

2

1

5

4

8

7

DIRECT

DISP

CAT- SEL

0

CH+

CH-

3
2

4
7
4
6

PREV

CAT+

11

3

6

10

9

12
5

MEMO

7
8

9

BANDMENU

1. POWER: Turns the Receiver ON and OFF.

2. DISPLAY : Allows the user to choose one of three
ways of presenting the Artist Name and Song
Title information on the display screen.

3. DIRECT: Allows for direct channel entry using

SR-H550 User Guide

the number buttons.

4. CH+/-: Used to access channels in ascending
and descending order. Also used for navigation
through the Receiver’s menus.

5. MEMO: Used to capture and store current
program information.

6. MENU: Used to access “Menu Options” which
displays the Receiver setup menu plus other
feature/function adjustments.

7. CAT+/-: Used to access program categories in
ascending and descending order.

8. SEL: Used to confirm selection in various lists
and menus.

9. BAND: Used to switch between the 3 preset
bands (A, B, and C) and to activate preset
tuning.

10.0-9: These buttons are used to directly enter a
desired channel number. They are also used
when entering and recalling preset channel
numbers into memory.

11. MUTE: Allows the user to silence the audio.

12.PREV: Returns to the previously selected
channel.

9

Introduction

The SIRIUS Home Satellite Radio Receiver must
be connected to the windowsill antenna (supplied)
to process the SIRIUS signal. The Receiver
recognizes and decodes the incoming SIRIUS
program information and provides an audio signal
to your stereo receiving equipment or other audio
output equipment.

NOTE: The SIRIUS signal can be received and
processed virtually anywhere as long as there are
no obvious obstructions such as nearby buildings,
high terrain, parking garages or tunnels which
would block the satellite antenna from having a
clear view of the sky. The Receiver is typically
installed in an accessible location close to your
stereo receiving equipment to permit integration
as part of your home stereo system.

Installing Your SIRIUS Receiver

You can begin to enjoy Sirius Satellite Radio as
soon as the Receiver installation is complete. Set
up your Receiver using the following installation
instructions.

Installation/Wiring Precautions

1. Make sure the power supply adapter cable is
not connected to an AC wall outlet until all
interconnections have been made and
verified. The power supply adapter cable
should be connected last.

2. Do not install the Receiver in the locations
exposed to direct sunlight or in areas subject
to extreme temperatures.

3. Incorrect installation may cause damage to
the system.

4. During antenna placement/installation, refer
to the Antenna Placement procedure on page

12.

10

SR-H550 User Guide

Cabling Interconnections

Set up your system using the diagram at the right
and by following the installation instructions, or
enlist the help of a professional installer.

Installing/Positioning the Antenna

For best reception, the supplied antenna should
be placed near a window; some repositioning may
be required to achieve optimum results. The
following guidelines are recommended:

1. Terrestrial repeaters are located in major cities.
In those areas, it may be possible to locate the
windowsill antenna away from a window and
still get satisfactory reception.

2. You can also place the antenna outside (on a
roof structure), provided it is clear of any
overhead obstructions.

NOTE: Because of the orbiting characteristics of
the SIRIUS satellites, the strength of the SIRIUS
signal may change over time. In most cases
however, the signal should be available
continuously. If you experience a loss of signal or
audio, reposition the antenna inside the home or
outside as necessary.

SR-H550 User Guide

Connection Diagram

Power Supply

DC12V IN

To Auxiliary Audio
Input of Stereo or
Entertainment
System

Antenna

STEREO OUT

TOSLINK

OPTICAL DIGITAL

RL

AUDIO OUTPUT

S/PDIF COAX Digital
Output to Digital Optical
Input of Stereo or
Entertainment System

ANTENNA

11

Antenna Placement

Consult the map for the direction in which to point
the antenna. Aim the portion of the antenna with
the logo on it toward the location indicated by the
X on the map. To ensure strong reception in your
home, observe the following antenna placement
considerations:

1. BEST reception can be achieved by placing the
antenna outside on the roof. The antenna is
waterproof. This position will afford the best
view of the sky for best reception. When placed
in this location, an antenna extension cable
may be required.

2. BETTER reception can be achieved by placing
the antenna outside a window, or by mounting
it to the side of the house. In either case, try to
achieve the best possible clear view of the sky.

3. GOOD reception can be achieved by placing
your antenna in or near a window, since
terrestrial transmitters are used in major
metropolitan areas to boost signal strength. In
these cases, the antenna can be placed inside
the home. Try to achieve a clear unobstructed

12

view of the sky.

Area 1: Aim East , Northeast, or Southeast
Area 2: Aim North or Northeast
Area 3: Aim North or Northwest
Area 4: Aim West, Northwest or Southwest
Area 5: Aim Straight Up

SR-H550 User Guide

4. Turn the Receiver and listen for audio. If no
audio is heard, aim the antenna in different
directions until audio output is heard. This is
the desired antenna aiming position.

5. After determining the optimum antenna aiming
position, turn the Receiver off, disconnect the
power adapter from the wall outlet receptacle,
and disconnect the antenna cable.

6. Plan the routing of the antenna cable to the
Receiver. Be sure you avoid any obstructions
that could crimp, kink, or twist the cable. Use
protective grommets wherever rough openings
are encountered.

If the antenna is mounted outside, route the

7.
cable from the antenna position to the interior
of the home, working the cable through the
basement, under a window sill, etc., and make
adjustments and take up slack whenever
necessary .

8. Plug the antenna cable into the ANTENNA
connector on the back of the Receiver.

9. Plug the DC Adapter cable jack into the

“DC12V IN” receptacle on the back of the
Receiver.

10.Plug the adapter into a 110VAC wall
receptacle. The front panel STANDBY LED will
light red.

11.You are now ready to enjoy SIRIUS
programming within your home.

T esting Antenna Signal Strength

The stronger the signal strength, the less likely it
is that you will experience an interruption of the
audio. In the menu options of the Receiver (refer
to page 25), there is an antenna aiming display
which shows two bar graphs indicating signal
strength. This can be a useful tool for positioning
the antenna in an optimal location for maximum
signal reception.

SR-H550 User Guide

13

Operating the Receiver

When power is available to the Receiver, note that
the STANDBY LED lights red. In addition, the AC/DC
power adapter LED lights green when properly con­nected to a AC wall outlet.

Activating your SIRIUS Subscription

Before you can listen to the SIRIUS service, you
must subscribe to the SIRIUS Satellite Radio
service.

1. Make sure that the Receiver is properly
connected and that its antenna is oriented to
receive the SIRIUS satellite signal.

2. Press the POWER button to turn the Receiver
on. After displaying the SIRIUS logo, the
Receiver will update all the SIRIUS channels.
The display will read “UPDATING CHANNELS”
on the top line and “X% Completed” (0%-20%­40%-60%-80%-100%) on the bottom line until
the update completes.
NOTE: Don’t push any buttons or perform any
operations until updating has been completed.

3. Once updated and the SIRIUS channels are
received, the display will display, “To Activate

14

Call / 1-888-539-SIRIUS” and will place you in
The Preview Channel. Channel 184 is SIRIUS’
preview channel. You will not be able to tune to
any other channels until you activate your
SIRIUS subscription.

4. Press the MENU button to enter the “Menu
Options” mode. The “SIRIUS ID” menu option
will now be highlighted.

5. Push the Select button to select “SIRIUS ID”.
This will display your Receiver’s unique 12-digit
SIRIUS ID Number (SID). This SID number
should also be available on the SR-H550
packaging. Write the number down and have
your credit card handy. A space has been
provided at the end of this manual to write your
SID.

6. Contact SIRIUS on the Internet at:

https://activate.siriusradio.com/

Follow the prompts to activate your
subscription, or you can also call SIRIUS toll­free at:

1-888-539-SIRIUS (1-888-539-7474)

SR-H550 User Guide

CHANNEL Up/Down Buttons and ENT/SEL
Button

The CHANNEL Up and Down buttons are the
primary control for navigating through the various
lists and option menus available on the Receiver.
In the default mode, the CHANNEL buttons
provide sequential tuning through the available
program channels.

Pressing the Up button tunes up one channel,
while pressing the Down button tunes down one
channel. When in the list mode, pressing the Up
and Down buttons scrolls up and down through
the various menus and lists. The current selection
from the list will be highlighted on the display.
When the item is highlighted, press the ENT/SEL
button to enter or selection the item in the list.
Pressing and holding the ENT/SEL button will
tune to the previous channel. Pressing and
holding CHANNEL Up or Down button will cause
rapid up or down navigation through the various
lists and option menus.

Category Buttons Up/Down Buttons

The CATEGORY Left and Right buttons allow you
to advance through the channel groups which are
categorized by content. By using the CHANNEL
Up and Down buttons, you can scroll up or down
through the channels within a category. Once a
choice has been made, it can be selected by
pressing the ENT/SEL button.

Memory (MEMO) Button (S-SEEK Function)

This feature allows you to capture and store the
current program Artist/Song or Sports Team
information from the currently tuned channel. You
can store up to 20 Artist/Song or Sports Team
combinations. The Receiver will search the
current incoming SIRIUS signal, and then alert
you if it finds a match to an Artist/Song or Sports
Team stored in the Receiver’s memory.

When a sports team (or teams) are stored in
memory, at the time Receiver is initially powered
on, you will be alerted when your teams are
playing in a game being broadcast. Also, while
listening to your Receiver, should one of your

SR-H550 User Guide

15

teams begin to play a game, you will be alerted.

Display (DISP) Button

This button allows the you to choose one of
several ways of presenting the Channel Name,
Artist Name, Song Title, and Sports Team
information on the display screen.

Menu (MENU) Button

The MENU Button is used to access “Menu
Options” which displays the Receiver’s setup
menu, and other feature/function adjustments.

BAND Button (BAND)/Preset Tune (P. TUNE)

Momentarily pressing the BAND button allows you
to switch between 3 bands of channel presets of
10 presets each (A, B, and C). Pressing and
holding the BAND button for 2 seconds begins a
preset tuning sequence which will display and
tune all stored preset channels in sequence. This
is indicated by a reverse image of the channel
number and band preset number on the display.
Preset tuning continues until you decide to
terminate this function by pressing and holding

the BAND button for 2 seconds.

Scan Button

When in the Default Channel Tuning mode or
Preset Tuning mode, pressing the SCAN button
will play the next Channel/Preset in ascending
sequential order for 10 seconds. Channel scan is
terminated when the SCAN button is pressed
again, or when the ENT/SEL, CATEGORY, or
CHANNEL button is pressed.

Keypad Buttons 0-9

These buttons are used to directly enter a desired
channel number. They are also used when
entering and recalling preset channel numbers
into memory.

Basic Operation

With the Receiver properly installed, activated and
connected to your home audio system, proceed
as follows:

16

SR-H550 User Guide

1. Press the Power button; the Receiver turns on
and the SIRIUS logo appears for 3 seconds
followed by the default display for the channel
and tuning mode in effect prior to turning it off.

2. Press the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
select and play the desired channel, or use the
Category Up/Down buttons to tune and select a
desired channel based on genre.

Tuning By Category

When in Category Tuning Mode, each
momentary press of the Category Up or Down
button advances through the available genres:

1. Using the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons, select
the desired channel.

2. Press the ENT/SEL
button to select that
channel.

3. Once the channel
has been selected,
the Receiver will
revert to the default display screen and your
selection will be played.

Category List Display

Content Listing Options (Look Ahead)

This feature allows you to view what is playing on
other channels without having to change the
current channel you are listening to. The content
listing options are selected by using the DISP
button. When the default screen is displayed,
pressing and holding the DISP button will display
all the available Channel Numbers and Channel
Names. A second press of the DISP button will
display all currently available Artists. A third press
of the DISP button will display Song Titles.

While in the Category List menu, pressing the
DISP button changes Channel List to Artist List.
The available content listing now displays
information by the Artist Name.

The DISP button is also used during category
tuning. Consecutively pressing the DISP button
while tuning by category will display the Channel
Name, Artist Name, or Song Title within the
selected category.

SR-H550 User Guide

17

Category Song
Title Display

Category Artist
Name Display

While the preceding screens are displayed,
pressing the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons allow
navigation through the list. When the desired
selection is highlighted, press the ENT/SEL button
and your selection will be played.

Direct Tuning

Channels can also be directly accessed by
pressing the ENT/SEL button and using the 0-9
number keys on to numerically enter the desired
channel number. Once the desired channel
number has been entered, press the ENT/SEL
button again to select the channel and begin
playing.

18

Setting/Using Channel Preset Buttons

The Receiver uses 10 preset buttons, and there

are three banks of preset memory locations for a
total of 30 presets. These banks are designated A,
B, and C, and can be selected using the BAND
button. The display in the lower right hand side
changes to show the corresponding preset bank.
Each bank will store 10 user-preferred channel.

Select the desired channel you wish to save into
memory by using the CHANNEL Up/Down
buttons, by the direct tuning method, or by the
category tuning method. With the desired channel
playing, press and hold any of the numbered
keypad buttons (0-9). The corresponding preset
number will flash and a confirmation tone will be
heard, confirming that the preset has been stored.
Continue this procedure for storing all the desired
channels. To retrieve a preset channel,
momentarily press and release the number button
corresponding to the desired channel.

SR-H550 User Guide

Press and

Hold BAND

Button

Press and

Hold BAND

Button

Preset List Mode

To search for a preset, press and hold the BAND
button to enter Preset Tune mode. When in the
Preset Tune mode, press and hold the DISP
button for 2 seconds. This exits normal preset
tuning and enters a 6-line menu mode which
displays the preset number (A-1) and the 20­character channel name. While in the Preset List
menu mode, pressing the DISP button once will
change to Artist Name List, and a second press of
the DISP button changes to Song Title List.

While the contents of the preset listing are
displayed, press the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons

SR-H550 User Guide

to navigate through the list. When the desired
selection is highlighted, press the ENT/SEL button
and the selected channel will be played.

Display Button (DISP)

Pressing the DISP button from the default display
toggles between the Artist Name/Song Title/Sports
Team screen, or large letter format. When the
letter size changes, the field will scroll. This
feature is useful when viewing the display at a
distance.

NOTE: The field will scroll only if the length of the
Artist Name, Song Title, or Sports Team cannot be
viewed in its entirety.

19

Pressing and holding the Display button will enter
the Channel List mode. While in the Channel List
mode, any subsequent press of the DISP button
will display program information by Artist Name,
Song Title, Sports Team, or Channel Name.
Pressing and holding the DISP button will exit the
Channel List mode and return to the previously
selected tuning/display mode.

Memory Button (S-Seek Function)

This feature allows the user to capture and store
the current program data information (Artist
Name, Song Title, or Sports Team), up to a total
of 20 listings. The Receiver has the capability to
search the current incoming SIRIUS signal and
alert the user when a saved Song Title or Artist is
being played.

When a team (or teams) are stored in memory, at

20

the time the Receiver is initially powered on, you
will be alerted if your teams are playing in a game
being broadcast. Also, while listening to your
Receiver, should one of your teams begin to play
a game, you will be alerted.

Storing Song Titles or Sports Games

1. Song Titles: While the Receiver is in either of
the two standard display modes, momentarily
pressing and releasing the MEMO button
stores the current program data information to
the Receiver memory. A “Stored” pop-up
screen, followed by “X Used/ Y Empty” screen
will each appear for 1 second, X being the total
number of listings saved in memory, and Y
being the total number of memory listings still
available for storage.

To ensure that no duplicate entries are stored
in memory, the Receiver will check the stored

SR-H550 User Guide

list to ensure the information about to be stored
is not already in memory.

2. Sports Games: If the current tuned channel is
an NFL®, NBA®, NHL®, or college play-by-play
sports broadcast, pressing the MEMO button
will allow you to select one of the teams
playing to be stored in memory.

CH NAME

001

135

Giants @ Cowboys
NFL NYG 7 DAL 3 OT

NYG

DAL

12:00

A

Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight the team you wish to store in memory
and press the ENT/SEL button.
The next screen will ask which kind of alert you
wish to have.

Alert Type

Initial Game Alert

All Score Updates

“Initial Game Alert” will sound an alert when the
team you have chosen is playing a game. “All
Score Updates” will sound an alert when the

team you have chosen is playing a game, and
also when the scores are updated for the team.
Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight the type of alert you wish to have and
press the ENT/SEL button.

Replace/Cancel Options

If the MEMO button is pressed and all of the 20
memory spaces are full, “S-Seek Full” will flash
on the display for one second.

A screen displaying the Replace and Cancel
options will follow. This prompt allows you to

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21

either replace an existing item in memory with the
new choice, or cancel and not change anything.
Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to highlight
the Replace or Cancel choice and press the ENT/
SEL button.

Replace: The list of items stored in memory will
appear. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight the item that you would like to overwrite
with the new Artist Name/Song Title or Sports
Game. After highlighting the selected item in the
list, press the ENT/SEL button to delete the stored

item and replace it with the updated information.
The display will show the “Stored” screen.

Cancel: The prompt screen will disappear and
revert to the original screen. Nothing will be
stored.

Viewing Programmed Information Stored in
Memory

This function allows you to recall information
regarding the Artist Name, Song Title, or Sports
Team for review.

1. When the MEMO button is pressed for 3
seconds, this enters the S-Seek mode and the
stored memory information (one-at-a-time) is
displayed in page format.

2. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to scroll
through the stored listings to view the
information.

22

SR-H550 User Guide

3. To return to the default tuning mode press and
hold the MEMO button for 3 seconds.

Deleting a Artist/Song/Sports Team Stored in
Memory

To delete a stored listing (Artist/Song/Sports
Team), view the listing you want to delete as
described in the previous section, “Viewing
Programmed Information Stored in Memory”.

1. When the item you want to delete is displayed,
press and release the ENT/SEL button and a
pop-up screen will be displayed with two
options, Delete and S-Seek.

2. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight the Delete option.

3. Press the ENT/SEL button and a Delete
confirmation screen will appear.

4. To permanently delete the item from your list,
highlight “Yes” using the CHANNEL Up/Down
buttons and press the ENT/SEL button to
confirm.

5. To return to the default tuning mode press and
hold the MEMO button for 3 seconds.

Activating the S-Seek Alert Option

The S-Seek option allows you to turn the S-Seek
Alert function on or off. The default setting is S­Seek Alert on. If the off option is chosen, you will
not be alerted when a stored Artist Name, Song
Title, or Sports Team selection is currently playing.

1. Enter the S-Seek mode as described in the
previous section, “Viewing Programmed
Information Stored in Memory”.

2. Press and release the ENT/SEL button and a
pop-up screen will be displayed with two

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23

options, Delete and S-Seek.

3. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight the S-Seek option, and press the
ENT/SEL button.

3. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight the On or Off option, and press the
ENT/SEL button.

4. To return to the default tuning mode press and
hold the MEMO button for 3 seconds.

When the S-seek function is on, each time the
Receiver is turned on it automatically searches
the incoming channels to determine if a match
exists with the program information stored in the
Receiver’s memory. If one or more matches are
found, a pop-up screen momentarily appears for 2
seconds and displays the phrase S-Seek Alert
and an audible beep tone will be heard indicating

that a match has been found. (No stored match
alert is provided for the currently selected
channel.)

The display then reverts to the S-Seek Alert or
My Game Zone screen which displays the current
matches. You can now select the Artist Name,
Song Title, or Sports Team that you wish to listen
to.

My Game Zone

Giants @ Cowboys

Bulls @ Cavaliers

24

SR-H550 User Guide

If one or more matches are found, a display list
appears which allows you to scroll through the list of
songs using the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons. Once
a song is highlighted, it can be selected by pressing
the ENT/SEL button, and the display will revert to
the last active display mode.

If a selection is not made within 10 seconds, the
screen will revert to the previously selected display
and tuning modes.

NOTE: Play of the current selection will continue
until a new selection is made.

Menu Display Operations

To enter the Menu Options page, press the MENU
Button. The Menu Options list will appear on the
LCD display.

Using the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons, highlight
the option you wish to adjust and then press the
ENT/SEL button. The following options are
available:

Sirius ID Audio Level Options
Game Alert Antenna Aiming
Display Settings Memory Options
Confirm Tone Options Time Based Features
Add or Skip Factory Default
Lock Options

While in the menu screen function, if a button is
not pressed within 10 seconds from the previously
selected function, the Receiver exits the menu
screen function and reverts to the default display
screen.

SR-H550 User Guide

25

Sirius ID

NFL

NBA
NHL

Game Alert

This menu choice displays your 12 digit Sirius ID
number. No adjustments are allowed in this mode.
To exit this option, press the ENT/SEL or MENU
Button.

Game Alert

Game Alert allows you to store your favorite sports
teams in memory. The Receiver will constantly
scan the SIRIUS channels and will sound an alert
when a team you stored in memory is playing, or
when there is a score update for a team,
depending on which option you have chosen for
the team.

Teams which you have selected and are currently
playing will be displayed in a category called “My
Game Zone”.

26

You may select one team from each sports
league and the college category, however, more
teams may be chosen by using the MEMORY
(MEMO) function. (See the section titled, “Memory
Button (S-Seek Function)” for more information to
add additional teams.)

To choose teams to add to your stored game
alerts:

1. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight “Game Alert” and press the SELECT
button.

2. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight the sports league or college category
of the team you wish to add, and press the
SELECT button.

3. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight the league team name or college
team name you wish to add, and press the

SR-H550 User Guide

SELECT button.

NHL

None

Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Atlanta Thrashers

COLLEGE

None

Auburn

Colorado

Note that for college teams, you will receive an
alert for all teams playing for that college.

4. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight which type of an alert you want, and
press the SELECT button.

Alert Type

Initial Game Alert

All Score Updates

When the unit is powered on, and while it is
playing, “Initial Game Alert” will sound an alert
when the team you have chosen is playing a
game. “All Score Updates” does the same but
also sounds an alert when the scores are
updated for the chosen team.

To exit the Game Alert menu, press the MENU
button.

Display Settings

The following adjustments are possible:

Contrast Control
Dimming Control
Font Type

To enter any of these modes, use the CHANNEL
Up/Down buttons to highlight the option you wish
to adjust and press the ENT/SEL button. Upon
entering either the contrast or dimming control, a
10 segment horizontal bar graph is displayed with

a “-” sign to the left and a “+” sign to the right.
The current setting is indicated on the bar graph.
Pressing the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons adjusts
the bar graph indication and function accordingly.

The Font Types menu allow the user to select the
appearance of text on the receiver display.

Confirm Tone Options

This menu choice allows you to turn the
confirmation tone on or off. When the tone is on,
a beep tone will sound each time the Power On/
Off button or preset buttons are pressed.

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27

Press the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight tone On or tone Off, and press the ENT/
SEL button to select.

Add or Skip

Upon entering this mode, a channel list is
displayed with the current channel playing
highlighted. Press the CHANNEL Up/Down
buttons to navigate the list and highlight the
channel to be adjusted. Once a channel has been
highlighted, pressing the ENT/SEL button displays
the text “Skip” next to the channel, and prevents
the channel from being accessible during any of
the tuning modes. Skipped channels can only be
accessed either through direct channel number
entry or by returning to this menu and going
through the same process to return the skipped
channel to the list. Upon adding a channel back,
the text “Skip” is removed from alongside the
channel number/name.

Lock Options

Upon entering this mode for the first time, you will
be prompted to enter a four digit numerical code

that is used to lock/unlock channel access. All
future entries into this mode will display a channel
list with the current channel in play highlighted.
The CHANNEL Up/Down buttons are used to
navigate the list and highlight the channel to be
adjusted. Once a channel has been highlighted,
pressing the ENT/SEL button displays the text
“Lock” next to the channel and prevents the
channel from being accessible during any of the
tuning modes. Locked channels can be accessed
only by direct channel number entry, at which
time the user will be prompted to enter the
previously stored 4-digit code. Once the correct
code has been entered, the channel will begin to
play. The channel returns to the locked status if
the channel is changed or the Receiver is turned
off (or by returning to this menu and going
through the same process to return the channel to
the list). Upon adding a channel back to the list,
the text “Lock” is removed from alongside the
channel number/name.

28

SR-H550 User Guide

Lock/Unlock Default Code Function

The first time the Lock/Unlock function is
accessed, you will be prompted to enter the
default lock code. The default lock code is “0000”.
This code can be kept or changed. To change the
default lock code, perform the following
procedure:

1. Press the MENU button to access the User
Menu.

2 Press the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to

select the “Lock Options” function.

3. Press the ENT/SEL button.

4. Press the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to
highlight the “Edit Code” function.

5. Press the ENT/SEL button.

6 Enter the default code “0000”.

7. A “New Code” prompt will appear. Enter your
new four digit code using the 0-9 number
buttons. You will then be prompted to confirm
the new code by entering your code again.

8. The lock code is now changed.

Edit Code

Upon entering this mode, the user is prompted to
enter the current four digit numerical code being
used to lock/unlock channel access. Once the
correct code has been entered, the user is
prompted to enter the new 4-digit code twice. The
second entry is requested for confirmation.

Audio Level Options

Upon entering this mode, a 10 segment horizontal
bar graph is displayed with a “-“ sign to the left
and a “+” sign to the right. The current setting is
indicated on the bar graph. Pressing the
CHANNEL Up/Down buttons will adjust the bar
graph audio level indication and audio gain,
accordingly. To select and exit this function, press
the ENT/SEL button. No button activity for 10
seconds will also exit this function.

Antenna Aiming

Upon entering this mode, two 10 segment
horizontal bar graphs are displayed with a “-“ sign
to the left and a “+” sign to the right. The SIRIUS
signal strength is displayed by the SAT graph,

SR-H550 User Guide

29

and the terrestrial signal strength is displayed by
the TER graph. Position the antenna to optimize
either the SIRIUS or terrestrial signal. (Refer to
page 9.) The current setting is indicated on the
bar graph. Moving the antenna location adjusts
the bar graphs signal strength, represented by the
filled-in bar graph squares, thus ensuring
optimum reception. To exit this function, press the
ENT/SEL button.

NOTE: Terrestrial repeaters are typically used in
large urban areas where structures may affect the
line of sight satellite signal. Terrestrial signals
(TER) may not be available in your geographic
location.

Memory Options

In this mode, you can turn the Memory Search
Function (S-Seek) ON or OFF. In addition, all 20
Memory Locations can be cleared.

The memory search feature allows the Receiver to
automatically search all the Song Titles, Artist
Names, and Sports Teams stored in memory for
any matches when the Receiver is initially turned

on.
On the display, the top line displays the text,

Memory Options. The following adjustment
options are possible:

1. Automatic Memory Search function - On
or Off. Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons
to select between the 2 options by
highlighting the desired selection. Then press
the ENT/SEL button to enter the option.

2. Clear all Memory Locations. Press the ENT/
SEL button. A confirmation prompt will be
displayed, “Are You Sure?”. Select “Yes” or
“No” and press the ENT/SEL button.

Time Based Features

The following adjustments are possible:

Clock
Alarm Clock
Program Alert
Sleep Mode

Upon entering this mode, press the CHANNEL
Up/Down buttons to highlight the desired function
and press the ENT/SEL button.

30

SR-H550 User Guide

NOTE: If no button is pressed for 10 seconds, the

Receiver will exit the desired (highlighted) function.

Clock

When entering this menu option, you can set up
the clock shown on the default display, based on
the format desired, the time zone in which you
reside and Daylight Savings Time, if used. The
clock data is provided via the SIRIUS signal, and
will update based on the received signal.

Format

The clock format option provides:

12 Hour (Default)

24 Hour

Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to highlight
the desired format and press the ENT/SEL button.

Time Zone

The Time Zone option provides the following time
zones:

(GMT-9:00) Alaska
(GMT-8:00) Pacific
(GMT-7:00) Mountain

(GMT-6:00) Central
(GMT-5:00) Eastern
(GMT-4:00) Atlantic
(GMT-3:30) Newfndlnd (Newfoundland)

Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to highlight
the desired time zone and press the ENT/SEL
Button.

Daylight Savings Time (DST) Observance

Activate this function if the area you live in
observes daylight savings time. Use the
CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to highlight the DST
Observed (default) or DST Not Observed option
and press the ENT/SEL button.

NOTE: When the Receiver is not turned on, be
sure to position the antenna to receive the
satellite signal so the time can be automatically
updated. If the time information has been lost, the
Receiver will not display the time information and
pre-programmed alarms will not be triggered until
the Receiver updates the time information from
the satellite signal.

SR-H550 User Guide

31

Alarm Clock:

When this menu option is selected, you will be
able to set the Receiver to turn on at a specific
time. The last selected channel prior to shutting
off the Receiver will be played when the Alarm
feature is activated. Additionally, a series of beep
tones will be heard. Press any button on the front
panel to silence the alarm tones. The alarm will
trigger again at the set time unless the Alarm Off
feature is selected under the Set Alarm function.

Set Alarm (Default = Off)

Use the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to select
between Alarm On or Alarm Off and press the
ENT/SEL button for desired alarm status. When
the alarm is on, the time will be displayed on the
default screen in reverse image.

Alarm Time

When this menu option selected the current alarm
setting is displayed. The factory default is
12:00PM. By pressing the CATEGORY buttons,
the hours can be increased or decreased in one
hour increments. AM or PM will switch

32

automatically when the AM or PM threshold has
been exceeded. By pressing the CHANNEL Up/
Down buttons, the minutes can be increased or
decreased in one minute increments. Pressing the
Up button will increase the minutes and pressing
the Down button will decrease the minutes. When
the desired time is displayed, press the ENT/SEL
button.

NOTE: The loss of the SIRIUS signal by the
Receiver will result in a series of alarm tones only.

Program Alert

When this menu option is selected, you will be
able to program the Receiver to switch to a
selected channel at a specific time. On the
display, the Set Stream Alert choice will occupy
the top text line.

The following adjustments are accessible:

Program Time/Day (Default-12:00PM, Monday)
Channel (Default-Currently Playing Channel)
Program Alert On/Off (Default-Off)

SR-H550 User Guide

Time/Day

Pressing the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons
chooses between Time and Day.

If Time is selected, the hours can be increased or
decreased in one hour increments by pressing the
CATEGORY buttons. AM or PM will switch
automatically when the AM or PM threshold has
been exceeded. By pressing the CHANNEL Up/
Down buttons, the minutes can be increased or
decreased in one minute increments. Pressing the
Up button will increase the minutes and pressing
the Down button will decrease the minutes. When
the desired time is displayed, press the ENT/SEL
button.

If Day is selected, the screen displays a default
day of Monday, with selectable choices of

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Use the CHANNEL

Up/Down buttons to increase or decrease the
desired day selection from the default value of
Monday.

SR-H550 User Guide

Channel

Press the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to scroll
through a listing of all the SIRIUS channels in a
circular motion. The listing should encompass all
5 available lines. When the desired channel is
highlighted, press the ENT/SEL button.

Program Alert On/Off

Press the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to choose
between Program Alert On or Program Alert
Off. When the desired alert status is highlighted,
press the ENT/SEL button.

Sleep Mode

In this mode, you have the capability of
programming the Receiver to shut off after a
selected period of time. The screen displays
Sleep Mode on the top line, with optional time
settings as follows:

Sleep Off
15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
60 minutes

33

Sleep Off is the factory default setting. Press the

CHANNEL Up/Down buttons to choose the
desired sleep time. When the desired time is
highlighted, press the ENT/SEL button. The
Receiver will turn off after the selected time has
passed.

Factory Default

The Factory Default screen displays “Restore
Default Settings” with the Yes or No options.

Pressing the CHANNEL Up/Down buttons
chooses between the “Yes” or “No” selections.

If “Yes” is chosen, the Receiver reverts to the
original factory settings for the following
parameters:

• All Presets revert to empty

• All Game Alerts Cleared

• Auto Dimming On

• Display Contrast to 50%

• Display Mode to Auto

• Audio Output Level to 70%

• Access to all skipped channels

(Locked channels remain locked)

• Memory Search On

• Memory Locations are erased

• 12 Hour Clock Format

• Eastern Time Zone

• Daylight Savings Time Observed

34

SR-H550 User Guide

Troubleshooting

This section lists several common problems and suggested solutions. If, after trying the suggested solutions
listed here, you are still unable to resolve the problem you’re having with your Receiver, contact your installer,
dealer, or retailer for more help.

Problem Cause and Suggested Solution

Receiver does not turn on

Receiver displays
“ANTENNA NOT DET

Receiver displays
“ACQUIRING SIGNAL”

No sound

ECTED”

The AC power adapter cord is not plugged into an AC outlet, or the
DC power cable is not plugged into the Receiver. Check the AC and
DC power cords.

The satellite antenna is not connected to the Receiver

satellite antenna connection to the Receiver.

The antenna or the antenna cable is faulty. Contact your installer,
dealer, or retailer, or, SIRIUS Product Support at 1-800-869-5590.

Check for obstacles over or around satellite antenna. Change the
location to eliminate nearby obstacles (trees, buildings, etc.)

The Receiver audio cables are not connected, or incorrectly
connected to your stereo system. Check the audio cables at the
Receiver and your stereo system. Verify that your stereo system is
turned on and working.

. Check

SR-H550 User Guide

35

Specifications

Satellite Frequencies .......................................................................................... 2322.293/2330.207 MHz

Terrestrial Frequencies ........................................................................................................ 2326.250MHz

Power Requirements ........................................................................................................... 9-16 Volts DC

Power Supply ..............................................................................AC Input: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 1.0A

DC Output: 9-16VDC, Negative Ground

Receiver (Width x Depth x Height) .................................................................375mm x 273mm x 68mm

(14.75” x 10.75” x .2.75”)

Remote Control Dimensions (Width x Length x Height) .................................41mm x 104mm x 15mm

(1.61” x 4.09” x .59”)

Remote Control Battery Requirements ...............................................................................Two AAA size

Audio Output ........................................................................................................ 650mV RMS Maximum

Audio Interface ........................................................................................... 2 RCA Type Connectors (R/L)

Optical Digital Output .......................................................... S/PDIF (Coxial 0.9 - 1.0 Vpp Digital Output)

Antenna Type............................................................................................................................ Windowsill

Antenna Cable Length .......................................................................................... 21’ (single micro-cable)

Antenna Connector Type.................................................................................................................... SMB

Note: Features and Specifications subject to change without notice.

36

SR-H550 User Guide

SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. (the “Company”) warrants to the original retail purchaser of this product that should this product or any part

12-MONTH LIMITED WARRANTY

thereof, under normal use and conditions, be proven defective in material or workmanship within 12 months from the date of original
purchase, such defect(s) will be repaired or replaced with new or reconditioned product (at the Company’s option) without charge for parts
and repair labor. To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this Warranty, the product is to be delivered with proof of warranty
coverage (e.g. dated bill of sale), specification of defect(s), transportation prepaid, to the location shown below under WARRANTY
RETURN.

This Warranty does not extend to the elimination of externally generated static or noise, to correction of antenna problems, to costs incurred
for installation, removal or reinstallation of the product, or to damage to tapes, compact discs, speakers, accessories, or vehicle electrical
systems.

This Warranty does not apply to any product or part thereof which, in the opinion of the Company, has suffered or been damaged through
alteration, improper installation, mishandling, misuse, neglect, accident, or by removal or defacement of the factory serial number/bar code
label(s). THE EXTENT OF THE COMPANY’S LIABILITY UNDER THIS W ARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
PROVIDED ABOVE AND, IN NO EVENT, SHALL THE COMP ANY’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE P AID BY
PURCHASER FOR THE PRODUCT.

This Warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties or liabilities. ANY IMPLIED W ARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED W ARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY, SHALL BE LIMITED T O THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY. ANY ACTION FOR BREACH OF
ANY WARRANTY HEREUNDER INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANT ABILITY MUST BE BROUGHT WITHIN A
PERIOD OF 48 MONTHS FROM DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO CASE SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR ANY
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENT AL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
WHATSOEVER. No person or representative is authorized to assume for the Company any liability other than expressed herein in
connection with the sale of this product. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damage so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This W arranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

WARRANTY RETURN: To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this Warranty, please return product to an authorized ret ailer or
call Customer Service at 1-888-869-5590; proof of purchase and description of defect are required. Products to be returned to an approved
warranty station must be shipped freight prepaid.

SR-H550 User Guide

37

NOTES:

38

SR-H550 User Guide

Please record the SIRIUS ID (SID) in the space provided below:

SIRIUS ID:

SIRIUS Customer Service: 1-888-539-7474

SIRIUS Product Support: 1-800-869-5590

[e-mail]

SR-H550 User Guide

39

SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc.

1221 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020

1-888-539-7474

www.sirius.com

© 2005 SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc.

SR-H550 (Rev. 1, April 2005)