Washington D.C. Metro area Voomers

[Hoopnoop]

Thanks for the useful information raf and jgan and great pics!

My voom will be installed in a few weeks and I'll see how the installation goes. If the antenna install has problems I may just go straight with Fairfax antenna and, like you say, just get it done right.

Was the rotor you goes got the kind you can move remotely? Would be nice to shift to Baltimore when needed.

[riffjim4069]

John, you are 100% correct. By all means let Voom handle simple installs. However, be prepared to keep your broadcast cable subscription or contract an antenna professional if you live in a difficult reception area.

If you're going to use a rotator, Channel Master makes a pretty good remote controlled unit:
http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/9521A.htm

Personally, I prefer using two antennas with a remote controlled A/B switch like this one:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...t%5Fid=15-1968


- just program a button on your universal remote and you can switch between DC and Baltimore in a heartbeat. I prefer to watch WUSA-DT, WRC-DT, and WTTG-DT out of DC and WMAR-DT out of Baltimore City. Anyway, it's your choice.

Riff...

[kjaslow]

What OTA signal strength do you get? I'm right in DC, less than 2 miles from a transmitter, and I'm fluctuating between 35-40. I'd expect to be off the charts!

Can some other locals post their OTA strength, so I can get an idea whether I should get up on the roof and re-aim the OTA antenna?

[Hoopnoop]

So, here is a question regarding the value of getting both Baltimore and DC stations. I would normally get DC stations. What is the additional value added from getting the Baltimore stations? I know that Baltimore ABC does a better job at broadcasting HD stuff. Is there anything else?

[FrankJo]

Any DC Metro folks targeted or have the new software yet?

I had my lovely wife check and the answer for me is "nope"

[wasch_24]

I'm at *cough cough* work...won't know until around 1800

[riffjim4069]

540 area code received it early this am...at least I did.

[branchbouncer]

After reading the reviews on Voom (seems to be 50% love-50% hate)I decided to give voom a try.Called 7/23 and rep said install date was 7/30.After all the reviews I have read,with everyone waiting 2-4 weeks,seems as if I am being coned all ready.They had installers name but no number,company was Data Link.Three listed in the phone book-2 disconnected -1 number still active-left a message yesterday but no call back yet.I am self employed and if I wait around Saturday with a no-call,no-show I might get a little pissed(I could go out and make 300-500 instead)How many people here have been jerked around by the installers as far as install dates and workmanship.Has anyone heard of Data Link(info whould be great)Will keep D* up because I want to compare PQ,realibilty,rain fade and such for 4 months and see who holds their own.Would be much easier with a self install

[wasch_24]

Welcome to the Club
DataLink Installs- 1-888-316-4679

1. Verify your install date and time
2. Ask for a sooner date and time(Free Tyson fight on Friday the 30th)
3. Verify that Tod Reinholtz is your installer- beware of Wiliam Hinkle
4. If scheduled with Wil reschedule for Tod
5. Kick back and wait to finally make good use of your HDTV

BTW, where in Alexandria are you located?

[riffjim4069]

Datalink also has two local number in the metro area: (703) 906-4540 and (410) 266-3964. Try and coordinate your install through Becky if possible. Tod does an excellent job with the VOOM dish and the Stealth OTA.