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Scott's VOOM Install and First Impressions
For quite awhile I have wanted VOOM, I don't understand why as I don't watch much TV, but I have wanted VOOM. I have held out on VOOM because I wasn't dropping $800 on an unknown service. However with the recent introduction of VOOM's zero down, no commitment deal I couldn't help myself, and after I got my wife's blessing I ran to the phone and ordered VOOM.
The ordering process with VOOM was pleasant and quick, they even set me up a user account on VOOM's website while I was on the phone. In just a few minutes on the phone I was given an install date.
As I have read on the SatelliteGuys.US VOOM forum it was recommended to try talking to your installer BEFORE the install to make sure everything was ok. The worst thing that could happen is you take the day off from work and the installer never shows up. I called Installs INC about my install and was told that they were not doing the install, a company named Three O'Clock installs was doing my install. I was given their phone number and told to call them.
I called Three O'Clock Installs twice and never received a call back from them. Up until the day of the install I was not sure if they were going to show up. I took the day off from work having faith that they would show up.
My install was scheduled between NOON and 5PM, at 12:30 I got a call and it was the installer, he wanted to know what the weather was like at my house, as where he was at it was snowing, I looked out the window and it was not snowing at all, the installer sounded disappointed that it was not snowing but said he would be on his way.
At around one in the afternoon my installers showed up, two men driving a white truck with no identification on the truck, the installers also had no ID on them stating they were from VOOM, and had nothing like a VOOM hat. Their only way of identifying themselves from VOOM was that they had my VOOM receiver in their hands.
I let them in and was anxious to have them do the install. They were quite impressed with my setup, when I showed them my Dish 921 they freaked out saying they have never seen anything like that before.
I took them outside and showed them my Dish Farm and asked them if they could use my existing 61.5 Dish and was told no they had to use the VOOM Dish. They decided to place the VOOM Dish on my roof above my existing 61.5 dish. I left them alone to get to work.
They decided to run the cable down to my basement, and then up into my living room. In doing this they drilled 2 half inch holes into my house, the first hole they filled back in with waterproof caulking because they couldn't reach the hole inside the house. (I think they should have checked out things better before popping holes in the house..)
One installer climbed up on a ladder and he stood between the cable tv lines and power lines attached to the house, I was concerned about the way the installer was positioned because he was dangerously close to the power lines. I voice my concern to the installer about the power lines and his safety and he told me not to worry and actually touched the power lines with his back to show me that it was ok. :shocked
I went back in the house and was chatting with folks on SatelliteGuys, about an hour or so went by and I went outside, they had the dish up. They said they were about to finish up on the roof so I went outside (at this time some slight snow flurries were starting to fall)
I went back in and chatted some more on SatelliteGuys. After 15 / 20 minutes I heard the installers down the stairs talking. They were trying to figure out the diplexor and also trying to figure out how to plug in the power inserter needed for the antenna. I asked them to not use the Diplexor but they said that it was required.
They were down there for quite awhile, by the time they got upstairs it was almost 4 O'clock. When they went behind my equipment rack they looked confused, so I told them I would hook it up for them, I pulled the component cables and Optical Audio cable out of my 921 and plugged them into the VOOM box. Both installers watched closely as I did this. As I was doing this I asked the installers if they have been doing many VOOM installs lately and was told that I was their first VOOM install!
I plugged in the box and the front panel had blinking red bars on it. One of the installers took the VOOM remote and turned it on, the VOOM menu appeared on the screen, I was happy to see this!
However they never got the green light on the box. I asked them what the signal level was that the box was receiving, and the installer said that was a good idea. He went to a menu and I only had a signal strength of 13. One installer went outside and started playing with the Dish, they were having a hell of a time getting a signal. I asked them again if the diplexor had anything to do with it and again was told it was required.
After 15 minutes or so they finally got a signal of 44. which they said was good enough. I asked in the SatelliteGuys Chat room is a 44 was ok and I was told that a signal of 40 or above was acceptable.
Next they called in to have my box activated, and we on hold for 20 minutes before someone answered. With a quick reading of the box serial numbers I saw video pop up behind the menu they were in! I was excited. They were instructed to flip to a couple of channels, whenever they tried they had a smart card error on the screen. One of the installers started to tell me that it looked like I had a bad box. I told the installer to take out the smart card and put it back in, they asked on the phone if taking out the card was ok and got the ok from the person on the phone. When they did this all the channels appeared!
With a couple of signatures the installers we off and I was free to play around with my new VOOM service.
While the installers seemed new to this and admitted this was their first install they were both very nice and polite and did try to do their best. I think with a little more practice they will become more confident in installing VOOM. These guys could become very good installers.
I had about 15 minutes to play with VOOM after they left before I had to go pick up the kids from daycare.
My first impression was I hated the remote! Whenever I pressed a button it did that command 3 or 4 times.
The first thing I looked at was the HD, on some channels the picture was breathtaking, on other channels it was hard to tell they were HD. The sound was great, on one of the Movie Channels they were running an add for WorldSportHD and the surround sound on this commercial put a smile on my face!
I then checked out the standard definition channels, and I am glad I didn't get VOOM for their SD Channels, the picture quality on the SD channels was worse then anything I have seen on DirecTV or Dish Network. The SD channels such as VH1 and Nick look like they are being received via a bad UHF signal, I even noticed some shadowing or ghosting on the screen on the SD channels. The picture also seemed to have a screen door type effect like you are looking through a screen door. I also noticed that on red objects on the screen there is video noise (sparklies) on the red. I found this annoying.
I then checked out the Music choice channels, it appears that VOOM has a bunch of Digital Cable boxes turned to Music choice channels and are uplinking the audio and video of these channels. I do not believe that the VOOM boxes have the interactive software to display the Music Choice screens so that is why they are sending the audio and video like that.
I then checked out the OTA Digital stations. I was disappointed I could only receive 3 of the 10 Digital Signals in my area, and they had some signals listed which I could never pick up even using the best antenna. However while I was disappointed I was not surprised as I have seen many VOOMERS mention the same problem.
I then went out and picked up the kids. I left VOOM on the Animation Channel which was running some GREAT Classic Cartoons! Roger Ramjet, Felix the Cat, Popeye etc.. (Between cartoons they would run an ad saying that this channel was in Dolby Digital Surround Sound, I don't know why, I don't think any of these cartoons were in surround sound.
(Speaking of sound I was getting an occasional click or pop in the sound, even though the picture was perfect)
When I got home I took the first look at my new VOOM install on the roof, and was not too happy with what I saw. Take a look…
htp://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=562
I do not like the way the Stealth Antenna was put in, and I can't believe they used a Dish Mast to put the antenna on. I would think there was a better way of putting up the antenna without installing 4 more holes in my roof. Also I was shocked to see the installers left their trash from the install over the yard. I picked up the boxes and plastic bags and put them in the big box which they also left behind. Take a look…
http://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=564
When I got home the audio coming from my Denon 3802 was all garbled, I tried changing channels but the audio was the same. I went into the setting and switched the audio from Dolby Surround to PCM and the sound was fine.
We were watching the animation channel some more and then later when we lost audio all together, the audio would stay out for 20 or 30 seconds then come back on for a few minutes then go back out again. I changed channels and it was the same on other channels. I went into the setup and changed from PCM to Dolby Digital but it did not help. After a while of screwing with it I went to bed.
And that was my first day with VOOM, so far I am NOT impressed, although the HD I did see was VERY impressive. I really need to go through and wire the VOOM box in properly. After that I will make a better decision on if I like VOOM or not.
So far I love the HD!!!!!!!
However I hate the following…
The VOOM Remote – its way to damn sensitive!
The VOOM guide – Its SLOW and does not show a lot of channels.
VOOM SD Channels – They looks REALLY bad
Now while my comments have been leaning on the negative side, please understand I did not play with the system long and the unit is not wired into the system the way I want it, once I fix things and have some time I will really site down and evaluate the service. And I must admit that the HD Quality of VOOM (When its working properly) outweighs all the negatives above.
For quite awhile I have wanted VOOM, I don't understand why as I don't watch much TV, but I have wanted VOOM. I have held out on VOOM because I wasn't dropping $800 on an unknown service. However with the recent introduction of VOOM's zero down, no commitment deal I couldn't help myself, and after I got my wife's blessing I ran to the phone and ordered VOOM.
The ordering process with VOOM was pleasant and quick, they even set me up a user account on VOOM's website while I was on the phone. In just a few minutes on the phone I was given an install date.
As I have read on the SatelliteGuys.US VOOM forum it was recommended to try talking to your installer BEFORE the install to make sure everything was ok. The worst thing that could happen is you take the day off from work and the installer never shows up. I called Installs INC about my install and was told that they were not doing the install, a company named Three O'Clock installs was doing my install. I was given their phone number and told to call them.
I called Three O'Clock Installs twice and never received a call back from them. Up until the day of the install I was not sure if they were going to show up. I took the day off from work having faith that they would show up.
My install was scheduled between NOON and 5PM, at 12:30 I got a call and it was the installer, he wanted to know what the weather was like at my house, as where he was at it was snowing, I looked out the window and it was not snowing at all, the installer sounded disappointed that it was not snowing but said he would be on his way.
At around one in the afternoon my installers showed up, two men driving a white truck with no identification on the truck, the installers also had no ID on them stating they were from VOOM, and had nothing like a VOOM hat. Their only way of identifying themselves from VOOM was that they had my VOOM receiver in their hands.
I let them in and was anxious to have them do the install. They were quite impressed with my setup, when I showed them my Dish 921 they freaked out saying they have never seen anything like that before.
I took them outside and showed them my Dish Farm and asked them if they could use my existing 61.5 Dish and was told no they had to use the VOOM Dish. They decided to place the VOOM Dish on my roof above my existing 61.5 dish. I left them alone to get to work.
They decided to run the cable down to my basement, and then up into my living room. In doing this they drilled 2 half inch holes into my house, the first hole they filled back in with waterproof caulking because they couldn't reach the hole inside the house. (I think they should have checked out things better before popping holes in the house..)
One installer climbed up on a ladder and he stood between the cable tv lines and power lines attached to the house, I was concerned about the way the installer was positioned because he was dangerously close to the power lines. I voice my concern to the installer about the power lines and his safety and he told me not to worry and actually touched the power lines with his back to show me that it was ok. :shocked
I went back in the house and was chatting with folks on SatelliteGuys, about an hour or so went by and I went outside, they had the dish up. They said they were about to finish up on the roof so I went outside (at this time some slight snow flurries were starting to fall)
I went back in and chatted some more on SatelliteGuys. After 15 / 20 minutes I heard the installers down the stairs talking. They were trying to figure out the diplexor and also trying to figure out how to plug in the power inserter needed for the antenna. I asked them to not use the Diplexor but they said that it was required.
They were down there for quite awhile, by the time they got upstairs it was almost 4 O'clock. When they went behind my equipment rack they looked confused, so I told them I would hook it up for them, I pulled the component cables and Optical Audio cable out of my 921 and plugged them into the VOOM box. Both installers watched closely as I did this. As I was doing this I asked the installers if they have been doing many VOOM installs lately and was told that I was their first VOOM install!
I plugged in the box and the front panel had blinking red bars on it. One of the installers took the VOOM remote and turned it on, the VOOM menu appeared on the screen, I was happy to see this!
However they never got the green light on the box. I asked them what the signal level was that the box was receiving, and the installer said that was a good idea. He went to a menu and I only had a signal strength of 13. One installer went outside and started playing with the Dish, they were having a hell of a time getting a signal. I asked them again if the diplexor had anything to do with it and again was told it was required.
After 15 minutes or so they finally got a signal of 44. which they said was good enough. I asked in the SatelliteGuys Chat room is a 44 was ok and I was told that a signal of 40 or above was acceptable.
Next they called in to have my box activated, and we on hold for 20 minutes before someone answered. With a quick reading of the box serial numbers I saw video pop up behind the menu they were in! I was excited. They were instructed to flip to a couple of channels, whenever they tried they had a smart card error on the screen. One of the installers started to tell me that it looked like I had a bad box. I told the installer to take out the smart card and put it back in, they asked on the phone if taking out the card was ok and got the ok from the person on the phone. When they did this all the channels appeared!
With a couple of signatures the installers we off and I was free to play around with my new VOOM service.
While the installers seemed new to this and admitted this was their first install they were both very nice and polite and did try to do their best. I think with a little more practice they will become more confident in installing VOOM. These guys could become very good installers.
I had about 15 minutes to play with VOOM after they left before I had to go pick up the kids from daycare.
My first impression was I hated the remote! Whenever I pressed a button it did that command 3 or 4 times.
The first thing I looked at was the HD, on some channels the picture was breathtaking, on other channels it was hard to tell they were HD. The sound was great, on one of the Movie Channels they were running an add for WorldSportHD and the surround sound on this commercial put a smile on my face!
I then checked out the standard definition channels, and I am glad I didn't get VOOM for their SD Channels, the picture quality on the SD channels was worse then anything I have seen on DirecTV or Dish Network. The SD channels such as VH1 and Nick look like they are being received via a bad UHF signal, I even noticed some shadowing or ghosting on the screen on the SD channels. The picture also seemed to have a screen door type effect like you are looking through a screen door. I also noticed that on red objects on the screen there is video noise (sparklies) on the red. I found this annoying.
I then checked out the Music choice channels, it appears that VOOM has a bunch of Digital Cable boxes turned to Music choice channels and are uplinking the audio and video of these channels. I do not believe that the VOOM boxes have the interactive software to display the Music Choice screens so that is why they are sending the audio and video like that.
I then checked out the OTA Digital stations. I was disappointed I could only receive 3 of the 10 Digital Signals in my area, and they had some signals listed which I could never pick up even using the best antenna. However while I was disappointed I was not surprised as I have seen many VOOMERS mention the same problem.
I then went out and picked up the kids. I left VOOM on the Animation Channel which was running some GREAT Classic Cartoons! Roger Ramjet, Felix the Cat, Popeye etc.. (Between cartoons they would run an ad saying that this channel was in Dolby Digital Surround Sound, I don't know why, I don't think any of these cartoons were in surround sound.
(Speaking of sound I was getting an occasional click or pop in the sound, even though the picture was perfect)
When I got home I took the first look at my new VOOM install on the roof, and was not too happy with what I saw. Take a look…
htp://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=562
I do not like the way the Stealth Antenna was put in, and I can't believe they used a Dish Mast to put the antenna on. I would think there was a better way of putting up the antenna without installing 4 more holes in my roof. Also I was shocked to see the installers left their trash from the install over the yard. I picked up the boxes and plastic bags and put them in the big box which they also left behind. Take a look…
http://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=564
When I got home the audio coming from my Denon 3802 was all garbled, I tried changing channels but the audio was the same. I went into the setting and switched the audio from Dolby Surround to PCM and the sound was fine.
We were watching the animation channel some more and then later when we lost audio all together, the audio would stay out for 20 or 30 seconds then come back on for a few minutes then go back out again. I changed channels and it was the same on other channels. I went into the setup and changed from PCM to Dolby Digital but it did not help. After a while of screwing with it I went to bed.
And that was my first day with VOOM, so far I am NOT impressed, although the HD I did see was VERY impressive. I really need to go through and wire the VOOM box in properly. After that I will make a better decision on if I like VOOM or not.
So far I love the HD!!!!!!!
However I hate the following…
The VOOM Remote – its way to damn sensitive!
The VOOM guide – Its SLOW and does not show a lot of channels.
VOOM SD Channels – They looks REALLY bad
Now while my comments have been leaning on the negative side, please understand I did not play with the system long and the unit is not wired into the system the way I want it, once I fix things and have some time I will really site down and evaluate the service. And I must admit that the HD Quality of VOOM (When its working properly) outweighs all the negatives above.
52 Replies
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12624 views
I've got the va va voom package as well, but I really wish they had just an all HD package, so I could get rid of those terrible SD channels! 
Supporting Founder
Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.
151 Replies
·
1831 views
M
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
Yup, I agree, I'd rather be 2 or 3 till the last few weeks.They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
Season 2 order already in hand:
'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Renewed for Season 2, Tatiana Maslany to Guest Star in Season 1
I've not been optimistic about this show based on what I've read so far. Seems to be aimed at a younger audience. Interesting though that Tatiana Maslany will have some sort of role.
'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Renewed for Season 2, Tatiana Maslany to Guest Star in Season 1
I've not been optimistic about this show based on what I've read so far. Seems to be aimed at a younger audience. Interesting though that Tatiana Maslany will have some sort of role.
83 Replies
·
3267 views
I don't know, but I still don't like her walking through the station or the academy with out her shoes. It looks unprofessional and very "hippy like" for someone of her status and I personally don't get off to feet, so there is that.
Stay out of my office. I rarely have shoes or socks on in the office. My office and business is at home thoughI don't know, but I still don't like her walking through the station or the academy with out her shoes. It looks unprofessional and very "hippy like" for someone of her status and I personally don't get off to feet, so there is that.
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed
Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner
The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.
Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld
Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner
The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.
Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld
2030 Replies
·
183957 views
Two of my favorite Replicator episodes.
Watch Stargate SG-1 for Free Online | Pluto TV
Stargate SG-1 picks up where the blockbuster film left off as the SG-1 team sets out to explore the mysteries of the Stargate and the worlds beyond it in the pulse-pounding series which became a worldwide phenomenon and a science fiction classic. Stream Stargate SG-1 for free on Pluto TV.
pluto.tv
Linus Tech Tips
Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-QiUAMda7Y
Direct YouTube Link - This video was pain and suffering
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-QiUAMda7Y
Direct YouTube Link - This video was pain and suffering
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store
0 Replies
·
4 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Djv7qId5yec
Direct YouTube Link - Green Star Discovery: How a White Dwarf Could Turn Green
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Djv7qId5yec
Direct YouTube Link - Green Star Discovery: How a White Dwarf Could Turn Green
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
3 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68532 Replies
·
2673063 views
Lifetime Supporter
Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.
112 Replies
·
1768 views
Troy Aikman seems to confirm he'll be leaving ESPN
Aikman says he looks forward to "where my next landing spot will be."
www.nbcsports.com
M
Hopefully nowhere near a microphone.Troy Aikman seems to confirm he'll be leaving ESPN
Aikman says he looks forward to "where my next landing spot will be."
Browns lead the AFC North 
For some reason, the satelliteguys.us site is loading a lot slower than usual on both Chrome on my Asus laptop and Safari on my iPhone.
I'm also seeing longer appearances of the blue bar at the top and the "3 blue bars" loading symbol.
Is anyone else also having the same problem? Thanks in advance.
I'm also seeing longer appearances of the blue bar at the top and the "3 blue bars" loading symbol.
Is anyone else also having the same problem? Thanks in advance.
541 Replies
·
18562 views
