VOOM systems on eBay

[1080iBeVuMin]

Just noticed a couple of auctions for VOOM systems on eBay, and they might be duplicate auctions for the same goods:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3095484329

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3095558332

Would I have to pay for a VOOM install if I went with one of these?

Would VOOM support the hw -- replace STB, etc. -- or do I have to purchase or lease from VOOM to get that support?

I will ask a VOOM CSR. But I figure somebody here knows as much.

 

[Sean Mota]

Don't buy those things. I believe VOOM will not install those receivers.

 

[red ufo]

The person has no feedback you will get ripped off.

 

[vurbano]

yes i would stay away from them.

 

[Taron1]

Called Voom and asked about buying on of those receivers for 100.00 to add to my existing account, the official statement he read said they would not activate the receiver. The only way to add another receiver is to pay Voom 199.99 to buy and 199.99 for the install.

I might buy one and give it a try anyway.

http://search.ebay.com/voom_Satelli...eZ50QQsosortorderZ2QQsosortpropertyZ2QQsotrZ2

 

[bbtkd]

The person has no feedback you will get ripped off.

You can't support a blanket statement that someone with no Ebay feedback will rip you off - that is the exception rather than the rule. Everyone starts on Ebay with a 0 rating. The questions I WOULD be asking them is where they are getting them, and what you are expected to do with them given that Voom is refusing to activate them...

 

[Lem52]

I heard on another forum that this person had a rating and then lost it.

Lem52

 

[1080iBeVuMin]

Okay, I appreciate all the advice and will stay away from these eBay units.

But answer me this. If VOOM says they will never connect a box purchased from a third party, it means that any box purchased from VOOM has zero resale value because nobody can ever buy your box and connect it up again. Sure makes the LEASE PLAN sound better!

Am I missing something?

 

[Ilya]

If VOOM says they will never connect a box purchased from a third party, it means that any box purchased from VOOM has zero resale value because nobody can ever buy your box and connect it up again. Sure makes the LEASE PLAN sound better! Am I missing something?

Assuming VOOM implements OTA scanning/manual tuning in the next version, the STB might actually have some resale value as an OTA tuner.

 

[slick1ru2]

Called Voom and asked about buying on of those receivers for 100.00 to add to my existing account, the official statement he read said they would not activate the receiver. The only way to add another receiver is to pay Voom 199.99 to buy and 199.99 for the install.

What a bonehead policy. Not activating boxes sold by third parties means they lose out on programming income from all the boxes sold to people who later canceled Voom. This says something about Voom mentality... shortsighted.

 

[cameron119]

What a bonehead policy. Not activating boxes sold by third parties means they lose out on programming income from all the boxes sold to people who later canceled Voom. This says something about Voom mentality... shortsighted.

It's more difficult to control QOS when you have boxes floating around that Voom has no control over. I think Voom is doing what they should be doing--keeping the boxes close so they can more efficiently provide the programming services.

 

[eschu97611]

It's more difficult to control QOS when you have boxes floating around that Voom has no control over. I think Voom is doing what they should be doing--keeping the boxes close so they can more efficiently provide the programming services.

Perfect reason for switching to lease-glad I did it! No useless "doorstop" here when DVR arrives-LOL

 

[slick1ru2]

It's more difficult to control QOS when you have boxes floating around that Voom has no control over. I think Voom is doing what they should be doing--keeping the boxes close so they can more efficiently provide the programming services.

These are Voom boxes, of which there currently is one type. I have D*. I got the deal for x number free STBs and a DVR for $99. I have a one year agreement to maintain a certain level of programming. If I break it early I pay $150 (or send the boxes back w/o penalty). BUT, the boxes are mine. I can sell them to someone who doesn't want a service agreement. Two of the boxes are Hughes, one is Philips. The next person connects them to a dish and calls a number to get activated. And with E* and D* offering their "moving" plans where you leave the dish and take the STB, the number of their already installed dishes on resold homes will only rise.

How does QOS come into this? You buy a bad box from someone, you go back to them, not Voom.

It boils down to this if you bought your box. You cancel Voom, the boxe is worthless. And, Voom loses out on replacing a customer. Any of the other satellite companies (still in business) doing this?

 

[Videofx]

Even if Voom did allow you to register the box, if they will not give you the standard guarantee then you are buying a boat anchor if the receiver fails.

Bill