[John Moschella]

Basically I don't like TV all that much so I try to spend too much usually just getting the expanded cable line-up so the kids have a few stations to watch, no premiums or anything like that. There are a few things I do find it useful for. One is big sporting events like the NFL and MLB playoffs. These events are covered by the majors and so I need local channels. When D* offered locals it was less than my cable provider so I signed up. The other thing I like is watching movies without commercials and in OAR. So the 10 cinema channels that VOOM has is appealing plus I have an HD projector so it would be cool. Anyway, I went to their web site and they claim that you can get your local digital channels but I was confused as hell as to how it works. Can someone please explain how you get your locals if you sign up with V*?

 

[davisdog]

They install an antenna on your roof and you get them over the air (assuming you are in range)...Tha's in addition to the satellite dish


Voom does not broadcast any locals via satellite

 

[miniz]

you also must check with all of locals to see IF they even broadcast in HD or SD digital yet. plus check to see what time they do. some only are on 1/3 of the time their analog simlicast is on.

 

[TheFerret]

Voom actually has an installer climb on people's roofs to install an OTA antenna? I thought the OTA antenna ws the clip-on type that fastens to the Voom dish itself.

 

[madpoet]

You can get the upgraded antenna depending on reception and location. It is not the clip-on.

 

[TheFerret]

Is there an additional cost for this upgrade?

 

[tmilam]

No.

 

[TheFerret]

Wow, so Voom would potentially send an installer to his/her demise by climbing on my roof (starting at 30' and climbing) in order to make me happy. Signing up with Voom may be worth it just for the life-threatening entertainment. Way to go Voom!

 

[madpoet]

Yes (although you would likely get charged because they would need the longer ladder).

 

[TheFerret]

How long are there ladders for the roof? Not everyone in the USA lives on a slab-built ranch! And they could access the roof from the front of the house by first stepping onto the garage roof, then hopping (at the edge) onto the main roof.

 

[Alan Dail]

there's only a charge if they need a 40' ladder. If their antenna doesn't work for your locals, they will upgrade it for free to get one that does work. It's clearly important to them that you be able to get locals and still use their service.


check here

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Welcome.aspx


to see which stations have digital broadcasts.

 

[TheFerret]

I already receive OTA digital locals via an antenna I installed in my attic. Of course, the ATSC tuner in the Voom receiver will be different in terms of performance and also antenna installation. I just found it amusing at the prospect of a scared installer getting on my roof--I certainly wouldn't.

 

[madpoet]

Eh, those guys are nuts. My roof is only about 15' up and it still terrifies e to get up there

 

[TheFerret]

I could assist in forwarding their courage with a few beers, and a well-placed hidden camcorder for America's Funniest Home Videos.

 

[nirvana_av]

I recently signed up for VOOM. Installation is scheduled for middle of this month. Since they also install an antenna for local digital signals, do they have to run two sets of coax all the way to [both] STB's or is there some magic at the LMB that allows them to only run one?

 

[madpoet]

You can have them use a single line and a diplexer, but I wouldn't recommend it.