Just my $.02. and I hope I don't get a lot of flack for it.
I TOTALLY agree with calikarim. I admire and appreciate VOOM for the service and the HD push that it has provided for this industry. Without it we would be back at our respected providers wondering about the next HD channel to be added to their service and wondering how much extra "EACH" HD addition would be to our bills. I am quite comfortable with the service that Voom provides and the $10 buck increase may not be as bad, but I have until next year to figure that out.
NOTE: I was paying about a $10 fee for D* HD Package. How many channels was that again?
Now for particular points:
1. Voom is promoted as a specialized service geared for HD content. If the volume of SD your bag, Voom may not be the choice. HD is Voom's asset/niche.
2. Voom Exclusive Channels: I know there are varying opinions on this. I actually like the channels (especially Equator HD, Rave HD, Rush HD, Ultra HD). But cutting back on some of the Cinema channels and/or the Moov channel (which I find interesting) for the sake of bandwidth wouldn't be a bad idea.
3. (and finally) Voom's PQ: Being that I am migrating from D*, I don't see the drastic difference in PQ from D*. I do agree that as for PQ, HDNet is holding the bar but like someone said before, their content was lacking. Like most people, I don't understand the intricate details associated with bandwidth, bits per second, scan rates, etc. I just want a provider that gives me a superb audio and video experience. IMO, Voom's PQ is on par with everyone else. I think that we sometimes do an injustice to Voom when saying that the PQ sucks because honestly, it doesn't.
Now with saying all of the positive things there are some drawbacks. The major one is that Voom is new. New provider, new service, new technologies. It is still a little rocky but I have seen improvements along the way. Which tells me that they are focused on getting it right.
I guess to sum it up. This is the type of service that we all wanted. Voom is trying to facilitate that need. Let's not forget from which most of us came (D* or Dish) and their so-called HD initiatives. Let's go back to the forum of old, in which we offered constructive criticism about the service but still be supportive. This Voom hate movement has to stop.
Sorry about being long winded, but I had to get it off my chest.
Mike - Vooming since April
PS - If anyone is wondering, I still have D* because I love my NFL. D* niche.