ericpd...
TYORK is exactly right on the antenna answer...it has nothing to do with what is "shipped" to an installer. The only things that are "shipped" to them is the STB and the dish, whether it's 18" or 24" or larger. The installer determines, recommends, and buys the OTA locally.
This is not something that is easily extracted from these posts, but I finally got confirmation of that from
all sources...VoOm, Installs, Inc., and my local last "good guy" installer.
The OTA antenna success issue has
far more to do with the knowledge and experience and motives of your individual installer...in their individual areas...than with other factors that can come into play, like weather, etc. So don't let anyone sell you on the idea that the OTA is the piece of sh*t that they are required to work with. It's based on their abilitity and experience, and that will vary from installer to installer.
That's why the ethics, ability, and dedication to their craft earns the respect and appreciation that people like
TYORK have garnered here from people who have been around long enough to learn how to separate the "wheat from the chaff" as
Gill so succinctly put it!
My Cliff Notes version (and I'm NOT noted for brevity!) is that if an installer spends more time telling you how good they are or how hard they work for their money, than they do in giving you suggestions or trying to solve the problem...
then it's probably chaff...blow it off and demand that VoOm send a "wheat" installer!!
Installers who wish to accept the assignments, but don't wish to put forth the effort to achieve success (when a failed attempt will likely garner them more money via a "de-install" plus a "referral" from whatever company they can switch the "de-installee" to)...
will continue to try to line their own pockets, at our expense. It's easy to blame someone else if your "target audience" isn't fully knowledgeable.
Sorry for the "mini-sermon", but that's what happens when I turn to real life for too long and then try to catch up with trolls.
Glad to hear that it sounds like you're getting things under control, and also glad to hear that you had good luck,
Arlo_gut :clap @party