is my new cable company taking advantage?
Richard Garabedian
and just bought a 2nd home in North Carolina. I called Time-Warner to hook
up cable tv and hi-speed internet in the new house. Here in Maryland, I
have one coax line coming into the house that is split and supplies TV to
several rooms and supplies internet. Time-Warner in North Carolina is
telling me that I have to "activate" each room in the house to have cable TV
in each room. The house is wired for cable already, but they claim there is
a separate wire from the outside junction box into each room of the house
that has a cable jack. I find it hard to believe that they ran 4 or 5 coax
cables into the house to supply the 4 or 5 rooms?? They, of course, want to
charge me to "activate" each room. Has anyone heard of this? I'm not close
to the home and haven't settled on it yet, so not too easy to drive down and
check out the wiring, so I turn to this knowledgeable group. Thank you,
Richard
BruceR
in your house - not the box in the street or on the pole. One drop
comes from their street tap to your junction box and into a splitter
connected to the cables out to the rooms. They're called home runs when
the cables are run individually and that is the way you want it. If they
looped the cable from room to room like they used to each room would
have to have a splitter and that's bad for cable modems and digital
boxes not to mention the poor signal you could have on just analog too.
Most companies charge no extra for the monthly use of the additional
outlets (they do charge for extra boxes) but may charge for the labor to
install the connectors. You could just order one outlet to be active and
then do the work yourself after they leave. You'll have to put on the
connectors and get a good splitter or, if you're running a bunch of
rooms, a good quality drop amp.
If you order just the one TV and cable modem and you're there when the
installer is there, he'll probably put the connector on for you at no
charge if you're nice to him and offer a cold drink/beer.
The amp will cost you less than $50 and the connectors just a few
dollars. Use high quality connectors with the proper crimp tool. Snap
'n Seal are among the best.
Richard Garabedian
questioned her on this, she specifically said the "activation" would be done
on the pole outside or the box in the street. That is what concerned me
most. But I think you must be right. I will be there when the cable guy
shows up, and perhaps an extra 20 bucks might bring some connectors and info
from him.
"BruceR" <brNO...@hawaii.com> wrote in message
news:QYH2d.8478$XW....@twister.socal.rr.com...
BruceR
worth exactly what minimum wage will buy. ;)
If what she said were true you'd need a 4" conduit to the street or have
one UGLY (and heavy) bundle of cables suspended from the pole! It's
amazing to hear the kind of stuff these reps make up.
COneilliv
have any extra activation. Person is probably confused.
CJ
Robert L. Bass
> questioned her on this, she specifically said the "activation" would be
done
> on the pole outside or the box in the street.
Bruce is right. The cable rep is FOS. Pay for one set and use a splitter
or an amplified splitter (both cheap) to connect the rest of the sets
inside.
> I will be there when the cable guy shows
> up, and perhaps an extra 20 bucks might
> bring some connectors and info from him.
Connectors are cheap. Info is free. Don't pay him unless he's willing to
make the connection and test it *without* signing you up for an additional
monthly cost.
Regards,
Robert L Bass
=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>
Robert L. Bass
> worth exactly what minimum wage will buy. ;)
> If what she said were true you'd need a 4" conduit to the street or have
> one UGLY (and heavy) bundle of cables suspended from the pole! It's
> amazing to hear the kind of stuff these reps make up.
Many cable companies pay the reps a commission for getting consumers to buy
extra *services* like this since it costs them zero extra for you to use
several sets instead of just one.
mikey
news:0Y6dnU6g47N...@giganews.com...
> > I've found that the phone reps generally provide information that is
> > worth exactly what minimum wage will buy. ;)
> > If what she said were true you'd need a 4" conduit to the street or have
> > one UGLY (and heavy) bundle of cables suspended from the pole! It's
> > amazing to hear the kind of stuff these reps make up.
>
> Many cable companies pay the reps a commission for getting consumers to
buy
> extra *services* like this since it costs them zero extra for you to use
> several sets instead of just one.
That's like saying it costs you zero to drop ship.
Frank Olson
news:79_2d.57858$Q7D....@twister01.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com...
> "Robert L. Bass" <rober...@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:0Y6dnU6g47N...@giganews.com...
> > > I've found that the phone reps generally provide information that is
> > > worth exactly what minimum wage will buy. ;)
> > > If what she said were true you'd need a 4" conduit to the street or
have
> > > one UGLY (and heavy) bundle of cables suspended from the pole! It's
> > > amazing to hear the kind of stuff these reps make up.
> >
> > Many cable companies pay the reps a commission for getting consumers to
> buy
> > extra *services* like this since it costs them zero extra for you to use
> > several sets instead of just one.
>
> That's like saying it costs you zero to drop ship.
It probably does... After all he places more orders with ADI Clearwater on
a daily basis than anyone else... :-))
BruceR
fact that he actually posts USEFUL information on this group and is
helpful to those looking for help.
Robert L. Bass
>> commission for getting consumers to buy
>> extra *services* like this since it costs
>> them zero extra for you to use several
>> sets instead of just one.
>
> That's like saying it costs you zero to
> drop ship.
Could someone familiar with this gent's language explain what he's on about?
Robert L. Bass
> Maybe that's due in part to the fact that
> he actually posts USEFUL information
> on this group and is helpful to those
> looking for help.
Thanks for the kind words, Bruce. :^)
Frank Olson
> Sounds like he must be doing very well. Maybe that's due in part to the
> fact that he actually posts USEFUL information on this group and is
> helpful to those looking for help.
Heh... "helpful"... I'm sure Robert isn't familiar with that word at
all... "Exploitative", "Opportunistic", "Manipulative"... These are the
words that spring to mind when one thinks of Robert L. Bass. How pray tell
is posting misleading and completely incorrect advice "helpful"?? Google on
the "Visonic PowerMax" and tell me how Robert was the least bit "helpful".
In ASA only recently he posted completely incorrect information on how to
hook up a Visonic voice dialler to an Ademco LynxR panel, and then had the
temerity to state to the OP that he should return the equipment (the
thread's entitled "I should have listened").
Robert has (on occasion) actually provided a correct answer, but you'll
notice they *always* include blatant references to his website and little
phrases like: "Oh, by the way, I happen to sell ******, so I'm a little
biased". There are dozens of people in this group that participate with no
commercial agenda but the simple pleasure of discussing the projects they've
completed and helping others through their own. You have an interesting
"double standard" when it comes to Robert L. Bass. I call that
"hypocritical".
--
Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com
Free listings for qualified dealers and industry professionals
You can read the ASA FAQ at
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/asafaq.htm
BruceR
other NG's so it's possible that he's a Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde but he is
generally helpful in this group and, as you pointed out, he fully
discloses any bias or commercial interests in his recommendations.
There are several here, of which you are sometimes one, who's only
purpose of posting is to denigrate Mr. Bass rather than providing some
useful addition to the thread at hand.
B Fuhrmann
> Sounds like he must be doing very well. Maybe that's due in part to the
> > fact that he actually posts USEFUL information on this group and is
> > helpful to those looking for help.
>
>
> Heh... "helpful"... I'm sure Robert isn't familiar with that word at
> all... "Exploitative", "Opportunistic", "Manipulative"... These are the
> words that spring to mind when one thinks of Robert L. Bass. How pray
tell
> is posting misleading and completely incorrect advice "helpful"?? Google
on
"Frank Olson" <Use_the_em...@yoursecuritysource.com> wrote in message
news:qFi3d.52819$%S.46863@pd7tw2no...
"Exploitative", "Opportunistic", "Manipulative"...
Those sound like the terms describing you and the rest of the dishonest
"professionals who are annoyed with Robert because he IS helpful here and
has told do it yourselfers some items that you want to keep secret from
them.
Take your vendetta to the toilet that you created in ASA and get out of
here.
> Robert has (on occasion) actually provided a correct answer, but you'll
> notice they *always* include blatant references to his website and little
> phrases like: "Oh, by the way, I happen to sell ******, so I'm a little
Add "liar" to the descriptive list for you. Unless you have been
selectively reading this group, you would have seen the posts you claim not
to.
I particularly liked the deceitful method that you recently used to repeat
Mikes false claims against Robert while pretending to defend Robert.
mikey
Some of us do and Mr Bass' penchant for putting down alarm dealers to
advance his own personal gain does not sit well.
"BruceR" <brNO...@hawaii.com> wrote in message
news:NUn3d.11386$XW....@twister.socal.rr.com...
mikey
Carry on.
"mikey" <som...@microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:l6p3d.2230$7s01...@news04.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com...
mikey
hmmmm, no takers.
Let's just both take the hint and not get in to it here.
Frank Olson
news:10ks7dr...@corp.supernews.com...
> > "BruceR"
> > Sounds like he must be doing very well. Maybe that's due in part to the
> > > fact that he actually posts USEFUL information on this group and is
> > > helpful to those looking for help.
> >
> >
> > Heh... "helpful"... I'm sure Robert isn't familiar with that word at
> > all... "Exploitative", "Opportunistic", "Manipulative"... These are
the
> > words that spring to mind when one thinks of Robert L. Bass. How pray
> tell
> > is posting misleading and completely incorrect advice "helpful"??
> on
>
>
> "Frank Olson" <Use_the_em...@yoursecuritysource.com> wrote in
message
> news:qFi3d.52819$%S.46863@pd7tw2no...
>
> "Exploitative", "Opportunistic", "Manipulative"...
>
> Those sound like the terms describing you and the rest of the dishonest
> "professionals who are annoyed with Robert because he IS helpful here and
> has told do it yourselfers some items that you want to keep secret from
> them.
Ahhhh... I see... So I'm part of the "big conspiracy" to keep people from
screwing up their *monitored* alarm systems by not allowing them access to
installer level programming... Heh... Let me ask you this - hypothetically
speaking - You're the CEO of a moderately large company that employs 100
individuals. You have a nice office and a networked computer system. Would
you allow any individual access to the main frame server to say disable the
firewall on the VPN so they can access the system from home?? Or would you
restrict access to certain key protocols designed to protect your network to
say two extremely competent "A+" certified people that you've hired and
designated as your "IT Department"?
Now let me give you a more specific example:
You've sold and installed an alarm system in Mr. Jone's house. Mr. Jones
has opted for a full perimeter alarm system that includes security screens,
glass break detectors, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Mr. Jones (being a
bit of a DIY) has purchased a system that can option some X-10 components so
he can turn on lights at specific times and control some other features.
His system is local (non-monitored). He decides he wants access to
installer level programming which (in this instance) you don't have an
objection to. With the programming manual in hand, he changes some of the
system's parameters, during the course of which he accidentally programs the
carbon monoxide detector as an "interior zone" (one that's bypassed when the
system's armed "stay"). "Not a problem", you would say, except that Mr. &
Mrs Jones are both hard of hearing (you installed strobe lights in the
master bedroom and a vibration mat in the bed to ensure *any* alarms will
wake them). Mr. & Mrs. Jones go to bed one evening and don't wake up. The
carbon monoxide detector's been going crazy (it started about two hours
after they went to bed) but since it's *bypassed* there's no way the
system's was going to be able to alert them to the "silent death" creeping
through their house.
Some questions for you:
As the professional *installer* in this scenario, how would you feel when
you picked up the local paper and found out what happened?? How would you
explain to the Jones' grieving family that while you provided them with a
state-of-the-art alarm system, it let them down when they really needed it??
Would you be asking yourself: "What did I do wrong?"
If you were a TV repairman, and your wide screen surround sound HDTV went on
the fritz, you could probably fix it yourself. As a homeowner/DIYer you
might not know anything about TV's and I doubt that you could determine the
cause of the failure of your TV without some knowledge of it's inner
workings (or a schematic). If your TV does "bite the bullet", it's no big
deal. Call someone to fix it the next day and listen to your CD collection
until that happens (or watch your movie on your computer's DVD ROM drive).
Sure, you can install your own security system and you should have total
access to the programming (after all you know what you've installed and how
you want it to work). If you're going to call in a professional alarmco to
monitor it though, you shouldn't expect to retain the same level of access
for reasons that have no doubt been expressed here before. If you've called
in the same professional alarmco to *install* your system (even if you've
purchased the parts online), don't expect to retain access to programming
"as your right". Some companies may insist that as they've installed the
equipment and are responsible for the labor portion of the warranty (they
may even honor the equipment part as well), they would want to restrict
access to installer level programming for the period of that warranty. If,
after they've left, you decided to *default* the system and reprogram it
yourself, that's your business (no professional company would lock out panel
programming on a local system and some - like mine - don't do so on a
monitored system either). Do me one favour though... Keep the story I've
related above in mind. It really happened.
>
> Take your vendetta to the toilet that you created in ASA and get out of
> here.
Heh... That's an "adult" response.
>
> > Robert has (on occasion) actually provided a correct answer, but you'll
> > notice they *always* include blatant references to his website and
little
> > phrases like: "Oh, by the way, I happen to sell ******, so I'm a little
>
> Add "liar" to the descriptive list for you. Unless you have been
> selectively reading this group, you would have seen the posts you claim
not
> to.
I've seen all the posts Robert's made in this forum for the last few months.
I notice he limits his responses to certain areas of expertise (namely
multi-room sound, some home automation, and security). While some are
indeed "helpful", every one contains a blatant "plug" for his business
(something I thought wasn't actually allowed here) and often some "blather"
concerning how (as the owner of your security system) you should retain full
access and control over it even if it's professionally monitored. Let me
ask you this: How many others posting here answer the same questions with
*no* commercial agenda??
Call me a "liar" if you want... You'll have a hard time proving that.
>
> I particularly liked the deceitful method that you recently used to repeat
> Mikes false claims against Robert while pretending to defend Robert.
Deceitful?? I wasn't trying to "defend" anyone. I was calling "a spade a
spade". Mike's thinks he's using the same "tactics" Robert engages in (in
the "other" newsgroup). He's not. He's far more vicious and offensive
(even to me). He's followed Robert to every Newsgroup he posts in and the
particpants there are subjected to the same garbage and vitriol. I've never
seen Robert attack an individual's family members, or post doctored obscene
pictures of them, or *dedicate* a website to them. Robert has gone "real
life" with people to try and get them fired from their jobs though. As for
"being a liar", Robert constantly refers to me as working behind a "parts
counter" for a "small distributor in Vancouver, Canada"... I've often asked
him to provide details but for some reason he's been reticent in doing so
(maybe you can ask him why). I've become such a big "burr under his saddle"
that he's contacted practically every agency and distributor in Vancouver
looking for me... For what possible reason?? For telling the truth??
Where have I lied?? Please post the Google.
Robert L. Bass
>> language explain what he's on about?
>
> hmmmm, no takers.
> Let's just both take the hint and not get in to it here.
Does that mean you intend to stop posting unprovoked attacks in this
newsgroup? How nice.
D Presta
***As a recent cable internet customer, they want your business they
will re-wire or add ends for no cost. if you complain a little too
they will give you a free install.
Frank Olson
news:7987013b.04092...@posting.google.com...
Is the offer of a "free" alarm on the "Verizon", too?? :-))
--
Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com
Free listings for qualified dealers and industry professionals
Bob
"Richard Garabedian" <rvg...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:it2dnQbd65h...@comcast.com...
My cable company wants to have their wire go to splitters outside
the house where thay can get at them. Then, when you want a new
drop, whey wrap a wire around the house, stapling if to your
siding, drill a hole through the siding to get the wire into the
house.........
The end result makes your house exterior look like crap, and adds
new holes to leak.
If you wire your house properly, you have to be very firm about
changes to keep these clowns from mutilating your property.
Bob
wkearney99
No, just a bunch of petty, small-minded idiots.
> You've sold and installed an alarm system in Mr. Jone's house. Mr. Jones
> has opted for a full perimeter alarm system that includes security
screens,
> glass break detectors, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
The trouble cited in your example can quite readily be solved by better
documentation. Most of this stuff is so poorly documented that the
homeowner really doesn't have much of a chance to actually understand what's
actually set up. This being both the factory docs on the systems themselves
AND on the actual installed setup.
> As the professional *installer* in this scenario, how would you feel when
> you picked up the local paper and found out what happened?? How would you
> explain to the Jones' grieving family that while you provided them with a
> state-of-the-art alarm system, it let them down when they really needed
it??
> Would you be asking yourself: "What did I do wrong?"
No more than a car dealer asks when someone's dumb enough to drive
themselves into a telephone poll trying to dial their cell phone. Your
story sounds all well and good until one considers the lead-up arrogance the
industry continues to advance that make the customer skeptical in the first
place.
> Do me one favour though... Keep the story I've
> related above in mind. It really happened.
Sad as that might be it really has nothing to do with anything in this
group. Sounds more like you're just trying to deflect taking blame for
being such an ass about your on-going vendetta towards Bass. In this group
it's YOU that's the problem. Bass continually offers help and insight,
that's often correct, to question people ask. You just spout bile toward
Bass.
> I've seen all the posts Robert's made in this forum for the last few
months.
> I notice he limits his responses to certain areas of expertise (namely
> multi-room sound, some home automation, and security).
As most folks should. Apparently your only area of expertise lies in
criticizing Bass.
> Call me a "liar" if you want... You'll have a hard time proving that.
Liar? Perhaps not, unhelpful ass? Quite probably.
> refers to me as working behind a "parts
> counter" for a "small distributor in Vancouver, Canada"... I've often
asked
> him to provide details but for some reason he's been reticent in doing so
> (maybe you can ask him why). I've become such a big "burr under his
saddle"
> that he's contacted practically every agency and distributor in Vancouver
> looking for me...
So end the mystery, post your work details and get it over with.
Frank Olson
news:O8KdnZZ0b58...@speakeasy.net...
>> Ahhhh... I see... So I'm part of the "big conspiracy"
>
> No, just a bunch of petty, small-minded idiots.
If being "petty" and "small minded" is all you can come up with then I'm
relieved. You've got to keep one thing in mind. The ASA forum was
originally formed from a moderated group of alarm professionals. It's a
place "we" can go and "hang", talk about installation problems, service
nightmares, and share news about new products and services. It was *never*
intended to help sell those same goods and services to end users, yet the
FAQ does make provisions to answer questions and suggest solutions to
problems posed by end-users and DIYer's. The "commercial" side of it was
never supposed to be promoted. What Robert and Mike (Goofy Groupie
Muderator) have done promoting their businesses is strictly against the FAQ.
Robert does it because he lacks ethics and standards. Mike does it because
Robert does it... It's sad really.
>
>> You've sold and installed an alarm system in Mr. Jone's house. Mr. Jones
>> has opted for a full perimeter alarm system that includes security
> screens,
>> glass break detectors, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
>
> The trouble cited in your example can quite readily be solved by better
> documentation. Most of this stuff is so poorly documented that the
> homeowner really doesn't have much of a chance to actually understand
> what's
> actually set up. This being both the factory docs on the systems
> themselves
> AND on the actual installed setup.
What planet do you live on?? What manufacturer sponsored course did you
last attend as a "DIY"?? How many "DIY's" are present when one is held??
I'll tell you... *none*... And the reason's not to keep all the knowledge
a "secret" from you or end users.
>
>> As the professional *installer* in this scenario, how would you feel when
>> you picked up the local paper and found out what happened?? How would
>> you
>> explain to the Jones' grieving family that while you provided them with a
>> state-of-the-art alarm system, it let them down when they really needed
> it??
>> Would you be asking yourself: "What did I do wrong?"
>
> No more than a car dealer asks when someone's dumb enough to drive
> themselves into a telephone poll trying to dial their cell phone.
You can't compare this with something that simple. When you buy a car and
you buy a cell phone you accept the responsibility of operating both in a
safe manner. If you don't heed the instructions with your phone (that
plainly state you shouldn't be driving and talking at the same time), then
that's your problem. Programming an alarm panel without the proper training
is like driving your car without a license... And don't tell me Bass can
"teach you" how in about an hour over the phone. He will offer to download
it for you for free though... And because it's "free", he has no liability
when he makes a mistake... and judging from all the "helpful" posts he's
made recently (in this and the ASA forums), I'd say the man is not only
"error prone", he's downright dangerous... Remember the old expression "you
get what you pay for"?? What do you get when you don't "pay" anything??
> Your
> story sounds all well and good until one considers the lead-up arrogance
> the
> industry continues to advance that make the customer skeptical in the
> first
> place.
I've never had a "skeptical" customer. I guess "skepticism" must be rife on
your planet...
>
>> Do me one favour though... Keep the story I've
>> related above in mind. It really happened.
>
> Sad as that might be it really has nothing to do with anything in this
> group.
Of course not... and yet... in the context of my reply to you...
> Sounds more like you're just trying to deflect taking blame for
> being such an ass about your on-going vendetta towards Bass.
There's that "V" word again... Bass has done *nothing* to harm me because
he doesn't really know me (or where I work, thank God). For what possible
reason would I have a "vendetta" against him?? I don't really care what
nonsense he decides to post about me. In fact, every time he does just
confirms his own "vindictive nature". He's still pissed because I wouldn't
list him on my website. In fact, the whole time we talked (on the phone),
he continually harped on how he "deserved" to be listed...
> In this group
> it's YOU that's the problem.
In this group YOU appear to be wearing blinders...
> Bass continually offers help and insight,
> that's often correct, to question people ask.
"Often correct"?? Have you seen him post an apology (or corretion) for the
false and misleading information he presented to the OP in the thread
entitled "Visonic PowerMax"?? Isn't he the one that's recently chastised
another individual for posting information that's not completely correct??
Wow... That's some "double standard" you live by!! Bass must be paying you
by the line...
> You just spout bile toward
> Bass.
I tell the truth. The man's a fraud and a liar.
>
>> I've seen all the posts Robert's made in this forum for the last few
> months.
>> I notice he limits his responses to certain areas of expertise (namely
>> multi-room sound, some home automation, and security).
>
> As most folks should. Apparently your only area of expertise lies in
> criticizing Bass.
Wrongo!!!
>
>> Call me a "liar" if you want... You'll have a hard time proving that.
>
> Liar? Perhaps not, unhelpful ass? Quite probably.
Which makes you..???
>
>> refers to me as working behind a "parts
>> counter" for a "small distributor in Vancouver, Canada"... I've often
> asked
>> him to provide details but for some reason he's been reticent in doing so
>> (maybe you can ask him why). I've become such a big "burr under his
> saddle"
>> that he's contacted practically every agency and distributor in Vancouver
>> looking for me...
>
> So end the mystery, post your work details and get it over with.
With Bass' record for going "real life" with people?? With his public
statements that he's already contacted every distributor and municpal agency
looking for me?? Not on your Nelly!!
--
Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com
Free listings for qualified dealers and industry professionals