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**Rob** · 23-06-2011, 14:22

Self install has typically only been available to customers moving into a property that already had a cable service. In those cases the cable wiring should already be present and it would simply be for the customer to plug in the VM supplied TV Set Top Box, and / or cable modem.

Where new cabling is needed VM will always want to install themselves. This will be taken care of as part of your signing up for a 12 month contract. Sometimes there will be an installation fee, dependent on the services you require.

The problem for customers wishing to run their own internal cables is the quality of the co-axial is generally much higher than standard TV aerial or even satellite cable, as it needs to support a 2-way data path. Additionally if cable ends are terminated incorrectly that can degrade services. Normally one also needs to get the new wiring checked so that signal levels wil be in tolerance as cable resistivity can change with length.

It is best to get the install done by VM's techs. If you make alterations or get it wrong you would pay the price for VM to sort it. Perhaps the best workaround, where people seek to be careful of routing cables is to speak to the installer when they arrive and encourage them not to clip the cables to skirtings (normally they are run surface fixed inside a home), and to leave a little excess length. You would then be able to pull the cable though floors and such like after they had left, knowing that the cable itself will work correctly.

23-06-2011, 14:22	#3
Rob Cable Forum Team Join Date: Jun 2003 Age: 49 Services: Moving Goal Posts a speciality Posts: 15,971	Re: Do they allow self install ? Self install has typically only been available to customers moving into a property that already had a cable service. In those cases the cable wiring should already be present and it would simply be for the customer to plug in the VM supplied TV Set Top Box, and / or cable modem. Where new cabling is needed VM will always want to install themselves. This will be taken care of as part of your signing up for a 12 month contract. Sometimes there will be an installation fee, dependent on the services you require. The problem for customers wishing to run their own internal cables is the quality of the co-axial is generally much higher than standard TV aerial or even satellite cable, as it needs to support a 2-way data path. Additionally if cable ends are terminated incorrectly that can degrade services. Normally one also needs to get the new wiring checked so that signal levels wil be in tolerance as cable resistivity can change with length. It is best to get the install done by VM's techs. If you make alterations or get it wrong you would pay the price for VM to sort it. Perhaps the best workaround, where people seek to be careful of routing cables is to speak to the installer when they arrive and encourage them not to clip the cables to skirtings (normally they are run surface fixed inside a home), and to leave a little excess length. You would then be able to pull the cable though floors and such like after they had left, knowing that the cable itself will work correctly. __________________ The NTHW PC Gaming Clan! ~ Battlefield 3 & CoD 4 Gameservers!