Listed below are some of the categories that Ogren Electronics receives questions about. If there is a question that we have not answered, please call us at (888) 47-3688. We would love to hear from you!
HOME SECURITY:
Home Security
We're so far out in the woods. Does it make any sense to have a security system?
Although it is true that it may take a substantial amount of time to have the authorities respond to an intrusion call, the system will make enough noise through the speakers that intruders generally leave immediately. Local fire departments, although volunteer, are generally very responsive. Having the fire department summoned at the first sign of smoke or heat will be far more effective than having a neighbor call the department when they see flames shooting out through the roof.
What happens when my alarm goes off?
A call and notification list, customized for you, is detailed at the time of installation. In the event of any signal communicated to the Monitoring Company, an attempt is made to contact your home to verify the nature of the alert condition. This is part of the national "false alarm reduction" program. Ogren Electronics is proud to say that because of the equipment and design of our systems, false alarm problems are not an issue.
Do your security systems come as a package?
No, each system is custom-designed according to the size of your home or business and the level of security desired.
Will I get a discount on my homeowners' policy through my insurance company?
Most insurance companies do offer discounts, especially if your home is unattended. You should check with your insurance agent as some companies require you to have a monitored system to protect your property.
Can I call and check on my house?
Definitely! You can call your house from any phone and check on the status as well as arm and disarm your system. Also, if you have broadband internet, we can give you complete control of your home through the net, even on an iPod Touch or i-Phone.
How much experience do you have in installing alarm systems?
Ogren Electronics has been installing both commercial and residential alarms for more than 20 years.We are members of both the state and national Fire and Burglar Alarm Associations along with the National Fire Protection Association.
SATELLITE TELEVISION:
Satellite Television
What type of satellite systems do you install?
We started installing the large C-Band (10' wide) satellite systems back in the 1980s. We have been installing DirecTV satellite systems since they first became available back in 1994, in fact we were the original exclusive DirecTV dealer in the northwoods.
We no longer install or service DishNet systems. Although we used to install and service all types of satellite systems, we found that DirecTV systems offer more flexibility for our seasonal customers. Since DirecTV has the majority of it's programming in high def, including the local channels from Wausau/Rhinelander, we have concentrated on the service that we believe serves our customers the best.
Until February 2009, the local channels from Wausau and Rhinelander were only received on a second 18” dish. Now it is possible to receive all the channels with the new elliptical dish.
I want to deal with you as a local dealer, but DirecTV offers my equipment for free?
We are DirecTV dealers and, as such, we offer the same promotions, both for equipment and programming, as the nationally advertised offers.
Yes, we would be happy to upgrade your equipment, however we would need to charge you for the parts and labor. If you want to get an upgrade for free, you must call DirecTV's toll free number directly and have one of their contracted servicers change out your equipment.
I had DirecTV come and upgrade me and now things don't work right. What can I do?
Call our office and we can assist you in determining if you need to call DirecTV back to take care of an issue or if your problem is outside of the scope of their service. We often make follow-up service calls to get equipment working correctly after an upgrade.
We agree that FREE is great! We also have heard countless stories of systems that have been messed up from a botched upgrade. DirecTV will allow you to call and order the equipment directly from them but you can have a professional firm, like Ogren Electronics do the installation. This arrangement will allow you to at least save the cost of the upgraded dish and receivers.
DirecTV generally recycles their receivers and since the equipment is technically “leased” they reserve the right to send you any equipment that will receive the programming for which you subscribe. At Ogren Electronics, we only deal in new equipment received in factory sealed cartons. If you want to make sure you get new components, it is advisable to purchase from a local dealer.
That is one of the great advantages of DirecTV. They will allow you to suspend your programming for up to six months. There is no charge to suspend your service and no charge to have it reactivated. There also is no small monthly charge to keep the account active. Make sure when you call DirecTV that you explain that you want to “SUSPEND” and not disconnect!
It is best to have us do a site visit to determine the type and quality of wiring. With over twenty years experience we can determine what can be done with your existing cabling. We are also skilled in running new wires, even in challenging homes.
I still have a big, 10' dish at my house. Can I have it taken down? Is it worth anything?
Yes and no. We can remove your C-band dish and dispose of it. Unfortunately the equipment is so antiquated that it has no value and we must charge for this service.
The first thing to do is try to “reset” the receiver. This often takes care of the problem. It is similar to the reboot of a computer. If the problems continues, call our office and we will do preliminary troubleshooting on the phone to determine if you need a service call.
We have often gone to homes where DirecTV has claimed that there is no site for a satellite system. Our technicians have years of experience and advanced skills in finding a site if one exists on your property.
If we make a special trip to your home just to determine if a site exists for a satellite system we will charge you for our time. If you schedule an install in anticipation that you have a site for the dish, we generally do not charge if we can't find a site.
Do I need to make a long commitment to programming when I buy a satellite system?
If you take advantage of any of the promotions with free or reduced price equipment you will be making a commitment to keep the programming active for a period of time. This also includes upgrading your receivers or replacing equipment that no longer functions.
ANTENNA:
Antenna
Are all the new channels high definition?
The new channels are all digital but not necessarily high definition. Broadcasters are working to increase the amount of high definition content. Most major network programming already in high definition but some older programs, although they may look terrific, are not true high definition.
How can I find out the right solution for me?
We recommend you contact our office and talk to one of our experienced antenna technicians. We have been installing outdoor antennas in the northwoods for more than twenty years and have been working with the digital transmissions since they first began and have developed extensive knowledge of what will work best in your area.
Why have I seen familiar channels like channel 12 now showing as 12.1 and 12.2?
One of the advantages of the new digital service is stations now have the flexibility of broadcasting multiple programs. Where you used to get only one channel, you may now get up to four stations. This is one of the great benefits of the digital transition along with receiving better pictures, better audio, and high definition programming.
On very rare occasions, you may pick up a distant station, but not reliably. Since digital transmitter power is less than half of analog power the signals do not travel the same distance as in the past.
Are amplified rabbit ears better than regular rabbit ears?
They may help, but probably not. Again it depends on the distance between you and the TV transmitter.
Will my TV reception be the same as before the digital switch?
Probably NOT! Unless you have a good antenna system, stations that you previously received my not be strong enough to come in reliably. Digital transmissions are less than half the power of the older analog signals so they aren't as strong coming into your TV tuner.
I've used rabbit ears for years, will I be able to continue to use them?
Possibly, but probably not depending on your location. Contact our office for more information on what to expect where you live.
With a built-in digital tuner, or with a digital converter box, make sure you become familiar with how to do a “channel scan.” This procedure tells the tuner to look for all the digital services available and stores them in the tuner for easy access.
I have a new digital TV but I still can't watch programming with the antenna in my attic. Why not?
Our experience has been that unless you are extremely close to a television station's transmitting tower, you will need to use an outdoor antenna.
We sell them in our showroom. Also, the government has set aside money to help offset the cost of digital converter boxes for those households that rely on antenna reception for their television programming. Homes that watch cable or satellite TV are not eligible for the coupon program. You may contact the government to apply for up to two $40 coupons by visiting their website at www.dtv2009.gov or calling 1-800-DTV-2009.
What are digital converter boxes?
The digital converter box is a small television tuner that can accept the digital signal and make it usable on your older, analog television set.
You can purchase a new TV with the built-in digital tuner, or you can purchase a digital converter box and connect it to your existing television.
Not necessarily. If your current TV was purchased after late 2007, it probably has a digital tuner built in already. If you want to take advantage of the better picture and sound quality, including high definition, that digital has to offer, it may be time to invest in a new TV.
I only have an antenna for TV reception. Why don't I get any channels?
Central and northern Wisconsin has switched from traditional analog broadcasts to the new, digital transmissions as of February 2009. This has dramatically changed how television signals are received which could explain the lack of channels when using an antenna.