Radio Reception After Omega Tint Install?
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Radio Reception After Omega Tint Install?
About 6 weeks ago Vincent @ Omega Tintworks in Pleasanton tinted my 04 WRX's windows. As far as I could tell the quality of the install was very good. However, since then I've noticed my radio reception has been mediocre. FM is ok, but not as good as it was originally, and AM is awful. I used to like to listen to sports radio (AM 1050) when I'm in the San Jose area but now it's pretty much impossible.
I did some research and found that tint, especially full metallic film, can cause lots of interference problems with the antenna embedded in the rear window. I called Vincent and he said that he uses the metallic film because it doesn't fade and that I'm the FIRST one to complain out of the 300+ WRX sedan installs that he's done.
I know a ton of people on here have had their tint done by Vincent. I'm wondering if anyone else has had a problems with radio reception since he did their tint.
I have all of the stock audio equipment; nothing has been added or removed. The only other thing that I've come up with that could be the cause is that the antenna wiring wasn't connected properly. But Vincent also said that the only thing he disconnects are for the lights which work fine. Since metallic tint lasts longer I'd like to stay with it but if anyone knows of any other work-arounds that would be cool.
I did some research and found that tint, especially full metallic film, can cause lots of interference problems with the antenna embedded in the rear window. I called Vincent and he said that he uses the metallic film because it doesn't fade and that I'm the FIRST one to complain out of the 300+ WRX sedan installs that he's done.
I know a ton of people on here have had their tint done by Vincent. I'm wondering if anyone else has had a problems with radio reception since he did their tint.
I have all of the stock audio equipment; nothing has been added or removed. The only other thing that I've come up with that could be the cause is that the antenna wiring wasn't connected properly. But Vincent also said that the only thing he disconnects are for the lights which work fine. Since metallic tint lasts longer I'd like to stay with it but if anyone knows of any other work-arounds that would be cool.
<--- bitter
the artist formerly known as mcdrama
iTrader: (23)
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,428
From: Santa Cruz Mountains, CA.
Car Info: WRBP 2015 WRX Premium/CVT
I plan on having mine done there, I will let you know.
if it gets bautched I will re-route my antenna and get the sporty volkswagon style one.
Having that would make my car look fast!
like zooom!
hahahaa!
Do suby owners jump over their cars like honda owners?
if it gets bautched I will re-route my antenna and get the sporty volkswagon style one.
Having that would make my car look fast!
like zooom!
hahahaa!
Do suby owners jump over their cars like honda owners?
Registered User
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,670
From: East Bay / Pomona
Car Info: '02 PSM WRX
just make your car look more like the rally car and add the antenna sticking out of the middle of your roof. (that's what i want to do if my antenna ever breaks)
i just got my 04 2 weeks ago, and i've been listening to mostly CDs. However, i noticed that my FM reception is pretty crappy even without tint. i used to get 94.9 really clear, now its all crappy so i just listen to CDs. im getting my tint done by vincent on saturday, so i can let you know if it makes it even crappier if u want. PM me and ask me about it after saturday, so i dont forget about this thread.
The problem is that the tint used was a metalic type of film and it really messes with AM reception. There are three fixes.... I will list them in order of price
1) Don't tint your windows
2) Request dye based films (Just be prepaired to have them turn purple and bubble)
3) Go to a shop that sells Ceramic window films and have the best looking car around and enjoy your radio reception in the same car. (My shop just happens to sell ceramic film).
Now ceramic film is very new and very expensive (About 3 times more then a full metalic film at cost) and is available in most percentages, but looks way better then any metalic film. It looks like a OEM tint, very deep and black. Not shiny or purple. Anyway, I would be glad to offer a I-Club deal if there is enough interest. My shop is a Formula One dealer which gives you the only nationwide warranty and we use a plotter/cutter to cut out a perfect patern for each window. My guys are the bomb....
Later
Scott
1) Don't tint your windows
2) Request dye based films (Just be prepaired to have them turn purple and bubble)
3) Go to a shop that sells Ceramic window films and have the best looking car around and enjoy your radio reception in the same car. (My shop just happens to sell ceramic film).
Now ceramic film is very new and very expensive (About 3 times more then a full metalic film at cost) and is available in most percentages, but looks way better then any metalic film. It looks like a OEM tint, very deep and black. Not shiny or purple. Anyway, I would be glad to offer a I-Club deal if there is enough interest. My shop is a Formula One dealer which gives you the only nationwide warranty and we use a plotter/cutter to cut out a perfect patern for each window. My guys are the bomb....
Later
Scott
Yes, metalic tints do cut down the effectiveness of dash mounted radar detectors, FRS radios and some cell phones (Or so I'm told).
Alot of shops are aware of the problems with metalic tint so when cars come in with antennas in the windows (Many cars have them now) they only apply died based films. Most customers never know the difference unless they keep their car very long and it starts to fade and turn purple. Only Formula One currently has ceramic film available as far as I know.
Later
Scott
Alot of shops are aware of the problems with metalic tint so when cars come in with antennas in the windows (Many cars have them now) they only apply died based films. Most customers never know the difference unless they keep their car very long and it starts to fade and turn purple. Only Formula One currently has ceramic film available as far as I know.
Later
Scott