Most of what people call us about isn't the install itself. It's the questions around it — what to buy, what it costs, how to wire it, what's wrong with the bill. We curate the best free tools for those questions and recommend them here. Use them how you want.
Eight questions, the exact parts list, and — if you're in our service area — a free in-home walkthrough at the end.
Free 8-question walkthrough that outputs the exact parts you need — wall anchors, mount type, cable channel, electrician requirements. Built for the housing stock we actually install in: brick rowhomes, stone fireplaces, drywall over mantle, in-wall power.
Free tool from UntangledStreaming.com — the independent streaming guide we recommend.
For the AV-adjacent questions. Plan the build, spec the gear, know the cost before you call anyone.
TV + AVR or soundbar + sources → signal diagram + compatibility flags + first-time setting checklist. Pairs gear most homeowners already have.
Free tool from UntangledStreaming.com — the independent streaming guide we recommend.
DIY vs. handyman vs. pro AV — actual costs by job complexity, ZIP-adjusted. We use the pro pricing tier; this shows you where SWAT sits in the market.
Free tool from UntangledStreaming.com — the independent streaming guide we recommend.
Plan low-voltage runs before drywall closes. Cat6a backbone, conduit to TVs and projectors, speaker pre-wires for every zone. Catches mistakes that cost $5k to fix later.
Free tool from UntangledStreaming.com — the independent streaming guide we recommend.
Pick team + ZIP → carriage map showing which streaming service has your local games. Covers NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL. 124 teams. Saves arguing with the Verizon rep.
Free tool from UntangledStreaming.com — the independent streaming guide we recommend.
For the questions that aren't about install. Run them and come back when the bill comes down.
8 questions about how you actually watch TV → personalized streaming stack. The only one of these tools we embed directly here, no jumping to a new site.
Independent streaming guide. Embedded here for convenience.
Paste your cable bill — flags every junk fee, expired promo, and equipment rental. DMV households average $40-60/mo in recoverable charges.
Free tool from UntangledStreaming.com — the independent streaming guide we recommend.
Provider-specific scripts that actually work. Knows what Verizon retention can authorize vs. what Comcast actually budgets for retention. Updated quarterly.
Free tool from UntangledStreaming.com — the independent streaming guide we recommend.
Nearest UPS, FedEx, or carrier store to return the box. Provider-specific instructions so the unreturned-equipment fee never hits.
Free tool from UntangledStreaming.com — the independent streaming guide we recommend.
Live ISP outage map. Verizon, Xfinity, Cox, RCN, AT&T. Tells you if it's your house or the whole neighborhood before you call support.
Free tool from UntangledStreaming.com — the independent streaming guide we recommend.
DMV-specific tools. No external equivalent. These live on SWAT and stay on SWAT.
Enter your DMV ZIP code and see which providers actually serve you, real speed tiers, real price ranges, and which one's the right call for your house.
Built by SWAT A/V. DMV-specific. 38 ZIPs covered.
Just moved to or within the DMV? Seven-day checklist for transferring service, scheduling the install, and what to do on day one so the Wi-Fi works before the boxes are unpacked.
Built by SWAT A/V. DMV-specific. Date-anchored.
Text or call Rick directly. We schedule free in-home consultations across Montgomery County, DC, and Northern Virginia — usually within a few days.