SMATVEE

DIRECTV Begins Public Beta of Multi-Room HD DVR Service

DIRECTV has started the public beta of it's much anticipated Multi-Room HD DVR Service. I don't know about you but I've been waiting for this new service for quite some time.

Here's some details from DIRECTV:

Watch what you want, when you want, in any room you want. With just one HD DVR, you can watch your recorded shows on any TV in your house that's connected to an HD receiver. But that's just the beginning. You can also:

• Start watching a recorded show in one room and continue watching it where you left off in another room
• Record and delete shows from any TV connected to an HD receiver, not just the one connected to the HD DVR
• Record two shows at once, while watching two different shows in separate rooms
• Set separate parental controls for each TV

If you have more than one HD DVR, the DIRECTV Multi-Room HD DVR service keeps things simple by showing you a single, combined playlist of all your recorded programs on any connected TV.

You need an HD DVR* (models HR20-23) and at least one compatible HD receiver (models H21-23) that are already networked, along with HD Access and DVR service.

Visit DIRECTV for more information or check out the DIRECTV MRV Beta Technical Forum.

DIRECTV Extends the Hotel Premier Buydown Program!

The Hospitality industry continues to make upgrades to keep up with the demand for more home-away-from-home hotel options. As a result, most large brand name hotels are mandating their properties to carry HD programming in their guest rooms by the end of 2010. To capitalize on this great opportunity we’ve developed the Hotel Premier Program.

HOTEL PREMIER REBATE TIERS FOR HD DEALS:

ROOM COUNT   HOTEL REBATE
100 – 199            $2,500
200 – 299            $6,000
300 – 399            $9,500
400 – 499            $13,000
500+                   $17,000

HOTEL PUBLIC AND BUSINESS VIEWING INCENTIVE
In addition to the base rebate, an incentive will be available to either the Public or Business viewing space (cannot be both) located on the hotel property. Public or Business viewing accounts new to DIRECTV will receive NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, MLB EXTRA INNINGS® and NCAA® MEGA MARCH MADNESS® free for the first year with the 12-month purchase of a qualifying base package (COMMERCIAL XTRA™ Pack, COMMERCIAL CHOICE® PLUS and BUSINESS CHOICE®). 

HOTEL ELIGIBILITY
New and existing hotels with 100+ rooms with no previous DIRECTV HD® programming services.

HOTEL REQUIREMENTS

1. IN-ROOM CHOICE™ Package
2. HD Access
3. Must have a minimum charge of $9.50 per room per month, which includes the IN-ROOM CHOICE™ Package and HD Access cost
4. 5-Year Agreement
5. Credit Approval

SMATV Dealers & Property Owners: For more information on upgrading a property to HD please contact me directly:

Dave Ward

Regional Sales Manager

PDI-SAT, a division of PDI Communications, Inc.

 

(888) 247-8230 Toll Free Direct

(661) 952-9238 Direct Line

(818) 371-6251 Cell

(877) 597-6395 Direct Fax

 

dward@pdisat.com

www.pdisat.com

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• Buy your MFH2 Complete systems from PDI, wired and ready to install. CALL ME FOR DETAILS!

• COM1000 IS HERE! Get a quote on a complete HD SMATV system today.

• Check out PDI-SAT's Samsung HDTV Solutions for the Commercial & Hospitality Market: http://pdisat.com/products.php

COM1000 SBCA Certification from PDI-SAT Coming to Los Angeles January 2010

Join Me & PDI-SAT at SkyFORUM this Wednesday!

Join PDI-SAT @ SkyFORUM!

Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (ET)
  Exhibits are open all day
  Sessions will be scheduled throughout the day
Location: On your computer! No time out of the office. No travel expenses or hassles.
Cost: It is FREE to attend
Learn more and register at www.skyforumsbca.com

SkyFORUM® is an online (or virtual) event that brings together the satellite industry for product demos, sessions, training and networking found at traditional trade shows, but without the expenses and hassles of leaving town and customers. You can come and go throughout the day based on your schedule.

Without leaving your desk, you can attend sessions and explore exhibits like at a traditional trade show, including: view product demos, watch videos, download literature, and chat with booth personnel to get answers to your questions.

It’s easy! All you need is a computer with a broadband connection and sound card. Registration is simple and it is FREE. Register today at www.skyforumsbca.com.

 

PDI-SAT, a DIRECTV® Master System Operator and equipment distributor, will be showcasing
MDU-Complete™, it’s MFH2™ single wire solution for MDU applications. Also present will be the COM1000, PDI-SAT’s next generation Pro:Idiom™ compliant HDTV content distribution system for the Hospitality and Free-To-Guest markets. Samsung Electronics recently signed PDI-SAT as a key Satellite Technology Partner for the U.S. Commercial, MDU, and Hospitality markets. This relationship with Samsung gives PDI-SAT and its dealers a complete turnkey solution: providing equipment, content, installation, and services for their customers throughout the commercial marketplace. Visit our booth virtually on the 18th to find out more!

SkyFORUM conference topics include new products, revenue streams, business channels, new business opportunities, the future of satellite, MDU/SMATV opportunities, improving customer relations, broadband technologies, staff training, benefits, and more. Many of the sessions will have handouts that you can easily download and print.

SkyFORUM delivers to your computer a series of webcasts presented by industry experts who will share their ideas on new business opportunities and services. Here is a preview of the conference lineup:

Keynote: Blair Levin, Executive Director - Broadband Initiative, FCC
Hear a status report on the development of a National Broadband Plan, a project mandated by Congress in the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Keynote: Tony Goncalves, Vice President of Sales, DIRECTV
Learn about DIRECTV and its leadership role within the satellite industry. Understand marketing, technology, programming and customer satisfaction initiatives that are helping to accelerate DIRECTV growth and enable DIRECTV to maintain its position as the largest satellite television provider in the US.

Look Here: New Platforms = New Content
Gary Arlen, President, Arlen Communications, Inc.

Future Satellite Technologies
Ed Caleca, Principal, Calburk Associates

It’s all About the Customer!
Dan Freeding Sr, Director - Field Operations Training, DIRECTV
Tammy Wood, Manager, WeQC.

Pioneering Innovation - MDU and Hospitality Solutions
Richard Tatem, Director MDU-Commercial Product Development, DIRECTV

Beyond the Dish: Expanding Your Low-Voltage Offerings
David Pedigo, Senior Director – Technology, CEDIA

Observations and Tips for Effective Labor-Management Relations
Eric E. Packel, Attorney at Law, Polsinelli Shughart PC

How to Reduce Your Fuel and Vehicle Expenses
Jonathan Holstien, SuperFleet

Your Options for Affordable Health Insurance
Jim Pitts, Assurant

How State Licensing and Tax Issues Affect Your Business
Lisa McCabe Director Public Policy and Outreach, SBCA
Allen Chew Director, Government Affairs, The DIRECTV Group, Inc

Register today and join DIRECTV on Wednesday, November 18 at SkyFORUM. Visit www.skyforumsbca.com to register and learn more.

DIRECTV Delivers Local HD Programming To Customers in Missoula, Mont.

Local HD Programming from DIRECTV Now Available in 136 U.S. Cities

–(BUSINESS WIRE)– DIRECTV, Inc.: 

WHAT:

DIRECTV, Inc., the nation’s No. 1 satellite television service, is offering local HD programming to customers in the Missoula, Mont., designated market area. The following broadcast networks will be  available in HD: KTMF/ABC, KPAX/CBS, FOX/MNT, KECI/NBC, KUFM/PBS, and CW in standard-definition. DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 136 markets, representing more than 92 percent of U.S. TV households.

HOW:

To receive DIRECTV’s local HD programming, customers must have an H20, H21 or H23 HD receiver, or an HR20, HR21 or HR23 DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR and a Ka/Ku band dish. For information on how to get DIRECTV HD consumers can visit directv.com. Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Visit directv.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT ONLY:

rgmercer@directv.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

1-800-DIRECTV

Press Release Contact Details:

MEDIA CONTACT ONLY: DIRECTV, Inc. Robert Mercer, 310-964-4683 rgmercer@directv.com

DIRECTV to Deliver Local Programming in Marquette, Michigan

Seven Local Stations Available via Satellite for the First Time Throughout the Market Area

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov 11, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's No. 1 satellite TV service, now offers local programming, including three networks in HD, to customers in the Marquette, Mich., market area.

The channels, available to Marquette customers for the first time via DIRECTV digital satellite, will include WBUP/ABC, WJMN/CBS and WLUC/NBC - all in HD, and FOX, WBKP/CW, WNMU/PBS, WNMU2/PBS and WZMQ/MNT in standard-definition.

With the launch of locals in Marquette, DIRECTV is rolling out a special offer for customers who need to upgrade their equipment: the first receiver is free and all additional receivers are only $49 along with free standard professional installation. To upgrade, customers should call 1-800-DIRECTV or visit directv.com.

With the launch of the Marquette market, DIRECTV will offer local broadcast channels (both HD and standard-definition) in 155 markets, representing more than 94 percent of U.S. TV households. Including Marquette, DIRECTV will offer local HD channels in 136 markets or more than 92 percent of U.S. TV households.

"We appreciate the leadership and support of Congressman Bart Stupak in our effort to launch local channels in the Marquette market," said Larry Hunter, DIRECTV president and CEO. "Local channels carry essential programming and consumers depend on them for critical news and weather information along with entertainment, and now for the first time, they're available via DIRECTV with three networks in crystal-clear HD."

To receive DIRECTV's local HD programming, customers must have an H20, H21 or H23 receiver, or an HR20, HR21 or HR23 DIRECTV Plus HD-DVR, and a Ka/Ku band dish. More information on programming package pricing and receiving equipment is available at directv.com.

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTV), the nation's No. 1 satellite television service, presents the finest television experience available to more than 18.4 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution with more than 130 HD channels - more quality HD channels than any other television provider. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed all national cable companies for nine years running) and superior technologies that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV, Inc.
Robert Mercer, 310-964-4683

DIRECTV Showcases Newly Branded MDU IP Technology at NMHC Apartment And Technology Conference

DIRECTV IPAdvantage™ Offers Unique, Cost-effective Multi-Family Housing Triple-Play Distribution System

PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)– DIRECTV will market its innovative satellite-based IP technology platform for the MDU market under a new name – DIRECTV IPAdvantage™ — to highlight the value this unique, single-dish distribution technology offers to property owners who want a cost-effective way to provide their residents with the best entertainment experience. The new brand was unveiled today at the NMHC Apartment and Technology Conference & Exposition in Phoenix. More information is available at DIRECTV’s booth #308.

DIRECTV IPAdvantage™, formerly known as MFH3 (Multi-Family Housing version 3), enables the delivery of all DIRECTV® programming and services using existing in-building wiring – CAT3 or CAT5 – by converting DIRECTV signals into IP video packets to IP-enabled DIRECTV receivers. The system, not to be confused with IPTV, uses the technology as a simple distribution platform to deliver, over a single home-run wire, satellite TV and other services from a private “on-property” head-end to each customer dwelling.

A single dish antenna can serve more than 1,000 receivers in each building, providing a more cost-effective installation for large properties and enabling “injection” of local content, such as on-site amenity and security video feeds into the system.

In addition to supporting both DIRECTV standard and HD DVR receivers, the IP distribution platform will also support voice, internet and interactive services over a single connection, enabling the delivery of IP based triple-play bundles including Fiber to the Home.

“We believe the new brand, DIRECTV IPAdvantage™, enables MDU property owners to immediately grasp the unique and innovative nature of this technology and its ability to transform an apartment or condo complex into a high-tech hub for satellite TV entertainment, internet and VoIP services,” said Mike Olson, vice president, MDU Sales for DIRECTV. “This technology is really a game-changer for property owners who want to remove dishes from balconies and compete for new business in a tight economy by offering residents the full breadth of DIRECTV services, including HD, DVR and international services, as well as a triple play bundle with voice and very high speed broadband internet services.”

Among the other advantages of the IPAdvantage™ platform, the entire system can be monitored remotely over a secure VPN connection and property owners have the ability to view the current state of the system from anywhere via the Internet.

The IPAdvantage™, platform has been installed in numerous properties including Mill Creek in Bluffton, S.C., Bridgemore Village in Nashville, Tenn and City Center in Las Vegas, NV.

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTV), the nation’s No. 1 satellite television service, presents the finest television experience available to more than 18.4 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution with more than 130 HD channels – more quality HD channels than any other television provider. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed all national cable companies for nine years running) and superior technologies that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.

Press Release Contact Details:

DIRECTV, Inc. Robert Mercer (310) 964-4683

Plan Now to Attend SBCA's SkyFORUM - Virtual Tradeshow

Date:  Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time: 11 am to 7 pm (ET)
Location: Your computer - No time out of the office.No travel expenses or hassles.

Registration Fee: It's FREE to attend! 

SBCA's SkyFORUM is the industry's new online event that delivers the benefits of a traditional trade show but without the travel headaches.  SkyFORUM gives you the experience of product presentations, keynote speakers, networking, and prizes found at trade shows but without the time away from your business and customers.

The online SkyFORUM gives you the freedom to:

• Explore the virtual exhibit hall where you can view product demos, collect brochures, and meet with industry suppliers.
• Learn about new business opportunities and services
• Participate in webcasts presented by keynote speakers and industry experts to learn about new products, revenue streams, business channels, techniques and skills.
• Chat, ask questions, collect business cards and network with your peers from around the country.
• Encourage your staff to attend so your entire team learns about products first hand.

SkyFORUM gives you the liberty to do all of this - and more - without leaving your office and on your own schedule.

Learn more. Check out the Attendee FAQs and the Exhibits FAQs

Register today!

About the SBCA?

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association of America (SBCA) is the national trade organization representing all segments of the satellite industry. Its mission is to promote the interests of the consumer based satellite industry by:

• Improving the customer experience through professional development and training opportunities to industry installation professionals.
• Protecting the rights of consumers to receive satellite delivered video audio and data services through education, training and public outreach.
• Developing benefits to members that increase their efficiency and profitability and adding value to their membership with SBCA.

All segments of the industry are represented, including video and data satellite providers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers, installers and individual satellite professionals. Learn more at http://www.sbca.org/.

SBCA & PDI-SAT Offer On-Line Certification for MDU/SMATV Technology

 

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) has announced the launch of an on-line version of their MDU/SMATV certification course. The course was prepared by SBCA’s on-line curriculum development partner SatProf, Inc. To take a short guided tour and to register for immediate access, visit http://sbca.coursehost.com.

The course provides the detailed knowledge required for installation and maintenance of MDU and SMATV systems. The curriculum was designed by a team of industry partners including DIRECTV, DISH Network, PACE International, PDI-SAT, DOW Electronics, Mastec Advanced Technologies, and SatProf. “By utilizing the expertise of our member companies we have been able to develop a comprehensive program to educate technicians on the technical requirements of these advanced installations,” stated Steve Hill, SBCA’s Deputy Executive Director. “The on-line format provides students a self paced learning option, with thorough coverage of MDU and SMATV skills and extensive interactive exercises. Our distributor partners will continue to offer the extensive hands on MDU/SMATV course at their facilities.”

To register go to: http://sbca.coursehost.com. For information on SBCA National Standards and Testing Program (www.sbcatest.com) courses and SBCA partnership opportunities, contact Steve Hill at 202-349-3620, or shill@sbca.org.

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association is the national trade organization representing all segments of the consumer satellite industry. It is committed to creating value added programs to improve the long term growth and sustainability of our member companies while continuing the industry’s leadership in protecting the rights of consumers and technician to access the best in satellite delivered services. Additional information can be found at www.sbca.com.

Samsung Electronics signs PDI-SAT as a Technology Partner for the Commercial Market

Samsung Electronics, the leader in digital television products worldwide, has signed PDI-SAT, a DIRECTV™ Master System Operator and equipment distributor as a key Satellite Technology Partner for the U.S. Commercial, MDU, and Hospitality markets.

PDI-SAT has been a distribution partner of DIRECTV for special markets for over ten years and has been a key partner in the development and roll out of DIRECTV’s new COM1000 HDTV SMATV delivery system for hospitality and commercial services. This new relationship with Samsung gives PDI-SAT and its dealers a complete end-to-end solution by providing equipment, content, installation, and services for their customers throughout the commercial marketplace.

“We are very excited to have Samsung as a partner. By creating strategic relationships with the market leader Samsung, PDI-SAT can provide the best solutions for our dealers and customers. With superior picture quality, design and performance, Samsung delivers the best commercial television solution today and we are proud to be part of that winning combination moving forward” said Jason Cohen, VP of Sales for PDI-SAT.

PDI-SAT will be offering the entire line of hospitality & commercial televisions which includes the popular Touch of Color™ line which won several awards for technology, innovation and design in 2008, as well as the ultra-slim LED televisions with breakthrough picture quality as unveiled at CES 2009. With unique hotel & commercial features such as Hotel Logo On-Screen Display, PMOLED Clock and USB Cloning, combined with Samsung’s superior picture quality, PDI-SAT has the ideal solutions in 19” through 52” screen sizes.

PDI-SAT will be releasing more details on the program in the near future. For more information regarding Samsung commercial television product and pricing information, call Dave Ward at 888-247-8230 or email your request to dward@pdisat.com. To become a PDI-SAT System Operator, call or  email your request today! For more information regarding hospitality televisions, please visit Samsung online at http://www.samsung.com/global/experience/hospitality.

About Samsung: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US $96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices across 61 countries, the company consists of two business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCD. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.