January 28, 2010
On February 11, 2010 - there will be PCCTV Training in the Islandia I Social room beginning at 11:00 AM. This will be small group training primarily on how to work the features on the DirecTV remote and answer whatever questions you might have about the DirecTV service. The sign up sheet is in the lobby near the office window. If you didn't go to the first session it is highly recommended you make every attempt to attend this one.
January 9, 2010
If you have subscribed for DirecTV HD service you will be receiving a notice that their HD rates are going from $10 per month to $11 per month effective February 9, 2010. This is a rate change from DirecTV, not PCCTV. The prices for PCCTV's delivery of the DirecTV bulk service to the building is a fixed cost for 2010 and will be increased by 5% each of the four subsequent years of the contract. As an aside, the Comcast increases for bulk delivery were 7% per year for previous years, and their 2010 proposal was to reduce this to 6% per year. DirecTV increases for their premium services are not under PCCTV's control, just as Comcast in the past could increase the price of its premium services at will.
January 6, 2010
If you are having trouble with your TV, here's a check list to try before calling the PCCTV Customer Service center for help: CLICK HERE
December 18, 2009
One of the problems moving to the new TV service is making it easier for people find where their favorite channels are in the new system. The new channel lineup is not only different, they are far apart on the guide and difficult to locate.
The way to solve this problem is to customize what you see when you press the Guide button on the controller. Here is a step by step process for setting up the Guide to only show the channels you usually watch. This is lifted this from the Tips and Tricks section of the DirecTV web site and the address for all their tips is :
Click to enlarge
Click Here
for step by step directions to customize your DirecTV controller
Click Here to link to the DirecTV Tips and Tricks section of their web site
If you have not tried Channel 1, give it a try! It contains a group of Training Videos all about the DirecTV features.
December 16, 2009
This is information about your first DirecTV billing. After the initial installation of DirecTV service to your unit by PCCTV, you will be receiving a monthly bill from DirecTV for your additional programming and services (HD Service, Showtime, etc.) The first DirecTV bill will be sent to your "installed at address" at Islandia I.
If you want to change your billing address to one other than the Islandia I address, you can call DirecTV at 1-800-531-5000.
If you prefer to update your account through the internet, you can sign up for Auto Pay, pay your bill, and/or change your billing address, at their web site www.directv.com/signin. You will need your account number to set up access to your account.
December 12, 2009
If you need to set up the DirecTV controller to turn on and off your TV when you turn on the DirecTV, the links below will show you how to do it. you probably should print the directions and the codes for your contoller so you'll have them in case the batteries in the controller go dead.
http://support.directv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1343
Here's the list of controller codes by model:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3580003&
December 8, 2009
If you are interested in using the Video On Demand (VOD) feature of DirecTV it requires a connection to the internet to make this possible. If you already have a wireless network in your unit, this is quite simple but you'll need a hardware connection to your receiver. If you don't have a wireless network, it is still possible without too much trouble. The powerline adapter or the wireless adapter are available through DirecTV for $69 each. VOD is a free service once connected.
For more information go to:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/directv/on_demand
December 8, 2009
I thought you might be interested in knowing how we are doing with the installations across the building. As of today, 58 installations have been completed, and 68 more are scheduled for the month of December and 4 in January. Four people have decided to stay with Comcast, and 60 people have not scheduled appointments for installations. We are sending out a mailing to these people to ask they schedule their appointments or if they are planning to contact Comcast to contract for their retail services to let us know so we can stop bugging them. The 58 installations represent 30% of the total and that's after only 7 working days. Overall, I think the installation activities are going well after the first few days with some procedural problems. Reaction from the installed owners is overwhelming positive; they are very happy with the clarity of the picture and the internet speed is reported to be outstanding. Dave Bigler and the swat team are doing a great job for the absentee owners and if you need help give them a call.
All of the HD and HD DVR's deployed at Islandia are capable of 1080p. Specifically, we are installing the H22 and H23 HD receivers and the HR22 and HR23 HD DVRs. I verified this with a resident at Islandia in unit #201. I was there for another issue and after I fixed that, he mentioned to me that he was unhappy that we were installing "outdated" equipment since it wasn't 1080p capable. I assured him that the HD DVR we installed for him was the latest model available and that it would work for 1080p. I know this because all of the receivers that we have in stock and have been deploying are less that 90 days old - the date of manufacture is on the label with the serial number.
I went to the HD resolution setup screen with the customer, saw the 1080p option and selected it. When we saw the test message that indicated that the TV and the receiver were both 1080p capable, I hit the "info" button to confirm and the receiver is now able to receive and display 1080p. This resident has DTV in another state (I think he said Michigan) and was familiar with the setup screen, but he did not know that he needed to hit the "info" button to confirm the setup. There is no reason for us to change out any of the previously installed receivers, as they are all capable of 1080p.
December 7, 2009
On January 7, 2010, Paula Adderton from PCCTV will be scheduling a series of small sessions, no more than three people at a time to answer your questions about the new TV and internet service in the building. If you have any questions Paula will be here from 11:00 am to 7:00 PM, to discuss anything about the new services, including how do I customize the guide, how do I find my favorite show, or anything else, sign up for a time slot now.
To sign up for a 1/2 hour session with 1-3 people, the sign up sheet will be on the table in the lobby in front of the office. Or, send an e-mail to Margaret in the office, (islandia9550@gmail.com), or call her atl 772-229-3591 or e-mail Dave Bigler at (dabigler@bellsouth.net).
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Picture in Picture (PIP) - For those of you with TV sets capable of Picture in Picture, the ability to show two pictures on the screen at the same time, DirecTV does not support this operation. There is some problem with the kind of signal that is sent from a satellite, vs. that on Cable. The only way to get this to work is by attaching a second receiver to the TV for the PIP to work. A standard box is for no charge but you will incur a $5 per month fo the additional outlet.
December 3, 2009
CLICK HERE for the DirecTV Channel Line up
All residents should call PCCTV for any installation, problems, service, changing of hardware,
and internet. The only time residents would call DIRECTV directly would be for billing and to add
programming for their current receivers, i.e. Showtime. If a resident wanted HD but didn't have
an HD box installed yet then they would call us to install an HD box.
PCCTV 1-877-410-1653
DirecTV 1-800-531-5000
November 12, 2009
Need help with the transition to PCCTV? A team of owners, led by Dave Bigler, has been set up to assist in the transition from Comcast to PCCTV. For more information, CLICK HERE If you need help moving furniture out of the way, call the office and Hector and/or John can help.
CLICK HERE for the People's Choice Cable and TV Owners' revised "Frequently asked questions" (Password required) (Updated 12/8/2009)
CLICK HERE for the People's Choice Cable and TV detailed price list that was distributed at the meeting with them on November 5. (Password required)
(Send a note with your name and unit number to golphinut@comcast.net to request the password)
It is important that you call 877-410-1653 to schedule a date starting December 1 for your installation of the PCCTV equipment you want to have installed. You will need to designate a person to allow entry into your unit to complete this installation.
PCCTV introduction letter for the November 5, 2009 meeting in the Social room at 6:30 PM.
For more information, click on their web site at http://www.peopleschoicecable.com/index.php
Click on their "Contact Us" tab to e-mail your questions.
October 14, 2009
To: Islandia I Unit Owners
Subject: Planning for PCCTV Installation
If you have not already sent in your survey for the installation of the new Cable TV system in Islandia I, please do so as soon as possible. Failure to do so, could potentially delay installation in your unit and if the installation is not completed before the end of January, you could be liable for additional installation charges. If you have not had a receiver unit installed in your unit, the only option to receive TV in your unit will be to individually contract for retail TV services from Comcast. To enable Comcast retail TV services requires an extra line to your unit installed by Comcast. If you want a TV signal in your unit, you must do something, because the signal to your unit from DirecTV will not work without a receiver.
Please click on the implementation survey below, print it out, complete the form, and mail or fax (772-229-3592) it to the office as soon as possible. Page down to see more details about the PCCTV installation plan and frequently asked questions.
Thanks,
Bert McConnell
(golphinut@comcast.net)
PCCTV Implementation Survey
October 2, 2009
To: Islandia I Owners
Subject: PCCTV TV/Internet Installation
We are currently planning for the installation of the People’s Choice Cable TV (PCCTV) DIRECTV and Internet connections within Islandia I. Beginning shortly, PCCTV will install the roof satellite dish and the cabling to each of the floors of the building. No work is required inside of your units so this activity will be transparent to the owners.
The first and primary training session is now scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2009, at 6:30PM in the Islandia I Social Room. At this time you will be able to learn more about PCCTV’s offerings and sign up for your choice of receivers. If you can not attend this session, you will be able to meet with PCCTV support personnel at another time. However, this will likely be the only group session where you will be able to get the most information in a short time.
All receivers must be located in an area where the remote can send a signal directly to the cable box without any interference such as pieces of furniture, etc. (this is referred to as ‘line of sight’) to change channels and turn it on and off. The cable box requirement is applicable for each TV, and it will be necessary for you to appoint someone (if you are not in residence at this time) to allow access to your unit, and to instruct the installer exactly where the box or boxes should be installed. This may be a dresser or nightstand in bedrooms or a shelf in the living room. This is also applicable to the internet installation. Please discuss the placements and equipment you are ordering with the person who will be in your unit instructing the installer. This step is very important to insure that you are satisfied with the install.
All DIRECTV receivers are approximately 10” wide, 2” high and 5” deep. DVR receivers are approximately the same size as a standard DVD or VCR player. PCCTV will be installing the receivers starting in December and will conclude their installations by the end of January. Installations after this time will be subject to installation charges payable by the owner.
If you have any further questions about the PCCTV installation plans, contact the Islandia I Office (772-229-3591) or access the PCCTV details on the website (www.islandiai.com), click on Islandia I Management and page down to the PCCTV documents.
Bert McConnell
June 19 , 2009
CLICK HERE for the People's Choice Cable and TV Owners' package (Password required)
(Send a note with your name and unit number to golphinut@comcast.net to request the password)
March 6, 2009
As many of you are probably aware, the charge for basic cable services from Comcast has been going up at a rate of 7% per year. We will pay more than $78,000 for these services in 2009 and this bill will be over $102,000 in the next four years, with no end to these increases in sight. And, this does not include the additional fees many owners pay for high speed internet, premium cable channels, DVR, or cable telephone.
Late last year the board was approached by Treasure Coast Integration (TCI), a company which offers integrated packages for Standard and Premium TV channels, including HD, telephone services, and high speed internet. Their proposal included a price freeze for six years, onsite purchased equipment to integrate the above services, at reduced bundled prices.
The package requires considerable up-front cost for on-site equipment and connectivity to each unit. To understand what the business case is to undertake such an implementation, we need to survey each owner to understand what services they currently use. Based on the analysis of the survey, and more detailed information and costs from TCI, the board will determine if this is a proposal worth pursuing further.
Click Here to print the survey and return it to Margaret Leonard in the office (9550 S Ocean Dr, Office, Jensen Beach, Fl 34957) as soon as possible. If you have any questions, e-mail Bert McConnell at golphinut@comcast.net.
