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PDI-SAT News Archive

PDI-SAT has a new logo!

• May 13, 2009 - Moving forward, PDI-SAT will have a new logo. You can see the evolution of our logo in the 5 stages below.

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PDI-SAT and DSS Installations deploy first DIRECTV COM1000 HD System for Hilton Brands

• March 23, 2009 - PDI-SAT, a leading distributor of DIRECTV® equipment, and DSS Installations, a leading dealer for DIRECTV Free-to-Guest HD services and installation for the Hospitality market, successfully deployed their first 24-channel all-HD, DIRECTV COM1000 System for Hilton Brands this month. DSS Installations has a Master Operating Agreement for all Hilton Brand Hotels Nationwide.

The Hilton Garden Inn selected for the beta launch, a flagship 162 unit property, is located in El Segundo, California. It is Hilton Brands national technology center and showcases all the latest technology and advanced services available to the market. The property also has the latest LG and Phillips HDTV panels designed with the latest Pro:Idiom™ encryption technology. The COM1000 system provides DIRECTV a stable QAM modulated RF platform to make HD more affordable for owners today, and expandable for tomorrow.

The future of Free to Guest Video is HDTV. The COM1000 System, available from PDI-SAT, is designed to work exclusively for DIRECTV HD services and its “Plug & Play” architecture delivers optimum performance of up to 24 channels of HD using Pro:Idiom encryption while only occupying 8 RU of rack space. The COM1000 is designed to decrease the space required, add more HD channel capability, and lower the per channel costs of delivering HD to these types of properties.

The DIRECTV COM1000, developed in partnership with Thomson Inc. is another step forward in the development of technology platforms that deliver DIRECTV’s HD services to Multi-Client properties. Distribution was recently awarded to PDI-SAT for the COM1000 System due to their experience and commitment to SMATV deployment for the Satellite Industry over the past two decades.

Nationwide dealership opportunities are available for the COM1000 through PDI-SAT now. If you are interested in getting more information about the COM1000 System, call PDI-SAT at 800-242-1606, send your email request to sales@pdisat.com.

Click HERE for the COM1000 System information sheet.
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• February 5, 2009– New date set for digital transition

On Wednesday the U.S. House of Representatives voted 264 to 158 to approve a bill to delay the digital television transition date from Feb. 17 to June 12, mirroring a similar move that the U.S. Senate made last week. The switch is on hold, so what does this mean?

Instead of completely postponing the transition by about four months, the recently passed bills just delay the "hard switch" date. Broadcasters are still free to cut off their analog signals just about any time before June 12 provided the move won't cause any undo interference. The new law will, however, allow OTA viewers to reapply for NTIA converter box coupons if theirs have expired.

As for the broadcasters themselves, the FCC is reportedly hammering out the details of the new rules, including whether the requirement that stations give viewers at least 30 days notice before switching off their analog signals still applies

(from the Sky Report/Retail Bridge, MediaBiz 02/05/09)
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• November 2008 – New addition to PDI-SAT Sales Team!

PDI-SAT recently added Dave Ward to it's highly experienced Technical Sales Team. Located in the Los Angeles market, Dave will assist PDI with its expansion in California and throughout the West.

Mr. Ward has been in the Telecommunications Industry for over fifteen years and during his career has worked for Holland Electronics, Pico Macom and most recently AMT. He will act as PDI-SAT's Regional Sales Manager and focus on Customer Development. To contact Dave send an email to dward@pdisat.com.
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• October 2008 – PDI-SAT EXPANDS BUY-DOWN EQUIPMENT & SERVICES FOR THE MDU MARKET

PDI-SAT is pleased to announce that we are now the longest active and most experienced MDU and SMATV Master System Operator in the industry for DIRECTV®.
 
PDI stocks a complete line of DIRECTV Receivers for both buy-down and non-buy-down dealers along with Dishes, LNB's, Specialty Mounts, MFH1, MFH2, MFH3 Systems, and Commercial Grade Installation Equipment as well as a full line of SMATV Head End Distribution Equipment for both Standard and Hi-Definition Systems. Most products are on the floor and available for immediate delivery.
 
To purchase buy-down receivers from PDI-SAT, click the link below for a buydown receiver request form and fax it to our sales department today:

Buydown Receiver Request Form
 
For a complete list of MFH2 products available, click on the link below:
 
MDU-Complete™

As an added value, PDI-SAT will also be extending the SWM8 buy-one-get-one-free offer for System Operators who purchase complete MFH2 systems from PDI while supplies last. System Operators or SMATV Dealers who choose to use PDI-SAT as their supplier will receive discounted pricing, DIRECTV approved products, training, technical assistance, and system design support. At present, PDI-SAT is the ONLY DISTRIBUTOR currently offering MFH2 SBCA Certification Training to the Industry.
 
PDI has been in business for 23 years and has been providing quality Video Distribution Products to Cable and Satellite Operators for the past two decades. With the emphasis now on growth for DIRECTV in the MDU and Commercial Marketplace, PDI-SAT stands ahead of the pack with its experience, and expertise to assist you.  

"We are excited to show our continued support for DIRECTV by being the best value-added provider we can be for the long haul," said Michael Edelman, President of PDI-SAT.
  
The landscape is changing. As some distributors change their focus and others make plans to switch your platform, PDI stands poised to assist customers who want to continue to provide DIRECTV for MDU, the best quality product and the most HD channels available to the industry!
 
If you do not yet have an account set up with PDI it might be time to do it. Don't fall behind the changes in the market and make sure you do not have any interruption of products or services for your properties! 
 
While many things might be changing there is one thing that you can count on and that's PDI's commitment to your business needs. PDI-SAT has made the commitment to increase our inventories to better support you. There is millions of dollars of inventory in stock you on our floor and more on the way.
 
You can contact PDI at 800-242-0600 or send your requests to sales@pdisat.com. Call us and speak with one of our Technical Sales Specialists to find out more info or set up your account today!
 
We look forward to your support and we are committed to the growth of DIRECTV and your business for years to come!
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(click above for the latest PDI-SAT Newsletter)

• September 2008 – DIRECTV HD CHANNEL TRANSITION

As you may know, there are currently a select number of HD channels still residing on the Ku band satellite that MFH1 and legacy customers can view by purchasing DIRECTV’s $9.99/month HD Access. Included in these Ku band channels are ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, TNT HD, HBO HD and Showtime HD, among others.

From September 7th through January 14th, please be advised that all MPEG2 HD channels on the Ku band satellite will be moving to the MPEG4 format on the Ka band satellite. This means that in order for all paying HD customers to view their HD channels, they must be upgraded to an MPEG4 receiver. Additionally, properties where these HD subscribers are located must be upgraded to MFH2 or MFH3 in order to maintain HD functionality.

Below is the schedule of conversion phases that will roll-out from Q4 - Q1 of next year. It is imperative to complete receiver and MFH2 upgrades at all impacted properties by January 14th, otherwise your paying HD customers will no longer receive any HD channels.

For further information regarding this HD channel transition, please contact your Area Sales Manager. More details on HD channel moves and receiver types are included in the download here:  MDU HD TRANSITION
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• July 2008 – PDI-SAT offers FREE SBCA Certification course

For a limited time, receive a VIP-PASS for 1 FREE MFH2 SBCA Certification course either on-site in Boca Raton, Florida, or ONLINE with PDI-SAT.

Click the image below to see the full offer and contact PDI-SAT's training coordinator.

• June 2008 – Buy-One Get-One Free offer on SWM-8 for MFH2™

PDI-SAT is rolling out the new SWM-8 by DIRECTV on a limited promotion through July and August.  This promotion will allow MDU operators to take advantage of DIRECTV’s complete offering of expanded HD for all existing and new builds in time for the NFL Season Ticket™ Offer.

“This is a perfect time for DIRECTV to launch this promotion and we are glad to have been selected one of the primary distributors to offer this promotion.” said Jason Cohen, VP of Sales and Marketing for PDI-SAT. “There has never been a better time to get into the MDU business than today.”

The SWM-8 Switch is the key component of the new MFH2™ System designed by DIRECTV for the MDU market. This product allows the system to go from a multi-wired configuration to a Single Wire System that does not require additional cable for multi-tuner boxes. Additionally, PDI-SAT is pleased to have paired that offering with its new FLAGSTAFF FINANCING program for MDU, Commercial or SMATV Systems in properties. By using PDI’s flexible lease options, operators can cash flow system upgrades or new builds over time rather than having to come out of pocket with additional Cap Expenditures.

PDI-SAT believes that by coupling this big cost saving promotion as well as offering flexible financing options, it will allow many operators to go back to properties that were not cost effective in the past in order to upgrade or build them out today. For more information on these promotions, please give PDI-SAT at call at 800-242-1606 or send your inquiry to sales@pdisat.com.

• May 07, 2008 – PPC awards PDI-SAT distribution for MDU & Special Markets

PDI-SAT has partnered with PPC, the leading manufacturer of Connectivity Products for the Telecommunications Industry. Through this partnership, Satellite Special Market customers will have a new distribution channel to purchase the DIRECTV approved EX6L Universal F-Compression as well as the entire PPC product line.

PDI will stock and provide logistics support from both its Florida and California locations in order to support customers coast-to-coast.
John Fiori from PPC said, "PPC will work closely with PDI to ensure that customers understand best practices of connector installation.  This will allow customers to achieve their highest potential in the services they provide".

For more information on PPC products, send your request to sales@pdisat.com.

• April 21, 2008 – PDI-SAT Unveils MDU-Complete at Revolution in Orlando

PDI-SAT unveiled the company's MDU-Complete MFH2 custom enclosure systems in Orlando last week at DIRECTV Revolution. MDU-Complete is a custom designed, turnkey enclosure system for MFH2 equipment that is built, tested and delivered to System Operators for MDU properties or commercial applications.

The system designs for MDU-Complete are developed by the PDI-SAT engineering team and are completely "plug and play" for the contractor. They are designed to take the guesswork out of enclosure assembly and take into account key factors like cable bend radios, proper cabling and fittings, effective cooling, grounding, time management, and uses only DIRECTV approved MFH2 products.

All projects are not equal. Through years of experience in project management, PDI-SAT engineering teams have supported projects of all sizes and assisted thousands of installers with getting their systems operational and trouble-free. By developing this product line, PDI-SAT helps installers lower costs by saving them time and by pre-testing the systems before they leave the lab and are on the job-site. This means more systems up and running with less time trouble shooting or guessing how to best configure them. PDI offers different sized enclosures ranging from 12" to 36" height and width to build from depending on the size of the project or amount of drops required on a floor or property.

For more information on MDU-Complete, or how PDI-SAT can assist you, please click HERE.
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• April 14, 2008 – PDI-SAT Enters into Distribution Agreements with Hoteleguide & MDU Management

PDI-SAT announced today that it has entered into a distribution agreement with Hoteleguide to provide channel guide services. Hoteleguide, the leader for in-room Television Guide Services for the Hospitality Industry, is recognized by many brand name properties including; Adam's Mark, Quality Inn, Best Western, Super 8, Doubletree, Holiday Inn, Radisson, Crown Plaza, Hilton, Sheraton, Westin and many more. 

PDI-SAT has also added MDU Management, Inc. to provide remote management for SMATV Head End Systems. The Head End Management System (HEMS) product is designed to provide operators remote access to their head end in order to reboot receivers, change channels, or inspect the video quality of their head end from anywhere in the world via the internet. This saves operators time and money on service calls and enables them to serve more properties.  

Robert Klotz, CEO of MDU Management Inc. states, “We are happy to have PDI-SAT as a partner. We are confident that together we bring a much needed product to the marketplace, allowing PCOs to efficiently maintain head ends and reduce their truck rolls by 90%, saving operational dollars and increasing customer satisfaction.”

These agreements will allow PDI-SAT and its worldwide System Operator Network to offer expanded services in addition to the PDI SMATV Head End Systems they currently provide to properties such as hotels, hospitals, resorts, and institutions. These products can be integrated into new PDI-SAT pre-built head end system designs or retrofit on existing properties.

For more information on PDI-SAT, Hoteleguide, or Head End Management Systems, click HERE.

• February 15, 2008 – SBCA Teams with PDI-SAT and Member Companies to Offer Certification and Product Seminars

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) announced today that it has teamed up with several member companies to offer a series of advanced certification and product training seminars throughout the country.

“This is an exciting concept that was conceived and coordinated by PDI-SAT as a way to further benefit independent retailers,” said Steve Hill, SBCA Vice President of Training and Business Development. “We are excited to support this endeavor with the participation of a number of our member companies. Besides PDI-SAT, we wish to thank DIRECTV, Halsted Communications, Stirling Connectors, Sonora Design, Foxcom, and Applied Instruments.”

“It is the responsibility of all our members to support our technicians by giving them the tools they need to succeed. We are happy to lead the way in bringing all this valuable knowledge to one venue to better educate the industry we all serve.” said Jason Cohen Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PDI-SAT.
To find out more information on these seminars and to find a list of upcoming events contact PDI-SAT at 800-242-1606, www.pdisat.com, SBCA or any of the participating members.

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association is the national trade organization representing all segments of the satellite industry. It is committed to expanding the utilization of satellite technology for the broadcast delivery of video, audio, data, music, voice, interactive, and broadband services.
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• February 13, 2008 – PDI-SAT Opens California Distribution Center, Offers Coast to Coast MDU Receiver Program

PDI-SAT, a Master System Operator (MSO) and HDTV Delivery Systems Provider for DIRECTV® Special Markets, announced the opening of its new distribution facility located in Los Angeles, California. This location will act as a logistics Support Center for all DIRECTV products such as IRDs, dishes, and MFH2™ equipment throughout the western half of North America for DIRECTV MDU and Commercial System Operators.

PDI-SAT now has buy-down receivers available and in stock, as well as HD/DVR Advanced Products in this location. MFH2 products and dishes are available at the West coast location as well. PDI-SAT has also begun to stock the new “I” series IRD’s used for installation in MFH3™ applications. MFH3 is DIRECTV’s all IP Service Delivery Solution for MDUs.

“The opening of this location gives our partners and ourselves a better footprint to serve PDI-SAT's customers. This will allow us to provide faster delivery and lower shipping costs to all our loyal customers throughout the region and better service the market,” said Michael Edelman, President of PDI-SAT.

For more details on how to become a PDI-SAT System Operator, contact sales@pdisat.com or call 800-242-1606. For more information on MFH2 or MFH3 MDU Solutions visit PDI-SAT at www.pdisat.com.
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• December 28, 2007 – PDI-SAT's 2008 Full Product Line Catalog Released

PDI-SAT is pleased to have added a full breadth of new products and delivery systems for MFH2™ and digital transmission delivery in its new for 2008 full line catalog.  Notable featured lines include new products from DIRECTV®, NAS, Foxcom, Drake Digital, LG, Phillips, VMP, Baird, Phonex, Stirling, Novus Technologies and many more.

“We are very excited to launch our new product lines in 2008. Since joining PDI-SAT, it has been my goal to expand PDI-SAT’s product offering which enables our customers to deliver HD Satellite services to any type of MDU infrastructure. This enables us to serve our customers and partners better by becoming a Complete Delivery Systems Provider for our market,” said Jason Cohen, VP of Sales & Marketing for PDI-SAT.   

To download and/or view the complete catalog online, click HERE. For a hard copy version by mail, please fill out this REQUEST FORM.

PDI-SAT is looking for qualified installers to deploy new HD technology throughout MDU properties. If you are interested in becoming a system operator for PDI-SAT, contact us at sales@pdisat.com.

For product inquiries or price quotes, please send your requests to sales@pdisat.com. Or call a PDI-SAT sales representative today at
800-242-1606.

To register for an upcoming SBCA training class in your region or for more information on MFH2 delivery systems, send your requests to training@pdisat.com. PDI-SAT’s training schedule is also available HERE.

• December 18, 2007 – PDI-SAT Announces MFH2™ HD MDU Training Program

PDI-SAT, a Master System Operator for DIRECTV™ and HD Signal Delivery Systems Provider, will launch the company's “Take It to the Next Level” certification program in 2008 for Satellite Installers nationwide.

With the release of MFH2™ advanced one wire technology now available to deliver increasing HD content over existing wiring, there will be a big demand for qualified installers who can deploy and manage properties nationwide. Are you ready to advance your career and find new opportunities for growth in the MDU market?

“Take It to the Next Level” will focus on Commercial/MDU training for Satellite Technicians and is supported by the SBCA and DIRECTV™. The focus of the training is to take an installer from a basic installation through MFH2™ Certification and include product applications training as well.  It is designed for installers that are certified through SBCA Level 3. It is a four day course and will be offered at regional sites throughout the US. Many industry leaders such as DIRECTV™, SBCA, NAS, Foxcom, Drake Digital, Applied Instruments, Halsted Commercial Services, and others will be supporting PDI-SAT and participating in the nationwide training program. 

The curriculum also provides basic product applications training on specialized Coax, Fiber, and SMATV Digital delivery systems for MDU properties. All students who pass the required tests will be MFH2 SBCA Certified and also be a certified PDI-SAT System Operator as well. The certification offers the system operator higher residuals with PDI-SAT after certification. Any technician can register for the training and installers do not have to be an authorized PDI-SAT system operator to participate.

• PDI-SAT Releases MFH2 for DIRECTV HDTV Content In MDUs

PDI-SAT, a division of PDI Communications, Inc., and Master System Operator for DIRECTV®, announced the release of MFH2™. MFH2 is a Single Wire Signal Distribution System designed for use with new and exisitng infrastructure to deliver more HDTV content to Multi Dwelling Unit (MDU) properties throughout North America. The company has entered into a distribution agreement with DIRECTV to supply and support the approved and recommended new MFH2 product line for DIRECTV HDTV service delivery. Initial product is in production and should start arriving in middle of November but PDI-SAT is taking orders now.

With the market constantly evolving and with the growth and popularity of High Definition content, there are more demands put on the installation companies and the industry to develop and to deliver cost effective methods to support MDU infrastructures. With government leading the way and regulations pushing HD delivery, as well as compliance for all broadcasters approaching, the need for quality solutions, technical advice, assistance, and deployment are paramount to the success of this global change.

By keeping abreast with all the latest advancements in technology available to increase subscriber penetration, PDI-SAT is focused on bringing more options, more support, and more value to its customers. Whether you need Coaxial, Fiber, or Headend Solutions for your MDU Properties, PDI-SAT has it all, and the team to help you decide which solution is best for your needs.
To become a System Operator for PDI-SAT and DIRECTV, or for information about MFH2 products, contact the PDI-SAT at 800-242-1606 or send an email to MFH2@pdisat.com.

Click HERE for our MFH2 information page.
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• October 2007 - PDI-SAT has hired Jason Cohen, former CEO of Jayco Ventures, Inc. (JVI) as the new Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Cohen has been a leader in the development of the DBS residential and commercial installation equipment marketplace for close to two decades and brings his expertise in product development, sales distribution, and marketing to the growing PDI-SAT team.

“I look forward to the challenges of growing PDI-SAT and helping the company get to the next level. The marketplace is ever-changing and I look forward to being a part of it again.”

Mr. Cohen was recently working outside the industry as the new business development manager for Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT in South Florida where he was one of the fastest growing commercial real estate agents in the region over the past six months. Now he re-enters the industry in a role he is very familiar with.
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• PDI Professional Cable is a line of quality jumper cables for digital home theater and HDTV applications. Specific types of cable include:

 HDMI
 HDMI to DVI
 Component
 Composite
 Stereo
 S-Video
 Digital Audio

All styles are available in 6 and 13 foot lengths. For specifications and pricing, click HERE.
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• December 2005 - PDI launched its highly successful SuperSpec™ coaxial drop cable line at the start of the year. To find out more, click HERE.
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• PDI-SAT has SMATV Buydown receivers for HTL programming Activations in SMATV properties such as hotels, motels, hospitals and institutions. To qualify for receiver purchases, Dealer needs to be a DIRECTV® SMATV Dealer in good standing.

PDI builds completely pre racked head-ends using DIRECTV D-10 Buydown receivers. Our head-ends are truly all-inclusive, Dish & LNB included and are custom built to the exact programming line up requested by the property.

PDI-SAT also carries a wide assortment of installation equipment, amplifiers, cable, splitters, accessories and is a MASTER distributor for NAS, SONORA and SPAUN satellite equipment.

Call us today for complete details. We will meet or beat any legitimate offer!