MFH2 is possible NOW with MDU's.

[vspede]

Hi new guy.

I just wanted to say what a great forum this is. I recently stumbled upon it and learned a whole lot about MFH2 and HD in regards to Condos.

Using what I learned about how MFH2's are so slow for condo's in Chicago, I represented the facts to my Condo Board. They immediately appointed me chair and we started talking to our System Operator (MDU). They told us we wouldn't get an upgrade until June '08 at the minimum.

We immediately sent them notice that we would not be renewing our contract with them in Feb '08 :hurah:

I called D* MDU phone line to shop around for System Operators but they wouldn't give me information. They said I would have to give them "my information" and than they would assign a system Operator. **Sounds like a monopoly to me***

I called D* directly and they gave me a HUGE list of system operators. I phoned one and they said they wanted to send out someone to survey our property and they could give us the 5 LNB dish as soon as January....

So to sum up, 5 LNB dishes are available now if you do some research and talk to other system operators. I hope this helps anyone else.

[DirecTv Chicago]

Hi new guy.

I just wanted to say what a great forum this is. I recently stumbled upon it and learned a whole lot about MFH2 and HD in regards to Condos.

Using what I learned about how MFH2's are so slow for condo's in Chicago, I represented the facts to my Condo Board. They immediately appointed me chair and we started talking to our System Operator (MDU). They told us we wouldn't get an upgrade until June '08 at the minimum.

We immediately sent them notice that we would not be renewing our contract with them in Feb '08 :hurah:

I called D* MDU phone line to shop around for System Operators but they wouldn't give me information. They said I would have to give them "my information" and than they would assign a system Operator. **Sounds like a monopoly to me***

I called D* directly and they gave me a HUGE list of system operators. I phoned one and they said they wanted to send out someone to survey our property and they could give us the 5 LNB dish as soon as January....

So to sum up, 5 LNB dishes are available now if you do some research and talk to other system operators. I hope this helps anyone else.


I hope that you do receive the MFH2 system soon but doing a site survey and getting the equipment is two different things.

The policy so far is you had to order product specific for each building through DirecTV. So if you haven't had a site survey completed, haven't signed a contract with the new company, then your building has not been requested equipment.

DirecTV can not force you to go with a specific system operator in Chicago. There are plenty of options in Chicago such as MDU, Access Media 3, USA Wireless, and also some smaller companies.

You just have to call around to them and request a site survey which is the first step and you have obviously done that already.

[gadgetfreaky]

The 5lnb isnt the tricky part its getting the mfh-2 gear.

[Earl Bonovich]

The 5lnb isnt the tricky part its getting the mfh-2 gear.

Exactly..;

There is a lot more to MFH2, then just the dish.

There is the supply of the main core of the MFH2 system, (don't remember the part number off hand), but then there are the SWM-8 modules..

Plus the change of the systems in the units to be SWM system..

But we can help you here.... as this MDU forum grows... more and more information can be shared.

At it's core... MFH-2 is very straight forward...
Is just the availability of all the pieces.

[vspede]

I spoke with the account manager at Access Media 3.

From what she told me, with our contract ending with MDU, she can have our condo up and running with MH2 immediately.

We went over the the SWM modules as well. I guess I'll know more once the site survey is done and when she submits her proposal in January.

I'll keep you guys up to date.

But in her words, we'd be up and running with an MFH2 system immediately since we were a "new customer" of theirs since it looks like we may be leaving MDU.



Exactly..;

There is a lot more to MFH2, then just the dish.

There is the supply of the main core of the MFH2 system, (don't remember the part number off hand), but then there are the SWM-8 modules..

Plus the change of the systems in the units to be SWM system..

But we can help you here.... as this MDU forum grows... more and more information can be shared.

At it's core... MFH-2 is very straight forward...
Is just the availability of all the pieces.

[DirecTv Chicago]

I spoke with the account manager at Access Media 3.

From what she told me, with our contract ending with MDU, she can have our condo up and running with MH2 immediately.

We went over the the SWM modules as well. I guess I'll know more once the site survey is done and when she submits her proposal in January.

I'll keep you guys up to date.

But in her words, we'd be up and running with an MFH2 system immediately since we were a "new customer" of theirs since it looks like we may be leaving MDU.


They are one of the largest system operators in Chicago and may already know their inventory for 2008. Congrats.

[vspede]

Quick Question.

So it looks like our MDU contract is up in June, and we have to give notice in Jan. (Very sneaky Fine Print). Good thing we caught that or else it would have auto-extended our contract with them for 3 more years.

I did notice in the contract with MDU that is states,

"Operator agrees to operate, maintain, and improve the System so as to distribute Operator's satellite television programming and other services to its customers at the Premises."

There is another provision where it states that any default of obligations can call for early termination of contract.

Since the Operator "MDU" hasn't upgraded our systems to allow MH2, wouldn't it be possible for us to call for an early termination for a provider that would?

Any feedback would be great. Thanks! BTW I've already had some people express interest in watching the new company set up our system here, so if anyone else would like to they're welcome to it.

I just have to make sure its cool with the management.

Peace.

[VLaslow]

Quick Question.

So it looks like our MDU contract is up in June, and we have to give notice in Jan. (Very sneaky Fine Print). Good thing we caught that or else it would have auto-extended our contract with them for 3 more years.

I did notice in the contract with MDU that is states,

"Operator agrees to operate, maintain, and improve the System so as to distribute Operator's satellite television programming and other services to its customers at the Premises."

There is another provision where it states that any default of obligations can call for early termination of contract.

Since the Operator "MDU" hasn't upgraded our systems to allow MH2, wouldn't it be possible for us to call for an early termination for a provider that would?

Any feedback would be great. Thanks! BTW I've already had some people express interest in watching the new company set up our system here, so if anyone else would like to they're welcome to it.

I just have to make sure its cool with the management.

Peace.

It might be possible, but be prepared for a little lawsuit. That's just an old contract writer talking. Check with your own lawyer first.:)

[DirecTv Chicago]

Quick Question.

So it looks like our MDU contract is up in June, and we have to give notice in Jan. (Very sneaky Fine Print). Good thing we caught that or else it would have auto-extended our contract with them for 3 more years.

I did notice in the contract with MDU that is states,

"Operator agrees to operate, maintain, and improve the System so as to distribute Operator's satellite television programming and other services to its customers at the Premises."

There is another provision where it states that any default of obligations can call for early termination of contract.

Since the Operator "MDU" hasn't upgraded our systems to allow MH2, wouldn't it be possible for us to call for an early termination for a provider that would?

Any feedback would be great. Thanks! BTW I've already had some people express interest in watching the new company set up our system here, so if anyone else would like to they're welcome to it.

I just have to make sure its cool with the management.

Peace.

Contracts are hard to break for a reason. The other guy is going to be losing money and will fight you for it. I would give notice to MDU immediately as they generally require 30-60 days to cancel a contract. Then once you sign your new contract have them order the equipment, install it, test, etc then you will have everything ready for a seemless transition.

[ILiveOnWacker]

I'd just like to add that I just got a call from USA Wireless Satellite TV in Chicago about them upgrading my building to MFH2. They said that the main install will take place next week and individual units will start shortly thereafter.

It is going to end up costing us quite a bit though. They said that each line will cost $75 to upgrade to MFH2. They said that an HR-20/21 will therefore be $150 and H-20/21 will be $75 each. I'm betting that it is worth it though.....

[grizzly]

I'd just like to add that I just got a call from USA Wireless Satellite TV in Chicago about them upgrading my building to MFH2. They said that the main install will take place next week and individual units will start shortly thereafter.

It is going to end up costing us quite a bit though. They said that each line will cost $75 to upgrade to MFH2. They said that an HR-20/21 will therefore be $150 and H-20/21 will be $75 each. I'm betting that it is worth it though.....

The pricing from DTV was supposed to go down as of today...

Kevin

[DirecTv Chicago]

The pricing from DTV was supposed to go down as of today...

Kevin


I believe that was only on the HR21. Suggested retail used to be $300.00 and is now $200.00. That is the only difference. I believe H21's, R15, etc are staying the same.

[litzdog911]

I believe that was only on the HR21. Suggested retail used to be $300.00 and is now $200.00. That is the only difference. I believe H21's, R15, etc are staying the same.

That's what I've heard, too. HR21 now $199. Other prices unchanged.

[ILiveOnWacker]

That's what I've heard, too. HR21 now $199. Other prices unchanged.

I didn't mean the price of the actual receiver was $150 for the HR20/21 and $75 for the H20/21. Those were the costs to "update" them to MHF2. I guess the cost for all of thw SWM's and what not....

[Artwood]

If any MDU community is thinking of upgrading--how much more expensive would MFH3 be compared to MFH2?

What more would the individual consumer get with MFH3 compared to MFH2?

[Earl Bonovich]

If any MDU community is thinking of upgrading--how much more expensive would MFH3 be compared to MFH2?


Don't know the answer to that one


What more would the individual consumer get with MFH3 compared to MFH2?

Nothing... the difference is just in how the building is wired.
So the MDU may benefit because of the core structure difference between the MFH2/3 installation and head end requirements.

But for the consumer in their individual unit... no differences in features.

[DirecTv Chicago]

If any MDU community is thinking of upgrading--how much more expensive would MFH3 be compared to MFH2?

What more would the individual consumer get with MFH3 compared to MFH2?


It is not all that more expensive and may even be cheaper than MFH-2 and MFH-1. The only expensive part would be if you need to rewire your building for CAT5 Ethernet. One of the big issues however is it is not widely being supported just yet. For expample I believe that Pace Electronics, basically the largest distributor or DirecTV equipment, is not putting their hands on it just yet.

The compatiable equipment is also limited. From what I have read and researched MFH3 seems to be the way to go in the future. Expecially as a system operator it gives you unbelievable tools on the backend for troublshooting that you just do not have with any of the systems today.

Basically some elderly ladies demands you to come out and fix her service at 1:00am on a Saturday you can log in and tell her that she is on the wrong channel or reset her receiver for her, or she doesn't have her box powered on etc. I have yet to test any of this and this just what I have been told but if even half of this is true it is an amazing system.

[kevandju]

Quick Question.

So it looks like our MDU contract is up in June, and we have to give notice in Jan. (Very sneaky Fine Print). Good thing we caught that or else it would have auto-extended our contract with them for 3 more years.

I did notice in the contract with MDU that is states,

"Operator agrees to operate, maintain, and improve the System so as to distribute Operator's satellite television programming and other services to its customers at the Premises."

There is another provision where it states that any default of obligations can call for early termination of contract.

Since the Operator "MDU" hasn't upgraded our systems to allow MH2, wouldn't it be possible for us to call for an early termination for a provider that would?

Any feedback would be great. Thanks! BTW I've already had some people express interest in watching the new company set up our system here, so if anyone else would like to they're welcome to it.

I just have to make sure its cool with the management.

Peace.


I would say that you don't even have a leg to stand on with that argument. Not quite sure how you can demand your Sys Op to front a ton of money and upgrade your system on his dime with equipment that isn't easily available.

Think about it, that would be like the people in rural areas suing the cable and telephone companies because not all of their newest services are immediately available to them.

My advice would be to wait patiently, I'm sure your Sys Op wants to upgrade you as bad as your condo bldg wants it. They make commission off of your programming so they don't want to lose you. I'm thinking in 3 to 4 months they should have some inventory on hand to make this easier. MFH-2 took way longer to roll out then expected by most so a lot of MFH-2 systems were sold in the past year that were already waiting on equipment. People are still scrambling right now to fill orders that are many months old.

[DirecTv Chicago]

I would say that you don't even have a leg to stand on with that argument. Not quite sure how you can demand your Sys Op to front a ton of money and upgrade your system on his dime with equipment that isn't easily available.

Think about it, that would be like the people in rural areas suing the cable and telephone companies because not all of their newest services are immediately available to them.

My advice would be to wait patiently, I'm sure your Sys Op wants to upgrade you as bad as your condo bldg wants it. They make commission off of your programming so they don't want to lose you. I'm thinking in 3 to 4 months they should have some inventory on hand to make this easier. MFH-2 took way longer to roll out then expected by most so a lot of MFH-2 systems were sold in the past year that were already waiting on equipment. People are still scrambling right now to fill orders that are many months old.


I agree to a point but the issue with the analogy to a rural area is the absense of competition. They are not asking anymore of this company than other competitors are willing to provide. It sounds as though they gave MDU an opportunity to upgrade the system first however they either refused or their expected implementation time was far to long for the likes of the building.

It is no different than people switching cell service because they can not get reception in their home. They've contacted the mobile provider and they either tell them there is nothing that can do or we should have it resolved in a year. So switch to another provider or wait a year? It's pretty much the same thing they are going through. MDU at some point will probably be able to provide the service, but will it be 2 months, 6 months or a year?

I expect many buildings to switch hands between system operators based on the ability to provide MFH2 in a timely manner. Is it a legal binding reason to void a contract, not in most cases. But it sure is enough of a reason not to resign with the previous provider.

[vspede]

I agree to a point but the issue with the analogy to a rural area is the absense of competition. They are not asking anymore of this company than other competitors are willing to provide. It sounds as though they gave MDU an opportunity to upgrade the system first however they either refused or their expected implementation time was far to long for the likes of the building.

It is no different than people switching cell service because they can not get reception in their home. They've contacted the mobile provider and they either tell them there is nothing that can do or we should have it resolved in a year. So switch to another provider or wait a year? It's pretty much the same thing they are going through. MDU at some point will probably be able to provide the service, but will it be 2 months, 6 months or a year?

I expect many buildings to switch hands between system operators based on the ability to provide MFH2 in a timely manner. Is it a legal binding reason to void a contract, not in most cases. But it sure is enough of a reason not to resign with the previous provider.

Just wanted to let you guys know the update on whats going on with our building and MFH2. Since this place is where I get a lot of my info and hopefully my experiences will help you guys out.

Our building has narrowed it down to 2 companies, MDU (current) and All Access Media 3.

They're duking it out price wise and it looks like they may settle on $25 for Total Choice Package and upgrading our system to MFH2.

I told MDU that we would like it now but they are very hesitant since our contract is up in June. However, they offered to give me MFH2 just for my unit next week. Sadly I turned them down b/c I didn't want to seem improper since I am negotiating for my building.

They said it takes $10,000+ just to upgrade MFH2 to our building from MFH1. I don't know if thats true. Anyone verify?

Also they said the reason they didn't upgrade our building was because equipment. They said that the SWM8 went through an upgrade via legacy port and hence they didn't have the equipment to upgrade until April. Anyone Verify?

Things will be decided in March and I'll keep you guys up to date. But I highly reccomend putting pressure on your System Operators if you guys want the MFH2 and put in a contract stating upgrades in a clause. That's what we're going to do when we sign with whoever comes out on top.

Peace.

[DirecTv Chicago]

Just wanted to let you guys know the update on whats going on with our building and MFH2. Since this place is where I get a lot of my info and hopefully my experiences will help you guys out.

Our building has narrowed it down to 2 companies, MDU (current) and All Access Media 3.

They're duking it out price wise and it looks like they may settle on $25 for Total Choice Package and upgrading our system to MFH2.

I told MDU that we would like it now but they are very hesitant since our contract is up in June. However, they offered to give me MFH2 just for my unit next week. Sadly I turned them down b/c I didn't want to seem improper since I am negotiating for my building.

They said it takes $10,000+ just to upgrade MFH2 to our building from MFH1. I don't know if thats true. Anyone verify?

Also they said the reason they didn't upgrade our building was because equipment. They said that the SWM8 went through an upgrade via legacy port and hence they didn't have the equipment to upgrade until April. Anyone Verify?

Things will be decided in March and I'll keep you guys up to date. But I highly reccomend putting pressure on your System Operators if you guys want the MFH2 and put in a contract stating upgrades in a clause. That's what we're going to do when we sign with whoever comes out on top.

Peace.

MFH2 is available and they are basically stalling you. The reason they can setup you specifically is all they need is a SWM unit and the new 5 LNB dish and can run dual networks. Everyone else will stay on the old network you will just be moved from the old multiswitch to the new SMW unit. Basically a way to keep you quiet.

IMO, MFH1 is more expensive than MFH2 in the long, expecially in apartments where there is large turnover. If you factor in the cost for subscriber units/customer devices the system operator will be saving money on many areas. That depends of course on what the SO charges you for install.

[mcaldero]

However, they offered to give me MFH2 just for my unit next week. Sadly I turned them down b/c I didn't want to seem improper since I am negotiating for my building.

They said it takes $10,000+ just to upgrade MFH2 to our building from MFH1. I don't know if thats true. Anyone verify?


For MDU to offer to upgrade one unit in a building....can someone help me understand how much that would cost MDU? My situation is that our building is wired for DIRECTV by MDU, but all residents except for two have Comcast. The two of us who have DIRECTV would like to ask MDU to do this type of single unit upgrade for us. We're willing to pay for it, but we want to have an understanding for how much the equipment would cost. Would all MDU need to do is to purchase and install a 5-LNB dish on the roof and an SWM-8 for each unit? Thanks in advance...

[Earl Bonovich]

For MDU to offer to upgrade one unit in a building....can someone help me understand how much that would cost MDU? My situation is that our building is wired for DIRECTV by MDU, but all residents except for two have Comcast. The two of us who have DIRECTV would like to ask MDU to do this type of single unit upgrade for us. We're willing to pay for it, but we want to have an understanding for how much the equipment would cost. Would all MDU need to do is to purchase and install a 5-LNB dish on the roof and an SWM-8 for each unit? Thanks in advance...

If it is just the two of you...

That would be the easiest solution.

1 Dish.... a 4x8 switch... two sWM-8 modules.
And you are good to go.

About $700 in hardware.

[mcaldero]

If it is just the two of you...

That would be the easiest solution.

1 Dish.... a 4x8 switch... two sWM-8 modules.
And you are good to go.

About $700 in hardware.

Thanks, Earl. Armed with this knowledge, I'll see if we can convince MDU to upgrade us.

[mcaldero]

Thanks to everyone on this forum (and to Earl, who hopefully is reading this from his corner office at DIRECTV), MDUC finally upgraded my building yesterday and I enjoyed last night's Cubs game on Comcast SportsNet Chicago in HD. This ended a 2+ year battle with MDUC, who promised me in June 2006 (prior to me buying the condo) that our building would be MPEG4 compatible by early 2007.