DirecTv Sysop questions

[Stephen M. Smith]

Would someone give me a little background on how DirecTv Sysops work? From other messages here, I think they receive a lump sum payment from DirecTv for every new subscriber they add and also a recurring payment equal to a percentage of total paid subscriptions (which I assume is everything above that which is bulked through)?

We are a large MDU w/450 units, of which 167 do not subscribe to DirecTv via our Sysop. We are still waiting for our MFH2 upgrade, but I'm trying to figure out if it's worth putting in some effort to help these cable subscribers switch to DirecTv w/MFH2 since they'll be paying less for a lot more HD. Unfortunately, it's a bit more than just information distribution b/c we have only 1 coax to each unit and many require cable internet connection, so diplex testing and/or working something out w/the maintenance dept for pulling another coax is required.

Thanks,
Steve

[DirecTv Chicago]

System Operators due receive a one time "commission payment" for signing up new customer as long as they complete their contract committment. This payment is given to offset the cost of backend equipment and labor of the techncians for installation of the receivers.

Generally a system operator, in a TMU bulk property, will only receive this "commission" for the first tenant in the unit. After that tenant moves out and a new tenant moves in they only receive the monthly residuals. This number can vary based on the system operator and DirecTV.

As you can see, expecially in a TMU enviornment, it can be very expensive to maintain a building with high turn around. But your System Operator would not turn down the opportuntity to service additional tenants at your building.

[Stephen M. Smith]

What does "TMU" stand for?

This is 450 unit condominium high-rise, so turn-over is not real high.

[DirecTv Chicago]

What does "TMU" stand for?

This is 450 unit condominium high-rise, so turn-over is not real high.

I forget exactly what it stands for but basically it is a term used for Digital Bulk Packages. So basically a property that every tenant gets Total Choice as part of their ammentities/assesments.

It sounds as though your building is DTH (Direct to Home/Retail)

[Stephen M. Smith]

No, I think we're a TMU then b/c we do bulk through TotalChoice via our SysOp as part of HOA dues.

[DirecTv Chicago]

No, I think we're a TMU then b/c we do bulk through TotalChoice via our SysOp as part of HOA dues.

It just seemed odd that such a large percentage of the users, even though they are paying for it, are not using the service.

[Stephen M. Smith]

Agreed. Some of it can be explained b/c you could not get D* HD channels and have a cable internet connection at the same time w/MFH1 (b/c no diplexer existed that could reach the 3.5Ghz range -- apparently one does exist now).

The rest I'm guessing in just due to misinformation and will jump to DirecTv after our MFH2 announcement, where we'll also remind them that D* is subsidized by the HOA and they can now get 2x or 3x as many HD channels for a lot less monthly fee compared to cable.