To All,
Received my "PG-Plus" decoder via UPS yesterday. I have not had time to try to hook it up, but did take a read through the written materials. Here are some initial impressions:
1. Packaging - similar to most consumer electronic packaging. Has a picture of four kids "in shock" while watching a television on the front. Also has some quotes from various agencies, psychologist, etc. about the effect on TV on kids, increasing violance, etc. on the package cover. On the back is a description of the product's capabilities, a little on the v-chip, etc. Overall, about what you would expect.
2. Literature - There were three pieces, an instruction manual, a "ratings guide" and a "charter member" card. The instruction manual is pretty basic and straight-forward. Once again, I haven't tried to hook up the unit, so I can't really tell if its complete. Your basic step-by-step type instructions. Black and white, with some simple diagrams. One thing I noticed is that they don't tell you that for certain configurations (i.e. if you are using multiple components) you need co-axial cable connectors (not supplied). You come across this as you are reading.
The "ratings guide" was a small black-and-white booklet that explains both the FCC and MPAA ratings systems. It was straight-forward and seemed adequate.
The "charter purchaser card" was interesting. PG is running a program for the first 1,000 purchasers. If you are one of the first 1,000 purchasers, and you return the card, you are supposed to receive all future upgrades, etc. for free. In addition, you agree that PG may contact you concerning the product. Clearly this is an attempt to get marketing information from early purchasers. I have'nt decided whether I will send back the card. If PG was publically traded, I might be more inclined to as a source of DD. In any case, my unit is eligible (the unit number on mine is 0002! I'm serious!).
3. The unit is manufactured in China
4. There is no mention of SoundView or Acacia anywhere, but there were specific patent numbers disclosed, as well as a comment that other patents were pending.
5. PG represents that the unit is compatable with all types of broadcasts, TV, Cable, etc.
6. The unit appears to have the ability to be set for various combinations of ratings and extentions (the S,D,L,V descriptors).
7. A small infra-red remote and batteries were included.
8. The unit must be on top of the TV, or otherwise out where it can pick up the signal from the remote. This means the whole unit will always be "visible" and can't be hidden.
9. What WASN'T Included - One thing that struck me as interesting was that there was absolutely no mention or discussion of what happens if/when the ratings system (or anything else for that matter) changes. Nothing. They mention that "charter purchasers" will receive any upgrades, etc. at no cost, but the consumer is given no information as to what those upgrades could/might be. My assumption is that is something changes requiring an "upgrade", and assuming that the discussions about PG's technology be "hard wired" is correct, I would expect to see a new chip show up in the mail that would have to be installed.
Also, there did not appear to be any warranty information. This surprised me, so I'll be re-reading the literature to see if I missed it.
That was all I had time to do last night. I plan to try to install the unit sometime next week and will pass along my impressions.
P.S. I chuckled at the fact that I'm unit 0002. I wonder if unit 0001 is the display model at Harvey's! What a hoot! |
