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Did You Know?
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The DC Access website includes a WiFi support page with tips on how to reboot your router and check your connections. These two simple steps fix most WiFi woes - if you are still having trouble, give us a call, or email support@dcaccess.net
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PROTIP
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You know it's important to keep your discs clean, but what about the dirt lurking in optical slot drives? Here's a DIY way to clean a slot-loading drive.
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Renovating?
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We can help "future proof" your home.
DC Access works with homeowners, architects and contractors to design and install smart wiring and integrated digital living systems. We will help you create a smart, fully functional media and technology setup that is designed to adapt as your technology evolves. Visit our website to learn more.
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Summer has definitely arrived in DC, with more hot, humid days ahead. Fortunately, summer is also full of fun things to do and exciting celebrations. We're especially looking forward to being part of the 4th of July Parade on Barracks Row in a few weeks, and we hope to see you there. Speaking of celebrations, 2014 marks a major milestone for DC Access: we've been in business for 15 years! Keep reading to learn more about how far we've come and how much we've grown - thanks to our terrific customers and the wonderful community where we live and work. Also in this issue:
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We're celebrating 15 years!
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 Matt founded DC Access in 1999 while working as a computer-programming consultant. He was frustrated with the unreliable connections and poor customer service he and his clients had experienced with national Internet providers, so he set out to provide reliable, affordable Internet service
combined with outstanding customer support. After offering dial-up Internet for several years, we pioneered Wireless Internet service in the District starting in 2003, and today we are the only locally owned WiFi provider in DC, serving more than 1,000 residential and commercial WiFi customers. In 2012, we moved the business out of our Capitol Hill home to our offices at 1504 Pennsylvania SE, and today we have a staff of six. We look forward to continuing to grow and contribute to the economic health of the Hill community. Want the full story? Read the media release |
Tips for Better Streaming Video
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In the early days of WiFi, streaming video just wasn't part of the online equation. DC Access started offering Wireless Internet in 2003, but YouTube wasn't founded until 2005 and Netflix didn't start streaming movies until 2007.
 Fast forward to 2014 and streaming video is now one of the primary ways people use the Internet. Netflix alone accounts for around 30% of all downstream traffic in the United States! The other top services are YouTube, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Apple TV. We definitely hear more questions about streaming than we  did a few years ago, especially as more people use streaming video to watch favorite TV shows (some of which are only available via streaming, like the Netflix hit House of Cards). The good news about streaming video is it gives you lots of control of when, where and how you watch your favorite TV shows and movies. For some of our customers, streaming video has made it possible to give up paying for cable TV and switch to over-the-air broadcast TV (and Free TV DC, our rooftop-antenna installation service, can help make this switch even easier!)
 The bad news is there are dozens of streaming services and many types of streaming setups - from those who stream directly to a device (phone, tablet, laptop or desktop), to those who stream from their computer to a TV screen, to those who are using a box like Roku or Apple TV to access  streaming services. The potential combinations of services, devices and home-entertainment setups is almost infinite, so resolving problems with streaming can take some research and experimentation. Here are a few quick tips to streamline your streaming experience: - If a video keeps buffering, try changing your streaming resolution. For instance, here's a quick video from CNET on how to access hidden Netflix streaming settings.
- If you have our basic WiFi package and multiple people in your household are using the Internet at the same time while you are trying to stream videos, you may need to upgrade to a faster speed.
- Don't stream in HD to a device that doesn't show images in High Definition. Simply turning off HD will often eliminate connection hiccups.
- You can also try a lower HD setting. For instance, on Apple TV you can switch from 1080p HD to 720p HD - this Macword troubleshooting guide for Apple TV explains how. (Another Apple TV tip: when watching videos purchased from iTunes, try downloading to your computer and then streaming through Apple TV).
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Do You Follow Us on Facebook & Twitter?
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  Following us on social media is the best way to get timely updates about WiFi service issues and can help you get the most out of your DC Access services. We rely on Facebook and Twitter to share a variety of information, including:- Notifications when Internet may be down (e.g., due to power outages) and when we anticipate service to be back up
- News about service upgrades and expansions
- Holiday hours and other administrative announcements
- Fun stuff, including photos that Matt takes while he's up working on rooftops (he enjoys some of the best views in the area!)
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@DCAccess #RooftopPic by Matt Wade
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We hope you have a wonderful summer!
Sincerely,  Martha & Matt DC Access, LLC    Like Follow Review |
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