You mean composite, or component cable? If it's just for composite video (RG59?) or audio, can get Belden or Japanese/China cable in Pasar Road in 90 ft coils... For component, you could try using the same, but I'm not sure about the distance limit on component cabling...

For those with Astro Max decoders, I'm sure it would be worth more than rm80 in the 2nd hand market. Even the sd decoder is worth something, especially if it is the newer range...

---

Added on December 15, 2009, 6:51 pmAnd I am also waiting patiently, they said they would call today, looks like Astro also ffk.

This post has been edited by kkm: Dec 15 2009, 06:51 PM

When we had only astro sd, which was crap on lcd and plasma TVs, everyone wanted hdtv so we could actually realise our investment on the expensive TVs.
Now we're getting HDTV, and some are b****ing it being 1080i instead of 720p. In real world perception, there is really not much difference, as those of us who watch 720p and 1080i videos will tell you. The world standard is generally 1080i, so that must be pretty acceptable to the vast majority of HDTV viewers worldwide.
So, can we at least wait until we actually get to watch Astro Byond (not the trial broadcasts) before we go into this debate? And we don't really have any choice anyway, except only to subscribe or not!

Sigh... the FAQ must actually be broken!

This is where we come to the concept of "sphere of influence" vs "sphere of concern". Influence is deciding to subscribe or not, or changing the LCD TV if we find 1080i not so palatable. Concern is whether it is broadcast as 720p or 1080i, i.e. we care but can do squat about it!

Agreed! As I said earlier, when we had only SD which gave us basically cr*p PQ on our LCD/Plasmas, we wanted something better. Now when the something better is here (i.e. better quality in HD, and even for SD), we want Full HD PQ and AQ!!??

Come on, this is satellite broadcasting, no way they can give you the full bandwidth necessary for that! We just expect that the compression does not result in artifacts... Even when you view HDTV stuff recorded off-air overseas, the PQ is not so good, but, hey, it's still much better than SD!

If you are connecting from decoder to TV, don't bother. The source is not very HQ, cable will not make such a difference, it's after all a digital signal. Any improvement will be ephemeral, more like a snake oil enhancement!

But if it makes you feel good, sure, why not?

That's a basic concept of satellite and cable broadcasting, you surely don't expect every hour to be unique programming! If that happens, then there will be a lot of rubbish shows just to fill the time (not that there isn't a lot of rubbish already), and then we will complain that we are missing our favourite shows, and why can't Astro repeat them!

Haha, I think we are really digressing!

Well, the only hope is that they will keep to the maximum 10 days promise! Otherwise, swamp the CS with calls (like a DoS attack?).

Get a HDMI switch...

Just got mine installed this morning, just tested a short while then had to go to work!

First impressions - HD is HD, so it's much better when comparing with the SD channels. Disappointment - SD channels don't look any better on B.yond, I was hoping the HDMI connection might make things better... bummer!!

The interface is slicker and much more responsive, especially compared with my old Max interface. Changing channels, checking info and surfing is much improved now. Getting the remote to work with my Sammy was a breeze, and I haven't noticed any serious audio problems (yet).

Note of advice: the installers are in a great hurry, so grab a slot if they call you. I know 1 guy who wanted to postpone his 8.30am slot because he had to take his wife marketing (!!). He was given a new slot 3 days later!

Also, the installers only do exposed wire installation (unless you want to use the old cable - I changed mine), and will not do any removal of the old internal cabling. This is to save their time, and to avoid any hassle over damage to walls because of removing the cable. Apparently, Astro has instructed them to walk away and reschedule if any subscriber insists on them removing the old cable!

I happened to have a spare standard decoder lying around (still working), so I gave him that instead. I reckon my Max is certainly worth more than RM80, either to sell, or as a gift to someone...

Why, wanna buy it?

As I was saying, I'm thinking of either selling it to a standard Astro subscriber, or giving it to someone to use... Nothing there that I want to re-watch.

Well, it rained quite heavily in my area this evening, but except for 1 brief flicker, the signal remained good all through!

Aiyah, I think the point has been made already - B.yond is not about new content, it's about watching content in HD. So don't expect to be excited by new programming, it's not gonna happen!

Unless you are excited over lots of local producers buying el-cheapo 720p video equipment and coming up with more rubbish to satisfy Astro's local content promises- ah, but it will be in HD!

Yesterday my signal was ok in fairly heavy rain! Maybe the dish alignment is at fault. My decoder shows signal strength of 255 (I think it's max).

Sigh! I'm now watching EPL on ESPN SD, picture is actually inferior to the Astro Max picture I used to enjoy. It's back to the blurry picture of the old Astro box.

May live to regret this...

Should be, but belum ada leh...