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Astro B.yond, HD Content Available
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neb
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 Dec 9 2009, 11:52 PM
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usa got their NatGeoHD in 720p, singapore in 1080i, so what resolution will we get in the coming astro HDTV launch? » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « QUOTE(wiki) National Geographic Channel HD (NGC HD) in the USA is a 720p high definition simulcast of the National Geographic Channel. It launched in January 2006. It is available nationwide on satellite providers DirecTV and Dish Network and on several cable providers.
In Canada, the Canadian edition of NGC HD launched on 19 December 2006. It is available nationally via the country's two satellite services, Shaw Direct on channel 276 and Bell TV on channel 828, as well as on various digital cable systems.
In Australia this channel has available on the Foxtel HD+ Service since 1 July 2008.
In Asia Pacific, this channel was the first channel to support 1080i HD and 5.1-channel surround sound. The channel was commercially available in Singapore via StarHub TV Channel 301 on 18 January 2007, followed by Vietnam via Vietbao CATV on 29 October 2007. It was also available exclusively on now TV Channel 218 on 19 December 2007 in Hong Kong.
In Poland, this channel is available as of mid-2007 on Cyfra Plus platform; however, only with the Polish soundtrack.
In Slovakia, this channel is available since 2008 in digital TV product UPC Digital.
In Czech Republic, this channel is available since spring 2008 on digital cable from UPC Digital, channel 54. Both, Czech and Slovak feeds of NGC HD are transmitted directly from the UK (Sky+ HD) and come with english audio track only (DD/AC3)
In Romania, this channel will be available from 29 September 2009 on digital cable from UPC Romania.
In Latin America, this channel is a programming block on the Fox HD channel. |
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 12:20 AM
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why copy axn beyond's name? AstroHD sounded better  |
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 11:41 AM
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so are we getting dvb-s2 decoder? hopefully we can use it to receive free-to-air HD channels  |
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 12:13 PM
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QUOTE(AjkR06 @ Dec 10 2009, 11:58 AM) That's really...really...really IMPOSIBBLE  reflash the rom, no?  |
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 03:11 PM
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QUOTE(robertngo @ Dec 10 2009, 01:00 PM) why go to all these trouble to watch free to air channel? NHK world just went HD a few days ago on free-to-air satellite, if only I could get hold of cheap HD decoder  
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 03:20 PM
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for educational purpose  self-learning satellite technology, but prepare to eat free nasi curry if get caught  |
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 04:43 PM
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beautiful machine, china here I come flying airAsia  here is more info about nhk world HD http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/h.../reception.htmlThis post has been edited by neb: Dec 10 2009, 04:44 PM |
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 04:50 PM
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get a HDMI splitter just like how they do it in the big electrical store and long HDMI cable  some fellow member is selling long HDMI cable right here in lyn This post has been edited by neb: Dec 10 2009, 05:00 PM |
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 05:15 PM
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 05:23 PM
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QUOTE(binary @ Dec 10 2009, 05:14 PM) Just curious if the new decoder using the same cable to connect to the dish as the old one? it is a package deal, HD decoder + bigger dish + better quality rg6 coaxial cable I think you can still use the old RG6 cable if the cable condition is still good |
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 05:45 PM
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I googled and here you are: http://www.hdtvsupply.com/hdtocoad.htmlThis post has been edited by neb: Dec 10 2009, 06:12 PM |
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neb
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Dec 10 2009, 07:07 PM
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The Edge's view on astro going HD from financial angle, the bottom line is that astro is targeting RM80 revenue per subscriber : http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/features/15...ayout-talk.html» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «
News of a possible capital and organisational restructing plan for Astro All Asia Networks plc kept the media company on investors’ radar screens recently, but last Thursday Astro surprised the market by announcing that it is accelerating spending to introduce high-definition television (HDTV) in Malaysia .
“In the current year, we will invest an additional RM200 million (RM100 million on capital expenditure and RM100 million on operating expenditure) to deliver broadcast of HDTV to retain our market leadership in Malaysia,” Rohana Rozhan, Astro TV’s CEO, said in a statement.
More importantly, these accelerated investments “will have a significant impact on (Astro’s) current year margins” as it adds “expense cost ahead of any revenue”, she said.
The RM200 million expenditure on HDTV is on top of the RM350 million in capex that Astro is already spending this year.
Small wonder that Astro’s share price, which shot up 7.4% to RM3.76 ahead of the release of Astro’s 2QFY2010 earnings last Thursday evening, fell 4.4% on Friday to end the week at RM3.49.
“Disappointingly, management did not offer any insight to a purported corporate exercise articulated previously,” says OSK Research in a note.
Astro proposed a dividend of 2.5 sen per share for 2QFY2010, the same as the previous quarter, and said the group would continue “to pursue a progressive dividend policy which seeks to balance long-term capital growth and immediate cash returns”.
There had been speculation that Astro shareholders would get as much as RM1 a share from a corporate proposal that is still being firmed up to hive off its still loss-making foreign assets to its main shareholders, billionaire Ananda Krishnan and Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
In response to news reports, including one by The Edge headlined “Astro to sell Indian unit”, Astro’s board said on July 20 that it was “considering various options to restructure the company to achieve a more efficient capital and corporate structure”, that it had appointed advisers and was evaluating “certain proposals”. No additional announcements have been made.
Sentiment was also weighed down by 2Q numbers that came in below estimates and expectations on several fronts. Bottom line-wise, higher finance costs during the quarter negated the higher Ebitda q-o-q.
Analysts also frowned on Astro’s smaller subscriber net additions — 53,000 was the lowest in eight quarters (since 2QFY2008 with 28,000 users). The bigger disappointment was the 2.5% q-o-q slide in ARPU (average revenue per user) to RM78 — falling below the RM80 mark for the first time in nine quarters, since 1QFY2008 with RM77.3.
However, Astro maintained guidance for ARPU to be at RM80 a month for FY2010 and expects ARPU to improve in FY2011, aided by HDTV as well as a higher take-up of its sports package, for which prices were upped by RM12 on Aug 1.
OSK Research expects ARPU to pick up again in 3QFY2010, following the subscription rate hike for its sports package, coupled with the impact of the take-up of the recently launched Mustika service pack.
Not everyone agrees. An analyst with a foreign brokerage house, when contacted, questioned the take-up for HDTV in Malaysia, and how much benefit Astro would see from the accelerated spending.
It is learnt that the RM200 million investment that Astro is making on HDTV this year is only “for starters”. More money will be required to convert its 2.78 million subscribers to the new platform.
“If you were to assume a RM500 (subsidy) per set-up box, converting 1.5 million subscribers could cost some RM750 million over the next three years,” an industry expert tells The Edge.
Does the accelerated spending as well as take-up risk in HDTV reduce the likelihood of Astro paying out more in dividends to shareholders? What about the possibility of the company hiving off its Indian unit?
“Logic says higher spending needs mean less spare cash (to return to shareholders),” says the industry insider.
CIMB Research estimates that Astro could return “as much as 67 sen per share” if it recovers its RM580 million (about 30 sen a share) cost for its 20% stake in Indian associate Sun Direct TV. “Astro’s current cash level (RM912 million) can only support a special dividend of 37 sen a share after taking into account normal dividends,” says CIMB in a note.
“With the Malaysian cash flow, Astro could still position itself as a yield stock should it hive off its foreign assets, which gives long-term growth prospects… the question is how much can the assets fetch for the proposal to be a win-win?” asks an analyst with a foreign brokerage house.
The analyst is more concerned with the accelerated spending on HDTV as well as another risk to Astro’s share price over the medium term: the outcome of Astro’s upcoming bid for the 2010/2012 English Premier League (EPL) broadcast rights.
This article appeared in The Edge Malaysia, Issue 772, Sep 14-20, 2009.
This post has been edited by neb: Dec 10 2009, 07:11 PM |
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neb
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Dec 12 2009, 01:54 AM
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sometime astro staff don't read their own FAQ, or may be they change their terms without notice  » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « QUOTE(astro byond FAQ) You may click here to subscribe online, call Astro Customer Service at 1300 82 3838 or visit an Astro service centre, to get the new Astro B.yond Box and subscribe to Astro B.yond High-Definition channels.
Existing Astro Customers:
Astro customers can swap out your current Astro box with the new Astro B.yond Box by clicking here to subscribe online or by calling Astro customer Service on 1300 82 3838.
You will receive the Astro B.yond Box, a new smartcard, a new outdoor dish unit (ODU), new remote control, and HDMI cables free of charge, on the condition that you return your current Astro box and commit to take up the high definition channels at RM20.00 per month, for a minimum of 12 months, which will allow you to enjoy the high definition channels of the standard definition channels available on your current subscription. If you want to keep your current Astro box, you are required to pay a RM80.00 standard installation fee.
Once you have confirmed your interest and agree to the Terms & Condition, we will process your requests accordingly on a first come, first served basis.
New customers:
If you are new to Astro and would like to get the new Astro B.yond Box and subsequently view the high definition channels, you will have to sign up to the current Astro standard definition packages while we process your application for the new Astro B.yond Box.
You will be given the standard definition Astro box, complete with the free standard installation, while waiting for the new Astro B.yond Box. Once the Astro B.yond Box is available, we will call you to arrange for an exchange.
You will receive the Astro B.yond Box, a new smartcard, a new outdoor dish unit (ODU), a new remote control, and HDMI cables free of charge on the condition that you return the other Astro box, remote control, smartcard, ODU and commit to take up the high definition channels at RM20.00 per month for a minimum of 12 months, which will allow you to enjoy the high definition channels of the standard definition channels available on your current subscription.
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « QUOTE(astro b.yond online signup form) I hereby agree:
(i) to exchange my existing Digital Multimedia Terminal (DMT) for one (1) unit of Astro B.yond Box;
(ii) to pay directly to the authorised Astro installer the standard installation fee of RM80.00 should I do not wish to return my existing DMT to the authorised Astro installer;
(iii) to return the existing smartcard to the authorised Astro installer, failing which, the cost of the existing smartcard shall be charged to my Astro account;
(iv) that ownership of the Astro B.yond Box remains with Astro and Astro shall be responsible for the maintenance of the Astro B.yond Box so long as I maintain my subscription to the Astro Service and I use the Astro B.yond Box for its intended purpose and do not abuse, misuse or damage the Astro B.yond Box;
(v) to allow access to authorise Astro personnel to enter my residence for purposes of conducting periodic maintenance and/or change/repair/replace/retrieve the Astro B.yond Box as Astro deems necessary to enable me to enjoy the Astro Service;
(vi) to pay a HD service fee of RM20.00 per month for access to the HD service payable from the 1st billing date of the HD service for each Astro B.yond Box;
(vii) to subscribe to the HD service for a minimum subscription period as stated in item 2 (g) of the Terms and Conditions of the Astro B.yond Campaign, failing which, the agreed fee as stated in item 2 (g) of the Campaign Terms for the use of each Astro B.yond Box shall be charged on a prorated basis to my Astro account and I shall return the Astro B.yond Box(es) and its Accessories to Astro;
(viii) that my existing DMT will not be returned to me for any reason whatsoever.
(ix) to accept all other Campaign Terms. » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « QUOTE(Astro B.yond Campaign Terms & Conditions) 1. This Astro B.yond Campaign (the "Campaign") by MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd ("Astro") entitles you as an existing customer of Astro to exchange your existing Digital Multimedia Terminal ("DMT") for one (1) new unit of Astro B.yond Box subject to the terms and conditions stated below.
2. Under the Campaign, Astro shall provide you one (1) unit of Astro B.yond Box and its accessories which include the Out-Door unit (ODU) (if applicable subject to item 7 below), smartcard, remote control unit and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable ("Accessories") subject to :
1. your existing DMT is active and installed at the residential address stated in the subscription agreement signed by you;
2. you surrender your existing DMT to Astro. The standard installation fee of RM80.00 for the Astro B.yond Box shall be waived by Astro for the surrender of your existing DMT to Astro, failing which, the standard installation fee of RM80.00 for the Astro B.yond Box shall be payable by you to the authorised Astro installer
3. you return the existing Astro smartcard of your existing DMT to Astro;
4. your Astro bill is current and no outstanding subscription fee is due and owing to Astro prior to the exchange of the existing DMT to the Astro B.yond Box;
5. your residence (or the infrastructure of your residence) is compliant with the prescribed installation and activation guideline for the Astro B.yond Box;
6. you paying a HD service fee of RM20.00 per month for access to the HD service payable from the 1st billing date of the HD service for each Astro B.yond Box; and
7. you subscribing to the HD service for a minimum period of one (1) year from the 1st billing date of the HD service , failing which, an agreed fee of RM240 for each Astro B.yond Box shall be charged on a prorated basis to your Astro account. Please note that in order to receive the HD service of any specific channel you must subscribe to its corresponding standard definition channels/package.
3. Should you wish to take up an additional Astro B.yond Box for reception to the Astro Service, your subscription fees shall correspond with the Astro channel packages that you opt for. However, the monthly HD service fee of RM20.00 and agreed fee as stated in item 2 (g) above for the use of each Astro B.yond Box that you take up shall apply. Installation charges for each additional Astro B.yond Box is free.
4. Ownership of the Astro B.yond Box and its Accessories remains with Astro and is not transferable. Astro shall be responsible for the maintenance of the Astro B.yond Box so long as you maintain your subscription to the Astro Service and you use the Astro B.yond Box for its intended purpose and do not abuse, misuse or damage the Astro B.yond Box. Astro shall with reasonable notice to you conduct periodic maintenance and/or change/repair/replace/retrieve the Astro B.yond Box as Astro deems necessary to enable you to enjoy the Astro Service. You shall allow authorized Astro personnel access into your premises for the aforesaid purpose.
5. If at any point in time your subscription to the Astro Service is terminated either by you or Astro for any reason whatsoever, you shall contact Astro within thirty (30) days from the termination date of the Astro Service to arrange for the collection of the Astro B.yond Box and its Accessories by Astro at no cost to you. If you do not contact Astro for the collection of the Astro B.yond Box and its Accessories within the aforesaid time period, all charges incurred by Astro to enforce the retrieval of the Astro B.yond Box and its Accessories shall be borne by you and charged to your Astro account. Please note that the DMT which has been surrendered for the purposes of this campaign will not be returned to you for any reason whatsoever.
6. This Campaign comes with a standard installation which includes:
1. Labour;
2. bare surface run cable with clips (includes 20m cable and F-connectors);
3. Transportation;
4. Basic connectivity to TV;
5. Activation of the Astro B.yond Box;
6. Demonstration on operations of the Astro B.yond Box and its features; and
7. 6 months installation workmanship warranty.
7. The ODU may be provided to you (if necessary) in order for you to receive the Astro Service. In the event Astro installs a new ODU, your existing ODU will be collected by the authorised Astro installer.
8. You can only use the Astro B.yond Box with the assigned Astro B.yond smartcard which shall be provided to you at the point of installation and activation.
9. Installation of the Astro B.yond Box must be by an authorised installer nominated by Astro specifically for this purpose. Self-installation and/or taking possession of the Astro B.yond Box without immediate installation and activation thereof by an authorised Astro installer under any circumstance is not permitted.
10. The installation and activation of the Astro B.yond Box must be done no later than two (2) months from the date of first contact between an authorised Astro installer and you.
11. Upon completion of installation and activation of the new Astro B.yond Box, you shall acknowledge your acceptance of (i) the installation and activation of the new Astro B.yond Box; (ii) return of your existing DMT with the existing ODU (if applicable subject to item 7 above) and existing smartcard to the authorised Astro installer; and (iii) these terms and conditions, a copy of which shall be given to you by the authorised Astro installer. Astro reserves the right to charge you for any smartcard not returned. This smartcard charge shall be charged to your Astro account.
12. In the event that you are not able to oversee the exchange of the existing DMT with the new Astro B.yond Box and the installation and activation thereof, please appoint a representative. Your representative shall undertake to acknowledge acceptance of the new Astro B.yond Box and its Accessories and return of the existing DMT together with the existing ODU (if applicable subject to item 7 above) and existing smartcard.
13. This Campaign is valid for residential subscription and installation of the Astro B.yond Box at the registered residential address stated in the subscription agreement signed by you. Any existing DMT which has been registered under a residential account but has been installed at a commercial establishment (e.g. restaurant, coffee shop or pub) shall not qualify for this Campaign.
14. These terms and conditions are intended to regulate the terms and conditions of the use of the Astro B.yond Box and the services offered in conjunction with the same. These terms and conditions are to be read together with your current residential subscription agreement, which is intended primarily to address matters not covered by these terms and conditions. In the event there is a conflict, these terms and conditions shall prevail. |
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neb
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Dec 12 2009, 02:39 PM
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ds830 from pace does not seem to be PVR capable http://www.pace.com/corporate/products/pro...dType=DSAT#DSATso will astro introduce another record-capable sat receiver, such as Pace TDS865? |
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neb
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Dec 12 2009, 03:59 PM
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the introduction of astroB.yond definitely spur recovery of economy, people are lining up to purchase HDTV
for the potential HDTV buyer, just go out and view the HDTV demo yourself, then pick the one you like most, they are now priced very attractively
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neb
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Dec 12 2009, 04:13 PM
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QUOTE(Skylinestar @ Dec 12 2009, 04:07 PM) why u mention pace? astro stb made from pace? or you know where to buy pace? Post #286This post has been edited by neb: Dec 12 2009, 04:27 PM |
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neb
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Dec 13 2009, 02:26 PM
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if your old astro subscription does not include movie, learning or sports package, then you will have zero HD channel available for you to watch even if you pay RM20 on top of old subscription fee  |
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neb
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Dec 13 2009, 03:30 PM
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QUOTE(twL @ Dec 13 2009, 03:22 PM) this is what we cannot know: is it the SD channel will be upscaled? if the HD box doesn't do upscale, your HDTV will upscale the digital signal |
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neb
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Dec 15 2009, 04:23 PM
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their business is booming, customers are queuing up to get served, economy definitely is recovering.
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neb
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Dec 15 2009, 06:43 PM
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great sentimental value, put old decoder in your personal museum  |
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