According to their site... i have to get standard astro first. This is ridiculous. First they have to come and install standard dish and decoder... then B.yond dish and decoder. Seems like unnecessary hassle to me.

From their site:
"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 for the current Astro standard definition packages while we process your application for Astro B.yond. In the meantime, you will receive a standard definition Astro decoder. Once the Astro B.yond Box is available, we will call you to arrange for an exchange."

You are not the first one, I have friends who are also Astro virgins and are facing the same shock and horror with the process. Well, can't say Astro fails to 'entertain', on and off screen, right?

"You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.", LOL

This post has been edited by neb: Dec 23 2009, 12:46 PM

Looking at different perspective, Astro might be thinking of to ensure their existing customers get the priority over those new subscribers. Imagine that if a new subscriber can get the HD decoder installation done earlier than other existing subscribers wo are still queueing, there will be noises or complaints flooding Astro. So, having those new subscribers get the standard package installation first and queue up for the HD installation like others, that would be seen as fair policy to everyone.

I'm not the Astro employee nor to defend them but just giving a different view on this process.

Instead of perspectives, I prefer to look at the bigger picture. I think Astro should have planned out their HD roll-out more efficiency, seeing the chronic queues and lackluster feedback and knowledge from their personnel.

On the other hand, I also think this is not the timing Astro wanted. The Byond, i suspect, is prematurely launched, resulting in what you see and hear now. Probably just feeling the heat from TM.

Most likely Astro didn't expect such a overwhelming response for HD subscriptions as well as attracting good response from new subscribers. The forum here might have played a part in contributing to these overwhelming responses. Looking at the new pages created a day in Astro B.yond thread, it is extraordinary

Agreed that Astro might have felt the pressure from TM, based on their HD subscription charges only start in April next year so that the 12 months contract could be dragged till 2011 to minimise impact towards their subscription base once TM launches the HSBB.

April charges could also mean a cushion period for them just in case of any screw-ups due to the pushed forward dateline and also in line with having a more respectable HD channel line-up count instead of the current 4

the thing is... i don't mind waiting the waiting period... i do mind the hassle of installation process (had to take leave every time they do installation)...

but i understand Astro wants to milk me for the money... if i wait for them to install b.yond, they might miss one month subscription fee..

Can't do much on this since this is their official process for newbies. Hope they would install the bigger dish used for current HD reception straight away if you do subscribe to the SD package so that when your time comes for HD installation, it would be less hassle by just swapping the decoder and smartcard will do.

Haiz, got a call from Astro CS, said have to install SD decoder first, then give them a call a day after to 'exchange' to HD decoder. I ask her what's with the fuss and trouble? Just straightaway install the HD decoder la! She said cannot have to follow procedure.

why u so nakal dowan follow procedure? want to cut HD queue ar?

yeah, Astro never ceases to amaze