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ASTRO B.YOND V1.0

ASTRO B.YOND V2.0

ASTRO B.YOND V3.0

ASTRO B.YOND V4.0

Welcome......

Now we are in Version 5 and dedicated to bring info about B.yond PVR....please refer to back thread about other information about b.yond.








Astro B.yond Personal Video Recorder (PVR)
Astro introduces the latest innovative recording function which enables you to RECORD, REWIND, PAUSE and PLAY your favourite programmes, including those on HD. You don’t have to miss a single programme and television moment again. Now, you can record all your favourite programmes and watch them at your own convenience. It’s TV your time. Anytime, any day. The PVR will also be able to support exciting new features such as video-on-demand offerings in the future.

The recording service is available via Astro B.yond Personal Video Recorder (PVR) box and Astro B.yond External Hard Disk Drive PVR.

Features:

Watch One Channel and Record Another Channel
With the dual-tuner feature in the Astro B.yond PVR, you can:
a) record up to two channels at one time, or
b) watch one live channel while recording another at the same time, or
c) watch one recorded program while recording another two at the same time

*Recording function with external hard disk drive as a Plug ‘N’ Play PVR can only record and watch one channel simultaneously or record one programme at any one time.

Recording Functions:
a) Record instantly – record the current programme you are watching by just clicking the Record button on your remote control
b) Record by programme – convenient recording via the new on-screen TV Guide and Info banner

Planner:
a) All your scheduled recordings will be displayed prominently on the Planner for easy reference, and
b) Astro B.yond PVR will also automatically check on the space availability in the built-in hard disk, and
c) Live Tuner Conflict (When recording more than two programmes simultaneously, a conflict message will appear to warn you of the conflict).

Rewind Live TV:
This feature gives you the ultimate control to rewind Live TV and enjoy unprecedented instant replays of missed action in normal speed, fast forward speed, or in slow-motion.
a) The Rewind buffer is set at 30 minutes as default and the maximum limit is up to 90 minutes. If you want to adjust the rewind buffer period, you can change its setting.
b) When you switch channel, the buffer will resets itself every time you switch the channel. You will lose the review buffer and the review buffer will auto reset to the current channel that you are watching.

Pause Live TV
This feature allows you to pause Live TV while attending to other matters, and play it again when you are ready to resume watching the show where you left it.

Fast Forward
The fast forward speed of 4x, 8x, 16x, 30x gives you the freedom of time control.
It is even capable of fast forwarding by 15 minutes interval.

Slow motion mode
This feature allows you to play scenes in slow motion at 1/10x, 1/4x and 1/2x mode.




NEW CHANNEL IN HD....IT'S NOW 8 CHANNEL....



Thanks lot to beatnickseed. Really helpful. Thanks to him.


......................................................................................................................................................................................................................


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This post has been edited by apexg2: Jun 28 2010, 03:00 PM

any diferent with normal one ?

Congratulations
V5.0 already
welcome to the new "house"

This post has been edited by AjkR06: Jun 1 2010, 03:12 PM

sifus, just got my Byond installed today...
my setup Byond decoder connect to AVR then AVR to Plasma...both are using HDMI cables...
when i select dolby digital 5.1,
why is the sound louder in HD channels but softer in normal channels?
is there a way to fix this?
thanks a lot

as mentioned in V4, unfortunately, Chinese HD is bundled with Dynasty package, not family


PVR is for recording in HD

normal channels doesnt have dolbyy digital 5.1 output , just like the picture is not in HD:)

ARRHHHH.............Chinese HD is in Dynasty package !!!!!

I don't have this.......well, easy come easy go !!!

OK....when is the Astro v2.0 firmware to be uploaded to our Byond decoder and also WHEN is this PVR start to function?

i dont think they will tie in WD HDD recognition in their FW code. mind you that they only say current recommended HDD is WD HDD passport 320GB.. the key word is recommended.


which means they only done testing with the particular HDD (probably due to the power and speed)

dont see there's any show stopper for us to switch to other HDD if met their power and speed requirement. i would bet other 320GB +power saving feature will work just fine.. perhaps SSD too

no idea about 500GB since i would assume it will consume more memory buffer (not sure about this)

Lucky I still retained my AstroMax - one b.yond ripoff crap and one Max is adequate

This post has been edited by natzakaria: Jun 1 2010, 03:40 PM

Yeah.......I have a WD 750G external hard disk bought about 2 years ago and if this can hook up to Byond and can do recording, then I will definitely go for it. No need to buy another WD HDD.

what makes you ask this?

any new channel?

From 16th June 2010 onwards....

AXN HD
Astro Zhi Zun HD
FX HD

congrats... V5 already... cant wait for 16th June for the new HD Channels...
i wish they have star world hd soon...

I'm sure....!!!

The keyword here is not recomended. It is COMPATIBLE! See the above advertisement and you can see the words. Please bear in mind that ASSStro is a money making company, and besides the piracy issue on recorded material, they must have some tie with WD on this. WD also produces many external HDD range. Notice that it mentioned "MY Passport AV" HDD. I have an inside info on this. And WD factory is just in PJ right?

AXN HD is the best of the lot

This post has been edited by dxjb: Jun 1 2010, 04:41 PM

right the word is compatible.. is not MUST. compatible means adhere to the spec determined by the astro box, not some tie-off on the HDD brand itself. it just mean that it guaranteed to work using the HDD in the compatible list and did not guarantee it can work on others.. it did not say for sure that it wont work with other HDD.. if it is the case, they should clarify it on the ads. sth like "not able to work with other HDD"

will FX HD and FOX HD have the same programmes?
coz FX HD doesnt seem that good..
kind of tempted to get the variety package unless FOX is different to FX HD

I think you have to look at bro TallJustin's posting in the other thread

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=34056577

hmm where to find this WD My Passport AV? besides the shops listed in their page

This post has been edited by marky: Jun 1 2010, 04:29 PM

Their FAQ is quite interesting.

You can swap your astro max box for the new PVR for FREE, and you don't have to pay the MYR10 recording fee for the first 12 months.

If you don't want to lay a second cable to your new PVR, you can pay for some device which (I assume) amplifies the signal or something. However, it costs MYR300.

I think I'll stick with my byond box and my max STB (I cannot lay another cable, don't want to pay 300MYR for an amplifier nor 10MYR a month for what I can already do for free). There's not that much on HD worth recording anyways. I do miss the pause feature though.

sorry but i can t find any info as to where people said FOX SD will also be available..
what is the source?

if true then is FOX SD same as FX HD?

More interested in the new channels compared to PVR..
Astro will repeat the same programmes over the next 2 years anyway..

This post has been edited by dxjb: Jun 1 2010, 04:43 PM

Those who gave up the Max for Beyond cannot get a waivwer must pay RM300. Astss cheated us, its very unfair !RM900 box taken back for RM80!!

Astro making money with this PVR. Last time we dont have to pay monthly fee when using MAX. Why right now they want charge us. Damm..

Based astro facebook, It seem FXHD will be under preview channel.

So, Fox only in HD and no for SD. Astro 至尊HD / Astro Zhi Zun HD will be under dynasty package.



This post has been edited by acexii: Jun 1 2010, 06:06 PM

Assstro maybe use the soft word like "compatible" to say that "other HDD might not work". My Intel told me that they tried with other WD 2.5" HDD model but the decoder does not recognise it, except that one particular model.

I am with you here on this.
Most likely will get me a recordable media player and record the cr@p out of it and not pay a dime

r u sure?
most of the people here said that it will be under variety?

---

Added on June 1, 2010, 4:46 pmbut the sifus here said the PQ and format will not be the same as what u viewed during recording using media player recorder

This post has been edited by dxjb: Jun 1 2010, 04:46 PM

i think it's reasonable to roll under preview since Fox is a debut channel for astro subscriber.. normally that's what they do right when they introduce new channel? after that only will available for whatever package it sits into

but there's no any way for the person like me who already "surrender" my max for Byond....
If I know it will be like this, sure I will wait until June....

one more question......recorded film can play to other player...

i agree..but is the FOX SD channel true?

NO

---

Added on June 1, 2010, 4:52 pmfor existing beyond user who opt for RM5/per month - cant record n watch different channel rite?

This post has been edited by zwanvedder: Jun 1 2010, 04:52 PM

That means byond decoder have a problem. Actually what different between WD 2.5 with WD My
Passport AV 2.5? Both should be same right.

This post has been edited by minimize: Jun 1 2010, 04:54 PM

even use the wd hard drive.....

Yes. Cannot watch one live channel while recording another because it only have 1 tuner.

hai bro..
i have 1 question..i am a normal astro subcriber, not byond user...if i want to get this new pvr, can i still subcribre the normal package?( not byond hd package ) can i just pay additional $10 either than $30 ( byond + record funtion )? i just want to record just a normal channel on astro only..

dont think so..it comes as a package..any Byond Box will require u to sign up to HD package too..so yes extra RM20

*Just got confirmation from Astro's FB, FX HD and FOX SD programmes lineup will be different..
However no official confirmation as yet on whether FOX SD is coming..any source please?

This post has been edited by dxjb: Jun 1 2010, 05:10 PM

I think we can record live channel while watch our recording video.

---

Added on June 1, 2010, 5:20 pmI have one scenario here.
Let say I'm using Byond EHDD and record AXN HD, during a recording I switch to ESPN HD, what will happen to my recording? Is it fail or what?

This post has been edited by minimize: Jun 1 2010, 05:20 PM

wanna know too

wow wee is this for real...
cmon 16th june.. am waiting...

as far as i know, Byond box doesnt work with other external disks, even for the WD AV Hard Disk, you cant view in PC or other Byond boxes, only able to view it on your Byond box.

Yes, you can. Not necessary to choose HD channels for PVR

RM5.00 per mth just to activate the recording capability of tht decoder which is already there!!?? ... man thts not fair

ONly one tuner you see what that u record ! End of the day I tjhink the PVR for #00 seems to be the best solution. Cos 320 GB 100GB is RESERVED for VOD !

if hv just called them... western digital AV passport and plug in to your b'yond box and call them... and pay them RM5.00/mth eternally.. thts all u need

It's a shame for those who traded in their astro max boxes. Keeping it would have saved them MYR420.

Does anyone have any details on the device astro is selling so you don't need to lay 2 cables? I just did up my TV room and the sat cable is behind the fixed cabinet. I can't add another if I do choose to get the new box

I think these are possible scenario:
- Software prevent you from changing channel
- It will ask confirmation to really changing channel then it will stop/continue recording
- You can change channel but your recording will be affected too
- Maybe other possible scenario, just wait & see

---

Added on June 1, 2010, 6:11 pm
No you can't. HD channel using higher frequency, you can't share cable with other tuner using same LNB.

This post has been edited by eMKs: Jun 1 2010, 06:11 PM

I am taking up this matter with them and the Consumers Tribunal,cos we were MISLED into swapping the max

Did they mention only 320GB can be use?

Agree, this is daylight robbery. I wouldn't mind paying one off activation fees or whatsover.. but a monthly commitment ?*sigh*

to use a single cable with dual-tuner PVR, you must use a device called Stacker-De-stacker (SDS), apparently it will cost your RM300

There are several (if not most of them) Pay TV operator around the world also charging monthly fee for their recording function

this image is taken from astro very own web-page showing the complete line-up of HD channels at this stage

This post has been edited by neb: Jun 1 2010, 06:23 PM

what is FX HD? and which package does it belongs in?

Ok, going to subscribe to byond online now, what should I fill in

* Block/Building Name :
(e.g. ARENA GREEN CONDOMINIUM)

?? cause I live in terrace house, got Jalan number and Taman only

well... i didnt ask them tht question...

somehow i dont think they are well trained on this thing yet...

cos she kept asking me to hold on lol

how about "none"

Anyone here maybe have order the new PVR decoder or Buy WD My passport AV HDD

My kids want it just signed online for PVR ,on the other f.... them up for misleading me to surrender Max, see what happens.

what did you put when u subscribe byond?

Yay V5 oredi... woohoo...

well this is quite good... FX and AXN will be my new fav channel.. btw... they promised 10 channel by end on 2010 rite?? so got 2 more spot to fill.... I wonder what will it be... Disney HD hahahahaha

So the new channels are:
AXN HD
FX HD
Some chinese HD

Someone was talking about Fox, or Fox crime coming too. Has this been confirmed?

i hope star world and star movies HD...
btw... the worldcup channel not included in those 10 channel rite?

Nope. Just like temp. ch124 for AF8.

FYI, I have called Astro and explain I'm keeping both Max and B.Yond and they didn't want to swap my decoders to PVR at F.O.C. as my Max was disactivated during my last upgrade to B.Yond. last year.

They advice me to reconnect my Max and disconnect my B.Yond by paying penalty for my remaining contract period.

anyone have firmware 2.0 yet?

wll guys, as a normal astro subscriber and considering my options to upgrade to b.yond pvr, is that means I need to pay RM20/month on top of my current subscription and additional RM10/month for recording purposes?

So my subscription which is Rm119.95 will be RM119.95 + RM20 + RM10 = RM150??

Correct me if im wrong but I feel paying monthly for recording is ridiculous.

That's really a daylight robbery by the assthrow company!!

WD Passport AV 320GB costs RM289 according to Compu-zone pricelist

Freaking expensive for a 320GB!

Compare that to Astro HD-PVR, and?

so now, better we take the new Astro PVR
I;m still thinking about it now...

Astro charge RM299...
and existing Byond user pay RM300 for the Byond PVR installation..

This post has been edited by willkso: Jun 1 2010, 07:52 PM

My monthly bill too has exceeded RM150 so no choice after WC goodbye to Sports Pack,just too bad !
Anyone has the email of Henry Chia CEO of Astro or any big heads of astro ? Why email to Astro at wecare@ astro.com.my no more automated reply ?

This post has been edited by smileguy: Jun 1 2010, 07:57 PM

Me too. But i've take sport package specially for WC 2010. So after that, i swap that with Dynasty.

But PVR RM10 monthly, existing Byond pay RM5 monthly

Seriously charging money to enable something which is there in the first place is ridiculous

Dynasty are more expensive than sports actually
It's SUPER PACKAGE you know....

THey got away with so many ridiculous moments as long they remain the sole one u cannot touch them take it or leave it !

looks like I'm gonna stay away fm B.yond pvr at this moment as it's ridiculous to paying recurring fees just for recording purposes.

all thanks to the monopolise business by astro...

zzz..have to pay again for recording services
what a bunch of pirates
i aint paying for sh**
if i wanna rewatch sth i might as well download it from the net!

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for contacting Astro Contact Centre. We have received your recent email and our Correspondence Unit will be responding to you within the next business day.

For immediate clarification on our products and services, you may also refer to our website at http://www.astro.com.my or alternatively contact our Customer Service at 1 300 82 3838.

Please note our working hours are from Mondays to Fridays between 9am to 9pm and Saturday, Sunday 9am to 1pm.

Regards,
Correspondence & Operations, Astro

yes,
as what they said,
they have to pay high license fee to TVB,
that's why when we choose the package with Wah Lai Toi,
we have to pay a lot.

Published: Tuesday June 1, 2010 MYT 5:31:00 PM

Astro launches B.yond PVR
BY SHAUN HO


KUALA LUMPUR: Astro has launched its B.yond PVR (Personal Video Recorder), which allows subscribers to record, pause, rewind and play television programmes broadcast by Astro.

"This service is available immediately and we expected 100,000 out of our targeted 500,00 HD (high-definition) subscribers to upgrade their service," said Astro CEO Datuk Rohana Rozhan at the launch here Tuesday.

Current Astro customers will need to pay an installation fee of RM300 for the new unit and return their old sets. New customers will have to pay RM400.

Customers who choose to upgrade to the service have two options - buy an external hard-disk drive to plug into their standard B.yond HD decoder or upgrade to B.yond PVR.

They will need to pay RM5 for the first option, and RM10 for the second option, monthly, for the recording service.

The product will replace Astro’s previous foray into personal video recording, Astro Max, which was launched to limited customers in 2006.

"There are about 26,000 Astro Max subscribers, and we are offering to swap their units with the PVR for free.

"We will also give them a one-year subscription for free," Rohana added.

Astro chief operating officer Henry Tan said currently, only one model of external hard disk was compatible with the standard B.yond box, the Western Digital My Passport AV 320GB.

He said a list of retailers selling the item can be found on Astro’s website.

Astro also launched three new HD channels, which will be available from June 16, bringing the total number its HD channels to eight.

Video recording comes to Astro B.yond

By TAN KIT HOONG

Astro Malaysia launched the B.yond Personal Video Recorder (PVR), a set-top box with a built-in hard disk that allows you to record up to two channels at the same time.

Similar to the original Astro MAX set-top box, the B.yond PVR also allows the user to pause and rewind live TV, as it uses a buffer system which saves 30 minutes (and can be set up to a maximum of 90 minutes) of the currently watched programme by default.

Also, the B.yond PVR comes with a dual tuner, which allows users to record two channels simultaneously, or alternatively, to watch a previously recorded programme while recording two other channels.

However, if the user is currently watching a live TV channel, only one other channel can be recorded during this period.

The built-in hard disk on the B.yond PVR is 500GB in size, which allows for up to 290 hours of standard definition recording or up to 100 hours of high-definition content.

However, due to the dual-tuner function, there will be extra wiring work involved as the PVR requires a special outdoor unit and dual cables to be installed together with the set-top box.

A one-time installation fee of RM400 will be charged for new subscribers, while existing subscribers need only pay RM300 for installation and have to return their current decoder.

Henry Tan, chief operating officer for Strategy, Content & Marketing for Astro, and Datuk Rohana Rozhan, Astro chief executive officer, launching the B.yond PVR

The good news is that subscribers who bought the original Astro MAX recorder will be able to swap to the B.yond PVR for free.

Additionally, there will be an RM10 monthly charge for the recording service.

Not willing to pay the installation fee and the additional RM10 monthly fee for the PVR but still want the recording feature?

You're in luck as the current B.yond set-top box can also be turned into a video recorder by simply plugging a Western Digital My Passport AV external hard disk into the B.yond box's USB port.

Users will also need to call Astro to activate the service and there will be an additional RM5 charge per month.

According to Shahrul Imran, vice-president of Technology and New Media at Astro, only the Western Digital MY Passport AV hard disk drive is currently certified to work the with the B.yond box, although the company is working to certify other brands and models.

The Western Digital external hard disk is not provided by Astro, and can be bought from any third party vendor.

However, the main difference between the B.yond PVR and the external hard disk option is that the PVR has a dual tuner while the regular B.yond box only has one, which means you cannot watch one channel while recording another.

Also, Astro announced that three new HD channels will go live on June 16 - AXN HD, Astro Zhi Zun HD and FX HD.

For more information, call 1-300-82-3838 or visit astro.com.my/byond.

This post has been edited by dannychen: Jun 1 2010, 09:13 PM

I was asked on V.4 "why can"t I use my1 TB powered HDD"

The WD My passport AV HDD has been the only HDD that has passed the requirements of having a low power consumption and several other criteria. They tested lots of HDD and many have a built in reboot function when left on longer then 24 hours, this of course would interrupt a record. Most are just too heavy on sucking the juice during power up.

I think then rather then just opening it up for any old HDD which could cause poor recording or even damage the decoder they have made a white paper and at the moment only the WD My Passport AV 320GB passes it.

Wonder what is CH310 show ?? TVB drama in HD ??? anyone know ?

The firmware up grade enabling this feature is tonight.

Now I wonder how's the interface of Byond PVR??
If i live in KL, sure already go to Midvalley to catch the PVR Roadshow. But unfortunately, my place are too far from KL...

Hi Justin, may I know what model is the PVR? Still Pace?

Other than recording functions, is the any other changelog to this new firmware... And does B.yond PVR has the same interface/GUI as normal B.yond decoder??

hi Kelvin, could you please translate to me what is the mean of Zhi Zhun in english? thx...

至尊HD kua.....

Is it for all B.yond or B.yond with PVR enabled only?

至尊 zhi zun：epitome?

ask google to translate

Should be: New Emperor package...

至尊: Extreme: Zhì Zūn