I subscribe to byond because I can get HD channels, not because to expect improvement on SD channels. If you have sports & learning packages, it's a good move. Even better if you have movie package.

You didn't miss any. Still no news from Astro, maybe they also still unsure whether they will get HD source or not.

Call Astro CS, they will solve your problem. It's either box or remote problem.

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Added on January 18, 2011, 4:11 pm
You need to change dish & LNB. You still can use existing cable, just tell to installer. But if your existing cable is not good, they might suggest you to change the cable.
Just a note, if you want PVR, 2 cables are needed from decoder to dish.

This post has been edited by eMKs: Jan 18 2011, 04:11 PM

I personally think byond box does a good job.

You can try this one. Connect byond box to your tv using component cable & HDMI. Change your tv input source between component & HDMI, compare PQ. For me, I barely see the different. It's also depend on your TV.

Another thing to keep in mind. Ext HDD will give you more problem.


Attached thumbnail(s)

159 hours of SD / 55 hours of HD**

** Calculation based on average. Actual total hours of recording may vary depending on the channel bitrate.


Absolutely no

You may copy, but you can't play it. iinm, it's a raw bitstream format. That's why you can only play it with your decoder & smart card.

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Added on January 24, 2011, 11:48 pm
Read the manual, it's already there. If you can't find the 4 digit code, refer to Astro website for latest updated code.
http://www.astro.com.my/byond/articles/art_646.html

This post has been edited by eMKs: Jan 24 2011, 11:48 PM

If you have something like AEM link, you need to buy an AV to RF converter to make it work.
But if you watch HD channel, you might get copy protection fail message.

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Added on January 26, 2011, 12:37 pm
Are you referring to PVR? Then, the answer is NO.

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Added on January 26, 2011, 12:41 pmOh, btw Andy Gray has been sacked by Sky Sports. Wish that Astro can hire him as commentator

This post has been edited by eMKs: Jan 26 2011, 12:46 PM

Why not you try sync byond remote with pioneer amp using manual code or if you patience enough, try to scan the code.

If you have PVR, then it's quite true because schedule recording won't work if you completely off the decoder. But if you just use the normal byond, you can turn it off.

Someone here reported that byond decoder consume 18W in standby mode. If you watching astro average 5 hrs/day, 19 hrs will be in standby mode. So, do your math.

19 hrs x 30 days x 18W = 10.26 kWh per month.
If your TNB monthly bill < RM43.60 (200kWh), it will cost you RM2.24. But if your RM43.60<bill<RM110.40, it will cost you RM3.43

You can on/off(standby), ch+ & ch- using button at the decoder. No need OK button.
Purchase your own remote will be a better solution

You need remote Press 'back' or big blue button.
Check this thread how to purchase the remote http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1460421

Malaysia only allowed satellite dish for astro while in Singapore, no dish allowed at all. Normally FTA channel can be receive via terrestrial VHF/UHF in respective country. Using satellite dish added the ability to receive regional FTA channel, eg. Bali TV (only cover Bali area using terrestrial) & FTA channels for other country as well. For example, in Malaysia we can point our dish to Palapa D satellite to receive many Indonesian FTA channels, because we are in the footprint of Palapa D.


8 other licenses is for pay tv operator. Astro is still the sole pay tv satellite operator in Malaysia.
Personally I think the biggest hiccup for other pay tv operator is content. Astro hold many exclusive right for most demanded channels. This 'exclusive right' is not right.

EPL is understandable because they're bidding it. But channels like Discovery, NGC, AXN, Star World & so on are not meant to be exclusive.

Press OK then fav button while banner appear.

If you just need to check info on HD channels while watching current channel, you need to press OK (banner appear)--> green button --> select HD. Then scroll left/right to check HD channels info.

Actually, you don't buy the decoder. RM300/400 is installation charges. The decoder is belong to Astro. If you terminate astro, they will collect back the decoder.

I would suggest you go to PVR. Ext HDD will give you more problem.

Compare the different between PVR & ext HDD.


With ext HDD, if you watching recorded program while recording, actually nothing is recorded although planner not indicate recording fail. Ext HDD is useful if you want to record when you're not watching, or if you watching during recording don't do anything else (not even pause).
My problem is even worst. Although not recording, if I rewind or pause, live program will not buffered

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Added on February 22, 2011, 3:18 pm
Unfortunately no. This is the drawback for PVR.
With ext HDD, you can have as many HDD as you want.

This post has been edited by eMKs: Feb 22 2011, 03:18 PM

You'll definitely need PVR.

neb,
please give your source.
AFAIK, YTL claimed they got it but MCMC decline it been awarded.

byond box boot up time is a bit long, like media player. you can only turn it on when clock is displayed after boot.

btw, byond box consume 15-18W regardless during standby, power on or recording. Not sure about PVR tho.