Thanks. Mmm... you say that "probably" launched on 21st or 22nd June 2012... so where did you get your info because I also am not able to find it from Astro website.

I am also curious. Since I already subscribed to Astro, not necessary for me so I don't want to phone to Astro to find out myself... hehe... lazy lah !

ADDITION
Just found info from Dannychen who posted here ... "http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2227812/all"... refer to his post No. 61 dated 07-06-2012 which said "Njoi Prepaid are schedule to launched on 18th of June 2012 (Monday)".

So its true that its for NJOI only... so did I miss this info when I searched Astro website ? If not shown at the Astro website, then why still no such info there since it was "launched on 18-06-2012" as reported by Dannychen ? Mmm... is it really accurate as was reported by Dannychen ?

I am still not 100% sure but I am still not willing to phone to Astro to find out since its not necessary for me. Maybe anyone here who have phoned to Astro can give confirmation.

I found out later that when NJOI was launched, Astro did not actually announced that the first new 1 thousand NJOI subscribers will get everything free, NO one time RM 288 payment with free installation.

So that shop could be actually selling genuine authorised "prepaid cards" for NJOI which are NOT fake.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 13 2012, 10:58 PM

You are welcome.

NO such thing as "for kampung use" !!! The Byond decoder box used for NJOI is almost the same type as the one for the normal subscribers. I have not seen the NJOI box but I was told by my friend that its exactly the same type. The difference is the smartcard used for NJOI which only allow to watch 18 TV channels & 19 Radio channels.

Your initial question that you had earlier posted here was to use the satellite socket in your condo to watch "Free-To-Air" TV channels.

The solution "recommended" by that Astro promoter is the Astro Byond IPTV which include Internet high speed Broadband and Astro TV channels BUT this comes with MONTHLY subscription that you have to pay !! You need to compare with NJOI... total ONE TIME payment of RM 288 + RM 100 installation = RM 388 and FOREVER NO MONTHLY subscription payment.

Previously you already watch free TV channels by directly connecting your TV to your condo "TV socket" but since you say that its spoilt, you asked if you can use the other "Satellite socket". This means that most of us here will think that you want to continue watching free TV channels, no monthly fees or subscription.

Decide carefully if you want to continue watching TV channels for free OR whether you want to pay monthly subscription to enjoy much more Pay TV channels.

Ok, if a person decide to subscribe to Astro, and when Byond IPTV (using fibre optic) is available... then of course Byond IPTV is better because it include broadband internet. Please note that you have to pay extra for the broadband service depending on which speed chosen (3 Mb, 6Mb, 12 Mb, 24 Mb). For more info refer to "http://www.astro.com.my/iptv/". Not available for me in Pahang so I am not interested to know more details.

Unless you have now changed your original intention to watch "free" TV channels... then that Astro promoter is recommending something that you don't want. Probably I suspect that person wants to earn more commission from Astro, hehe... guessing only.

Compare this...

1) NJOI ... pay only once (RM 388). Forever no monthly subscription. Limited free TV and Radio channels. Heavy thunderstorms can disrupt reception.

2) Byond IPTV... pay one time payment for installation (if promo, maybe free installation, + other promos such as free 2 months broadband). Got monthly subscriptions. Got broadband and more choices of different Packages to add more TV channels so monthly subscription can vary. No disruption to reception due to weather.

I do NOT have the same opinion with what the Astro Promoter said ... "NJOI high installation cost with no guarantee I can receive channels". Maybe high cost but "sakit hanya satu kali saja" for the NJOI one-time payment because forever no monthly subscription fee lah !! Are you willing to pay for Astro Byond IPTV to watch channels which have many repeats repeats repeats, still got annoying advertisements, poor picture quality for the SD channels, etc ? No guarantee to receive channels for NJOI using your condo satellite connection ? Well... you have already accepted no guarantees when you previously watch the free TV channels using your condo "TV socket" but its now spoilt... so which do you want... (a) no guarantee but free 18 TV channels, no monthly fees or (b) got guarantee but spend money monthly !!

Hehe... just make sure on what you want, only after you have clearly understood the difference. Only you can decide for yourself.



This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 14 2012, 03:46 PM

To jalsrix...

The info from Astro may be confusing for "Non-Sports Pack" subscribers who want to watch the London Olympics. After subscribing to Sports Pack (or Superpack), the extra RM 50 payment will only be refunded when continue to subscribe to Sports Pack until 31-01-12 !

Don't subscribe to Sports Pack for 1 month, just subscribe to the Olympics Special Pack.

Why Is Subscribing To Sports Pack For Just 1 Month More Expensive ? Previously, I think many subscribers have been doing it just to watch a special sports event. I also did it before, for the World Cup 2006.

Prime Packages Category : Sport Pack, Dynasty Pack and Movies Pack.

If Basic Package (lowest subscription) to watch Astro = RM 37.95
When choose Sports Pack only, FORCED to also add 2 Mini Packs which give the total now = RM 82.95.
There is a "Service Charge" of RM 10 for Pack cancellation !
Now there is the additional RM 50 access fee added to prevent people from subscribing to Sports Pack for 1 month only.

For "Basic Pack" subscribers, this is the additional amount to pay to add Sports Pack for 1 month...

RM 82.95 - RM 37.95 = RM 45 (sports and 2 mini) + RM 10 (service charge) + RM 50 (access fee) = RM 105 additional payment !

Yes... For Non Sports Pack Subscribers... Olympics Special Pack : RM 50. As I have explained here, don't subscribe to Sports Pack for 1 month.

Have been mentioned in this thread previously before the Euro Cup started.

Up to you to decide if it is worth it to pay RM 50. In my personal opinion, I have decided NOT to pay extra to the blood-sucking dracula, As*teruk, to watch the London Olympics... its NOT worth it !

Astro Arena Ch 801 is "free" for all subscribers (except NJOI) so will also show selected live sports events. For the recently ended Euro Cup, many live matches (including Finals) were shown in Astro Arena eventhough not all. So why pay extra ? Not important for me to watch sports in HD. I can also watch some live events from RTM too.

Mmm... NO additional interactive channels for the London Olympics because Astro is not the Official Broadcaster ?? ESPN is the London Olympics 2012 Official Broadcaster.

NOTE : As I mentioned so many many many times here before, just a phone call (toll-free from land-lines) to Astro Customer Support will get a lot of questions answered OR search the Astro website. Anyway, I don't mind answering your question here, hehe.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 15 2012, 03:49 PM

Answer : NO ... when both Byond and Byond PVR boxes function with same remote IR frequencies, hehe.

I am not sure but I think other alternative remotes such as the Logitech Harmony will not work because both Byond boxes use same IR frequencies.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 15 2012, 02:37 PM

This is what I stated in my earlier reply... "just a phone call (toll-free from land-lines) to Astro Customer Support". I did not say anything about "free" or "chargeable" calls because I thought you understood. Mmm... I didn't say its free.

Toll-Free to 1-300 means "local call" charges which is much much cheaper. Call from Ipoh to Ipoh is charged "local call". Call from Ipoh to KL is outstation call.

Toll-Free to 1-800 XX-XXXX : Totally FREE call (pay by opposite party who received call)

Toll-Free to 1-300 XX-XXXX : Callers pay local call-rates

Refer here... "http://www.tm.com.my/sme/products/ComplementaryServices/Pages/TollFree.aspx"

For me, my TM a/c of RM 110 per month plus 1 Mb broadband include totally free calls to any malaysian land-lines (03, 09, 04, etc), upgraded during promotion from previous "internet RM 88 + rental RM 24, with normal call charges".

Note : Mobile phone call charges may be different.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 15 2012, 07:24 PM

You are welcome. No problem.

Yea, I do understand about the difficulty to get anyone to answer from Astro. I usually call in the early morning at about 8 to 9 am because less people call at that time, hehe.

Before I continue... the "Receiving Device (device)" I am now mentioning are the devices such as the Byond box, HDTV, DVD player, Bluray Player, Amplifiers and others.

Each device have a fixed set of IR frequency range that allows it to be controlled by its remote controller. For simplicity in explanation, I shall call it as IR frequency.

I will give you an actual true example. I have a Sony DVD player and a Sony Blu-ray player. Both these players have the same IR frequency. So what happened is that I can use the remote from Blu-ray player to control the DVD player and vice versa. Both the remote control transmit at the same IR frequency that both players will respond. So when I pressed the DVD remote "Eject/Open" button, both my players will eject the disc tray !!

What is needed is for the device to have internal settings that allow it to change the "fixed" IR frequency.

However, either one or both of the Byond boxes do not have settings to allow us to change its operating IR frequency.

Just for example only, if Byond 1 and Byond 2 are factory set at 8 to 9 KHz IR frequency range, 8.1 KHz for Volume+ so when I actually press the remote control Volume+ button, the 8.1 KHz IR frequency is sent out... and ... well... BOTH the Byond 1 and Byond 2 will increase the audio volume.

Let's say if I can change Byond 1 setting to use 10 to 11 IR frequency range and don't change anything to Byond 2. Now when I pressed the remote control, only Byond 2 will increase audio volume.

BUT both remotes are still transmitting at 8 to 9 KHz IR frequency range so I need another different remote which can transmit at 10 to 11 KHz range to control Byond 1 (with IR frequency settings changed).

Two things are needed here. One... the device must have the ability to allow IR freq setting change. Two... the 2 different remote must operate at 2 different IR frequency range or the same remote must have "switch" for different IR freq to be used.

Therefore, IF we can change Byond 1 IR setting, then I can use the Logitech Harmony remote to control it and use either 1 of the Byond remote to control Byond 2. A single Logitech Harmony remote can even control either Byond 1 or Byond 2 because this remote can set and assign different buttons change to which Byond to control. Not necessary to explain further on how to use the Logitech remote.

Once you understand what I have explained, you already knew that there is no IR (1, 2, 3) manual switch behind both Byond boxes... and the Byond software settings also don't have "IR Settings" to make any such changes.

So, for my Sony DVD and Blu-ray players, even if I use the original remotes or the Logitech Harmony remote commander, BOTH my players will still eject the disc tray when I pressed the "Eject/Open" button !! I must be allowed to change either one of my players or device IR settings BUT its not possible for both my Sony players. I had to move both players to further away from each other, hehehe.

Unfortunately, you cannot change the fixed IR setting for either one of your two Byond boxes.

My answer is still NO for your two Byond boxes. I hope you have understood my explanations clearly on the reason why.

NOTE: Probably Astro can set different IR frequency for Byond and Byond PVR, they did not... BUT I don't think anyone would have thought that people will put 2 Byond boxes near together at the SAME location... usually both in different rooms !! In most situations, Byond boxes are installed in different locations.

I admit that my knowledge in this area is not much and if any experts here find any mistakes or have any recommendations, please correct me or comment.. no problem, so that I will also learn too !



This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 16 2012, 01:07 AM

The answer is NO HDMI output.

I was using the old Astro DMT box until I upgraded to HD Service in 2010. The installer came and changed my set to Byond box and new slightly bigger grey colour dish. I was curious so I asked the installer (who happens to be my friend) if I can change my old box to the new Byond box without subscribing to HD Service and at that time he said no. I asked because he told me that only new subscribers later will immediately be given the Byond box and the old box was being phased out. Because he used HDMI to connect the Byond to my amplifier, I gave a comment about the new subscribers who were now given Byond boxes and did not subscribe to HD Service... "I think they will not get better picture quality by using HDMI to watch only SD channels" and he told me that the HDMI out is not activated (no signal out) for people who didn't subscribe to HD Service.

Honestly, I did not see it with my own eyes. This was what I understood from my conversation with my installer friend at that time so I explained to you from what I can remember.

To check... use remote... press [HOME], select "Settings", and select "System Versions".

When the Byond HDMI Out is switched on, you will see HDMI: On

If not subscribe to HD Service, when HDMI Out is not activated (switched off), you will see HDMI: Off

Since I have "HD Service", I also tested without HDMI connection. I pulled out and disconnected the HDMI cable connection, used the Component Video (red, green, blue) to connect and HDMI: On is still shown.

Short answer, get a pair of PC speakers with built-in amplifier with the correct connectors to the Byond RCA (red, white) output... BUT there may be "problems" so please continue reading.

I am going to retire very soon and in my 20+ years of technical work for PC hardware/software and Audio Visual solutions, I have faced so many different requests that have given me so many sleepless nights ! Obviously not from you, I have even been asked on whether the HDMI Out can be used or not to connect directly to speakers without amplifier to get sound !

Ok, let's come back to your question.

I will not explain in technical mumbo-jumbo that only a rocket scientist can understand so I will try to use simple layman's explanation. Its difficult to understand explanations using signal current and impedance (ohms) loads, hehe.

Basically there are 2 types of audio Output Ports which I believe you already know. Of course there are other types.

1) Line Out
2) Speaker/Headphone Out

I believe most of us have a desktop computer and almost all comes with a sound card. Better sound cards will have the 2 outputs as mentioned above.

I seem to be going off-topic so please be patient.

In simple explanation, Line Out have very very low output power and Speaker/Headphone have higher output power.

If you connect a earphone/headphone to (1), you will not hear any or very very very low sound... but with (2), the sound can be clearly heard with proper loudness.

The Byond box have 3 types of audio outputs... (a) analog RCA (red, white), (b) digital Co-Axial (orange) and (c ) digital HDMI. Many people mistaken the Co-axial output to be analog... its digital because it can carry Dolby Digital and DTS audio which are digital signals.

Here is a sample picture I took from my phone camera to help me explain...

So your question is on how to get audio by using small size speakers to connect directly to the Byond audio output AND you don't want to use any AV or Integrated Amplifiers which are expensive.

BUT you still need "amplifier" because the power from (1) and (2) is too low to get any sound from the speakers directly connected to Byond !

The solution is to use a pair of speakers with amplifier built inside which is similar to the sample picture above.

There are so many types of such speakers with built-in amp, some expensive ones come with Co-Axial Input and digital decoder for Dolby Digital/DTS. What you want is budget cheap or slightly more expensive ones BUT such speakers usually only have RCA (red, white) input similar to the sample picture above.

That means, such cheaper speakers with built-in amp can only accept analog signals so you can only connect to the Byond analog RCA (red, white) output.

So the answer is...

1) Get speakers with built-in amplifier similar to the sample picture above.
2) There are so many choices with different power, size and price ranges... obviously I am not able to know which have "clear voice" that you want so find out yourself. You can audition from PC sellers in Low Yat Plaza.

Take Note : Don't get speakers that use USB port to receive audio, will not work for the Byond USB port because the Byond audio decoder is not "linked directly" to that port.

At the beginning of my reply, I mentioned that there may be problems using such speakers with builtin amp. The Byond RCA (red, white) output is only LINE OUT type so this port have much much lower power output.

Will such speakers with built-in amp have enough power boost to get reasonable loud audio volume ? Yes, I have found that it worked for other situations BUT (even with built-in amp) you may not get the proper audio loudness with Byond.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
As I mentioned before, I will not use complex technical details.

Eventhough it may not happen, there is a RISK and DANGER that you may DAMAGE your Byond audio controller chip for the RCA port because of using speakers with RCA Input which have input current and impedance (ohms) that is outside-the-range of the Byond RCA Output specifications.

NOTE : For others that have SPEAKER/ HEADPHONE OUT, no risk of damage to connect to such speakers (with builtin amp).

The Byond RCA Out is LINE OUT so I am refering to the risk here.

I have CLEARLY mentioned this RISK to you so please DON'T blame me if your Byond is damaged after using such connection for long-term.

And... please don't ask me which speaker brand and model that have ports which are compatible with the Byond RCA Out because I don't know the actual current/load impedance for the Byond RCA Out and also there are sooo many different speakers with different specifications.

For speakers with speaker/headphone jack, you must get a converter cable with female speaker/headphone to RCA plugs. Available in any many HiFi/TV shops or from PC shops in Low Yat Plaza.

Well... I have given my answer BUT you must clearly understand what I have already explained here. How big are the speakers and what type of speaker connections it have, will depend on how much you are willing to pay. If you buy speakers (with built-in amp) which include internal digital decoder for Dolby Digital/DTS and Co-Axial Input, then you can connect it to your Byond Co-Axial Output, hehe.

From the movie "Godzilla" advertisement... "Size Does Matter" to you BUT price is also important.

Oh, please don't ask me which speaker brand and model to recommend because I don't know and... hehe... I am not going to spend time to search for you.

Hehehe... I hope I did not confuse you.

Have a nice day !

ADDITION
You can also connect the speakers directly to the HDTV speaker out (if available) but you still need speakers with built-in amplifier. If it is Speaker/Headphone Out, then there is no risk of damage (as mentioned in my Important Notice). If your TV have Optical Out, then need speakers with built-in amp, built-in digital decoder AND Optical Input.

Using TV Optical Out or Byond Co-Axial will get slightly better sound from the mini sized speakers BUT the speakers must have internal digital decoder.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 16 2012, 01:48 PM

You are welcome.

Normally, it should not be a problem for you with 2 "boxes" (Byond PVR and "new" Byond) in different rooms since both remotes are not pointing directly to 2 "boxes".

You did not mention but I suspect that this is your current situation which you believe will have problems later...

1) You are presently subscribing to different Packages for your current 2 "boxes" (Byond PVR box and the old Astro DMT box).

2) There is a cable from the current old Astro DMT box in the living room to the Byond PVR room. And this cable is connected to a "device" with "Cats Eyes" that relay the IR signals from the Astro DMT room to the Byond PVR room.

3) From the Byond PVR room + another "device", you can use 2 remotes to change channels to watch channels subscribed for the Byond PVR and also for the old Astro DMT !

So, is this your actual current situation now ?

If it is... before upgrade... since 2 different IR frequencies are used for the 2 boxes (Byond PVR and the old Astro DMT), currently there is no problem to control the 2 "boxes" separately in the Byond PVR room.

Now, you worry that you will have problems to control which of the 2 "boxes" (Byond PVR and "device") in the Byond PVR room when you upgrade the old Astro DMT box in the living room... is this correct ?

Your problem can be solved if both "boxes" are subscribed to the same Packages so no need to control 2 "boxes" in the Byond PVR room.

I have a few questions for you here...

Question 1
Are the packages subcribed for both "boxes" different ? If different, what are the actual packages for the Byond PVR and for the old Astro DMT.

Question 2
Is your Byond PVR subscribed to more Packages than the old Astro DMT ? If more, then you can think of upgrading the old Astro DMT box to Byond for RM 50 per month during current promo to watch the same Packages as the Byond PVR.

Question 3
Is the old Astro DMT box actually the 1st Primary box and the Byond PVR the 2nd Secondary box ? Normally the old Astro DMT box started first many years ago before Byond was launched so this should be the FIRST box. Is the the Byond PVR currently at 50% special monthly subscription ?

Once the old Astro DMT box have been upgraded to Byond with same Packages as Byond PVR, then you don't need to use the "device (with IR relay)" in the Byond PVR room.

I am making a lot of guesses about your current actual situation. Without further explanation from you, I don't know whether my suggestion here apply to your situation, hehe. I may only be able to make a more accurate suggestion when I have more info.

Yes, you are right.

Thank you very much for correcting the error in my explanation. I appreciated it.

I only have very basic knowledge on how IR works. The only thing I am sure of, is that any device (TV, DVD players, etc) have built-in IR receiver which operates at different IR codes for each different device. Therefore, I do know that two devices operating with the same IR codes must be able to have either one device changed to different IR codes to prevent both devices from acting from the same remote control commands. Changing or using differrent remote controls or using a universal remote such as the Logitech Harmony will not help for such situation.

The internet revolution have vast information that anyone can easily find for answers and knowledge. Hehe, my mistake is that I did not check the full details on how IR actually work before I gave the IR "frequency" examples. I have now checked and understood on how it work in detail and will now use the term IR "codes".

Hehe... I knew that my knowledge on IR is basic and I also suspected that I may have used the wrong "IR frequency" examples. I should have searched the internet before giving the "frequency" examples. Me bad for being lazy !! This is why, in my previous reply, I requested people to correct me if I am wrong.

Nobody knows everything, including myself. Acquiring knowledge will always continue as long as we continue to live.

My thanks again for your correction.

ADDITIONAL INFO ON REMOTE CONTROL
WARNING !! Wrongly changing the IR Code settings on the Remote CAN cause the original Remote Control to fail to work ! Please don't blame me if this happens.

Some remotes (such as for some AVR amps) have "Learn" function and/or have the ability to set different IR codes.

My Yamaha remote control (for my Yamaha AVR amplifier) have 3 switches, "Amp, TV, Source".

This remote have the "learn" function and also can set IR code to use so that it can also be used to control the TV or other devices, eventhough its limited.

Below shows a portion from my Yamaha Manual which provide the IR Control Codes that can be used for my remote...


I can switch to "TV" for my Yamaha Remote and follow instructions to enter the correct IR code by referring to the IR Code Table as shown in above picture. When this is done, each time I switched to "TV" on my Yamaha Remote, I can use it to control many functions of my Samsung LCD TV ! But not everything can be controlled because some remote buttons for my Samsung TV are not available on my Yamaha Remote. Example... Samsung Remote have "Tools" button but not for my Yamaha Remote.

By using my Yamaha Remote "Amp, TV, Source" switch, I can use it to either control my Yamaha amp or my Samsung TV.

There is a problem to use my Yamaha to control the Byond box ! I could not find the international IR Code (5 digit numbers) used by the Byond box.

If IR Code is not known, then I can also use my Yamaha Remote "Learn" function to send the Samsung TV individual commands for each button to my Yamaha Remote to memorise. In this way, I can use my Yamaha "TV" switch to manually set many of its buttons to control my Samsung TV. Using the "Learn" method is time-consuming, difficult and troublesome.

I still wanted my Yamaha Remote to control the Byond box so I used the Yamaha Remote "Learn" feature. Selected "Source" swtich on my Yamaha Remote. I followed the Yamaha "Learn" instructions by pointing the Byond Remote towards the front of my Yamaha Remote, then pressed both the two remote buttons at the same time. For example, press Byond Volume+ button and at the same time press Yamaha Volume+ button. Its a bit complicated to fully explain the full instructions here.

Here's a picture of my Yamaha Remote pointing at the Byond Remote...


Each different Remote with such similar features, the "Learn" function and/or the ability to set IR Code, have different procedures so the instructions are different from mine. So I cannot help anyone here... just read the Operating Instructions Manual.

Everything I have mentioned here are about the Remote only. When 2 or more device use the exact same IR Code, nothing we do on the Remote itself will help. For example... when the Byond Remote Channel+ button is pressed, BOTH the 2 Byond boxes will change channel at the same time because both Byond boxes use the same IR Code. In order to have separate control for the two Byond boxes, one of these must be changed to use a different IR Code BUT, as far as I know, we cannot do it. Its not about the Remote Control, its the Byond box itself.

Hehe... just sharing some knowledge that I learned from using my Yamaha Remote "advanced IR features". And I believe some devices have such similar Remotes too. I may be wrong but I think many higher-end amplifier Remotes have such feature. If anyone wants 1 Remote to control more than 1 device and the existing Remote don't have such features or if full control is needed, then a third party Remote Commander (such as the Logitech Harmony, etc) is required.

Now my Yamaha Remote can control 3 devices... Yamaha Amp, Samsung LCD TV and Byond box... by using the remote "Amp, TV and Source" switches. Not everything can be controlled but enough for my use.

* Not sure... sorry if I am out-of-topic here.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 17 2012, 06:55 PM

Wow ! Malaysia have 14 states (including Federal Territory). That will mean additional 14+ local radio stations. Mmm... not a lot, isn't it ?

What I really want is HD Radio in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audio.

Other countries already have HD Radio which is actually FM Radio broadcast in digital format from terrestrial radio transmitting towers. Malaysia still use analog FM radio broadcast over-the-air from analog FM radio transmitting towers. A few countries have already changed to digital FM radio transmissions.

Hehe... using digital source transmission for FM radio have much better audio quality than analog FM radio.

Yes, I do know that the radio channels we received from Astro is already in digital format (not analog) from HDMI connection but I don't know whether the FM transmission source from the radio stations is... digital OR ... converted from analog to digital... for Astro Radio Channels.

Anyway, I will be very happy to be able to enjoy classical music from full orchestra in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audio from the Astro satellite radio channels !! Is it possible ? Will Astro do it ? Or am I dreaming only ?

Already loved SACD and DTS Audio in 5.1 surround audio from playing such discs using my Oppo BDP-93 player.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 17 2012, 08:09 PM

Yes, I do know about the current digital radio (and TV) situation and the DMB-T receiver. The reason I clearly stated "Malaysia still use analog FM radio broadcast..." in my previous comment was that such digital FM radio transmissions is NOT available NATIONWIDE which I meant to be "generally speaking" and not targeting to just some specific BIG cities.

I don't mean any offense to anybody here and I am not angry... I did notice... there are previous replies by various people here who have so easily and casually given replies for such people who are fortunate to be staying in Klang valley (KL, PJ, etc) or some BIG CITIES when the majority of the Malaysian people are staying in small towns and "kampungs". Many people in such areas including me, knows about this and can only read with eyes like this and with saliva drooling out... mixed with a tea-spoon full of jealousy... that TM UniFi and Byond IPTV are not available nationwide and have to wait for ???? years. Actually no problem for me to read such replies, but whenever I read them, my saliva starts to drool from my mouth and I will start reading from a book I bought which teaches me on "how to learn to be patient and stay cool" !! And then wait and wait for an unknown number of years to come to my location, only to realise that it may never come !

I always believe that trying to stay cool will ensure a happier life, with less frustration and anger. Hehe... especially for my "personal" situation. Keep " ing" when we are faced with by thinking more of peace and .

My apologies if I have offended anybody.



This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 19 2012, 02:52 PM

* This forum don't allow any post with too many emoticons in one single post so I am forced to make another post here, sorry.

Yes, I acknowledge that its truly unfortunate that it happened to you about your "smartcard incident" which you also remarked some time ago. No need for me to repeat the details here.

Eventhough I still continue to subscribe, I don't love As*_teruk for various other reasons. With that said, rain fade occurs not only for As*_teruk, it also happens for other satellite broadcasters such as DTV in USA. Well... as long as small satellite dish is still being used but other countries have the option to use large satellite dish.

The main issues here, I believe, is ... (1) that our government still do not allow us to install large parabolic dish (only allowed with limited special license) when many people in East Malaysia are allowed to continue to "illegally" use such large dishes... and (2) that our government still continue to extend the exclusive license to As*_teruk even after more than 15 years of monopoly for satellite TV/Radio services !

Remember the time when mobile phone service was initally launched ? ATUR subscription rates for 011 was incredibly high together with the BIG car phones which cost about RM 10 thousand. Later, Celcom was charging a flat monthly subscription of RM 80 and ALL calls are charged extra. Much much later, when competition comes in, the rates situation slightly improved which benefited consumers in some ways. What would happen IF the mobile phone service is monopolised by a single company ?

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 19 2012, 07:20 PM

The "301, 309 channels n AOD 9xx channels" are ALL SD Channels.

The first thing is to check if got loose cable or if this happened after you changed cables which were now connected wrongly. Then try to switch off the Byond power completely (not standby), wait a few minutes and switch power back on and don't touch anything until the time appears on the Byond display in standby, then check the channels again. If this did not fix your audio problem, then continue reading.

Is it Byond (also for Byond PVR) box and did you also subscribe to HD Service (or Superpack) ?

If all yes... did you change the Byond/Byond PVR Digital Audio Output Settings ?

Digital Audio Output have these 2 settings...
(1) Stereo (Analogue and Digital)
(2) Dolby Digital 5.1 (Digital only)

When HDMI connection used...
Both (1) and (2) got "sound" for all SD and HD channels. No problem.

When RCA (red, white) connection used...
For (1), got "sound" for all SD and HD channels.
For (2), NO "sound" for ALL HD CHANNELS ! Only all SD channels got "sound".

You did not give enough details so I am guessing that maybe you have changed to the "wrong Byond audio output settings".

Did you connect 1 Byond to 2 HDTVs. First TV by HDMI cable connection... and Second TV by RCA (red, white) cable connection. If this is your situation... when setting (1) is used... and when you watch any * HD channel, your First TV will have "sound" BUT your Second TV will be "soundless" as you described.

* Correction... wrongly typed "SD"

Also, did you connect Byond box to AVR Amplifier and then from Amplifier to HDTV ?

I think I have previously explained this here before including some other info.

IF all SD and HD channels got no "sound" for ALL cable connections, not cable loose and not wrong cable connections, then I guess your Byond box may have some problem. If everything done and still cannot fix it, then I suggest you phone to Astro Customer Support for help and the support person "may probably" send someone to come to your place to check.



ADDITION: Correction
Mmm... my mistake that I did not read carefully your explanation. I realised that you have "soundless" problem with the few SD channels you mentioned so my above answers on the Byond Audio settings WILL NOT FIX your problem because my answer is for the audio from HD channels.

If signal reception problem, both video and audio will have problem, not just the audio only.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 19 2012, 09:21 PM

I am from central Pahang.

Eventhough I am not from Kuantan, here's what I can suggest...

Suggestion 1
Go to central Kuantan and look for any signboard with the Astro Logo by searching from the old shophouses along the main road or Jalan Mahkota. Probably you can also search in Berjaya Megamall for any shoplot with the Astro Logo.

Suggestion 2
The answer is already shown at... "http://support.astro.com.my/LocateBranches.aspx"

Here is the Astro Branch in Kuantan...
CSC Kuantan
A-137, Jalan Air Putih, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang.
Operating Hours:
Mon to Fri (9.30am to 5.30pm)
Sat (9.30am to 2.00pm)
Sunday / Public Holiday: Close

Suggestion 3
You can phone to ...
1 300 82 3838
(8am - 12midnight)
Customer Service Line
... to ask for contact address to any Astro Agent in Kuantan.

Actually you can find the answers if you have spent some time to do your own internet search at Astro website. I have done the work for you. If you want to register as a new subscriber, I think nobody can "recommend" which Astro Agent is the best. And, if you are an existing subscriber and want to move your existing installation, then nobody can suggest which installer is the best.



This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 19 2012, 08:51 PM

Actually only 11 Olympics channels. Ch840->ch850 are just mirrors with the same broadcast content as ch820->ch830 so the only difference is HD.

Eventhough Non-sports Pack subscribers pay RM 50 (one-time fee) for the Olympics Pass package, if did NOT subscribe to the HD Service (at extra monthly RM 20), the HD channels from ch840->ch850 CANNOT be watched. Of course the special Olympics Pass will still allow ch820->ch830 SD channels to be watched.

Superpack 1, 2, 3 and 4 subscribers already included Sports Pack and HD Service so can get to watch all 22 channels and no need to purchase the Olympics Pass package. Since a few months ago (before Euro Cup started), anyone who started subscription to the Superpack or Sports Pack will be temporarily charged extra RM 50 in the bill but this extra payment will be refunded later as a deduction in the January 2013 bill. Very clever of As*teruk to prevent non-sports pack subscribers from subscribing to Sports Pack for 1 month only. Anyone who started Superpack or Sports Pack after the London Olympics ended will not be temporarily charged with RM 50.

I DO expect that there will be many people who will be BLUR and will not understand why the extra RM 50 appear in the bill eventhough subscribed to Superpack or Sports Pack recently. Well... Eau-rouge (Post #2304) was still very blur-blur and did ask here about the "extra RM 50 charged for euro & olympic" when already a SP subscriber and I did not reply because this has already been answered a few months ago. I repeated this here because I personally still think that it is not fair to use such methods. Its really unfair for people who recently started subscription to Superpack or Sports Pack for continued long-term, not for 1 month only. Yes, the RM 50 will be refunded but only after at least 6 months. Can you imagine how much money As*teruk received extra and earn bank interest for 6 months ?

I actually did phone to As*teruk to complain that its unfair to collect the extra RM 50 in such a way but the only answer that I got is the money will be refunded later. I still stressed that this will cause a lot of confusion for many people who are still not aware of this and will invite many complains. I also said that its unfair to refund in January 2013 next year. I even suggested which I believe maybe a more fair method... For people who started Superpack or Sports Pack inside period 1st June to 13 August 2012, RM 50 will be charged if the pack is cancelled on or before 31-12-2012. State and print this clearly on the monthly statement. So, don't collect first and refund later. Examples... (1) if I started the Sports Pack on 25-07-2012 and cancelled on 15-12-2012, then my December 2012 bill will be charged the extra RM 50... (2) if started on 01-06-2012 and cancelled on 03-07-2012, then charge on July bill so I won't cancel until after the Olympics on 12-08-2012... (3) if started on 01-06-2012 and cancelled on 31-01-2013, then nothing happens, no extra RM 50. This will avoid "problems" for people who took the Pack and continue for long-term because the stupid RM 50 will not appear in the bill ! Early collection and then refund in January 2013 is NOT the proper way. Well... the support person told me that my suggestion will be passed to his supervisor... and I don't expect anything to change, hehe. Anyway, my suggestion may not be a good one, hehe.

According to the countdown clock at the top of this link... "http://www.london2012.com/schedule-and-results/", the Opening Ceremony will start at about 3 am (28-07-12) Malaysian Time which is +8 hours later than London time. That means the Opening Ceremony will start in London time 7 pm (27-07-12).

I wonder how many Malaysians can stay awake to watch the Live broadcast of the Opening Ceremony so early in the morning ! Hehe... I will drink a lot of hot sugarfree cappucino to keep myself awake on that very early Saturday morning (Friday night in London) ! No problem to stay awake for many young KL or big city people who already have very late night lifestyles.

I will not pay for the Olympics Pass package because its not worth it for me. Anyway, its up to each person's decision. I do expect that ALL Astro subscribers can also watch the Opening Ceremony from Ch 801 in SD for free too, including maybe RTM2 or TV3 so I can still watch live for the Opening Ceremony.

NOTE : I edited and added some more comments here.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 21 2012, 07:33 AM

Yes, the final conclusion to the trilogy. The 3 films have already been shown in Astro HBO Ch 411 / HBO HD Ch 433 this year for many many times already. Unfortunately, its the Theatrical Edition, not the Extended Edition.

The Theatrical Edition shown in HBO / HBO HD for "Return Of The King" is only, hehe, 200 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes). Showing now from 04:40 pm to 08:00 pm 21-07-2012. The actual size ratio 22:10 have been changed to fit 16:9 screen which means some parts of the left and right of the picture have been cut-off, so losing some details shown at the sides. For SD channel 411, the 16:9 is shown with top/bottom black bars in 4:3 SD.

The Extended Edition for "Return O T King" is 251 minutes (4 hours 11 minutes) with additional 51 minutes footage which the Theatrical Edition don't have.

According to a blu-ray review from a web site... Examples of scenes not shown in the Theatrical Edition... (1) scene which show what happened to Saruman, (2) Gandalf and the Witch-king battle, (3) Merry pledges allegiance to Theoden, (4) what happened when Faramir and Eowyn were in the Houses of Healing, (5) Frodo and Sam march together with Sauron's orcs.

I waited and waited and waited for HBO to show the Extended Edition BUT only the Theatrical Edition is still being repeatedly shown for more than 20++ times already since last year.

Saya tak boleh tahan lagi and bought the Extended Edition blu-ray and yes, the additional scenes mentioned from the website review are inside and explains the whole J.R.R. Tolkien's story in much more detail which I feel is important and necessary when compared to the novel from the book. Of course the actual book which I read is much much much better than the movie (about 12 hours is actually too short for the trilogy !!!) Somehow I feel the author's style of writing transcends the genre which are akin to the styles of medieval english, and hitherto, which are difficult to understand for people who are used to the writings of modern contemporary english. Transplanting the author's original vision and details to the 3 movies were difficult, to say the least.

Surprisingly, the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio from the HBO HD Ch 433 for the 3 films in this Trilogy was quite good. Battle scenes sounded directional between the main and surround speakers, vocals clearly defined, background music properly defined. Of course the audio from the lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 from Astro HBO HD cannot be compared with the lossless DTS-HS Master Audio 6.1 presented from the Extended Edition Blu-ray.

I don't think HBO HD Ch 433 will show the Extended Edition so I can only continue to harbour unfulfilled hope for something which won't thappen.



This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 21 2012, 07:29 PM

Yes, in my personal opinion, I totally agree with Dannychen. Its highway robbery for people with NJOI !!

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Jul 21 2012, 07:40 PM

Did you connect the Byond HDMI Out directly to your HDTV ?

When Byond Digital Audio Output is set to "Stereo (Analogue and Digital)", it will HDMI output all SD and HD channels in only PCM Stereo which all HDTV can decode so got sound.

When Byond Digital Audio Output is set to "Dolby Digital 5,1 (Digital Only)", it will HDMI output all SD channels as PCM Stereo... and all HD channels as Dolby Digital 5.1/2.0.

If your HDTV do NOT have built-in Dolby Digital Decoder... when the Byond is set to "Dolby Digital 5,1 (Digital Only)", the HDTV will have NO sound eventhough you connect directly by HDMI to your HDTV. So make sure your HDTV support Dolby Digital decoding. IF not, then of course no sound for all HD channels !

Here's a picture I took with my phone camera of my Samsung HDTV...


Most old and new AVR Amplifiers already support Dolby Digital audio decoding so connecting the Byond HDMI to the amplifier (if have HDMI Input) will correctly allow sound from the HD channels with Dolby Digital audio. If you are already using this connection, then maybe something is wrong with your Byond box. Of course getting 5.1 surround from home theatre system for the HD channels Dolby Digital 5.1 is a lot better than the HDTV internal stereo speakers.

You also mentioned that you got "some jiggling" in the picture and then no sound. I suspect that there may be 2 possible reasons.

Possible Reason 1
Maybe the HDMI contact pins in either end of the cable heads is poorly connected or loose. Loose connections can cause intereference or loss of video or audio.

Possible Reason 2
Even if the reception signal is strong from the LNB at dish, please check from your Byond whether the signal reception fluctuates sometimes from excellent to poor. This was what happened with a friend of mine who installed the dish on the first floor. He complained that his LED TV picture will always flicker a few seconds after about every half an hour and picture colour is weak eventhough the reception signal is still strong, so I asked my Astro installer friend to personally go to his house to check. Hehe... he found out that the dish angle of direction was pointing to a very tall tree with one tree branch that is blocking a part of the signal path. My friend just saw off this annoying long horizontal branch and no more flickering and picture colour and sharpness is now excellent ! It seems that the single long tree branch is always swaying from the wind and blocking part of the signal area, LOL. Sometimes its difficult to find out the reason which may be due to such "blocks".

Possible Reason 3
Probably your "jiggling in graphic n then no sound" can also be caused by loose cable connection at the LNB (at sat Dish) or at your Byond Satellite Input.
Also check if your Byond Satellite Input cable is properly connected tightly. Its difficult to check the LNB for loose cable connection if located at rooftop.

Even if the LNB is correctly aligned at the dish, sometimes the cable connected to the LNB may be getting slightly loose which can cause very funny problems with the TV channels.

Everything I suggested here are only my guesses of your actual situation. I believe the best way is to call someone who is very good in Audio/Video/HiFi to personally come to your home to check everything, including your HDMI cables and various connections.