your installer took the hdmi cable, call the installer to return your it, the cable is bundled FOC inside every byond package

Do you apply those HD Channels as well ? .. If you didn't - that means no HDMI cable will be included and you can't display the ASTRO decoder using HDMI cable to the TV as well ..

yes i did, there is 3 or 4 HD channels in family package and i paid extra RM20 to turn on HD. in preparation i even bought satellite booster. it is to be connect between decoder and satellite dish.

Great,thanks pal!Many share the iew that ESPN HD feed is not satisfactory.

Sorry for the late reply....was tied uopwith work today....this is wat I gather:

ESPN Malaysia, Star Sports Malaysia and ESPN HD Malaysia feed (dedicated M'sia feed) are all sent to Astro via fiber optic - hence there should not be any loss/degrade of picture quality.  If the channels were sent via satellite, then the signals will go thru various passes, i.e. SIN to Satellite, Satellite signals pulled down by Astro and re-uplinked again and then downlinked again to subscribers dish; which makes the quality worse.

Hence, it should be a compression issue on Astro's side.....they may have given movie channels a higher bitrate...

Even on Starhub, movie channels are given slightly higher bitrate than the Ent. channels.

As for HBO, the catalogue/old titles sometimes do not have HD tape available thus a SD tape is upconverted instead....not sure why they are stretched....maybe they feel most viewers want their widescreen TV filled up with video images. Should write in to complain!  FOX Movies Premium does a better job than HBO.

For HD channels with no subtitles, likely it is also sent via fiber.....channels sent vi fiber does not carry subtitles by default.

Yup, most of HD5 programs are upscaled. Why? No competing Free to Air Channels, hence HD5 folks are being complacent...

Hope this helps.......

Sorry for the late reply....was tied uopwith work today....this is wat I gather:

ESPN Malaysia, Star Sports Malaysia and ESPN HD Malaysia feed (dedicated M'sia feed) are all sent to Astro via fiber optic - hence there should not be any loss/degrade of picture quality.  If the channels were sent via satellite, then the signals will go thru various passes, i.e. SIN to Satellite, Satellite signals pulled down by Astro and re-uplinked again and then downlinked again to subscribers dish; which makes the quality worse.

Hence, it should be a compression issue on Astro's side.....they may have given movie channels a higher bitrate...

Even on Starhub, movie channels are given slightly higher bitrate than the Ent. channels.

As for HBO, the catalogue/old titles sometimes do not have HD tape available thus a SD tape is upconverted instead....not sure why they are stretched....maybe they feel most viewers want their widescreen TV filled up with video images. Should write in to complain!  FOX Movies Premium does a better job than HBO.

For HD channels with no subtitles, likely it is also sent via fiber.....channels sent vi fiber does not carry subtitles by default.

Yup, most of HD5 programs are upscaled. Why? No competing Free to Air Channels, hence HD5 folks are being complacent...

Hope this helps.......

Sorry for the late reply....was tied uopwith work today....this is wat I gather:

ESPN Malaysia, Star Sports Malaysia and ESPN HD Malaysia feed (dedicated M'sia feed) are all sent to Astro via fiber optic - hence there should not be any loss/degrade of picture quality.  If the channels were sent via satellite, then the signals will go thru various passes, i.e. SIN to Satellite, Satellite signals pulled down by Astro and re-uplinked again and then downlinked again to subscribers dish; which makes the quality worse.

Hence, it should be a compression issue on Astro's side.....they may have given movie channels a higher bitrate...

Even on Starhub, movie channels are given slightly higher bitrate than the Ent. channels.

As for HBO, the catalogue/old titles sometimes do not have HD tape available thus a SD tape is upconverted instead....not sure why they are stretched....maybe they feel most viewers want their widescreen TV filled up with video images. Should write in to complain!  FOX Movies Premium does a better job than HBO.

For HD channels with no subtitles, likely it is also sent via fiber.....channels sent vi fiber does not carry subtitles by default.

Yup, most of HD5 programs are upscaled. Why? No competing Free to Air Channels, hence HD5 folks are being complacent...

Hope this helps.......

haha new HD in...celestial HD dont think can get 4 free though without overpriced chinese package

http://www.astro.com.my/epg/channel.php?id=413219

2.What channel is Celestial HD on?
Channel 309.

3
What programmes will Celestial HD be showing??
Celestial HD channel offers a wide range of all time favourite movies from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan and many more films from across the Asia region. The channel will also include exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and latest entertainment news about Asia’s best loved celebrities and personalities.

4
Do I need to subscribe to a certain package in order to watch Celestial HD?
All Astro customers who are currently subscribed to our Astro B.yond HD platform will be able to enjoy Celestial HD immediately from 1st March 2012. Astro customers who would like to upgrade to the Astro B.yond HD service for the ultimate HD experience can call us on 1300 82 3838 or log on to www.astro.com.my/byond for more details.

5
When will Celestial HD be available?
Celestial HD will launch on 1st March 2012 at 00:00 and is available to all Astro B.yond HD customers.

6
What language is Celestial HD available in?
Celestial HD is primarily available in Mandarin and Cantonese. In addition, original language tracks from other regional movies such as Korea and Japan will also be available on the channel.

7
7. Will subtitles be available on Celestial HD?
Yes. Chinese and English subtitles will be available on Celestial HD on a 24 hour basis.

8
Will Celestial Movies HD channel share the same programming schedule as Celestial Movies SD channel?
No. Astro customers who are subscribed to the Astro B.yond HD platform will get to enjoy a brand new range of exciting content on Celestial Movies HD channel exclusively in HD.

9
Will Celestial HD be available in Malaysia only?
Yes, currently Celestial HD will only be available for Astro B.yond customers in Malaysia.

haha 2 good 2 b true we shall c come 1 march time

NewSat Secures Transponder Capacity On MeaSat-3b


Kuala Lumpur – MEASAT Global Berhad (“MEASAT”) announced the final execution of a long-term lease agreement with NewSat Limited (“NewSat”) for capacity on the MEASAT-3b satellite.

Under the terms of the agreement, NewSat – an Australian licensed telecommunications carrier – will secure multiple Ku-band transponders on the MEASAT-3b satellite, over the life of the satellite. The capacity will be marketed by NewSat under the “Jabiru-2” satellite name.

“We are delighted to be able to support NewSat with high quality satellite capacity in this strategically important contract,” said Datuk Umar bin Haji Abu, Chairman, MEASAT Global Berhad.

MEASAT-3b is a high powered geostationary satellite designed to provide at least 48 high powered Ku-band transponders to Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Australia. Operating in tandem with the MEASAT-3 and MEASAT-3a satellites at the key 91.5°E hotslot, MEASAT-3b will provide satellite capacity to support the expansion of MEASAT’s existing customer base and provide in-orbit redundancy services. The satellite, which is being manufactured by Astrium SAS and launched by Arianespace, is planned to be launched end 2013.

Wah.

haha 2 good 2 b true we shall c come 1 march time

Celestial HD?
That's something 2look 4ward to come March 1...
Yup, we will see...soon....

is that normal the picture in home button is better..
look like HD..
but when nomal mode its not like that..


kenapa gambar dalam home mode lagi cantik?
mcm HDR untk suma channel..
bila tekan OK gambar biasa saja:(

anyone can answer?
i take astro byond HD

What do you mean "gambar biasa"? Got pics?
When press "HOME" button, the picture is smaller for preview.
If you think HOME mode better, then see in that mode lo. 

gambr biasa = look like SD
home button = look like HD