I've been a subscriber of Astro B.yond PVR for quite a while now, and up until recently (two weeks ago is the last time I'm very sure), I could record a HD channel and still watch an SD channel. This is just using a splitter to split the ONE cable coming in from the condo riser into two to connect to the two sockets at the back of my PVR - i.e. NO two separate cables coming from the riser, and NO stacker/destacker.

However, I noticed three days ago that it no longer works for me, and after checking, I noticed that the signal strength (NOT signal quality) is now between 50% and 60%, well below the 80% to 85% level I always thought was the optimal signal strength necessary for the proper operation of the Astro PVR. After all this time of satisfactory operation, now Astro and even the condo management is telling me I need a stacker/destacker which I have to pay RM350+ for!!! This seems pretty outrageous, especially since Astro REFUSES to make any attempt to fix/boost the signal strength of the centralised dish of the condo block to prove to me that that isn't the problem.

As such, I would like to get some help and opinions before I decide what to do next.

a) Is anyone here with an Astro PVR living in a condo/apartment block still successfully able to record a HD channel and watch an SD channel at the same time using just a splitter setup like mine - i.e. WITHOUT a stacker/destacker in the setup? If so, can you please tell me what % level or value your signal strength is at?

b) For people currently a stacker/destacker, can you tell me if the quality and reliability of your PVR operation is good enough for what you paid for it? Also, is RM350+ the going rate for it, or is the stubborn Astro guy trying to take me for a ride?

Just wanting to see if I have any options, or if I really need to spend money to fix the problem. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Yes

If you know an Astro installer who is willing to do it for RM150, please give me his details.

Yes, I used to be able to... even without a stacker/destacker or two separate lines from the riser. Like I said before, the last time I successfully did it was about a month ago, but now I can't even record a HD channel and watch another SD channel at the same time. I highly suspect it's due to the big drop in signal strength.

Just wanting to see whether anyone living in a condo - i.e. not a landed property with a satellite dish - can still do it. Don't want to be forced into spending RM350+ due to someone's laziness or incompetence.