They might and can do it someday, but not soon cuz there are HD box users out there that doesn't subscribe to HD yet.

Astro IPTV customers no longer able to access SD simulcast channels. It doesn't appear on their channel list anymore, and it's has been quite some time.

The satellite dish that you install at ur home now, what's the LNB type? Last time you used to have HD box or PVR box? 1 cable or 2 cables connects to the satellite dish?

Press home>Settings>Installation Settings>Satellite Settings>LNB Setup
Make sure the Input Type is selected correctly based on the LNB type that you've connected to your satellite dish.
If you're using Ultra Box and it's connected to the conventional Universal LNB or dCSS LNB, select "dCSS" option (If you're using the SatCR LNB, then select "SatCR" option). then keep press Next Next Next Finish. You should be able to get signals now on all SD and HD channels.

However, if you're using Universal LNB (doesn't matter single, dual or quad output types like previously used in PVR box) , you're unable to watch UHD channels as it won't be getting satellite signal (it shows Services currently not available), because you're using the legacy LNB. So in that case now, you must replace your LNB to the DCSS type.

Yes it's true. But if the Input Type setting is set to DCSS and you're using Universal LNB, it'll still be able to receive signal for SD and HD channels without issues, but except UHD channels. It is partially backward compatible with Universal LNB. I know cuz I tried before already.

Technically, it can't get signal from High range Ku band frequencies (12.2-12.75GHz) when Input Type setting is set to DCSS while you connect to a Universal LNB. But low range ones (10.7-11.7GHz) which is the frequencies for all SD and HD channels now, are able to receive without any compatibility issue, everything works like normal.

DCSS LNB are supposed to be provided for free by Astro upon installation. Maybe you can look at online shopping sites to see which seller got sell Astro dCSS LNB.

Yes.
Oh wait, you wanna connect HDMI Out from ultra box to your AVR, and then HDMI output from AVR (home theatre system) to your TV, is it? The HDMI ARC function?

Do note that your AVR must support HDCP 2.2, or else you will see the HDCP error when you tune to any UHD channels. Or basically means, if your AVR doesn't support UHD input via HDMI, you'll experience HDCP error when you tune to UHD channels. In that case, it's better if you connect the HDMI directly from Ultra Box to your TV's HDMI input.

Alternatively, just connect the digital optical cable from Ultra Box to your AVR. That way, you can still enjoy Dolby 5.1 surround sound without issues, especially when Dolby surround sound is available in the future on all UHD channels (currently it's still in Dolby Stereo only).

This post has been edited by joshhd: Dec 16 2019, 06:19 PM

Eh? They didn't update the list...
https://www.astro.com.my/iptv/enhance_your_...xperience_in_hd

The Astro's "forgot to update its website" habit occurs as usual. Or, they shifted their focus to Astro & Broadband, so they leave Astro IPTV behind.
But how about other simulcast channels? Is it still on your channel list?
Your Astro IPTV is powered under TM HSBB (eventually Maxis Fibre), or Maxis own network or TIME Fibre?

This post has been edited by joshhd: Dec 16 2019, 07:08 PM

See? Astro use this "letterbox" and even "windowboxed" method to make viewers see a bigger picture "quality" difference when compare to HD picture quality.
And even "centre cut" (as you can compare certain parts of the 16:9 picture shown on "HD" is cropped on 4:3 SD.


Siaran Bertambah Jelas, Shopping pun Puas, tapi bayar langsung tak puas hati.

Can you double check your satellite dish again, make sure it's using the Astro dCSS LNB like this?

Credit and source: https://www.lowyat.net/2019/198955/astro-ul...nds-on-preview/

Since you install that LNB yourself, you need to make sure the LNB skew is correctly adjusted.
For Klang Valley and nearby areas:
On the satellite dish, with the Astro logo on the dish facing your face, the cable coming out from the dCSS LNB should be facing around 3 to 4 'o clock direction.

That means your Astro IPTV is 100% IP mode then? Hmm okay. If like that then I'm not sure... I'm not using Astro IPTV.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Dec 16 2019, 07:59 PM

Oh yea, possible also. Try terminate the coaxial cable again and see if you can get signal.
If still can't, then try realign the satellite dish. I believe you know how, right?

For those who don't know:

1. Press "home">Settings>Ultra Box and Storage Management>Satellite Settings>Diagnostics
2. Make sure Input Type is dCSS, press Next
3. Don't change the entry point (01 M3B VL - 10732), and press Next

4. On your satellite dish, loosen some screws/nuts a little bit (not until whole thing come out) that allows you to adjust the elevation (tilt up and down) and azimuth (pan left and right) of the satellite dish.
Once you're ready, press Next again, then the signal level page will appear on your TV screen.

5. Slowly align the dCSS LNB/satellite dish while monitor the signal readings shown on Ultra Box until you get signal.
You can look at your neighbour's Astro dishes, see how is their satellite dish is being positioned, and take that as a reference. It shouldn't be too big of a difference compared to yours.

6. For first time satellite dish adjusters out there, you got to be very patient, don't rush.
Keep adjusting until you get the highest Signal Strength Signal Level readings, recommended is 80% and above.
7. Once you got the signal, while tightening all screws and nuts of the satellite dish, make sure the Signal Strength reading on your Ultra Box does not drop and shall remains the same.
8. Once it's tighten, press Finish on your Ultra Box. You should be able to get reception on all channels now, and you can pretty much call yourself an Astro installer.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Dec 16 2019, 08:40 PM

Oooo
Nice one! Thanks for letting us know this firsthand info with us
I just checked and I can confirm that HBO HD channel is now also available to cloud record on Astro Go as well.

The rest like NHK Premium, CNBC... still can't be cloud recorded.

Astro be like:
Not "late" la... This morning we blast out SMS to Ultra Box users, so it's not considered "late".

"Last minute" is a norm in Astro's office culture, so for them there's nothing wrong with that.
But if you forgot and "last minute" pay your Astro bill, then it's a different story, if you know what I mean

This one can ask building management, or contact Astro Ultra Box hotline 03-74908000

Hmm... What's the brand and model of your AVR, and your TV?

Does your TV has audio output port, like RCA Audio Output, or Digital Optical Output?

Any Astro customer here is on Astro Chinese Family Starter pack (Chuen Min) that includes HD service?
I got the info that because they remove SD simulcast channels on all Ultra Box users, so it also includes Celestial Movies (322).

Yet they haven't allow those who subscribe only to Chinese Family pack but without New Emperor pack, to watch Celestial Movies HD on ch309.
He does

Because he doesn't subscribe to New Emperor pack, so he'd been on Chinese Family Pack to watch Celestial Movies ch322 for years already. Now that he can't Celestial Movies channel, he's not happy. 😂😂😂😂

Anyone experience the same?

That's starting today. For those SD channels that still be able to watch, are those that doesn't have HD channels.
Or am I wrong? What are the SD channels that you're still able to watch on your Ultra Box?

And those SD channels won't appear in TV Guide too, right?
You tried reboot your Ultra Box? Maybe once you reboot the Ultra Box, those SD channels may be inaccessible anymore.

If that's the case, just connect HDMI from Ultra Box's HDMI output to your TV's HDMI input.
And then use either RCA cable or digital optical cable, connect from TV's audio output to your AVR's audio input port (either RCA or digital optical).

If you want to enjoy Dolby 5.1 surround sound, make sure to use digital optical cable.

So that way, you no need to always power on your AVR to watch Astro. Just make sure the audio source is changed correctly will do.

Lol? They wanna make it a "smooth transition"?
Make it appear missing on TV Guide first, let you "experience" a little bit first

This post has been edited by joshhd: Dec 17 2019, 11:22 PM

Yes, correct.
So only turn on your AVR when you need it.

Is your 90cm size dish (or bigger) are installed near or next to your Astro dish? If it's far apart, then as long the installer won't easily see it, then don't bother la.

If you have any equipment that you're not convenient to let Astro installer see, such as Videocon d2h box (even including the remote control), then I advice you to temporarily unplug all cables of your Videocon d2h box and bring it somewhere else to hide it. Once the installer leave, connect it back and you should be able to watch it again as usual.

If your 90cm dish is installed so openly and can be seen obviously to any passerby and/or near to Astro dish (which both are strongly not recommended), then it's hard to say whether would the installer bother about it or not, and what would they do if they saw it. If you have easy access to your 90cm dish, consider dismantle the dish and temporarily hide it somewhere that installer won't be able to see (e.g. in a store room, bedroom, etc.). Just the dish will do. Others like dish holder, cable, that one no need. Then install it back after the installer left your house. But that's if, you know how to install and align the satellite dish. The steps shall be similar to what I've posted on my previous few replies on ways to align satellite dish to get signal reception. As what I know, it's called "Transponder Edition" on Videocon d2h box to access to satellite settings.

Anyhow, it is your own risk to make decisions la. No need to be scared... As long you know how to dismantle and assemble back then you're fine.

Actually, it's just like "unscrewing" a screw. You turn the port anticlockwise to loosen it, then the cable will come out already.
To connect it back, just plug it in, make sure it's connected nicely (not senget), and then turn clockwise to tighten it. Keep turning it until you can't turn anymore (means it's tighten) and you're done. It's pretty straightforward.

You can search on Google and look for tutorial or demonstration video. And it won't damage the cable, don't worry. Unless if the cable is already damaged then don't say la lol. Be confident on yourself, just try first. Let us know if you need help, and we'll try to help you here.

Oh if that's the case, then don't need to bother your big dish installed up there la. Just leave it as it is, since it's not that obvious.

You're using PVR box? Make sure you connect to your PVR's Tuner 1 port.

Try this:
Press home > Settings>Installation Settings>Satellite Settings

Try change the Input Type to dCSS and see if you can get signal.
At least they bring an Astro Go exclusive channel to TV platform now. But 2 exchange to 1 is kinda errr...

So now we know they're bringing Comedy Central, I hope those conservative people don't go and bash at Astro, saying that those content are "not suitable for children" and want Astro to censor this and that nonsense.

I do hope to see Astro would bring Blue Ant Entertainment channel to its platform, as it seems to be a better alternative to replace E! and especially DIVA channel in terms of similar content offering; general entertainment, some reality shows and series...
So far in Malaysia, only Unifi TV offers Blue Ant Entertainment and Extreme. Not sure Unifi TV has exclusive rights over it or not. Cuz even channels like BBC Earth, BBC Lifestyle.... is only available on Unifi TV.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/12/16/media-prima-confirms-going-ahead-with-manpower-rationalisation-exercise
As you can see, Media Prima is still going ahead its plan to retrench its workers.
No money to pay salary to their staffs, yet still got money to pay Astro to transmit their channels in HD? I don't think providing their channels in HD on Astro is their priority lor.

Yes, correct.

No.