For Premium Pack 1, you will get Ultra Box, and that is already their best box model available today.

Reminder: Upon upgrading your box, if you still want to use Astro satellite dish to receive TV channels, you must inform that agent about it before they create the order in the system.
If you don't specifically mention this, they will proceed your box upgrade order as Plug & Play. Which means 100% Internet streaming only, without relying on satellite dish.
But I must remind you that the reliability and overall experience of their Plug & Play (Internet streaming) service isn't going to be exactly the same as what you can get today from a satellite dish reception (put aside the weather interruption).

As what the title says for Paramount+ launch in Southeast Asia, it is just a "rumour".
I don't mean to jinx this, but we have been hearing all sort of news where more US-based streaming services planning to launch in Southeast Asia, with the keyword "soon", and 'HBO Max' (or just Max) is one of it.
After some time, the news just dies down, and nothing happens. To me, this is like giving "fake hope".
So until the day it actually launches, just take it as a pinch of salt.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Apr 18 2024, 11:46 PM

Only this program can’t stream.
I search this show on Astro Go using my Android phone and PC (browser), the Play button does appear.

Have you tried search this show on other devices, and see if the Play button appear for this particular show? Or could it be affecting only iOS devices?

Read this: https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...#entry109501354

Not really a price slash also. Existing customers will continue paying as it is, unless you call customer service and make noise, then only they will offer you something.
I strongly agree on what you said. In fact, it is the harsh truth, especially when they are forced to integrate all Chinese channels into base package.

For those who has ongoing contract for these packs that includes 1 Asian Favourites:

• Entertainment Pack
  
• Entertainment Plus Pack
  
• Premium Pack 2
  
• Premium Pack 3
  
• Premium Pack 4
  
• Premium Pack 5
  
• Platinum Lite Pack
  
• Platinum Pack
  

According to Astro website:
Source: https://support.astro.com.my/question/what-...-1st-april-2024

They say it will "progressively" move your Chinese Favourites selection to Viu Premium at no additional cost (with no timeline whatsoever).
Otherwise, you can manually switch to a different Asian Favourites of either Viu Premium, Indonesian Favourites and Indian Favourites by using My Astro app. No switching fee will be charged whatsoever.

But if you don't want Viu Premium as your Asian Favourites selection, yet you have ongoing contract, then basically you are stuck la. Unless if you are a fan of Indonesian or Indian shows, then it's a different story.
If you are a victim of this situation, try call customer service and make noise to them, and see what offer they will give you.
It will either be a monthly rebate, or free channel previews for a period of time. It's only either this 2, nothing else they can compensate already.

A form of compensation is actually there one, so I doubt that bringing this up to Fahmi or MCMC would make any difference.
It's just that you must open your mouth and make noise only. There won't be "automatic compensation."

You see, they rather give you something something, as long you don't do anything that result in paying less monthly fee to them, or worse, terminate Astro for good.
Imagine what will happen to their revenue and ARPU if they give "automatic compensation" to every single Dynasty/Chinese Favourites customers out there.

This post has been edited by joshhd: May 13 2024, 01:23 PM

Do you guys think that Astro Primary Pack (RM59.99/month) is okay for senior chinese viewers? My house is currently on some legacy chinese pack for about RM90 per month and it seems that the new Primary Pack has every chinese channel already?
Yes you are correct. Once you switch your existing legacy pack to Primary Pack (RM59.99/month for 24 mths contract, RM74.99/month for 0 month contract), you will be able to watch all Chinese channels from CH300 until CH335.

I am also planning to add on iQiyi streaming services for my old folks. However I think the UltiBox can only do 1080p streaming and 4k requires the Ultrabox which the Primary Pack won't get, so pointless to subscribe to 4k iQiyi?
Yes, Ulti Box supports up to 1080p, while Ultra Box supports up to 4K (2160p).
Netflix is the only streaming app that supports 4K UHD on Ultra Box. The rest of the apps, are up to 1080p quality and Stereo audio only (means does not support Dolby 5.1 or Atmos), regardless whether you're using Ulti Box or Ultra Box.

If you want to enjoy 4K UHD streaming, plus Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio from iQiyi app, I suggest you get a good quality Android TV stick (or Android TV box) that supports those features mentioned.
Then subscribe iQiyi from Astro. Once you link/activate it, login the account using your Android TV streaming device.
At least you get a cheaper subscription rate by subscribing it from Astro (e.g. iQiyi Premium VIP at RM12.90), compared if you subscribe directly from iQiyi (e.g. iQiyi Premium VIP at RM17.90).
No.
In fact, Astro has been practicing contract auto renewal rule since the introduction of its new packs back in Nov 2021.
Meaning, once your 24 months contract is in power, the contract will forever renew itself and never expires.

Wot... Netflix is the only app that supports 4k for the Ultrabox?!
Looking at 4k as well, most Astro channels are only 1080p, only one or two 'sports' channel are the ones that are in 4k resolution right?
Yes.
Today, there's 2 permanent 4K UHD linear channels on Astro, which is Love Nature (CH549) and Astro SuperSport UHD (CH805).
Meanwhile, Astro SuperSport UHD (CH806) is known to be ad-hoc sports channel. That channel will surface only when needed.
Besides linear channels, selected On Demand programmes is available in 4K UHD quality too.

Lmao then the Ultrabox isn't really that much more better than the Ultibox lol, unless it has better processor/ram (smoother and less lag)?
Correct...
Also, Ultra Box also supports Dolby Atmos.

I think for now I will probably stick with the Ultibox
Hold on... You want Primary Pack, right? Then you are eligible for Ulti Box by default.

Also, if you want to continue using satellite dish to receive TV channels upon upgrading to Ulti Box, you must tell the agent exact that before they create the order in system ya.
Otherwise, they will create your order as Plug & Play instead of satellite.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Apr 23 2024, 11:19 PM

Other than 4k support/ dolby atmos, performance wise (smoother and less lag) the Ultrabox is better than Ultibox you mean? Do you know the internal spec for both?
It is commonly known that the hardware spec will be better when it supports 4K compared to max Full HD, so yes, it'll be smoother and less lag.
And nope, Astro don't publish its internal specs of their boxes to the public.

Unifi TV uses Android TV OS, but Astro is not. They are still using their own proprietary OS, powered by Linux.

Is there a reason I should stick back to satellite? My current setup is actually using satellite. I mean using internet connection should be better right since no issues with weather, unless of course the internet goes down. Picture quality transmission is similar no?
Short answer is: If they create your order as Plug & Play, which means 100% Internet streaming only, without relying on satellite dish.
The reliability and overall experience of their Plug & Play (Internet streaming) service isn't going to be exactly the same as what you can get today from a satellite dish reception (put aside the weather interruption).

The biggest disadvantage for satellite reception is rain interruption, but when your Ultra/Ulti Box is connected to Internet, you will be given an option to switch to Internet streaming when your box detects no satellite signal (e.g. heavy rain).


However, once you go for Plug & Play, your satellite dish will no longer be used, and will become a useless junk at your rooftop.
If your Internet connection sucks, or Astro's server sucks, then your viewing will be interrupted.
But the good thing is, it is easy to set up, just connect WiFi / LAN cable and you're good to go.

Picture quality transmission is similar no?
Yeah, similar.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Apr 24 2024, 02:26 AM

What is the Astro pack name you are currently on ya? If not sure, check your Astro bill, page number 3.

Let's assume that you are a legacy pack customer (e.g. Value Pack 3).
Astro currently have a campaign for legacy pack customers to upgrade to the new Ulti Box, with no installation fee (even if you manually request to proceed with satellite), no new contract, and maintain existing legacy pack as-is.
You can also request for a box upgrade on Astro Facebook page. Here's how:

1. Go to Astro Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Astro
2. Tap "Message" or the Facebook Messenger icon to send a private message.
3. Send the text "Hi". Select your preferred language option if being asked.
4. Then send the text "live agent"
5. Select the category, then wait for an agent to attend you.

Once you got your new Ulti Box, then it's up to you whether you want to switch your current legacy pack to Primary Pack later on.

According to https://support.astro.com.my/question/what-...-1st-april-2024
it clearly stated that: and now, this statement of theirs, appears to be not applying to you (and probably some of others too), and now that CS is giving some ridiculous excuse.

Btw TVBAnywhere+ from Astro, has nothing got to do regardless of what Astro box model you are using.
If you're using non-Ulti/Ultra Box, then you'll need to access the service by installing the app on your devices, or use web browser on your computer.
And if you're using Ulti/Ultra Box, you can also access TVBAnywhere+ app right on the box.
It is as simple as that.

I don't think this is going anywhere. You can just consider lodge MCMC complaint now.
Astro app on Smart TV platforms (Android TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS) can only be used if you subscribe to Multiroom (Smart TV) at RM14.99.
If you don't subscribe that, you won't be able to use the Astro app that you see on Smart TV platforms.

How do you guys check satellite signal strength? I only see strength and quality; where mine is mostly 75% strength, 100% quality. I can't find the CNR with db readings anywhere?
CNR with dB readings, is only applicable for Ulti/Ultra Box. If you're using HD box or PVR box, you will only see Strength and Quality readings.

If I want to watch iQiyi on smartphone as well, do I need to download iQiyi app directly and login with astro credentials [b]OR it has to be done through Astro GO app (accessing iQiyi through Astro GO app)?[/B]
No, you don't need Astro GO app to login your iQiyi.
Just login with Astro ID credentials, regardless of iQiyi app or website.

Hmmm... Then you just treat it as if you pay wages to that Astro installer la

Yes I am a superfan, plus love-hate relationship.

Oh, the signal strength... That one is if you see that the CNR reading is above 16dB, then you can assume that your Ulti box is getting a good and strong signal from the satellite, as a result of a proper and "almost tip-top" installation setup.
Such as, the satellite dish is perfectly aligned (not cincai align one), and the cable and the connector is in good condition, etc.

As in what are the things you should be aware... Since yours is just to swap to the new Ulti Box (which is considered an easy job), some installer will quickly do their job and try to leave your house within 10 minutes.
If the installer got the heart to guide you on the Ulti Box features (e.g. On Demand, recording, bla bla bla), then you can considered lucky.
Or if the installer just say "Ahh, everything is the same as your old box. Press channel number only." then from there you know la, whether the installer got heart to do work or not. Maybe they are rushing to other places also, who knows?

It is known (to me) that some of the Astro installers out there, might do cincai work lo... It's like "as long got picture and sound appear on your TV, then i can jalan already".
Most of the time why installers out there gives an impression like they don't have the heart to do work, are mostly because they felt discouraged due to lesser jobs given to them (lesser Astro customers these days, and also Plug & Play box don't need installer visit), and a low wage per job.
You can refer to the old post here: https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...ost&p=107165538

This post has been edited by joshhd: Apr 25 2024, 02:17 AM

What did your sister do until she got negative RM450 of due balance in her Astro account?
Tell me how. I also want to have a lot of negative amount on my statement balance too, so that I don't need to pay Astro bill for the next few months :sweat.

Yes you can. As mentioned on previous post, there's the free box upgrade campaign, and you can also do it on Astro Facebook page chatbot (send the text "agent"). When talking to the agent, you can ask about the refund also. But I'm pretty sure that the refund process will take few months to process.

Wah... Astro making U-turn on TVBAnywhere+ now?

Before 24 April 2024 was:

From 25 April 2024 onwards is:
https://support.astro.com.my/question/what-happens-to-my-tvbanywhere-app-access-after-1st-april-2024
Still the same link, but different reply already

Want to give, but not willing to give all?
If they don't want to continue giving free TVBAnywhere+ to existing subscribers, rather than giving insincere offer where "some can get, some can't", might as well just stop giving it for everyone for good.
Wasting everybody's time.

Ex-employee package? Resembles Super Pack 3 but minus news channels... For RM95+8% SST per month? Wow...
How does it work?

I wouldn't worry or bother too much about the negative amount in the account tbh...
Cuz even with negative RM450 in the account, the money can still be used to offset your upcoming bills. So just tell your sister to stop paying Astro bills for the next 3-4 months...
But of course, do monitor your Astro's due amount 3-4 months later ya...

the agent seems not keen to do business, probably I choose Reconnect/Terminate subject kot
Okay, this time try call the customer service instead (after all, termination requests cannot be done by chat or in writing), and tell them you want to terminate Astro.
When they ask why, you tell them something like this "I see the Movies Pack offer on Astro website is RM66.49/mth. I'm interested in that offer, but that offer price is only for new customer. So I want to cancel my existing Astro, and then sign up as new customer to get that offer."

Then let's see what they'll say. Who knows if you say it that way, they might propose a retention offer which may be similar or better than the Movies Pack RM66.49/mth that you see on Astro website now.

Do share with us on the outcome.

And btw, according to the T&C, that RM66.49/month is an after rebate price (30% off) which only lasts for 24 months, and then from the 25th month onwards, you'll be paying the original 24mth contract price of RM94.99/month.
https://acm-cms-assets.eco.astro.com.my/acm...on-campaign.pdf

leng on bold part, I'm planning to do so
Yeah, I can see that

my sister lazy to call customer service leh, and the online agent emphasize only the Astro account holder can make the request to terminate the Astro account.
If you think that you'll be managing the Astro account related matters more frequent than your sister (you believe that it is easier for you to deal it instead), do consider transfer account ownership.
https://support.astro.com.my/question/what-...pment-ownership

Or alternatively, the account holder (your sister) can consider sending a letter to wecare@astro.com.my by saying something like the account holder (your sister) authorises 'you' (the account holder's brother) to make any changes to the account.

As I search on Google, I found this link which originates from Astro website: https://acm-cms-assets.eco.astro.com.my/acm...er-template.pdf
Your sister can use this as a template, fill it up, then send it to Astro.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Apr 26 2024, 01:48 AM

So you're saying that every full time Astro employee are entitled to a free Astro subscription that is able to watch almost all channels?
How about streaming apps? Do you get free any free streaming apps from your ex-employee account now?

Since you're an ex-employee of Astro, can share how's the overall experience working there? Is it terrible?

I think we can all can give up about TVBAnywhere+ already la. Based on the quietly-updated Astro website FAQ, they've made a U-turn saying that it's no longer available, and tells you that you can just subscribe directly with TVB instead.

Yes. Astro's utmost priority is to make whatever business decisions that make sense to them, especially when it comes to revenue and ARPU, rather than ensuring you're happy with that outcome or not.
So yeah, they can add, remove, increase, decrease whatever things they want, as per their subscription T&C. If you do not agree with that T&C, then you shouldn't subscribe to Astro in the first place.
I know it sounds harsh, but that is the bitter truth.

Q: What if you already have ongoing 24 months contract and you have TVBAnywhere+ in it?
According to Astro website:

*This time I'll be smarter to screenshot it instead. So that if Astro quietly make changes again, then we will all know...
If you want to know more, you can refer to my previous post here: https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...#entry109501354

Boldnut If you're not sure which one applies to you, then can share with us on what is the Astro package name you're currently subscribed to? If not sure, you can check it on:
- My Astro app on your mobile
- My Astro app on your Ulti/Ultra Box.
- https://myastro.astro.com.my/
- Your Astro bill, go to page number 3.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Apr 26 2024, 09:11 PM