You're welcome... But why would you continue to suffer yourself for using iQiyi app on Ulti Box like this? You could've just stream iQiyi using Android TV box/stick, and totally give up launching the iQiyi app on Ulti Box for good.

Perhaps you're thinking that you want to "make full use of whatever they offer" by forcing yourself to do so, but if the Ulti Box keep giving you hard time in accessing streaming apps like iQiyi, even after multiple technicians came to your house and replace to a new Ulti Box again and again, is it really worth your time and energy to continue using the app on Ulti Box? I think you gave them too many chances.

In my opinion, consumers are meant to enjoy using app and its content, rather than launching the app repeatedly to check if the app works properly or not. You're not their QA or software developer, let alone a beta tester, right?
I'm still trying to understand why you seem to be so persistent in doing this
If I were you, I wouldn't waste my time on this junk, and I believe I deserve better user experience, even if it means NOT to use Ulti/Ultra Box to satisfy my app streaming needs.

Since subscribing to some apps addons through Astro may be slight cheaper compared to the original retail price, you can still proceed to do so, and then you consume the streaming app on your own devices instead. But if you ask me to stream that app on Ulti/Ultra Box, my answer will be a big no.

The only streaming app that I would consider using it on Ulti/Ultra Box, is the Netflix app, and nothing else.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Jun 11 2024, 01:31 AM

In my opinion, the purpose they introduce Sooka TV Stick is mainly targeting those who wish to have an Android TV stick to watch Sooka and other Android apps, and/or transform their non-smart TVs or display into an Android TV.

Not every households has TV boxes nor supported smart TV, so they'll target Sooka TV stick to those group of people.
Sooka Premium plan is just a service. They want to provide hardware to the consumer as well, rather than consumer go and buy their own device. So this solution would make sense to those who don't have existing Android TV box/stick or a smart TV.
https://www.facebook.com/mysoyacincau/posts...MY2s1P8gVXfCpyl
https://soyacincau.com/2024/06/12/sooka-tv-...s-price-bundle/

RM349.00: Sooka TV Stick + Sooka Premium (1 month) + Disney+ Hotstar (3 months)
RM579.00: Sooka TV Stick + Sooka Premium (12 months) + Disney+ Hotstar (3 months)

RM47.10: Sooka Premium (1 month)

I think why it is cost that high, is because they've also bundled 3 months subscription of Disney+ Hotstar bundle, which you don't even ask for, and there's no option for you to buy only the standalone Sooka Stick.
I'd guess that if they sell only the Sooka TV Stick and nothing else, the price would be similar or slightly higher than those Android TV stick you see on Lazada/Shopee, like Mi Stick or something.

However, for those who plans to subscribe Sooka Premium plan for the next 12 consecutive months, then it would make sense to go for the RM579 bundle.

Note: Price excludes 8% Service Tax
As long you don't mind 720p 25fps, then just connect HDMI cable from your laptop to your TV, and then stream Sooka on your web browser.

If you subscribe to Sooka Premium plan, you'll get 1080p 50fps when stream it on Sooka app on your smart TV/Android TV.

Pay more, get better picture quality.

Previously there are times where their streaming servers becomes too congested, especially when there's major live sports matches, which started to cause errors to the end user.

I've been told that it is their vendor issue and can't be solved as straightforward as "scale up the streaming server bandwidth" or something.
Changing to another vendor would mean more cost for the company to bear, and if that day would to happen, your Sooka monthly subscription fees won't be as what you see today already.
Therefore when buffering issue like this happens, unfortunately it is something that you guys need to suck it up. And yes, it will be like a hit-and-miss thing.

Aiya, you pay lesser than what you'll get from an Astro subscription, what do you expect?
Everyone wants cheap & no contract, so that's the quality of service you'll get lor...

You don't have Astro at home?

Short answer is no. Unifi TV customers won't be getting free access to Euro 2024.

Even if you get access to SPOTVNOW from Unifi TV, you still need to subscribe to Euro Season Pass of RM42.99, just like any other SPOTVNOW users.
If you're CelcomDigi user, you can get promo price of RM29.99, but that promo last until 13 June only.
https://www.lowyat.net/2024/322532/uefa-eur...otv-msia-guide/

SPOTV Stadia (CH808) is already up.
I believe SPOTV2 Stadia (CH809) will be an ad-hoc channel during the Euro.

If you don't want Astro, there's NJOI and Sooka.

For NJOI, you can subscribe to their prepaid package called Sports Mega Pack for RM47.00 (RM50.76 incl. tax) for 30 days, which allows you to watch all Sports channels.
https://purchase.njoi.com.my/en-bundles/sports-mega-pack-25
NJOI is a satellite-only service, so you won't be getting any streaming apps that you can watch your sports content on the go.

For Sooka, you can subscribe to Sports+Entertainment monthly plan for RM29.60 (RM31.99 incl. tax)
https://support.sooka.my/hc/en-us/articles/...ans-and-Pricing
This plan is limited to 720p 25fps streaming only, and cannot be used on Sooka app on smart TV.
If you want, you can opt for Sooka Premium plan for RM47.10 (RM50.90 incl. tax) which includes sports channels, 1080p 50fps streaming and can use it on Sooka app on smart TV.

Alternatively, you can consider Sooka TV stick bundle of RM579 one, which also gives you 12 months access of Sooka Premium plan. Monthly instalment plan are available too.

Contact customer service. It could be some misconfiguration on their end.

No need to highlight about the fact that you subscribe to Liga Malaysia addon a day before it remove... Not relevant.

As long your subscription has Liga Malaysia (now known as Sports Special), then you should be eligible for Euro 2024 already.

Don't forget there's Astro SuperSport UHD channel 805...
EPL matches are available in 4K HDR there...
I heard rumours that they're currently undergoing some internal testing to provide Astro SuperSport UHD channel in 4K HDR over Sooka, but no idea when they would make it available someday...
As if things are as simple as you think, pokemon...
Acquiring rights to provide 4K HDR broadcast is known to be much expensive compared to the usual Full HD, so it's not hard to guess that Astro needs to be mindful and cherry pick on which event or show they want to make it available in 4K UHD to the viewers.

Also, not everyone would appreciate 4K UHD broadcasts, even if they're using a 4K UHD TV.

CH549 - Love Nature (4K UHD quality)
CH550 - Love Nature (Full HD quality)

I do notice significant picture quality improvements when comparing CH549 and CH550.
Picture is more detailed and less pixelation on CH549 mainly due to much higher video bitrate being used, compared to the Full HD version of Love Nature (CH550).

Looks like someone in SPOTV is either not familiar in technical stuff to ensure picture quality is being distributed at the best quality possible to the respective pay TV providers, or someone in SPOTV just wants to save cost in bandwidth (bitrate).

Even the basic thing like this also can't be done properly by SPOTV team, let alone "1080p HDR"

Sooka VIP Plans (as of 16 June 2024)
I've compiled all available Sooka VIP plans appear here https://sooka.my/en/subscription-packs for your reference:


This post has been edited by joshhd: Jun 16 2024, 11:51 PM

And I thought aec is free channel?
Why can’t watch on phone?
I don't subscribe to any Sooka plans, and I still watch Astro AEC channel on Sooka app on my phone.
Have you create / login to your Sooka account?
Do note that you still need to login to Sooka account to watch free channels.

Can an existing Astro subscriber on legacy pack change to the new Primary Pack and retain the existing PVR box and continue to use the recording function as usual?
Switch from legacy pack to Primary Pack while retain existing Astro box, yes it is possible.
But do note that regardless you tell them that you insist to retain your PVR box or agree to swap to the new Ulti Box or not, you will still be bound with 24 months contract.

Is there any way for a new subscriber to get the PVR box now?
Nope. There is no way. PVR box is already a discontinued product since many many years ago.

Is it possible for a new subscriber to use a second-hand PVR (from a friend or family member who unsubscribed from Astro) with a new subscription?
Astro don't allow that. In fact, Astro wants to see everyone who is still using the old Astro HD or PVR boxes to upgrade to their new Ulti or Ultra Box.
They even have a free box upgrade campaign to those who still on legacy packs (T&C is, monthly fee must be RM60 and above).
For this campaign, the "free" is really free. There's no contract, no additional monthly fees, no additional installation fees, so it's quite straightforward.
Another thing you need to take note is, they will create your order as Plug & Play by default. If you still want to continue using satellite dish to receive the channels, you must specifically tell that agent.
However, this campaign is not eligible if you want to switch, or already on the new packs (e.g. Primary Pack).

All new Astro sign ups nowadays will be getting either Ulti Box or Ultra Box only, as it is the current Astro box models that they have been offering.

Mind share with us, what's the reason you prefer PVR box rather than getting Ulti/Ultra Box?

I see... All right, good to see that.
Understand that you're happy with Sooka now, but just to let you know, there is another alternative that you can consider...
In case in the future, whenever you feel like you want to have something as simple as pressing channel number, like "Astro box" that uses satellite dish to receive TV channels without using Internet connection, you can also consider getting NJOI box.

NJOI Box Price:
RM259 without new satellite dish (installer will use back your existing Astro dish, or connect to your building's centralised antenna if you're staying in condo)
RM314 with new satellite dish (installer will install new dish for you)
*Both prices above already includes installation fees.

After buying the NJOI box, you can subscribe to Family Pack (RM30.24 for 30 days, incl. tax), which gives you complete Chinese channels from CH300 until CH335.
https://purchase.njoi.com.my/en-bundles/family-pack-33
NJOI is a prepaid service. So there's no contract or commitment whatsoever. Similar like Sooka, you can start and stop anytime.
Currently they offer free 30 days Family Pack for new sign ups, but of course, campaigns like these may change from time to time.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Jun 17 2024, 01:09 AM

Btw they did mention can offer rebate of rm30
From 86 to 56 monthly
For your info, that is their retention offer.
It would only be offered to customers who wants to terminate their service, and the rebate amount varies depending on which package you've subscribed to.

Because Mr. Najib Razak is currently using Ulti/Ultra Box AND he is still on legacy pack, therefore if he insist to remain existing pack but needs technical visit for his out-of-warranty Ulti/Ultra Box, then will need to pay RM65 technical service fee.
More info here: https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...ost&p=108729352

Btw are you sure it's purple light rather than pink colour light?
If it's purple light, then it's Ulti Box, not Ultra Box.
The Astro subscription across your house, grandparents & godmother house, all under your name?
Do note that only account holder can do such thing ya. And it can only be done via customer service call or visit Astro Exclusive Partners branches only.
Email, WhatsApp, private message, all cannot.

You mentioned "for your house"... I thought you've already asked Astro to terminate yours, and they'll arrange someone to come over to collect the box?
Before you go for the retention offer route, may I know what is the name of the Astro package currently subscribed by you, your grandparents & godmother's house?

This post has been edited by joshhd: Jun 17 2024, 01:52 AM

I see. Well, from the photo, it's clear that it is Ultra Box...
All 4 houses are on Wah Pack? All using Ultra Box? Or some is on older HD or PVR box?

Just in case you're not aware, Astro has made all Chinese channels FREE to every Astro customers starting April 2024:
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...#entry109501354

As long you ask them to assign technician to your house to drink tea, regardless whether the issue solves or not, you still need to pay RM65.

But the issue now seems to be related more towards the satellite signal issues, isn't it? If you've self diagnose the satellite cable connection and issue persists, maybe it might be related to the satellite dish (or the LNB) which they'll arrange technician to come over and check...

Since you don't want to pay RM65, it is possible to further diagnose and fix the issue, and that may includes climbing up to your rooftop or balcony (the place where your Astro dish is installed) and find out the root cause and fix it, just like an Astro installer.Yeah, it is technically possible provided if you have the knowledge and some tools to do it.
But still, even though they say you'll need to pay RM65 for technician visit, you can still try to argue with them, by saying things exactly like what you just said (highlighted as bold).
If you have not missed or late payment on your Astro bill, plus been an Astro customer for many many years, that would be an additional points for you to justify why they should waive the RM65 for you.

That way, they can talk to the higher management to potentially ask for waiver. If you don't ask, you'll never know.
But if you terminated Astro, then it's over already. Whatever reception issue you have from your Astro dish, will remain as-is, even if you manage to take out your NJOI box from the store room and connect to the same satellite cable connection.

Of course, unless if you private hire an Astro installer to come and check for you, also can. Pay money to the installer lor...
You can search on Facebook "Astro installer" followed by your town name, then you should see some results already.
Most of the time, they'll still charge the same RM65 also, unless if there's additional cabling or accessories involved.

Is your Ulti/Ultra Box been using Plug & Play mode since day 1 at your house? Or was it connected to the satellite dish before you bring it to your in-law's house?

the ultra box cannot be used without internet..so need to use hotspot..
This statement seems to suggest that you have been using Plug & Play.
If yes, then your Astro account is likely to be tagged under Plug & Play in their system, and even if you attempt to Restore Factory Settings and selects Satellite, and even if manage to get satellite signal and then go to next page and so on, you will be getting "Subscription Required" message on almost all channels, even on those basic ones like Astro Ria/Prima... It is believed that they do this intentionally, and the reason they do this, is to deter those Plug & Play customers from changing the mode to Satellite whenever they want, which could cause complications and confusion on the after sales service moving forward for that customer.

Therefore, if you're indeed been using Plug & Play, I suggest you switch it back to "Plug & Play (self-install)" instead. That is the consequence of opting their Plug & Play service, which is no satellite backup for you anymore.