Yes. The previous call ny friend turned down the offer as she doesn't want the box to fully run on internet. Then another Agent called, clarified the mishap and gave Ultra with Satellite (since they were asking about the legacy box ...)
Oh to answer the package they using - I think its Super Pack 1 (they have movies, sports etc)
If it's Super Pack 1, then yes, you'll be getting Ultra Box.
But since the monthly fee is >RM100, then it should still be no contract even if you opt for with Satellite.

As what I know for this campaign, the only situation where you will get 12 months contract is your monthly fee is within RM60.00-99.99 (which you'll be getting Ulti Box) AND you insist to proceed with Satellite. Other than that, it will always be no contract.

As for the troubleshooting.. I have tried Clearing NVRAM, Reset the box (from the setting), Changing Transponder to 09 (not 01 since the signal reading it gives is weird - like strength is high but quality likes to jump Low High Low High ... CNR is 11-13)
CNR is 11-13 is considered pretty close to reaching no satellite signal
Minimum CNR is 9.4 (you will get SCNA error if it goes lower than this value), the best CNR reading that I can get on my Ultra Box is around 20.0dB (Mine is connected to own satellite dish).
Is your Astro box connected to your own satellite dish, or is it connected to your high rise building's centralised dish?

The Entry Point setting you should set to, is "01 M3B VL - 10732"
If you see the Quality reading is fluctuating from Low High Low High, then I suggest you get your satellite dish some realignment works.

Since you're still on legacy pack (Value Pack 2), hence no ongoing contract, so whatever technician visits you'd request, shall be chargeable for RM65.
In case you don't know, as long you have an ongoing contract with Astro's TV service, technical visits shall be free of charge.
Maybe wait until they launch their all new packs first (in another few more months?), then see how... Who knows you get to pay a bit lesser than what you're paying now, while remain existing channels?
Then you switch to their new packs, get a fresh 24 months contract, then whatever technical visits for the next 24 months shall be free of charge then.

WWE Network channel will cease on 1 Jan 2025, as WWE made its related contents to be exclusive to Netflix platform, including live matches.
This is affecting pretty much worldwide, not just Astro.

We can assume that is part of the reason why Netflix increases its plan prices in Malaysia.
Some other countries already increased its prices many months ago, so...

Wait until the new packs is out first, then only see how.
Now it's too early to decide cuz we don't know the full details of what are the new packs going to look like.

DO NOT ACTIVATE THE BOX FIRST.
Continue watching using the existing HD/PVR box that your friend is using first.

If the order that the agent created for your friend is in Satellite mode, he should not be receiving the new Ultra Box through courier. Astro installer must come over to your friend's house to do the set up no matter what, regardless whether the satellite dish connection is ok or not, or it is so easy that you can do it yourself. This has been their SOP for satellite related orders.

If you say your friend have clearly requested to the agent that he wants Satellite, but he receives the box via courier, then it is clearly wrong already. That likely means that incompetent agent created the order as Plug & Play, not Satellite.

Tell Astro DO NOT auto-activate that Plug & Play box, and send a technician to come over to the house and set it up as Satellite as soon as possible. Emphasise that it is not customer's fault because customer have clearly requested to be in Satellite mode with previous agent.

If they keep delay here and here, don't wait any longer, and just file a complaint to MCMC https://aduan.mcmc.gov.my/

As for why it feels like Astro is "forcing users to go with Plug & Play rather than Satellite" is mainly because of aftersales service.
Aftersales service equals to costs.
From Astro's point of view, sending technician to customer house is already a cost, satellite dish equipment related (including wiring) is a cost, CS agents attending customer's SCNA problems out there is also a cost, and many more reasons.

So they rather encourage customers to go for Plug & Play, cuz once you're on Plug & Play, all of those "satellite related technical issues" will be gone. That alone can save them a lot of money already.
Since Plug & Play will be using 100% Internet, so if you encounter any streaming service related issue from Astro, they can solely put the blame on your WiFi or your ISP (e.g. "Maybe your WiFi router got problem or too far away"), even if some of the streaming related issues are actually coming from their end.
With Plug & Play, that could save them a lot of trouble (and costs) in the long run.

But for those who know, will know. Satellite is generally still more reliable than their Plug & Play service (although the biggest cons will be rain fade, but with Continuous Viewing feature, it shouldn't be a big issue now).

Look at how each agent is treating this case. I can clearly see that the agent simply wants to end the chat by asking us to activate the box and then close the case.
This could possibly a sign that the agent realised that the previous agent who attended your friend have made a mistake, and/or wants to de-escalate the issue by convincing your friend to agree with Plug & Play, and then get over it by quickly close the case, hopefully this matter won't go up to the manager or higher ups, otherwise that agent may possibly issued a verbal warning/warning letter.

But then, if you allow this to happen, then it will happen again to other customers, so...

That Multiroom box, now is operated in Satellite mode?
Are you able to view all of your subscribed channels without the "Subscription Required" error?
If yes, then is your primary box now under Satellite?

Oh??
So your primary box has been Satellite all this while, and then when you add RM49.99/month for a Multiroom box (Ultra Box), they courier it to your house (which means that Multiroom box is tagged as Plug & Play box).
And for that Multiroom box, you set the Box Operating Mode as Satellite, and you are able to view all of the subscribed channels without Subscription Required errors, correct?

So which means, the "Subscription Required error on almost all channels" scenario for Plug & Play users who switches to Satellite mode by themselves, only affects those where the primary box subscription is Plug & Play?
Wow, if that is true, then it is a news to me.

Anyone else here where the primary box subscription is Satellite, but Multiroom subscriptions is in Plug & Play?
If the cable connection to the satellite dish is readily available, can try Restore Factory Settings and select Satellite mode by yourself, and see if you're able to view ALL of your subscribed channels without Subscription Required error?

Ok, since the box has been activated, then fine.
Follow up with them, make sure they do the necessary to make sure the account is Satellite.

Hmm? I see this page only provide so brief information only?
https://promotions.astro.com.my/details/big-thank-you

Let me ask around, and see what info I can gather...

This post has been edited by joshhd: Nov 28 2024, 01:23 PM

Tycoon Ananda Krishnan dies, aged 86
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...n-dies-aged-86/

Tycoon Ananda Krishnan Dies At 86
https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2024/11/...nan-dies-at-86/

They announce Ananda's passing on the same day of Astro's Big Thank You campaign?

Coincidence?

Astro’s Big Thank You

https://promotions.astro.com.my/details/big-thank-you

---

Added on Astro wants to give a big 'thank you' to its customers who are still subscribing to their service by announcing these three offers:

1. Total of 18 existing paid channels (including 2 Astro GO only channels) to become permanently “free”
2. Free box upgrade to either Ulti or Ultra Box, and a no-contract option is also available (depends on pack, and either Plug & Play or Satellite)
3. Free 1x Astro First movie redemption (not all movies are eligible).

I have been asking around my sources, and it took me a while to compile the information to share it with you guys. Let’s break it down below.

Who is eligible and not eligible to get what?
Not every Astro customer will benefit from all of the 3 offers mentioned earlier, as it depends on the pack you currently subscribed to.

Pack name/Scenario	1) Up to 18 channels for free	2) Free Ulti/Ultra Box upgrade	3) Free 1x Astro First movie
Family (as long your Astro bill page no. 3 stated "Family", such as Family Lite/Extra/Special/Chinese Family/or something like Family+2Mini+Sp+Dy+Mv) and the monthly fee is RM59.99 or lesser (excl. tax)	Not eligible. You'll only get a free preview of CH395 & CH413 until 31 Jan 2025 instead.	Not eligible	Not eligible
Family (as long your Astro bill page no. 3 stated "Family", such as Family Lite/Extra/Special/Chinese Family/or something like Family+2Mini+Sp+Dy+Mv) and the monthly fee is RM60.00 and above (excl. tax)	Not eligible. You'll only get a free preview of CH395 & CH413 until 31 Jan 2025 instead.	Eligible	Not eligible
Starter Pack (any), Value Pack (any), Starter Plus Pack (any), Value Plus Pack (any), Super Pack Lite 1/2/3/4 (Sports)	Eligible	Eligible	Not eligible
Super Pack Lite 1/2/3/4 (Movies), Super Pack 1/2/3/3a, Super Pack Plus 1/2/3	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
Super Pack 4	No difference for you, as you already have these channels.	Eligible	Eligible
Primary Pack, Entertainment Pack, Movies Pack, Sports Pack, Entertainment Plus Pack, Movies Plus Pack, Sports Plus Pack, Premium Pack 1, Premium Pack 2, Premium Pack 4	Eligible	Eligible	Not eligible
Premium Pack 3, Premium Pack 5, Platinum Lite	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
Platinum Pack	No difference for you, as you already have these channels.	Eligible	Eligible

How do I know if I’m on the legacy pack or the new pack?
Here’s some examples for your reference:

Legacy Packs (1996-2021)	Any packs that mentions "Family" (e.g. Family Lite/Extra/Special/Chinese Family/or something like Family+2Mini+Sp+Dy+Mv), Starter Pack, Value Pack 1/2/3/4/5, Starter Pack Plus, Value Pack Plus 1/2/3/4/5, Super Pack Lite 1/2/3/4 (Movies/Sports), Super Pack 1/2/3/4, Super Pack Plus 1/2/3
New Packs (2021-2024)	Primary Pack, Entertainment Pack, Movies Pack, Sports Pack, Entertainment Plus Pack, Movies Plus Pack, Sports Plus Pack, Premium Pack 1/2/3/4/5, Platinum Lite, Platinum Pack

if you're not sure what pack you're currently on, you can check it on My Astro app, or refer to your Astro bill (page no. 3).

---

Added on
1a) Up to 18 channels for free
Note: To prevent confusion, if you are not eligible for this 18 channels (e.g. "Family" pack), please skip to the point 1b).

If you are an eligible Astro customer, you can now enjoy their "gift" to you of up to 18 channels listed below.
Do note that this is permanent, not temporary, and they have automatically include 18 channels into your subscription, with no strings attached whatsoever. That's why they called it "Big Thank You"

#	CH no.	Channel name
1	112	Astro Rania
2	113	Astro Aura
3	221	Star Vijay
4	222	Zee Tamil
5	223	Colors Tamil
6	241	Astro Thangathirai
7	251	Zee Cinema
8	395	tvN
9	396	K-Plus
10	401	Hits Movies
11	404	Astro Boo
12	413	Astro Showcase
13	416	tvN Movies
14	515	CNA
15	518	ABC Australia
16	712	Warner TV
17	521	DW TV (Astro GO only)
18	522	France 24 (Astro GO only)

You might have noticed that you could already view some or all of the channels listed above, even before they open up the channels as part of the campaign on 28 Nov 2024. This is because your existing Astro subscription may have already included some or all of the channels.

Since Astro has standardised its channel offerings by making the 18 channels available to all eligible customers, this will likely benefit more to those who had not subscribed to the corresponding channels prior to the campaign.

For those who subscribed to a pack where the particular addon is already bundled/included (e.g. you’re currently subscribed to a pack that already includes Korean, such as Super Pack or Entertainment Pack), then it’s either you just accept as-is and continue paying as usual, or you downgrade to a cheaper pack that still includes the channels and apps you need (then you get a new 24-month contract). Nothing much you can do about it.

By subscribing to Astro, you are deemed consent to their Subscription Terms. According to Clause 6 (2), they have the right to change whatever business rules they like as they see fit.
https://product.astro.com.my/general-terms-...tro-subscribers

Double check your Astro bill to see if you’re still subscribed to those addons that are now “free”
If you look at your Astro bill (page no. 3) and you see the relevant addons is being charged (e.g. you’ve been paying Korean add-on for ~RM10/month, and now you know that Korean supposed to be free for you & the majority of the customers), then you should contact Astro customer service, and tell them to remove the relevant add-ons (e.g. Korean) from your subscription.
If you don’t contact customer service to remove the relevant add-ons, then it is good news for Astro because you will continue to pay for those add-ons. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to pay for something that can get for free, right?

No automatic bill adjustments whatsoever
If you're expecting them to be kind enough to automatically remove those paid addons (that are now free) from your subscription because of this campaign, that's where you're wrong.
There won’t be any automatic bill adjustment here. Astro had to do this to ensure that it doesn’t drastically impact the company revenue (refer company’s financial performance).

Addons that are safe to remove (or nothing to remove)
Provided if you’re eligible for the free 18 channels, then here’s a list where removing these chargeable addons (see below) from your bill will not affect your access to your other channels.
But as usual, a one-time RM10 switching fee will apply due to a reduction in your monthly fee.

#	CH no.	Channel name	Initially from which addon? (Legacy pack/New pack)	Legacy pack: Addon price (if chargeable)	New pack: Addon price (if chargeable)
1	112	Astro Rania	Indo Pek / Indonesian Favourites	RM12/mth (RM8 for Value packs)	RM14.99/mth
2	113	Astro Aura	Indo Pek / Indonesian Favourites	RM12/mth (RM8 for Value packs)	RM14.99/mth
3	221	Star Vijay	Chakravarthy	Either RM8/mth or RM13/mth	This channel already included to all
4	222	Zee Tamil	Chakravarthy	Either RM8/mth or RM13/mth	This channel already included to all
5	223	Colors Tamil	Chakravarthy	Either RM8/mth or RM13/mth	This channel already included to all
6	241	Astro Thangathirai	Thangathirai / Movies	RM6.95/mth	Already included in certain packs only
7	251	Zee Cinema	Zee Cinema / Movies	RM5/mth	Already included in certain packs only
8	395	tvN	Korean	RM10.00/mth	RM9.99/mth
9	396	K-Plus	Korean	RM10.00/mth	RM9.99/mth
10	401	Hits Movies	Not available as addon	Already included only in certain packs	This channel already included to all
11	404	Astro Boo	BOO / Horror	RM5.99/mth	RM5.99/mth

If you’re currently on the new pack that has 1x Asian Favourites mandatory selection (e.g. Entertainment Pack), and you previously selected (or unknowingly selected) Indonesian Favourites, I’d suggest you switch to another Asian Favourites, which is free of charge and you’d get something extra.
There’s only 2 remaining available Asian Favourites today, which is Indian Favourites and Viu Premium.
There won’t be RM10 switching fee for this Asian Favourites change. You can perform the switch easily via My Astro app.

Addons that are not safe to remove
Not all addons are “safe to remove”. Depending on your pack, if you’re able to remove these addons listed below, you will lose access to some of your existing channels and even apps.

#	CH no.	Channel name	Initially from which addon? (Legacy pack/New pack)	Legacy pack: Addon price (if chargeable)	New pack: Addon price (if chargeable)	Legacy pack: What channels/apps you'll lose after removing this addon	New packs: What channels/apps you'll lose after removing this addon
12	413	Astro Showcase	Movies	RM30/mth (Starter/Value pack only)	Already included in certain packs only	CH411, 412, 414, 415 & 2 apps: Max (Standard) and Disney+ Hotstar (Basic)	It can't be removed, unless you downgrade your pack
13	416	tvN Movies	Movies	RM30/mth (Starter/Value pack only)	Already included in certain packs only	CH411, 412, 414, 415 & 2 apps: Max (Standard) and Disney+ Hotstar (Basic)	It can't be removed, unless you downgrade your pack
14	515	CNA	News (Mini Package) / News & Documentaries	Either it's RM5/mth or RM12/mth	RM14.99/mth	CH511 until 517 (News)	CH511 until 517 and CH551-556 (News & Documentaries) & 1 app: BBC Player
15	518	ABC Australia	News (Mini Package) / News & Documentaries	Either it's RM5/mth or RM12/mth	RM14.99/mth	CH511 until 517 (News)	CH511 until 517 and CH551-556 (News & Documentaries) & 1 app: BBC Player
16	712	Warner TV	Variety (Mini Package)	Either it's RM5/mth or RM12/mth	This channel already included to all	CH702, CH714-718 & 1 app: BBC Player	N/A
17	521	DW TV (Astro GO only)	News (Mini Package) / News & Documentaries	Either it's RM5/mth or RM12/mth	RM14.99/mth	CH511 until 517 (News)	CH511 until 517 and CH551-556 (News & Documentaries) & 1 app: BBC Player
18	522	France 24 (Astro GO only)	News (Mini Package) / News & Documentaries	Either it's RM5/mth or RM12/mth	RM14.99/mth	CH511 until 517 (News)	CH511 until 517 and CH551-556 (News & Documentaries) & 1 app: BBC Player

1b) “Family” pack customers aren’t eligible to enjoy the 18 channels; gets only 2 free channel previews until 31 Jan 2025
Regardless of your monthly subscription fee, as long your Astro bill page no. 3 stated "Family", such as Family Lite/Extra/Special/Chinese Family/or something like Family+2Mini+Sp+Dy+Mv, then this free 18 channels is not applicable to you.
Instead, you’d only get a temporary free preview of these 2 channels until 31 Jan 2025: tvN (CH395) and Astro Showcase (CH413).
On Demand content from tvN and Astro Showcase are not included in this free preview.
On the bright side, it is better than nothing.

---

Added on
2) Free Ulti/Ultra Box upgrade
Still using the HD box or PVR box? Ready to upgrade to Astro’s current box model of Ulti Box or Ultra Box? Now you have the opportunity to swap it for free, and a no-contract option is also available (mostly applicable for Plug & Play).

Pack name/type	Your current Astro box:	You can swap your box to:	Satellite (Standard/Installer Assisted)	Plug & Play
Any legacy packs, monthly fee of RM60.00-99.99	HD or PVR Box	Ulti Box	Free but with 12 months contract	Free with no contract
Any legacy packs, monthly fee of RM100.00 and above	HD or PVR Box	Ultra Box	Free with no contract	Free with no contract
Primary Pack, Entertainment Pack, Movies Pack	HD or PVR Box	Ulti Box	Free but with 12 months contract	Free with no contract
Sports Pack and above (packs with RM99.99 and above)	HD or PVR Box	Ultra Box	Free with no contract	Free with no contract
Multiroom	HD or PVR Box	Ulti Box	Free but with 12 months contract	Free with no contract

Note: Other scenarios that are not within this campaign’s scope (e.g. upgrade your existing Multiroom (Box) to Ultra Box, or legacy pack customer with a monthly fee of RM59.99 and below who wants to upgrade to Ulti/Ultra Box), it shall be chargeable with an installation fee and shall come with a 24-month contract, as per usual offer.

You can upgrade your box via the My Astro app. Do note that the default “Your installation method” selection will be ‘Plug & Play’. If you want to continue using a satellite dish to receive Astro channels on your new Ulti/Ultra Box, remember to choose the ‘Standard’ option.

However, if you encounter difficulties upgrading your box using the My Astro app (e.g. upgrade option isn’t there), there are other alternatives to do it:

• Astro Facebook page: Message that page, type “Hi”, select language if being asked, then type “agent”
• Astro website: click the chatbot icon on the bottom right corner, type “agent”
• Tune to CH200: Scan the QR code that appears under the “Free Box” tab, which will bring you to the Astro WhatsApp chatbot.
• Call customer service: 03-95433838
• Email: wecare@astro.com.my

When communicating with the agent to request a box upgrade, if you want to continue using a satellite dish to receive Astro channels on your new Ulti/Ultra Box, you need to inform them to create your order as Satellite. Otherwise, they will create your order as Plug & Play.

---

Added on
3) Free 1x Astro First movie
You are eligible to redeem 1 Astro First movie for free, if you’re currently on one of these packs:

Legacy Packs	Super Pack Lite 1/2/3/4 (Movies), Super Pack 1/2/3/3a/4, Super Pack Plus 1/2/3
New Packs	Premium Pack 3, Premium Pack 5, Platinum Lite, Platinum Pack

Redeem the movie through the Rewards section in My Astro app only!
To redeem the free Astro First movie, you can only do it through My Astro mobile app under the “Rewards” tab, and nowhere else.

1. After logging in to your My Astro app, you need to go to the “Rewards” tab, then tap the “Redeem your FREE movie!” option.
2. Scroll down, then you’ll see a list of movies there. That will be the only list of movies that are eligible for free redemption

Not every Astro First movie available today is eligible for free redemption.
You might find that the list of eligible free movies redemption appears boring and unappealing to you now.
I’m not surprised about this, because movies that high likely appealing for many to redeem, means Astro need to bear more costs. So, you’re stuck at whatever movies they’d offer you for free redemption only.

You can only redeem ONCE, so don’t rush
Customers who eligible for free movie redemption, are entitled to redeem one movie / one time only.
And bear in mind, its movie listing will change from time to time. The free movie redemption is set to end on 31 Jan 2025, so you don’t need to rush to redeem it as soon as possible.

You will be charged as usual if you do it wrongly
If you rent Astro First movies in these touchpoints:

• “Content” tab in My Astro mobile app
• Web version of My Astro https://myastro.astro.com.my/
• CH480 / WhatsApp / SMS
• “Store” section (On Demand) on your PVR/Ulti/Ultra Box
• “Store” section on Astro GO

…then you will be charged as per usual movie rental purchases, even if that particular movie is available for free redemption under the Rewards section on My Astro app.

---

Added on
Conclusion
From my experience, it is quite rare for Astro to launch such an initiative, particularly one that automatically includes adding 18 channels to the majority of customers’ subscription.
This might be related to a news article published a few months back, where Astro is planning to introduce 3 brand new packs, and will discontinue all existing packs.
I guess this Big Thank You campaign paves the way for a smoother launch of their brand new 3 packs, and I really look forward to seeing what the 3 packs are going to look like...

By the way, if you're feeling information overload after reading the above, and just want to know what you're entitled to get:

For those who are still on the very old "Family" packs mentioned earlier, they're the ones who are not eligible in getting the free and permanent 18 channels.

So not exactly every customers are technically upgraded also.
You add a Multiroom box?
Definitely contract will be involved.
I'm pretty certain that it'll be 24 months contract.

But this is general question, some of us here already know the answer...
As of today, no.
Because you're on the legacy pack, Multroom are not allowed to be added.

So no need to contact customer service, because the answer will be the same, which is no.

Also main will be at penang, pvr wifi, current ad have 1 multiroom at penang, pvr wifi too.
Now need add another multiroom at KL.
Don't admit your "crime" here. We don't want to know But thanks for sharing
It's been a while since they've loosen up the rules already. Now legacy packs customers can subscribe and even remove standalone addons (e.g. Kids, Variety, or even streaming apps), and can do free box upgrade also.
But the restriction for packs remain the same (cannot upgrade/downgrade, unless you switch to new packs), and Multiroom remains unable to add.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Dec 4 2024, 10:05 PM

Suddenly so many posts in this thread.

Seriously, you two stayed up that late to monitor Astro website?
You two are really hardcore Astro fan Much more passionate than me LOL.

Anyway, I notice their 3 new packs has the "Astro One" branding on it. I assume that'll be how we refer to their packs moving forward.
Legacy packs, new packs (not new anymore... maybe I should call them "2021 packs"?), and Astro One packs...
I've been asking my sources for more info regarding this Astro One packages since this morning
The inclusion of IQIYI in Epic Pack is permanent, and you cannot switch to Viu.
In other words, none of the 3 new Astro One packs includes Viu for free, so you'll need to addon separately for Viu.
Previously, Astro have too many packs till the point that it looks confusing to many.
Now they wants to simplify their packs into just 3.

Back in 9 Nov 2021 when Astro launch their new packs, they had the idea where Astro's bundles that includes popular apps (e.g. Netflix) would appear attractive to customers, and customers would go for it.
But eventually, the takeups of such bundles isn't as performing as what they initially expected (even those with Netflix & other popular apps).
Since then, they find that bundling popular apps into a few Astro packs doesn't appear very appealing to the majority of customers, hence this time, they decided to just make 1 "epic" pack that includes a lot of apps instead.
Tbh I'm not sure why they go for IQIYI and I don't think it's really that popular compared to Viu....

So, for those who go for Astro One Entertainment or Sports, they just let customer add on separately on the apps that they need.
That way, customers will have the "flexibility" because I also find that many of us would think that Astro packs back then don't have much "flexiblity".

In my opinion, Epic Pack is meant for those who's been want full channels from Astro and also getting more apps than neccessary (and willing to pay monthly fee of RM200 + tax), and not meant to those who just want specific popular apps like Netflix & Disney+ Hotstar only.
So, you could say it's like a change in business direction. Whether will it be a success due to this simplifcation, we shall see...
Yes, you will get CH411, 412, 414, 415 when you subscribe to Max Standard.
All existing 2021 packs customers (including your Premium Pack), will now automatically get 4 device concurrencies on Astro GO (previously 2). Cloud recording hours remain unchanged.
However for the new Astro One packs, Entertainment & Sports will only have 2, while Epic will get Astro GO+ (4 concurrencies + 1500 hrs).
No.
The Astro One: Sports Pack does not have Netflix at all, and you'll need to add-on Netflix separately at retail prices (e.g. Netflix Premium RM62.90).
Since you wanted Netflix & Sports Pack, then your Sports Plus Pack is the best pack already. Just stick with it, don't move to the new pack.

I've been gathering info from my sources since this morning...
Will need few days time to fully compile all neccessary info...

So far, here are the important takeaways I gathered...

Astro One Packs - Subscription Rate Card (Dec 2024)
Packs


Channel List


No more Korean, Horror and Indonesian Favourites
Since the channels of these addons already included in Astro One's lowest pack (which is Entertainment Pack), hence these addons don't exist in Astro One's world anymore.
If you're not on any Astro One packs, and being separately charged for it (because you subscribed them long time ago), then you will continue to pay for it even though now you can enjoy all those channels for free, until you call customer service and tell them to remove it.
Read more about their Astro Big Thank You campaign here: https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...#entry110872977

No more Disney+ Hotstar Basic 3 months
Now can only subscribe on a monthly basis, no more 3 months options.
If you're subscribed to it, and being charged for it, you will continue to pay for it.

24 months contract only; no such thing as auto contract renewal
After the initial 24 months contract period ends, you will no longer have contract, just like how a "24 months contract" rule works.
No more "auto contract renewal" nonsense. Those are history already.

Epic Pack includes 1 Multiroom Smart TV by default
If you go for on Epic Pack, you don't need to add on Multiroom (Smart TV) separately anymore, as it is included by default.

Legacy pack customers is now allowed to add Multiroom
Finally, good news for legacy pack customers who have been wanting to add Multioom (Box).
UPDATE: At the moment, this function isn't available to legacy pack customers via My Astro, but you can still add Multiroom by contacting custemer service.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Dec 13 2024, 08:49 PM

All Super Packs comes with 3 Mini pack selections, and based on what you listed down, your 3 Mini packs selection are Learning Package, News Package, Variety Package
Kids is not part of your selection of the 3 Mini packs, hence that is why you're not getting Kids today.
However, all Super Pack customers are entitled to get Moonbug Kids (CH618).

Still using the old DMT-5 PVR Box, though the recording features got removed at some point, and I think the HDD inside is dying anyways
When tune to any channel, are you able to perform any recording?
If you see "PVR Functionality Not Available", then it's likely that the hard disk inside your PVR box has died.

Any "add-ons" from the above that could be removed that actually saves money?
On your Astro bill, besides "Super Pack 3a", do you see any other separate charges? If no, then basically there's no addons you can remove.

The closest alternative of Astro One packs to your legacy's Super Pack 3a, would be:
Astro One: Sports Pack (RM99.99) + Max Standard (RM31.39) + Disney+ Hotstar Basic (RM16.84) + News & Documentaries (RM14.99) = RM163.21/month (RM176.26/month after 8% Service Tax)

For your Super Pack 3a, you get 4 device concurrency for Astro GO.
If you go for Astro One: Sports Pack, you get 2 device concurrency for Astro GO. And you don't get Moonbug Kids (CH618), unless you add Kids RM9.99/mth.
But the good thing is, you get Sports Extra (CH830-833, which is Golf, Rugby, Cricket, and soon-to-be-cease WWE Network), which your Super Pack 3a doesn't have.

In this case, I suggest you remain your Super Pack 3a as-is, unless you're thinking of saving cost by not wanting either Max Standard, Disney+ Hotstar Basic, or News & Documentaries.
Astro One: Sports Pack (RM99.99) + Max Standard (RM31.39) + Disney+ Hotstar Basic (RM16.84) = RM148.22 excl tax
Yes, I suggest you remain as-is.

Movies Pack is eligible for Ulti Box by default.
You can remain as your existing Movies pack, but if you want to upgrade from your existing Ulti to Ultra Box, you'd need to pay for installation fee and a new contract.

From what I see, it's only "exciting" if you just want to stick to Astro One: Entertainment Pack (RM49.99)

Epic Pack, is similar to the previous's Platinum Pack (RM194.99), where is meant to those who want full channels and a lot of apps, and definitely not everyone will need and want to pay for that.

It's the box itself.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Dec 10 2024, 02:35 AM

First time I see Astro being that transparent to publicly publish their subscription rate card like this to the media...
Previously they are very "secretive" about their subscription rate cards...
https://www.facebook.com/mysoyacincau/posts...9bETjt16wmHPPwl

https://www.facebook.com/lowyatdotnet/posts...pSX7uMGf8s91hCl

Dreams of reducing costs with Astro are well, dreams
You can... Provided if you want to sacrifice your streaming apps like Max Standard (RM31.39) or Disney+ Hotstar Basic (RM16.84), and also don't want News & Documentaries channels (RM14.99)
then you can consider switch to Astro One: Sports Pack.
Otherwise, yeah, just stick to whatever you have now.

Not interested in Ultra Box as no internet at that place and old folks prefer the "just press numbers and watch"
Even without Internet, since you're on Super Pack, then you are eligible to upgrade to Ultra Box (satellite) for free, and with no contract.
Ultra Box can also work by "just press numbers and watch" as long you tell the CS agent you want your box to be under Satellite mode.

Benefit is, at least the old folks get to enjoy 4K UHD channels like Astro Sports UHD (CH805) and Love Nature (CH549), which is something that your PVR box can't support.

Since the hard disk inside your PVR box has died, then you can treat it like a normal HD box already.

This post has been edited by joshhd: Dec 10 2024, 12:37 AM