This one you got to ask RTM and Media Prima directly, "why not you broadcasters pay more money to Astro to broadcast your channels in HD?"
It's not Astro to decide since the channels is not operated by Astro. Astro is just channel provider for them only.

The seamless switching part, hard to say. But I can see that, there is a possibility there. As in will they really implement that for real, it's still unknown yet.

Does this issue also happen on other browsers/devices/computer/network (try compare the difference between your home WiFi and mobile data)?
You tried clear cache (app or browser), log out then log in again?

I just tried using Astro Go... No issues for me though...

Is the update the new UI for the PVR box( with the new home screen, etc)?

PVR box has built in hard disk inside, so that's why when you fast forward, rewind, play a programme... It is almost instant and real-time, cuz the PVR box can just read/write the hard disk locally and need not depend on Internet.

Ultra Box fully relies on Internet for cloud PVR recordings, VOD streaming, 'Play from Start', and others.
So when you perform PVR functions (rewind, fast forward, play...), it will go through lots of complicated process on their streaming server part, network stuff and so on.
That's why all Ultra Box users now will experience such delay.

Even if your Internet speed is few Gbps, it doesn't matter. As long if it depends on Internet to load, such delays would occur for sure.
They can only reduce the delay time (as near instant as Netflix), but it won't be as real-time as what you experienced on PVR box that relies on built in hard disk.

Ultra Box do supports external hard disk by connecting it to its USB 3.0 port.
But Astro do not authorise Ultra Box users to connect external hard disk yet, because they say "it isn't ready for now, and we don't know when will that happen". That's it, no further comments.
If they allow its users to connect external hard disk, then you would enjoy the same instantaneous response as what you experience on PVR box.
Cuz right now, Astro put their main focus on cloud recording first.

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Astro, as well as almost all satellite pay TV providers around the world, will continue to use Ku band frequency for satellite TV purposes, which operates in between 10.7-12.75GHz.
There is no alternative frequencies for that already. Throughout worldwide, frequencies lower than 10.7GHz are utilised for something else, including for military, government, and other communication stuff that general public may not aware of.
Whether is it "suitable or not suitable" in tropical country, that's not for us to decide, cuz other tropical countries are also using it, like Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and more.
Rain fade issue on Ku band is common for tropical countries, and it has always been like this since forever.

Although C band (3.4-4.2GHz) doesn't have rain fade issue like Ku band, there's a very little number of pay TV providers worldwide are using it due to its overall costs, practicality and many other technical factors, and Astro won't even think of using or migrating to that for its pay TV services, so do stop hoping for it, if you were.
C band is used for other more important and essential usages (e.g. distributing content, live feeds, data services, and more). Long story short, something that is more important than providing just a satellite pay TV service.
Plus, that C band satellite use is under pressure since many countries worldwide are already been or planning to use for 5G services as soon as in the next coming years. You can Google that for more info.

Therefore, whether you like it or not, Astro's satellite TV will continue to experience rain fade issue, now and forever. So there's no solution for that. Period.

i see some you using the acronym OTT
i searched posts in topic, still can't find the meaning of it

OTT = over the terrestrial ?

They could easily require a format, encrypt the External HDD and tie the encryption to the decoder and the smart card, which would solve the issue of not being secure.... Also, I think you can even remove the Internal HDD of the PVR box( at your own risk) and plug into a PC, but it won't work as it's tied to the decoder and smart card

Couldn't find anything on this here, but just realised that there's no "mute" button on the remote control on the Ultra box. Anyone got a workaround?

Anyone having problem with their decoder recently? Mine randomly hang (can’t change channel) slow boot, hang at boot, etc

I've just realized that Astro & Broadband doesn't seem to save a lot of money...only RM5-30/month, not to mention that there's 24-month contract.... their marketing/ advertising makes it sound like it’s worth it and save a lot of money 🤔

Wow, does this means like Astro leaves PVR box user hanging with beta software forever ?

Betol la tu. new ultrabox got issues la i think. No rain also said no connection. Needs to reboot by unplugged the main power. Sigh

aw, man..

i wanted to upgrade to Ultra Box but when there's no HDD recording, wife say tak payah because later if internet got problem,
cannot view also for what.

now i plan to upgrade my mom's astro to PVR (previously just HD decoder), but if I go to Ultra Box setup, i'm afraid mom might not be familiar with the controls..

have to plan a visit to astro to check out my options.

"Unusually high volume" is a biggest bulls**t you'll ever hear from Astro for years.

Let's be real. Does Astro customer service ever experience "unusually low volume" of customers calling in or requires assistance? Astro got such thing as "less people call in" or "less people needs assistance"?
Maybe. I guess that would be during midnight.

Press arrow down bellow OK button.

For your info, the date and time shown on Astro boxes is synchronise via satellite, not Internet.

Is it still happening now? On any random shows, or certain shows only? How about live TV playback?
I mean who knows the issue is "gone" already?

I personally don't think is the Internet speed issue like what Astro ask you to do.
You try go to the Settings on Astro Go, select Registered Devices, then remove all devices (except your own Astro box, if have).
Then clear browsing data (especially cookies, cache, etc), then see if issue persists.

What you mean smoke come out?

If they would want a certain batch of users to change to new STB, they can trigger such "switch" by making some technical issues to occur, such as STB cannot boot, STB auto restart automatically, STB cannot detect smart card, satellite tuner got issue that causes it to no signal, etc.
Not literally like time bomb, literally "smoke come out" la lol...

Then they shall arrange a technician to your premise, and get it checked then eventually replace a new one.

Disclaimer: This is just my assumption, and I'm not sure if Astro does this kind of practice or not, but theoretically from what I see, it is not impossible for them to do so.

Legacy boxes are meant to last long, but newer Astro boxes don't.
Because technology keep on advancing and improving, just like why many people would change a new smartphone after some time (like once every 2 years, 4 years, or so)

According to Astro, their STB's average lifespan is approximately 5 years. I saw this statement before on one of the article on Astro's financial report or Astro Quake (formerly Astro Radar).
So, if they make it last long long like legacy box, who knows, the next difficulty for them in phasing out a particular platform would be DMT4 HD/PVR boxes, just like what Astro is facing now with migrating its legacy box users.

Or maybe entire DMT 4, DMT5, DMT 5 v2, and HD Zapper box platform, if Astro transmit all of its channel in HEVC, and Ultra Box can be used.
I think that would only happen 10+ years later la, so no need to think about this now.

Happened 2our Ultrabox a no of times oledi...

Tried many ways incl pulling out our Ethernet cable... 🤔

Finally the best way is 2power off and back on again..
Like a FULL Restart?? 👏👍✌️