Astro (satellite TV)

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Astro

Type Private satellite television

Country
Malaysia

Availability National

Making your life richer (2003 –

Present)
Motto
The future is Direct-To-U (1996 –
2003)

Dato' Badri Masri

Dato' Mohamed Khadar Merican
Ralph Marshall
Key people
Tan Poh Ching
Bernard Anthony Cragg
Chin Kwai Yoong

Launch date 1996

寰宇电视 (pinyin: Huányǔ diàn shì)

Former names in Chinese, now simply known as
"Astro"

Website
www.astro.com.my
Astro is a subscription-based direct broadcast satellite (DBS) or direct-to-home satellite
television and radio service initially in Malaysia, but has expanded to Brunei and Indonesia.
The service is broadcast from the All Asia Broadcast Centre (ABC) located in Bukit Jalil,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Astro is owned by MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems, a
subsidiary of Astro All Asia Networks plc.
Contents
[hide]
• 1 General Information
• 2 Service and Technical Information
○ 2.1 Receiver/Decoder
○ 2.2 Digital Video Recorder
○ 2.3 Packages / Subscription
• 3 Channel line-up
• 4 Programme Classifications
• 5 Broadband & Internet based Services
• 6 Viewership
• 7 Red Button Feature
• 8 Ownership & Management
○ 8.1 Key Personnel
• 9 International Operations
○ 9.1 Brunei
○ 9.2 Indonesia
• 10 Gallery
• 11 See also
• 12 References
• 13 External links

[edit] General Information

Image of MEASAT-3 orbiting over South-east Asia
The service was launched in 1996 following the launch of the MEASAT-1 satellite with an
initial bouquet of 22 television and 8 radio channels. Currently, the service consists of 80
television, 17 radio, and 4 pay-per-view channels plus various interactive services. Astro's
own news channel, Astro News, carries programming from the news channel Al Jazeera,
available in dual language, Arabic and Malay, as well as the Australia Network (although
rumours, now going on for several years, have had a full time slot for Australia Network
"coming soon"). It also airs Astro News, a half-hour locally produced news program.
Until February 2007, Astro News was co-produced with the national news agency
BERNAMA, with the former taking 12 minutes of the programme for general, The news is
also translated into Mandarin on Astro AEC, Malay on Astro RIA and Tamil on Astro
Vaanavil. In February 2007, BERNAMA took over the full half-hour production pending a
revamp of the internal news team at Astro.
Astro has previously announced that it would introduce 50 new channels with the launch of
the MEASAT-3 satellite. However, the satellite and problems with the launch vehicle has
pushed back the launch of the satellite from mid-2005 to December 12, 2006.
From May 2007, Astro added another 9 channels into its line-up. The nine channels that were
announced are Jia Yu Channel, Discovery Science, Discovery Real Time, Discovery Home &
Health, E! Entertainment, Astro Vellithirai，Sun Music, Eurosport and The Golf Channel. Jia
Yu Channel, Discovery Science and Discovery Real Time were already added into Astro's
line-up on April 26, 2007. The other six channels became available from May 1, 2007
onwards. These nine channels will be available for free until November 15, 2007. After that,
these channels will be available in their respective packages. Another two channels, which
are The History Channel and the Crime & Investigation Network, had joined the Astro
platform on June 15, 2007.
In June 2007, Astro introduced Astro On-Demand, a new channel featuring the latest TVB
dramas from Hong Kong on 6 channels. On July 1, 2007 onwards, Astro On-Demand
preview was introduced, and it is entirely devoted to telling the Astro subscribers about this
new channel. Prior to July 1, 2007, all dramas that were on broadcast on Channel 910 - 916
(now moved to Channel 931 - 937) were free. After that, in July 2007, the introductory price
for shows on Astro-On Demand was set at RM 0.99 per episode, for Dynasty Package
subscribers, and RM 1.49 per episode, for those who are not. A total of 31 channels have been
allocated for this new service. [1]
On September 6, 2007, Astro Awani, a new in-house Malay language entertainment, variety
and news channel, was added into the Astro platform. On October 13, 2007, Astro added
seven new channels into its repertoire, namely the Asian Food Channel, Astro Hua Hee Dai,
Astro Oasis, Astro Xiao Tai Yang, Chutti TV, KBS World and Makkal TV. This increased the
number of television channels on Astro to 80.
[edit] Service and Technical Information

A typical Astro satellite dish or a mini-dish.

The direct-to-home service, branded as Direct-to-U (DTU), is broadcast as high-power Ku-
band transmissions utilizing the transponders of the MEASAT satellite system. Reception of
the service signals uses a fixed 60-cm diameter dish antenna.
Although Ku-band signals can be affected by rain attenuation (rain fade), making it
susceptible to frequent outages in heavy rainfall areas such as Malaysia, the operators of
Astro have employed a tailor-made system to boost power of the satellite delivery system to
overcome this problem. The advertised service availability of 99.7%, however, is still a topic
of much debate by subscribers.
Astro's broadcast signals are DVB-S compliant and compressed using MPEG-2 standards
(also used in DVD Video). It is currently, however, broadcasting in SDTV 576i[citation needed] at a
4:3 aspect ratio, and its audio signals are in Dolby Digital Stereo the signals are also encoded
and encrypted prior to transmission, creating a conditional access subscriber service that
allows access only to subscribers with a decoder and authorized smartcard.
[edit] Receiver/Decoder
Since its launch, Astro has introduced 3 generations of receiver/decoders.

Generation Manufacturer Model Year Introduced

1st generation / launch product Philips INS 610 1996

2nd generation
Philips DSX7072 1999
 Nokia DVB 8750s 1999

3rd generation Philips DSR4201 2004

Thomson DVB 850s 2004
[edit] Digital Video Recorder
In July 2006, Astro announced the Astro Max system, a new Astro receiver/decoder
integrated with a digital video recorder. This decoder will enable Astro subscribers to record
up to 60 hours of programming on a 80GB hard disk. The system records programming
without converting the MPEG-2 digital satellite stream, as such the recorded video is the
same high quality as the broadcast feed. Inclusion of 2 tuners enables the recording of one
programme, while viewing another. However, the system is not able to record two
channels/programmes at the same time.
Astro MAX includes standard features found on digital video recorders such as pausing,
rewinding and replaying "live" TV as well as a 30 second skip. The unit also has a 30 minute
buffer which constantly records the currently watched program. Full integration with Astro's
electronic programme guide enables easy selection of programmes to be recorded. Additional
features include the ability to record all audio tracks and all subtitle tracks on multiple
language programming. Copies of programmes recorded can also be transferred to DVD or
VHS tape.
Currently, as of 2008, there is no service fee for the use of the Astro MAX system.
[edit] Packages / Subscription
The Astro service uses the package pricing model commonly used by other pay-TV operators
in which channels are grouped into packages (i.e. basic and premium) made available to
subscribers at a monthly fee.
Since November 15, 2007 onwards, there has been a slight alteration to the packages and
prices. The Family Package, which is the lowest entry level, offers a fee of RM37.95
(excluding all the mini packages, Sports Packages & Super Packages). Subscribers who pay
this amount will only enjoy channels grouped under Astro Family banner that offers 30
channels, including six free-to-air terrestrial television networks, in-house vernacular
channels and some international networks. All subscribers also receive these channels at a
different rate, depending on what packages they subscribed to.
The basic packages (also known as mini packages) are categorised into four groups known as
Variety (Entertainment channels such as MTV and E!), Learning (Educational and
documentary-related channels such as Discovery Channel), Fun (Children's channels such as
Nickelodeon) and News. The sports package, which was initially a mini package, is now
offered separately.
Premium packages (known as Super Packages) include the Movie and Dynasty (Chinese
language channels) packages. They are offered at a higher rate than the other available
package.
Also, since November 15, 2007, four new packages, collectively known as the Plus Packages,
were introduced to Astro. The four new packages include the Metro Package (such as
Discovery Home & Health and BBC Entertainment), the Maharaja Package (Tamil language
channels), the Gold Package and the New Emperor Package (both are Chinese language
packages). The Gold Package and New Emperor Package provide more Chinese language
channels ranging from TV series, movies, news, lifestyle, kids, to even Hokkien and Hakka
dialect programming. Subscribers cannot select both the Gold Package and the New Emperor
Package together as the four channels in the Gold Package are available within the New
Emperor Package as well. [2]
A separate monthly subscription to Astro's PlayJam gaming channel allows the viewers full
access to the games in that channel. Day passes can also be obtained through SMS valid for
24 hours from the time the pass is issued and must be manually renewed.
[edit] Channel line-up
Main article: List of Astro Channels
[edit] Programme Classifications
At present, there are two classifications on Astro. They are:
• U - For general viewing, suitable to viewing audiences of all ages.
• 18 - For viewing audiences for audiences age 18 and above only.

[edit] Broadband & Internet based Services

At the end of 1999, Astro's operator MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems announced a
proposal to provide high-speed satellite-delivered Internet access services. The service, called
@stronet-JARING, was to be a one-way terrestrial return system, whereby Malaysian ISP
Jaring would provide the outbound data service through dial-up access. Downloads would be
received via the MEASAT satellite system, which promised a maximum download speed of
6.5Mbit/s. A PC-based trial was performed in early 2000 with a maximum download speed of
400kbit/s. Other proposed services included Multicast File Transfer and Multicast Streaming
Delivery. The service, however, has never been made available publicly.
In May 2005, Astro launched Astro.tv, a broadband TV portal. It currently has two video
channels: Akademi Fantasia Xtra and GOALTV. The service requires a separate subscription
fee charged to the subscribers mobile phone bill.
[edit] Viewership
As at January 2007, the service has 2.016 million residential subscribers, which represents
36.5% of Malaysian homes owning a television set.[3] The 2006 Nielsen Media Index found
that Astro Wah Lai Toi (Channel 311) and Astro Ria (Channel 104) are the highest viewed
satellite (non free to air) channels, with each viewed by 28 percent of the adult Malaysian
population.[citation needed] Astro reportedly controls 29% of the Malaysian television viewing
market, ahead of Radio Television Malaysia at 17%, but behind Media Prima at 54%.[4]
[edit] Red Button Feature
During high-profile events, Astro adds a Red-Button interactive feature to some channels to
provide a link to several different feeds from the event, thereby enabling viewers to select
between events or sporting matches that may be taking place simultaneously. The Red Button
feature is also used to provide interactive services such as programming updates, event news,
scores, contest information and sponsor advertising. The service is accessible by pressing the
Red Button on the set-top box's remote control when prompted by a "Press Red Button" logo
on-screen.
The Red Button service was first used in June 2004 to provide enhanced services for the
program Akademi Fantasia, the localized version of Mexico's La Academia.
Other multi-feed/channel events using the Red Button feature:
 Event No of feeds / channels Broadcast channel

2004 Summer Olympics 6 Astro Supersport (Channel 80)

2006 Winter Olympics 3 Astro Supersport (Channel 80)

2006 Commonwealth Games 3 Astro Supersport (Channel 80)

2006 FIFA World Cup 8 Astro Supersport (Channel 83)

2006 Asian Games 4 Astro Supersport (Channel 83)

2008 Thomas Cup 1 Astro Supersport (Channel 816)

UEFA EURO 2008 3 Astro Supersport (Channel 816)

2008 Summer Olympics 11 Astro Supersport (Channel 816)

[edit] Ownership & Management

The operators of the Astro service, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems, are a wholly
owned subsidiary of Astro All Asia Networks plc, a consortium company comprising of
government-linked and private companies. Major shareholders include the Usaha Tegas
Group (42.7%) and Khazanah Nasional Berhad (21.6%). Astro was listed on Bursa Malaysia
in October 2003
[edit] Key Personnel
• Ralph Marshall, Deputy Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
• Rohana Rozhan, Chief Executive Officer (Astro television)
• Grant Ferguson, Chief Financial Officer
• Graham Stephens, Chief Technology Officer
• Su Termanah, Chief Information Officer
• Claire Mula, General Manager, Multimedia Interactive Technologies
• Robert Odendaal, Group Chief Executive Officer (appointed 1st Feb 2007, resigned as
of 31st March 2008)
• David Butorac, Group Chief Operating Officer (Left to join Star TV in November
2006)
[edit] International Operations
[edit] Brunei
Main article: Kristal-Astro
The Astro service is currently also available in Brunei under the brand Kristal-Astro.
Launched in January 2000, the Brunei operations are a joint venture between Brunei
company Kristal (51.1%) and Measat Broadcast Network Systems (48.9%). That service
comprises 33 DTH television and radio channels.
[edit] Indonesia
Main article: Astro Nusantara
A joint venture company, PT Direct Vision, in which Astro will hold a 20% stake, operates
the Astro service in Indonesia. 48 channels including 5 locally produced Indonesia exclusive
channels were launched under the Astro brand.
[edit] Gallery

Astro Logo (2003-present)

Astro Logo (1996-2003)

[edit] See also
• Astro Indonesia (Astro Nusantara)
• Kristal-Astro
• List of Malaysian television stations
• Mega TV (non-operational since 2001)
• MiTV (non-operational since 31 October 2006)
• Fine TV

[edit] References
1. ^ Astro. Astro On-Demand microsite. Retrieved July 19 2006.
2. ^ Astro. Packages available and their prices on Astro. Retrieved October 16 2007
3. ^ untitled
4. ^ Netto, Anil (2007-11-30). "Malaysian media giant grasps for Internet", Asia Times Online,
Malaysia Today. Retrieved on 2007-12-07.