Astro’s B.yond service was launched on Dec 18 with an upgrade or replacement plan offer for its subscribers. Those who want to subscribe to the B.yond HD pack can apply for the new B.yond setup at RM20 per month within the next 12 months. They will get a free Astro B.yond media box, Astro B.yond dish, smartcard, remote control, HDMI cable and standard installation (surface wiring), in exchange for their existing box.

Those who want to retain their existing box can do so, too, but will be required to pay RM80 for installation of the Astro B.yond setup.

Astro’s vice president, technology and new media Shahrul Imran Sultan says the station estimates that

20 per cent of its subscribers, or some 600,000, will be ready to take up this service within 18 to 24 months. Each month Astro is looking at installing 50,000 Astro B.yond packages.

“Astro B.yond is not about HD broadcast alone. New services such as intuitive electronic programming guide, digital video recording, video on demand and Internet connectivity will also be enabled over the next

24 months through the set-top box. All it takes is a software download through the Astro smartcard.”

Can a customer subscribe to an HD channel without subscribing to its SD counterpart?

Shahrul says the HD channels received with Astro B.yond are based on the customer’s current Astro SD package.

“For example, if you have the Sports Pack as part of your package, you will be able to watch Astro SuperSport HD and ESPN HD.”