New HD Broadcast from Astro

Astro is launching a new high-definition (HD) broadcast service called Astro B.yond. The first broadcast is starting on December 18. Read about it here and here. Existing Astro subscribers can upgrade to HD service for additional fee of RM20 per month. In order to get HD broadcast, you need a new set of Astro devices including decoder, satellite dish, smart card, remote control, and HDMI cable. Of course, you also need a high definition TV (HDTV). According to Astro, subscribers can exchange the current decoder with a new one for free.

In the beginning, the HD broadcast will start with only four channels: Astro Supersport, HBO, National Geographic and History Channel. ESPN will start broadcasting in HD from January 2010. This should be good news for football fans as they can expect to watch 2010 FIFA World Cup in high definition.

Astro B.yond is broadcasting at resolution 720p and 1080i which is pretty high quality although not as good as Blu-ray discs at 1080p. If you don't have a HDTV and is considering to buy one, you should watch this video on Crutchfield to give you a better idea on selecting a suitable HDTV.

Astro's goal is to get 1 million subscribers to sign up for the new HD service. If Astro is successful, that should translate to an additional revenue of RM20 million per month or RM240 million a year. I hope the extra revenue will be used to bring better TV programs for Astro subscribers.