Astro MAX

We’ve got another new gadget in the house... the Astro MAX. It was installed last Saturday. Still not very familiar with the new device. Got new remote control and different navigation screen.

This morning, suddenly we’ve got a disruption to the Astro service. Couldn’t watch any programs at all. I called up Customer Service. They told me my smart card was temporarily suspended coz they were upgrading the old decoder to Astro MAX. And it should be done within 24 hours. Huh? How are we to survive without Astro for 24 hours? So I complained a bit and the lady said she’ll try to expedite the upgrade. Luckily the service resumed after an hour. hehehe

Then in the afternoon, I wanted to record the 2:30 WLT show but was unable to. It showed the message “This channel cannot be recorded.” I tried other channels. Gave me the same message. So called Customer Service again. Reported the matter and the guy said I’ll get a call from the technical people to solve my problem within 4 hours. I tried to record a few times, even switched the decoder on and off. Also downloaded the channels again. Nothing worked. I only got a response from them at 8+pm (which was 6+ hours later). I was asked to switch off the power cable, wait for 15 seconds, then switch the power cable and decoder on. After the decoder’s start-up, I was able to record again. I felt quite stupid. Such a simple step also I didn’t think of doing.

One feature I’m very impressed with is that I can record a show and watch another recorded program at the same time. With a VCR or DVD, you won’t be able to do that. We’re quite happy with this purchase. So far so good. :)