ASTRO Holdings Sdn. Bhd (AHSB)
ASTRO Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (AHSB) Group operates through two holding companies – ASTRO Overseas Limited (AOL) which owns the portfolio of regional investments and ASTRO Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd (AMH / ASTRO) for the Malaysian business, which was privatized in 2010 and is currently owned by Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd/its affiliates, and Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
ASTRO Overseas Limited (AOL)
Through its subsidiary Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), a joint venture among Saban Pictures, Lionsgate and Celestial Pictures (wholly owned by AOL), CTE is Asia’s largest vertically integrated entertainment companies. CTE owns the world’s largest Chinese film library (The Shaw Brothers Film Library) together with its digitally re-mastered films for worldwide release and distribution, producing original content and is also the exclusive sales agent of content in all media in Southeast Asia and China from the independent Hollywood studio, Lionsgate.
AOL is seeking to increase its participation in large under-penetrated economies that will benefit from the anticipated liberalization of the media industry and the fast growing consumer sector, particularly in developing regions. Consistent with this objective, AOL has invested in a joint venture to provide DTH satellite services in India. AOL also provides studio infrastructure and airtime marketing consultancy services in India and owns 20% of South Asia FM Ltd. which has licenses to own and operate 26 FM radio stations in India.
Backed by AOL, Australia’s FetchTV is an IPTV service that provides access to digital free-to-air channels, subscription channels, video on-demand and interactive content via broadband connection in SD and HD quality.
ASTRO Malaysia Holdings Sdn. Bhd (AMH / ASTRO)
Astro Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd (AMH / ASTRO) is Malaysia’s leading integrated cross-media group with operations in 4 key businesses which include Pay TV, Radio, Content and Digital. Launched in 1996, ASTRO today has a 50% penetration of TV homes in Malaysia or 3 million customers, making it a key pay TV operator in Southeast Asia. ASTRO is a leading edge innovator with its introduction of HD, 3D and PVR – a first in Malaysia, as well as both Video-On-Demand and IPTV services. Currently, Astro broadcast over 153 channels, of which 16 are in HD.
ASTRO’s delivery system includes two state of the art fully digitized end-to-end broadcast centre facilities at the All Asia Broadcast Centre (ABC) and Cyberjaya Broadcast Centre (CBC). Both the broadcast facilities are capable of handling digital TV, radio and data services on satellite and terrestrial broadcast networks, wireless telephony and the Internet. Its subsidiary, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems has the exclusive license till 2017 for satellite DTH transmission in Malaysia.
ASTRO is the main aggregator, creator and distributor of original multi-language content in Malay, Chinese, English and Indian of various genres across multi-channels. With over 47,400 hours of in house production of original multi-language content, it encompasses 37 Astro branded television channels across various genres, with plans to increase these in the near future and to serve an ever-evolving customer profile.
AMP Radio Network, wholly owned by ASTRO is also the leading commercial radio operator across 9 FM terrestrial radio stations in Malaysia, which include the top-ranking stations for the key vernacular demographics in Malay, Chinese, Indian and English. These stations cumulatively reach over 11.5 million radio listeners a week and command 52% of the radio industry's advertising expenditure. In addition, it also packages 19 digital radio channels over the DTH platform.
ASTRO’s publications arm, MEASAT Publications is involved in the publication of entertainment and lifestyle magazines locally in different languages. These include ASTRO View (in 3 languages), FHM, ifeel, FourFourTwo, Men’s Uno, Top Gear, Style and InTrend magazines.
ASTRO is also a premier producer and distributor of locally produced films via Tayangan Unggul Sdn. Bhd and ASTRO Shaw Sdn. Bhd, whereby leading local producers and directors can hone their creative skills and capabilities in film production.
ASTRO launched the first High Definition (HD) broadcast in Malaysia in December 2009 under the brand Astro B.yond. Following the launch of HD, ASTRO B.yond PVR (Personal Video Recorder) was introduced in June 2010 and ASTRO B.yond IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) in April 2011.
On December 2011, ASTRO launched Malaysia’s first free satellite TV, NJOI, as part of ASTRO’s aspiration to make lifelong learning, information, entertainment including sports available to all in Malaysia for free.
Product & Services
Astro Services
ASTRO broadcast over 153 channels, of which 16 are in HD, and 19 digital radio channels over the DTH platform. Other services include IPTV, HD, 3D, PVR, VOD, Broadband and Voice services. The ASTRO Flexi Packages offers the ASTRO Family Package, 7 Plus Packages, 3 Prime Packages, 4 Mini Packages, ASTRO Box Office, ASTRO on Demand Dragon Pack, Radio & Other Channels, HD Channels and ASTRO Super Packs 1, 2 & 3.
On January 11th, 2011, ASTRO launched ASTRO First, a first of its kind movie-on-demand service. ASTRO customers can watch the latest cinema titles within two weeks after the cinema release, in the comfort of their homes at an affordable price.
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
In line with ASTRO commitment to deliver broadcasting services of the highest quality and sophistication, ASTRO has invested in state-of-the-art technology in all areas of its operations. ASTRO's decision to use digital technology is vital in ensuring superior broadcast quality and wide ranging services and features.
Digital Ku-band Satellite Technology
Employing the high-powered Ku-band payload of the MEASAT (Malaysia East Asia Satellite) system, ASTRO is the pioneering Direct-to-U (DtU) digital satellite broadcasting services in Malaysia and the South and East Asian region, a service once considered impractical in heavy rainfall areas.
Until the advent of ASTRO, the introduction of DtU services was hampered by signal attenuation due to heavy rainfall. As a result, only the less powerful C-band services were available off satellites - a service which requires the use of cumbersome two to four metre satellite dishes. Astro was uniquely designed to meet the special needs of Ku-band transmission in high rainfall regions. By boosting the power of the payload, ASTRO is able to deliver satellite services direct to the user using a satellite dish as small as 60 cm in diameter with a 99.7 per cent service availability rate.
Using switchable Ku-band spot beams, ASTRO can also target specific markets in the region.
With a high payload capacity, ASTRO has the ability to reduce incidence of "outage". "Outage" is a term used to describe signal interference or loss in reception due particularly to rainfade. Solar outage may also occur twice a year when the sun blocks the satellite's path. However, solar outages are predictable and will only last for a few minutes each time.
At the ABC, the transmission power of the 13.2 metre uplink satellite dishes can be boosted to 2.2kW -its full capacity -during a thunderstorm, in order to overcome potential rainfade. The power required on a clear day is only 17W or just over 0.7% of the available capacity.
MEASAT System
| Owner and Operator | MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd |
| Control Centre | MEASAT Satellite Control Centre (MSCC) Cyberjaya, Malaysia |
MEASAT 3
| Location | |
| Orbital Location | 91.5° East |
| Geographic Coverage | Malaysia, Indonesia and South Asia |
| Background | |
| Launch Vehicle | Proton Breeze M |
| Present Status | Operational |
| Spacecraft | |
| Type of Satellite | Boeing 601HP |
| Stabilization | 3 axis stabilized |
| Supplier | Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc |
| TWTA Power | 120 Watts |
| Transponder & performance specifications | |
| Bandwidth | 36 MHz |
| Channel Polarization | Linear |
| EIRP (dBW) | 59 (max) |
| G/T (dB/°K) | +16.5 (max) |
MEASAT 3a
| Location | |
| Orbital Location | 91.5° East |
| Geographic Coverage | Malaysia, Indonesia |
| Background | |
| Launch Vehicle | Land Launch Zenit - 3SLB |
| Present Status | Launched |
| Spacecraft | |
| Type of Satellite | Orbital STAR-2.3 |
| Stabilization | 3 axis stabilized |
| Supplier | Orbital Sciences Corporation |
| TWTA Power | 120 Watts |
| Transponder & performance specifications | |
| Bandwidth | 36 MHz |
| Channel Polarization | Linear |
| EIRP (dBW) | 59 (Malaysia Beam) / 55 (Indonesia Beam) |
| G/T (dB/°K) | 13 (Malaysia Beam) / 10 (Indonesia Beam) |
The DtU Process
ASTRO's services are transmitted from the ABC, its all-digital broadcast and production complex. The programmes are acquired from a variety of sources including commercial satellites, local and international production facilities as well as ASTRO's own production resources.
A number of processes are carried out at the ABC prior to broadcasting. Incoming satellite feeds and tapes are reviewed for content and quality. Selected programmes are subtitled or dubbed. Subsequently, the programmes undergo digitizing, bit rate reduction, error correction, digital modulation and encryption.
The processed signals are uplinked to the MEASAT system and then downlinked direct to the user.
A satellite dish, installed at the ASTRO customer's home or office, receives the downlinked signals and transmits them to a Digital Multimedia Terminal (DMT) which is connected to a television set. The DMT extracts, decompresses and decodes the audio, video and data signals relayed by the satellite dish.
When an ASTRO Smart Card is inserted into the DMT, the encrypted signals are unscrambled, providing conditional access to ASTRO's programmes only for authorized ASTRO customers.
Digital Technology.
ASTRO's services are delivered utilizing new and highly advanced digital technology which offers optimum channel utilization, high quality broadcasts and a range of value-added features.
Superior Reception
Digital technology preserves the high quality of the original signals, offering ASTRO customers exceptional viewing and listening experience. ASTRO delivers laser disc-quality picture and compact disc-quality sound.
Multichannel Capacity
Digital compression enables optimum use of the Ku-bandwidth and provides each transponder with a multichannel capacity of up to 14 video or more than 200 audio channels. While satellite transponders are ordinarily limited to a single channel capacity, digital compression utilizes signal compression and multiplexing techniques that are able to combine three data, fourteen television and sixteen radio channels on a single transponder.
Conditional Access
ASTRO's signals are encrypted or scrambled prior to transmission, allowing access only to ASTRO customers with an authorized ASTRO smartcard.
Digital Server Technology
The broadcast facilities include digital video and audio server technology which is used to delay incoming satellite feeds for the purpose of programme editing and commercial replacement.
International Standards and System Solutions
All video and audio signals are compressed using the worldwide MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standards while ASTRO's broadcast system complies with the internationally accepted DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) Standard. MPEG was developed by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) for digital video coding, digital audio coding and systems used in satellite, cable and terrestrial transmissions. The DVB system provides a complete solution for digital broadcasting services across a range of delivery mediums.<,/p>
IPTV
ASTRO’s B.yond IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) brings an unparalleled multiplay of ASTRO channels in HD (High-Definition) with Personal Video Recording (PVR) and VOD (Video-on-Demand) services delivered via TIME’s 100% fibre broadband, offering the fastest internet speed in the country with voice services to homes in Malaysia. Astro B.yond IPTV customers will enjoy a revolutionary TV viewing experience through its industry-leading and cutting-edge technology via its ‘tri-brid’ box which operates in all modes – Direct to Home (DTH) satellite, pure IPTV as well as DTH-IPTV hybrid mode.
BROADCAST CENTRE
The Nerve Centre
The All Asia Broadcast Centre (ABC) is the nerve centre of ASTRO's operations for Malaysia and other markets within its satellite footprint. The all-digital facility accommodates the latest in broadcasting equipment and systems, providing ASTRO with a technological edge in its commitment to offer broadcasting services of the highest quality.
The RM800 million complex is strategically located in the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), on a 29-acre site at Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
With a total floor area of 350,000 square feet, the ABC is reputedly one of the world’s largest and most advanced all-digital broadcast and production complexes. Apart from this, a similar broadcast centre has been set-up in Cyberjaya with downlink, uplink and operations facilities.
Uplink And Downlink Facilities
A total of 17 C-band Television Receive Only (TVRO) satellite dishes and one Multibeam antenna in ABC and 4 C-band TVRO and one Multibeam antenna in Cyberjaya receive signals from various commercial broadcasters. After undergoing processing, the signals are then uplinked to the MEASAT satellites using four high-powered Ku-band uplink dishes. The signals are subsequently downlinked directly to the ASTRO customers.
Central Apparatus Room (CAR)
Signals from the commercial satellite feeds are demodulated, decoded, digitized and combined with tape playouts, promotional inserts and commercials. The video signals may also be multiplexed with the digital audio signals for ASTRO's radio services. Digital compression is carried out to provide optimum channel capacity without compromising quality. The signals are encrypted to allow only controlled access by authorized ASTRO customers.
Content Control
Downlinked signals can be time-delayed to allow preview, editing and replacement of content using digital video server technology.
Playout And Recording Systems (PARS)
The system comprises a fully automated playout facility for video tapes using video cart machines and a large disc-based server system. Programme schedules are developed specially for ASTRO's needs, allowing for programming, promotional clips and commercials to be broadcast in the proper sequence.
Broadcast Control Centre (BCC)
Working closely with the MEASAT Satellite Control Centre (MSCC) in Cyberjaya, the broadcast systems are monitored to ensure that ASTRO's broadcasting services maintain excellent quality. Programming transmitted by each of the MEASAT satellite is monitored in a dedicated Broadcast Control Centre at the ABC and Cyberjaya facilities.
Television Production Studios
A variety of programmes originate from these studios as ASTRO's very own programme offerings. Each studio is fully equipped with cameras, lights and audio equipment and dedicated control rooms.
Television Post-Production Rooms
Materials are edited to provide programmes of the required length and to create promotional clips for each channel. In addition, programmes are able to be subtitled into the four main languages of the region, namely in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese and the Indian language.
Television Broadcast Audio-Dubbing Suites
Multilingual audio tracks are available for selected programmes to augment the subtitling feature. Dubbing can be done in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Tamil.
Subscriber Management System
The system will provide direct interaction with all ASTRO customers throughout the Malaysian footprint, from enquiries to billing, payment to activation of accounts and service selection.
Radio Facilities
The self-contained radio facilities employ advanced all-digital scheduling systems, enabling minimal operator handling and smooth presentation. Its studio capacity allows for live broadcasts, the pre-recording of programmes, information updates and current affairs.
State-of-the-Art Broadcast and Production System
The Broadcast Operations Centre at ABC and Cyberjaya is a complete, 24-hour broadcast and production centre which supports all aspects of the company's operations including broadcasting and transmission, production and an on-line Subscriber Management call centre.
The facilities include uplink and downlink systems, programme production studios, multiple audio and video edit suites and electronic graphics facilities.
At the ABC, there are seven production studios with dedicated control rooms, the largest being a 6,000 square feet studio with the capacity to accommodate an audience of 200. In addition, there are eight video post-production rooms and four audio dubbing suites with integrated voice-over facilities.
The radio operations are located in a self-contained, fully digital integrated facility at the ABC which is equipped with a total of 20 studios. There are nine live broadcasting studios, four news reading booths and seven audio production, editing and transfer suites.
Among some of the ABC's key support functions are a 200,000 tape library, electronic graphics services and a Technical Training Centre. These play a vital role in the smooth and efficient operation of the ABC. Set and lighting design, make-up and wardrobe facilities are also incorporated.
In order to facilitate the ABC's extensive operations, the centre is wired with over 16,000 km of cabling for data, voice and signal transmission. There are comprehensive back-up power systems including a 2.7 MW uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for all critical transmission equipment and an eight MW generator system which assures long-term protection against power outages. In addition, air-conditioning systems serving all vital equipment are duplicated to safeguard against heat damage should the main systems fail.
