Astro ramps up HD and sports channels

The new HD channels are Sony Pictures Entertainment Networks Asia’s (SPENA), new Korean content channel One HD, Star Movies HD and Astro’s Lifestyle channel - which will air programmes from both Food Network Asia HD and Life Inspired (LI).

This brings the total number of HD channels on Astro to 12 channels, comprising sports, movies, lifestyle, learning and entertainment genres.

Henry Tan, chief operating officer of Astro says this is in line with the company’s efforts to remain the customer’s number one choice. He says that 12 HD channels for USD$8.50 per month, makes Astro B.yond one of the most competitive offerings in the region.

“We are able to continue offering innovative services like HD, PVR and soon video-on-demand (VOD) and interactivity to our customers through Astro B.yond,” adds Tan

SPENA’s new channel One HD provides Asian general entertainment with a focus on Korean content including drama series My Girlfriend is Gumiho, I’m Legend; variety shows Star King, Family Comes Here; music shows featuring live performances of chart-topping K-pop artistes like Super Junior, Wonder Girls and Boa.

Astro’s Lifestyle channel, from 9am to 9pm daily will feature Food Network Asia HD’s travel and culinary getaway programmes. From 9pm onwards, Life Inspired (LI) will feature everything you need to know about the art of living well. Film lovers will now be able to enjoy Star Movies in HD.

Joining Astro’s existing 11 SD and HD sports channels are six channels showcasing the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Tan says Astro is the only broadcaster in Malaysia providing the most extensive coverage for the Commonwealth Games. “Our 60-strong production crew from Astro Arena will be in New Delhi, to bring the widest coverage ever on the games focusing on Malaysian athletes.”

Astro boosted its education proposition by introducing learning programmes Astro TVIQ and Clever! Edisi Malaysia, a new locally-produced science show.