TrueVisions In Major Expansion Of HD Services

[angiud]

Definitely I'll move to ASTRO HD

Edited July 14, 2011 by angiud

[SAffer]

Three senior executives ...........and not a Tie between them!

Dress codes in Thailand are only enforced on Farang English teachers in Thailand.

[richardshane]

True have now hired NDS to provide encryption security as well as other services they offer which will mean a huge improvement in the service they now offer. I tried signing up for the new HD channels but was told new stb's would not be available till October...As a result of their contract with NDS expect to see "real" hardware for end users not the FTA junk we've seen till now soon we will have real DVR equipment, not soon enough for me...

[marquess]

What are the channel numbers? I have True HD, and I haven't noticed any new channels!

They are probably waiting for you to phone them and confirm that you are willing to pay the extra fees for the extra channels, time to get a mortgage to be able to watch TV!

I did, told them to take it away, too expensive when I can watch all the sport I want via the Net, and alot more than was ever shown on True along with more up to date programming.

[REM]

I got them !! I have True HD and after reading this story i went to check it and they are from 120 up to 130... great quality, thumbs up for True, Finaly the HD package is worth something !!!

I just checked, and I still don't have them on those channels!!!! I have the HD cable box, not a satellite outside my window. Maybe that's the problem.......wonder when those of us with the HD box will get the new HD channels?

[richardshane]

<br />

<br />

<br />What are the channel numbers?  I have True HD, and I haven't noticed any new channels!<br />

<br /><br />They are probably waiting for you to phone them and confirm that you are willing to pay the extra fees for the extra channels, time to get a mortgage to be able to watch TV! <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

<br /><br />I did, told them to take it away, too expensive when I can watch all the sport I want via the Net, and alot more than was ever shown on True along with more up to date programming.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

True is currently charging 490 baht for the HD channel package.

[tragickingdom]

How funny, so you have a satellite broadcaster that offers the same package price to any subscriber, but the satellite connection does not extent to the entire country? It is even more bizarre if you take into account the absurd amount people have to pay for a lousy service.

[tragickingdom]

It would be better with some competition...have had the Gold package the last 14 years or so and my impression is that it is getting poorer and poorer over time ... same movies shown on different channels and repeated eternally....if there was a serious competitor out there I would swop asap but I have not seen any.

The good thing is that they usually transmit the important boxing matches live .... before they used to do it with UFC from time to time but that is stopped unfortunately...don't even send them later on as they used to on Channel 102...maybe too expensive.

Competitors are not allowed and if they were, they would most likely be extinguished. "Stinks of Monopoly" I was told by an executive of True some years ago that "sorry the fees are high because the government wont allow us advertising"

They now have advertising (and make a fortune) so why are the fees not coming down, could this have something to do with greed?

About time someone from True joins in this discussion on TV "not brave enough"?

Competition?? True is owned by Charoen Pokhand. CP is the Democrat Party sponsor pur sang. Did you notice that DTac is suddenly called a foreign company when they took on TRUE over 3G. True is allowed to offer 3G even though they cannot even cover more than 50% of the country with the old system and Dtac has its system ready to go. CAt simply says no deal. Only TRUE may offer 3G. This is the reason why Thailand needs not only a new government, but in a fact a real uprising that throws out vested interest.

[rotary]

Gosh Truevisions needs to cut their price in half, double the quality of service then improve their programming with less re-runs. Until then I do not want to hear their company name.

Right now the "gray market" VTV from Vietnam must be killing them as it is 1/3 the price with like 10 plus HD channels and much better programming.

[AGareth2]

thanks for the information

[mikehuahin]

I used UBC or True for 13 years. The price only goes up and the quality down. I cancled true vision a few months ago. There are so many websites where you can watch even all these channels (HBO, NGO, Discovery, all UK channels, US channels and much more) The quality is very good and some even streaming in HD. You can also watch Sport and Movies in HD on vettle dot com. It work very well for me with 3BB premium package and Firefox 5. Now i watch TV only from internet free.

[bikerjoy]

Now all they need to do is put on something worth watching. I cancelled my subscription after six months, there were better programmes and later release movies on the local network (Banglamung). True is1600 baht a month, Banglamung is 300.

Hi

can I get BANGLAMUNG in Chiang Mai and where and how to install?

thanks

[Arkady]

For the price of the standard packages they should provide all the channels in good quality HD with good quality 7.1 sound. Unfortunately there is no competition at the premium end of the market. Just the garbage stations in the provinces providing movies pirated with a handycam in the movie theatre. No wonder these shysters want to keep out foreign competition to continue to rip off Thai consumers.

[cmjantje]

What a con!! Their systems are so old.Picture and program quality mostly rubbish....Also I want to watch TV on demand and not at their crazy prices...So its not and probely never will be for me.I had it taken out 3 months ago and now download everything I want to watch in near HD quality...BBC ITV and isohunt rules.

dont forget eztv

[PomPui]

Nice to see people are complaining about more HD channels being given at no extra cost.

While agree there is a lot of junk on some of the channels, I find the True Sport are pretty good, yes there are gaping holes in the sports they actually show.

ESPN and StarSports coverage is pretty poor and the picture quality is very poor. TrueSports HD picture is very good and is in fact is stunning compared to the standard channels.

Don't get me started on the StarSports F1 coverage which is shocking not a patch on the BBC but better than SpeedTV.

Edited July 14, 2011 by PomPui

[marquess]

Nice to see people are complaining about more HD channels being given at no extra cost.

While agree there is a lot of junk on some of the channels, I find the True Sport are pretty good, yes there are gaping holes in the sports they actually show.

ESPN and StarSports coverage is pretty poor and the picture quality is very poor. TrueSports HD picture is very good and is in fact is stunning compared to the standard channels.

Don't get me started on the StarSports F1 coverage which is shocking not a patch on the BBC but better than SpeedTV.

Speaking of the excellent BBC F1 coverage it s possible to watch it live via stream. True need to seriously upgrade their act, I had them for 10 years and now no more!

[timberboy]

How about they improve their 3G network?

wheres the 4G

[timberboy]

It would be better with some competition...have had the Gold package the last 14 years or so and my impression is that it is getting poorer and poorer over time ... same movies shown on different channels and repeated eternally....if there was a serious competitor out there I would swop asap but I have not seen any.

The good thing is that they usually transmit the important boxing matches live .... before they used to do it with UFC from time to time but that is stopped unfortunately...don't even send them later on as they used to on Channel 102...maybe too expensive.

Competitors are not allowed and if they were, they would most likely be extinguished. "Stinks of Monopoly" I was told by an executive of True some years ago that "sorry the fees are high because the government wont allow us advertising"

They now have advertising (and make a fortune) so why are the fees not coming down, could this have something to do with greed?

About time someone from True joins in this discussion on TV "not brave enough"?

Pricing has to do with profits [you might consider it greed]. Cable providers are notorious for jacking up prices as high as possible, especially in markets with little or no competition. But if you think the rates will be reduced cause they obtained advertising revenues, i suggest that you take off the rose colored glasses. Yea i have gold package here in NewYork, the cable provider has one competitor and they came around way after this company "built" the cable tv, internet, phone infrastructure in this area. So , yea they do the same thing, my bill is $100 US per month just for the tv. and have same crap, movies from 20 years ago, playing on numerous channels, etc. Thats just the way it seems to be. So i wouldnt expect much if you complained to the government about it.

[maidu]

I like some of the programming on True Visions - BUT I DON'T LIKE HOW THEY CLUTTER UP THE VIEWING AREA ! ! ! ! ! ! !

They not only put 3 large logos in the corners of the viewing zone, they also have an immensely annoying dialogue bubbles (Thai font in rectangular squares) that pop up non-stop on the bottom of the viewing area. It's particularly crappy when that intrusive crap covers key info from the program (peoples' names, translations, qualifications).

Altogether, ABOUT ONE TWELFTH OF THE TV PICTURE is covered up by their crap at any one time. It's very crass and low class. Although I like some of the programming, I instead switch to other programs (non True Vision) where the video isn't cluttered up.

[cyborgx]

They brought out the PVR service a couple of years ago, and made you buy the hardware. Now they have HD service, but no HD PVR, no upgrade path and no idea when they will have either. So if you want to watch HD but have their PVR service, you now need 2 receivers!

Great planning Truevision! They also send you spam frequently.

Just not worth it anymore.

[cyborgx]

From what I have seen, they seem to broadcast Movies at the wrong Aspect Ratio in HD well doen again.

I did consider Astro, but after weeks of asking their customer support simple subscription questions, which they seemed incapable of understanding or responding to with the correct pricing information, I give up and will use my apartment building's feeds, plus programs via the Internet.

[Valentine]

I like some of the programming on True Visions - BUT I DON'T LIKE HOW THEY CLUTTER UP THE VIEWING AREA ! ! ! ! ! ! !

They not only put 3 large logos in the corners of the viewing zone, they also have an immensely annoying dialogue bubbles (Thai font in rectangular squares) that pop up non-stop on the bottom of the viewing area. It's particularly crappy when that intrusive crap covers key info from the program (peoples' names, translations, qualifications).

Altogether, ABOUT ONE TWELFTH OF THE TV PICTURE is covered up by their crap at any one time. It's very crass and low class. Although I like some of the programming, I instead switch to other programs (non True Vision) where the video isn't cluttered up.

Not only 3 logos when one will suffice but also the things like the 3 in 1 coffee ad in the corner. As long as they continue monopoly status True will never take heed of their customers cries for a better quality.

[bitterbatter]

It would be nice to see an improvement not just in the quality of the picture but the quality of programs offered.

Right on!!

First get the programs right and then worry about the upgraded quality.

A few programs (dramas, comedy, documentaries) from the UK instead of this incessant rubbish they buy from USA would be nice for starters.

I have recently lived in the states, and their are actually a number of really good HD channels out of more then 50 real HD channels (SD television stretched to fill the screen don't count). Discovery, HDNet, National Geographic, are good examples.

I always thought that they didn't offer the real HD channels because it would need a new contract and probably cost more money. But by the sound of their rising profits, sounds like they can afford to broadcast more then just a handful of channels

I have tried to explain to Thai people over the last couple years that just because the picture fills the screen, it isn't really HD. They didn't believe me, or think it would be any different. Maybe now they will begin to understand.

[dfp]

I called True Visions this afternoon to ask for the new HD channels, since I already subscribe.

First of all : When I called the first thing I was exposed to was 1 - 2 minutes of advertising for their new HD instead of press 1 for Thai, 9 for English and 0 for operator. So already at that point you start to get annoyed.

Secondly when finally came to press 1 or 9, then the 9 did not work, so I was directed to I do not know what. The person could not speak English, however, my Thai is reasonable OK. Finally he gave up and asked if an English speaking person could call me back. I agreed of course.

Since that took some time, I called again, same procedure as before, but this time the person who received the call was very rude and hung up.

One more try. I got hold of the guy I talked to first time, but in the meantime I received a call on my mobile and that was the English speaking person.

What transpired from that was:

New channels not available to satellite subscribers

True Visions do not have the hardware or available channels to go one step up into HD

Finally they have to find a satellite !!

I explained to him the bad point when calling about the advertising for 1-2 minutes for something that some subscribers cannot receive. He would tell the marketing people accordingly. Absolutely wrong people as I think they came up with that idea.

I also complained about the high price and the drop in quality and so forth and of course he cannot do anything about that.

So have patience, but do not call them.

[nbm47]

Ah now we are getting the "true" response in that they don't have the capacity to introduce more HD channels on their present satellite transponders and bearing in mind that their new satellite is not due to be launched until about June next year means there will be no further HD channels available to satellite viewers for another year at least. Makes them look amateurish compared to Astro and Vientsat companies but what do they care...........

[infernalman7]

Called them up.

Yep, the new HD channels are NOT on the same existing HD plan.

The existing HD plan (they call it Plan with 3 channels (290 baht/m extra) is available both on cable and satellite

The NEW HD plan (the so-called Plan A) with 10 channels (490 baht/m extra) is available only on cable for now.

Fortunately they told me they are expanding their cable and are looking to "migrate" some satellite customers to become cable customers instead especially those in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket where they already have their cable internet systems set up.

Looks like they are pretty ready to sell bundle services. (Internet + phone + cable TV)

btw, couldn't agree more with the set-top boxes. I want both HD and PVR.. can't I have HD PVR then?

Edited July 15, 2011 by infernalman7

[richardshane]

Like I said earlier Truevisions has chosen NDS to update the security of their systems as well as provide much better services which means the end of the current HD and PVR receivers as they really are outdated technology. When I called Truevisions they said they could not supply me with an HD capable reciever till October as they were awaiting new shipments it appears they are going to update the hardware on their systems and we will finally get caught up with the rest of the world. Hear is a copy and paste about Truevisions and then NDS who also provide this technology to Directv in the US.

C&P "TrueVisions and NDS in hybrid TV services deal

Louise Duffy ©RapidTVNews | 12-05-2011

TrueVisions, Thailand's largest pay-TV operator, has signed technology provider NDS to secure and enable next-generation hybrid services for its subscribers. The solutions include NDS VideoGuard, a pay-TV security solution, which will enable TrueVisions to expand its HD services and hybrid set-top box (STB) deployment. NDS MediaHighway will lay the foundation for advanced services such as NDS XTV digital video recorder (DVR) functionality, an adaptable user experience based on the NDS EPG Framework and hybrid features including access to an IP-enabled video-on-demand (VOD) library through an in-built browser. NDS XTV DVR technology will enable subscribers to control their TV viewing through functions such as pausing live TV and rewinding, fast forwarding and playing back recorded content. TrueVisions’ dual tuner DVR will allow users to record one programme while watching another, and will enable content to be recorded securely to an external hard drive. The NDS EPG Framework will provide TrueVisions with an end-to-end solution for managing the EPG, allowing updates and customisation without having to download software to the STB. The NDS EPG Framework also enables the creation of new revenue streams from seasonal promotions, advertisements, and sponsorships within the EPG, all in HD. NDS MediaHighway will allow TrueVisions to build and test in-house interactive applications and offer new services as part of the hybrid TV experience. The TrueVisions solution will also incorporate NDS Dynamic Audience Measurement to provide accurate analysis of subscriber viewing. Thiti Nantapatsiri, managing director of TrueVisions, said: “We pride ourselves on the breadth and quality of both our international and local content, so it is important to implement market-leading technology to protect our TV offering and enhance our TV experience with next-generation services. NDS has a proven track record in securing and enabling the major pay-TV platforms around the world, so it is the natural choice, as part of TrueVisions HD, multi-play and our group’s convergence strategy.” Sue Taylor, senior VP, GM and MD Asia Pacific at NDS, added: “We are proud to be securing Thailand’s number one pay-TV platform, TrueVisions, and look forward to helping them address their needs in this rapidly changing industry. With the reassurance that its platform remains protected, TrueVisions is now able to focus on providing subscribers with best-in-class experiences through world-leading functionality and services such as VOD and DVR technology from NDS.” The first operator in Thailand to offer both cable and satellite pay-TV services, TrueVisions offers a range of options for subscribers, from basic tier to premium content, including exclusive rights to English Premier League content in Thailand, and three HD channels."

C&P "About NDS

NDS Group Ltd. creates the technologies and applications that enable pay-TV operators to securely deliver digital content to TV STBs (set-top boxes), DVRs (digital video recorders), PCs, mobiles and other multimedia devices. Over 75 of the world’s leading pay-TV platforms rely on NDS solutions to protect and enhance their businesses. VideoGuard® is the world’s market-leading conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM) technology, currently deployed on 145 million active devices, and safeguarding pay-TV service revenues exceeding $50 billion. NDS middleware, including MediaHighway® which enables a host of advanced services for subscribers, has been deployed on 171 million devices. NDS DVR technology, centred around XTV™, leads the global industry with 35 million units deployed. (Deployment figures as of 31st December 2010)."

[thaimat]

So it's hurry up and wait, while the programming is anything from boring, to simply put, awful, for prices that well exceed what's paid for the same services in most parts of the world, even in neighboring countries. I for one, am tired of paying high prices for crappy quality-non-HD shown on the HD channel, skewed aspect ratios, old sports programming on the HD sports channel in spite of the fact that major sporting events are happening and being taped in HD all the time, such as the major tennis tournaments. For example, Wimbledon was on live on one of the non-HD sports channels, and was rezzed down to a blurry, grainy image where you couldn't even see the ball clearly, yet on the HD sports channel they were still rerunning the previous month's French Open. To continue to pay $63 for such crap makes me feel like an idiot, or desperate TV junkie. The former I am, obviously, since I've been paying these crazy prices for years, the latter I refuse to be anymore, so am canceling my True service today.

Like I said earlier Truevisions has chosen NDS to update the security of their systems as well as provide much better services which means the end of the current HD and PVR receivers as they really are outdated technology. When I called Truevisions they said they could not supply me with an HD capable reciever till October as they were awaiting new shipments it appears they are going to update the hardware on their systems and we will finally get caught up with the rest of the world. Hear is a copy and paste about Truevisions and then NDS who also provide this technology to Directv in the US.

C&P "TrueVisions and NDS in hybrid TV services deal

Louise Duffy ©RapidTVNews | 12-05-2011

TrueVisions, Thailand's largest pay-TV operator, has signed technology provider NDS to secure and enable next-generation hybrid services for its subscribers. The solutions include NDS VideoGuard, a pay-TV security solution, which will enable TrueVisions to expand its HD services and hybrid set-top box (STB) deployment. NDS MediaHighway will lay the foundation for advanced services such as NDS XTV digital video recorder (DVR) functionality, an adaptable user experience based on the NDS EPG Framework and hybrid features including access to an IP-enabled video-on-demand (VOD) library through an in-built browser. NDS XTV DVR technology will enable subscribers to control their TV viewing through functions such as pausing live TV and rewinding, fast forwarding and playing back recorded content. TrueVisions' dual tuner DVR will allow users to record one programme while watching another, and will enable content to be recorded securely to an external hard drive. The NDS EPG Framework will provide TrueVisions with an end-to-end solution for managing the EPG, allowing updates and customisation without having to download software to the STB. The NDS EPG Framework also enables the creation of new revenue streams from seasonal promotions, advertisements, and sponsorships within the EPG, all in HD. NDS MediaHighway will allow TrueVisions to build and test in-house interactive applications and offer new services as part of the hybrid TV experience. The TrueVisions solution will also incorporate NDS Dynamic Audience Measurement to provide accurate analysis of subscriber viewing. Thiti Nantapatsiri, managing director of TrueVisions, said: "We pride ourselves on the breadth and quality of both our international and local content, so it is important to implement market-leading technology to protect our TV offering and enhance our TV experience with next-generation services. NDS has a proven track record in securing and enabling the major pay-TV platforms around the world, so it is the natural choice, as part of TrueVisions HD, multi-play and our group's convergence strategy." Sue Taylor, senior VP, GM and MD Asia Pacific at NDS, added: "We are proud to be securing Thailand's number one pay-TV platform, TrueVisions, and look forward to helping them address their needs in this rapidly changing industry. With the reassurance that its platform remains protected, TrueVisions is now able to focus on providing subscribers with best-in-class experiences through world-leading functionality and services such as VOD and DVR technology from NDS." The first operator in Thailand to offer both cable and satellite pay-TV services, TrueVisions offers a range of options for subscribers, from basic tier to premium content, including exclusive rights to English Premier League content in Thailand, and three HD channels."

C&P "About NDS

NDS Group Ltd. creates the technologies and applications that enable pay-TV operators to securely deliver digital content to TV STBs (set-top boxes), DVRs (digital video recorders), PCs, mobiles and other multimedia devices. Over 75 of the world's leading pay-TV platforms rely on NDS solutions to protect and enhance their businesses. VideoGuard® is the world's market-leading conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM) technology, currently deployed on 145 million active devices, and safeguarding pay-TV service revenues exceeding $50 billion. NDS middleware, including MediaHighway® which enables a host of advanced services for subscribers, has been deployed on 171 million devices. NDS DVR technology, centred around XTV™, leads the global industry with 35 million units deployed. (Deployment figures as of 31st December 2010)."

[Tom9999]

Now all they need to do is put on something worth watching. I cancelled my subscription after six months, there were better programmes and later release movies on the local network (Banglamung). True is1600 baht a month, Banglamung is 300.

Correct, and with the difference you can buy more DVD's a month than you might want to watch.....and you get to keep them.

[infernalman7]

Went to the NDS website and I have to say that their HD PVR technology looks pretty promising. They also have some pretty interesting hybrid cable + IPTV services as well.

Will have to wait and see. We are still on dish at the moment even though we already are using True cable internet, True Visions told me I will still have to wait a couple of months to shift to cable services.

I rarely use True Visions for the very same reasons a lot of people here have. But for my parents, they just want something plain and simple. They don't really do streaming or bit torrent let alone teaching them to browse YouTube is already problematic enough. Remote is the way to go (for them).