Astro customers will be able to enjoy even more HD content come June 1st with the launch of 3 Tamil HD channels. Firstly, Vaanavil, which was one of the pioneer Indian content channels on the platform will now be available in HD. Also making a return on Astro will be Zee Tamil, which was mysteriously yanked out of the now defunct Samrat pack last year. And finally for all the Rajinikanth fans, a pop up HD channel will be available for the whole of June on Channel 100 aptly named Rajini70.
While the excitement of these new HD channels was primarily the buzz for the launch, we were still curious to know if customers who have yet to upgrade to HD boxes will be loosing access to channels that have been migrated to HD. Marc Lourdes, Vice President, Indian Channel Business, Astro however confirmed to us that Vaanavil will be broadcast simultaneously in HD and SD on channel 201 – a switch from Astro’s current policy of broadcasting SD and HD content on different channel numbers.
Vaanavil will be broadcast simultaneously in HD and SD on channel 201
– Marc Lourdes, ASTRO
We also took the opportunity to query Marc on the current ratio of take-up for HD boxes across the Indian customer base, but he was not able to provide us an answer.
Vaanavil HD will also be home to two new locally produced series, Nalam Ariya Aaval and Tamiletchumy. Nalam Ariya Aaval is a 10 episode medical magazine show highlighting and educating viewers pm the current and most dangerous illnesses among Malaysian’s and will premiere on the 14th of June at 11am.
Tamiletchumy which will premiere on the 8th of June at 9pm is a Malaysian Tamil drama series produced and directed by famed husband-wife duo of Denes Kumar and Dr Vimala Perumal. It stars Jasmine Michael, Hemaji and Moon Nila and will be on Vaanavil HD Mondays through Thursdays.
There will also be a whole lot more of local Tamil movies, telemovies, short films as well as local Malayalam and Telugu dramas premiering on the channel in the weeks to come.
As we’ve covered in depth recently, Chakravathy pack customers will be getting a new channel in their package with the re-introduction of Zee Tamil HD (CH 235). It will take its place alongside Star Vijay HD (CH 232) and Colors Tamil HD (CH233) and will be offering Zee exclusive signature content Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs and Comedy Gangsters.
“It’s good to be back in Malaysia.”
Tripta Singh – Zee Network APAC
Channel 100 will be the home for Rajini70 HD from the 1st to 30th June 2020, a 70 movie tribute to the legendary superstar in conjunction with his 70th birthday this year. While his birthday is only in December, we’re assuming that this channel tribute has been brought forward to help everyone stay at home to observe the CMO due to COVID-19. Superstar’s movies from his first Apporva Raagangal to his latest Darbar will be made available on this exclusive pop up channel.
All channels will be available on NJOI as well as for streaming on Astro GO. For those still on Non-HD boxes, Astro is offering a free upgrade with no additional charges or contract renewal. Upgrade requests can be made via Channel 200 or via 03-95433838.
