What is MyStar

Support

If you cannot find the answer to your questions in the FAQs below,
please call 132 432

But before you do, have you looked at our step by step how to use
MyStar instructional video?

Download support documents

FAQs

Getting MyStar

  • How much does MyStar cost? MyStar costs an additional $14.95 per month (on top of your AUSTAR package) for each MyStar box you order. There's also a $49.95 installation fee but this is waived if you join online or are a current AUSTAR customer.

    The minimum subscription period for MyStar is three months and the MyStar box remains the property of AUSTAR (you can't buy it outright).
  • How much does MyStar HD cost? MyStar HD has the same monthly and installation costs as MyStar. But with MyStar HD you must also subscribe to our HD channels for at least one month ($5 per box) and there is an initial HD Start Up fee of $100 per box.

    MyStar HD has a 3 month minimum commitment also.
  • Do I need to sign a contract? You don't need to sign a new contract to get MyStar - our standard Customer Agreement remains in place. But there is a minimum three month commitment to MyStar.
  • Do I need to subscribe to MyStar HD to get the HD channels? The only way to be able to access the HD channels available in your package is through MyStar HD.

    MyStar HD also offers you the ability to watch free-to-air HD channels available in your area (if you don't already get them).
  • How is it installed? MyStar needs to be professionally installed, as it involves cabling work in your home.

    Installation takes about 1.5 hours, or up to 2.5 hours if you're getting your entire AUSTAR service installed.

    If you are upgrading from MyStar to MyStar HD, then you won't need another installation as your home has already been cabled for MyStar. We'll simply send you out a MyStar HD for you to swap over.
  • What HD channels will I get for the extra $5 per month? The HD Access fee ($5 per box per month) will allow you access to any HD channels associated with the options you currently subscribe to. This means that:

    Starter Pack subscribers will receive Fox 8 HD and W HD;

    Sports subscribers will receive FOX SPORTS 1, 2 and 3 in HD and ESPN HD (a unique content HD channel);

    Living subscribers will receive UKTV HD;

    SHOWTIME subscribers will receive High definition Showtime, showcase and Showtime Action channels;

    Movie Network subscribers will receive Movie One, STARPICS1 and STARPICS2 HD channels.
  • Do I need to subscribe to the HD channels to get MyStar HD? To get MyStar HD you'll need to subscribe to AUSTAR's HD channels for an extra $5 per box for at least one month.
  • Will I need an HD TV to use MyStar HD? No. MyStar HD can be used with analog or standard definition TVs to access HD channels available to you. But if you want to enjoy the superior sound and picture quality of High Definition, you'll need an HD TV.
  • Can I have a mix of standard and MyStar boxes in my home? Absolutely. You can choose to have them all MyStar or a combination of both - whatever suits you. There is no limit to the number of MyStar boxes you can have in your home, but you will need to have an additional outlet set up for each additional box.
  • What equipment does it need? MyStar works with your current TV, so you don't need any special equipment.

    We'll set up MyStar with all the necessary cables, and install the additional wall plate (connections) needed to run MyStar in your home. MyStar uses the same standard satellite dish on your roof - so you won't need another one if you already have AUSTAR.

    If MyStar will replace your existing set-top-box - we'll swap your current box and remote for MyStar ones. If you're adding a new MyStar box in your home (or joining AUSTAR with MyStar) then we will give you a new MyStar box and remote.

    If you get MyStar HD and want to watch the HD channels with the sound and picture quality of High Definition, you'll need an HD TV.
  • How do I get it? If you're a current customer wanting to upgrade, call 132 432.

    If you'd like to join AUSTAR and sign-up to MyStar, join online for our special offers.

How can I?

  • Set a program recording 1. Press [tv guide] on your remote
    2. Select to view all channels or the genre of your choice
    3. Choose (highlight) the channel and program you wish to record
    4. Press record (record)
    5. Press the record series (green) button if you want the entire series of this program to be recorded
  • Record programs online 1. Go to http://tvguide.austar.com.au/
    2. Click on the program you wish to record
    3. Click on [record]
    4. Login using your Login ID and password
    5. If you can record the entire series of the program, choose whether you'd like to. If you have several MyStar boxes - you may also need to select which MyStar you'd like the program recorded to.

    A "recording sent" message should now appear on the bottom left of the information box.
  • Record an entire series automatically 1. Press [tv guide] on your remote
    2. Select to view all channels or the genre of your choice
    3. Choose (highlight) the program you wish to record
    4. Press record (record)
    5. Press record (record) again
    If the entire series can be recorded, a message saying record series SERIES LINK will appear on the screen.
    6. Press the record series (green) button
    The series link icon series link should now appear next to the program name in the information box.

    If you have recorded or set a recording of an episode of the show already, you can also:
    1. Press [planner] on your remote
    2. Choose (highlight) the program in either the BOOKED or RECORDED tabs
    3. Press record series (the green button)

    The series link icon series link should now appear next to the program name in the information box.
  • Set a program to record which is on in more than 7 days time You can set MyStar to record a period of time (rather than a program) that is in more than 7 days time. This is also an easy way to record several programs in a row (like the special program marathons the channels offer).

    1. Press [setup] on your remote
    2. Select MYSTAR SETTINGS
    3. Select MANUAL RECORD
    4. Follow the prompts to enter the channel number or name, date you want to record and the start and end time.
  • Cancel a recording To cancel a recording before it starts:
    1. Press the [planner] button on your remote
    2. Go to the BOOKED tab
    3. Find (highlight) the recording you wish to cancel
    4. Press the cancel (yellow) button on your remote

    If you want to cancel a program series recording, just press the record series (green) button instead of the yellow button in step 4 (you won't lose any programs you've already recorded from the series).
  • Delete a recording To delete a program you've already recorded:
    1. Press the [planner] button on your remote
    2. Go to the RECORDED tab
    3. Find (highlight) the recording you wish to cancel
    4. Press the cancel (yellow) button on your remote

    If you have a series recorded to your MyStar, you will need to delete each episode individually.

    If you've got a show that's locked as a "keeper" (there's a keeper symbol beside it) you'll need to press the lock (blue) button on your remote to remove the lock for the program. Then you can delete it as per the steps above.

    Once it's deleted, there is no way of getting it back. To protect shows you've recorded, you can use our Keep function.
  • Find out how much storage space I've got left Press [planner] on your remote and a bar across the top of the screen will show you how much disk space you've used.
  • Pause live TV Pausing LIVE TV is as easy as pressing the [pause] button on your remote. To start watching again, just press the [play] button.
  • Rewind and fast forward TV As soon as you start watching a program, MyStar starts recording it - so you can rewind the program up to 60 minutes, by pressing the [<<] button on your remote.

    Similarly the [>>] lets you fast forward the program - but only if you are watching a recorded or paused program. Sorry you can't fast forward live TV!
  • Watch a program I've recorded 1. Press the [planner] button on your remote
    2. Go to the RECORDED tab
    3. Find (highlight) the program you want to watch
    4. Press [play]

    PS - you can press the red button on your remote to choose whether you want to view the list of your recorded programs by date or alphabetical order.
  • Make sure I don't miss the start or end of a program if it's running late? You can choose to extend the start and/or end record time for individual program recordings by:
    1. Press [planner] on your remote
    2. Choose (highlight) the program you wish to or are already recording
    3. Press record (record)
    4. Press record (record) again
    5. Use the arrow keys to select the buffer you want before and/or after the program.

    If you would like to make this buffer as standard practice for all your recordings you should: 1. Press [setup] on your remote
    2. Go to MYSTAR SETTINGS
    3. Select RECORD SETTINGS
    4. Choose which type of channel and it's corresponding start or end time you would like to set a buffer on (AUSTAR channels = satellite, free-to-air channels = terrestrial)
    5. Choose (highlight) the time buffer you'd like to put on the start or end of your recordings, then press [select].
    6. Press [back] to return to the menu
  • Make sure someone doesn't delete my programs! To make sure people know you want to keep a program:
    1. Press [planner]
    2. Choose (highlight) the program you wish to keep
    3. Press the lock (blue) button on your remote

    A keeper symbol (that's K for Keep!) will appear next to the program. To remove a program that's marked as keep, you'll need to press the lock (blue) button again.
  • Check which programs I've set to record 1. Press [planner] on your remote
    2. Go to BOOKED (all the programs you've set to record are listed here)
  • Use slow motion 1. Press the [pause] button on your remote
    2. Press the [>>] to speed up the slow motion or press the [<<] button to slow it down.
    To watch TV normally again (at normal speed!) press the [play] button.
  • Create a bookmark in a program (so you can start watching where you left off) To set a bookmark in a program you've already recorded and started watching:
    1. Press [pause] on your remote
    2. Press [select] on your remote
    You should notice a little BOOKMARK SET graphic

    To start watching from where you set the bookmark
    1. Press and hold the [>>] or [<<] button until the onscreen graphic says BOOKMARK
    To jump forward to a bookmark further on in the program use the [<<] button - to go back to a bookmark in a program use the [>>] button.
  • Set or cancel a reminder To set a reminder to pop up on your screen if you're not watching the program when it starts:
    1. Press [TV Guide] on your remote
    2. Choose (highlight) the program you would like to be reminded about
    3. Press [select]

    You can set up to 50.
    To cancel a reminder:
    1. Press [planner] on your remote
    2. Go to BOOKED
    3. Choose (highlight) the program you no longer want to be reminded of - it should have a clock (clock) symbol beside it.
    4. Press [select]
    PS - be careful not to delete programs which have a record (record) symbol beside them.

Will MyStar...

  • Let me use its functions on free-to-air channels? Yes. You can use the functionality of MyStar on both AUSTAR and free-to-air channels - including pausing and rewinding live TV, and recording up to two shows at once.

    In SA, TAS & NT free-to-air HD channel information will not be available in the TV Guides
  • Give me all the channels I currently get? Absolutely. MyStar offers everything you get now, with extra features to help you get more out of your AUSTAR and free-to-air service.

    If you're not already digitally capable, you'll even get the new FTA digital channels available in your area.
  • Give me the new digital free-to-air channels? MyStar gives you access to the standard definition digital TV channels available in your area. MyStar HD gives you access to both standard definition and high definition TV channels available in your area.

    If you live in a digital black spot area (bad or no digital TV reception), MyStar will not help you pick up digital free-to-air channels.
  • Improve my TV reception? MyStar uses a digital signal, so you may see improvements in your picture quality if you're currently watching analog free-to-air TV channels.

    If you live in a digital black spot area (bad or no digital TV reception), MyStar will not improve your picture quality.
  • Let me use its functions on free-to-air channels? Yes. You can use all the functionality of MyStar on both AUSTAR and free-to-air channels - including pausing and rewinding live TV, and recording up to two shows at once.
  • Will MyStar HD give me better picture quality? MyStar HD only allows you to access HD channels. So to enjoy the superior sound and picture quality of High Definition, you'll need an HD TV.
  • Still provide closed captions on recorded programs? Absolutely. Everything you get with a normal AUSTAR service is available on MyStar. So if closed captions are available on the program you record, they'll still be there when you watch your recorded program.
  • Let me record movies? You can record movies to your MyStar from the AUSTAR movie channels, and from free-to-air TV. But you can't record movies you purchase through BOX OFFICE - our pay-per-view movie service.
  • Give me all the channels I currently get? Absolutely. MyStar offers everything you get now, with extra features to help you get more out of your AUSTAR and free-to-air service.

    MyStar may even give you some additional standard definition free-to-air channels if your TV isn't digitally capable.
  • Change the channel numbers on my TV? Your AUSTAR channel numbers won't change, but the channel numbers where you can find your free-to-air channels will change when MyStar is installed.

    Your installer will show you where to find them and the AUSTAR on-screen TV Guide makes every channel (free-to-air and AUSTAR) easy to find.
  • Let me record as much as I want? MyStar allows you to record two live programs while you're watching a third program you recorded earlier. Or you can record one live program while you're watching another program live.

    MyStar can store up to 60 hours of programming, MyStar HD can store up to 30 hours of HD programming or 90 hours of SD programming. Once you've reached this limit, you'll have to delete old recordings to free up space for new ones.
  • Still allow me to use parental lock? Yes - but for AUSTAR channels only.

Technical questions and information

  • What will happen when I reach my storage capacity? You have 3 choices:
    1. Save all your current recordings and not allow any future recordings (this is the default setting).
    2. Manually delete programs you no longer want to watch.
    3. Ask for the oldest recorded programs to be deleted automatically to make room for new programs you'd like to record. KEEP (K) programs will not be deleted as part of this process.

    For option 3 you will need to:
    1. Press [setup] on your remote
    2. Go to MYSTAR SETTINGS
    3. Go to DISK SPACE
    4. Choose (highlight) DELETE RECORDED
    5. Press [select]
  • Connecting MyStar to other equipment in your home Depending on the manufacturer, MyStar can generally be integrated into your universal remote. Similarly, you should be able to connect MyStar to your home's entertainment and sounds system.
    But as we aren't experts in other manufacturer's equipment, we can't help you with that. You'll need to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Why did it miss the start or end of the program when it recorded? This is caused if the channel is running early or late and their programming schedule hasn't been updated. The best way to avoid this is to put a buffer around your recording time:

    For individual program recordings:
    1. Choose (highlight) the program you wish to record
    2. Press record (record)
    3. Press record (record) again
    4. Use the arrow keys to select the buffer you want before and after the program.

    If you would like to make this buffer as standard practice for all your recordings you should:
    1. Press [setup] on your remote
    2. Go to MYSTAR SETTINGS
    3. Select RECORD SETTINGS
    4. Choose which type of channel and it's corresponding start or end time you would like to set a buffer on (AUSTAR channels = satellite, free-to-air channels = terrestrial)
    5. Choose (highlight) the time buffer you'd like to put on the start or end of your recordings, then press [select].
    6. Press [back] to return to the menu
  • I've got a recording clash Recording clashes occur when you've asked your MyStar to record more programs than it is capable of. You can only record 2 programs at a time.

    If you think you've only asked 2 programs to be recorded and you've got a recording clash - it could be that you've put a time buffer on a program at a different time but the buffer is overlapping into this time period.
  • Can I increase the storage capacity or hard drive? You cannot connect extra storage devices to your MyStar to increase your storage capacity. But 60 hours of storage should be plenty enough to keep your favourite shows saved for viewing whenever you want!
  • Can I download content on to my computer? For copyright reasons, MyStar will not allow you to copy or transfer your recorded programs to your computer.
  • What do the symbols and icons stand for? keeper Programs you've said you want to (KEEP).
    record Programs you have set to record.
    reminder Programs you have set a reminder to watch if you're not already watching it when it starts
    series Every episode of this series on this channel is set to record (Series Link).
  • Why is a program marked as part recorded? There are several reasons why this may have happened. When you are in PLANNER, press the [i] button on your remote to find out the specific reason why the program wasn't recorded in full.
  • Why doesn't the recorded program start at the beginning when I go to watch it? This is because someone has already started watching the recorded program but they didn't get to the end. MyStar has put you back to the point in the program where they stopped.

    To watch it from the beginning:
    1. Press [planner] on your remote
    2. Choose (highlight) the program you wish to record
    3. Press [play]
    Use the left/right arrows to choose the position you want to watch the program from