Malaysia’s startup direct-to-home satellite video platform, Sirius TV, has added TechStorm to its line up in a second Malaysian landing for the tech/esports service. The channel goes live on the new platform next Thursday, 21 Jan.

TechStorm said this week that the Sirius deal was its 99th in less than 21 months. Financial terms of the carriage agreement have not been disclosed.

The satellite platform's business model is unclear, involving a US$74 upfront payment for receiving equipment and no monthly subscription fees for 12 months, among other freebies.Sirius is the first satellite platform to launch in Malaysia since Astro's monopoly ended in March 2017.

Other channels on the platform, which runs off an SES satellite, are Singapore news channel CNA and the international service of Australian public broadcaster, ABC Australia.

Based at Cyberjaya and operated by Smart Digital International Sdn Bhd, Sirius says it carries 30 channels; 12 are listed on its website.

TechStorm’s expanded presence in Malaysia runs alongside the appointment of former HBO/Scripps/Sony exec Yen Nee Neo to its team as assistant director of marketing partnerships along with producer, Vivian Eu, formerly with A+E Networks and Viacom.

TechStorm’s Sirius TV launch will be followed with the premiere of the new season of “The Gadget Show” on 25 Jan, as well as the 12th eSports World Championship: Dota 2 Regional Tournaments on 27 Jan.

Sirius TV’s residential subscription involves a one-off payment of RM299/US$74, which covers the decoder and 60cm dish. In addition to free channels, the platform is also offering free installation, free 12 months of roadside assistance and 12 months of emergency home assistance.