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IPTV industry adds AI features to conquer sluggish growth

사진 확대 Models are exploring content using the AI assistant ‘A Dot’ integrated into B tv. (SK Broadband) The Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) industry is focusing on differentiating the viewing experience with artificial intelligence (AI) features, as it aims to retain viewers who are shifting towards online video services. SK broadband Co. announced on Thursday that it applied SK telecom Co.’s AI model, A dot, to its IPTV service B tv, which allows customers to explore content and receive recommendations. SK broadband noted that voice search based on NUGU service existed in the past but there was a demand for more reliable content recommendations and the ability to have free-flowing conversations. The most notable change is the improved accuracy and usability of content recommendations via the voice assistant. Previous services handled questions in a one-off manner, while A dot supports multi-turn conversations, allowing viewers to engage in related questions after an initial inquiry. For example, if a viewer asks, “Which drama did actress Jung So-min recently appear in?” A dot responds, “Love Next Door.” The viewer can then continue the conversation by asking for a summary of or reactions to the drama. Another feature is the ability to search for information not just on live channels or video on demand but on content from OTT platforms such as Netflix and Apple TV as well. SK broadband also introduced a new AI set-top box called AI 4 Vision alongside the implementation of A dot. This set-top box, equipped with AI semiconductors, automatically adjusts background sounds and dialogues in content and up-scales low-resolution videos to high resolution. It also includes a motion-sensing camera that provides home training and motion recognition games. The A dot feature will be gradually applied to SK broadband’s existing set-top boxes as well. Introducing an AI assistant, in the meantime, increases infrastructure costs for companies. “While there might be concerns about costs without visible benefits, AI can complement the shortcomings of platforms, thereby enhancing their fundamental competitiveness,” a SK broadband official said. Industry insiders noted that the IPTV industry urgently needs to differentiate itself to retain viewers, especially as the increase in IPTV subscribers dropped to 0.54 percent in the second half of 2023, nearing flat growth. KT Corp. revamped its Genie TV in October 2022, introducing an AI-curated medial portal and continues to add AI features. Customers can view recommended content based on their viewing history in the media portal on the IPTV home screen. By voice-searching keywords, they can find desired content across OTT platforms, YouTube, VOD, channels, applications, and music platforms. The company also plans to introduce an AI Select View feature within 2024, allowing IPTV customers to choose the specific scenes they want to watch. LG Uplus Corp. has also strengthened its content recommendation feature by applying media agent services to its IPTV earlier this month. As it recommends content, the AI provides reasons such as a “movie directed by your favorite director.” When a broadcast ends and the VOD is uploaded, AI also extracts voice information to create and insert Korean subtitles for further convenience. By Jeong Ho-jun and Lee Eun-joo [ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved] Source link

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Tele AG becomes Ocilion IPTV reseller

German telecommunications company Tele AG is now offering Ocilion’s IPTV cloud platform as a white label product for existing and new customers. The two companies expanded their partnership to include an IPTV reselling cooperation. Ocilion and Tele AG had agreed to work together in 2023 to connect the IPTV platform and to handle the ordering and billing processes for infrastructure network operators. As part of the expanded partnership, Tele AG is marketing an IPTV solution in various forms – including a set-top box, first and second screen apps and channel packages. The first projects with telecommunications companies and in the housing sector are already being implemented. Tele AG is a service provider for telecommunications solutions and supplies its customers with telephony, internet, TV and software for processes and portals for their customer business. “Based on our existing partnership, it was a logical step for Tele AG to expand it further. We have found a reliable partner in Ocilion. Obtaining everything from a single source, the roadmap developments and the colleagues from Ried were decisive factors in extending the partnership. We, as Tele AG, are looking forward to the intensified cooperation and can now offer our customers our own IPTV solution based on the Ocilion cloud platform,” said Pascal Germanus, Head of Sales & Marketing at Tele AG. Related Source link

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Warning to illegal Premier League streamers as man handed massive prison sentence in landmark IPTV case

Updated 13:27 1 Oct 2024 GMT+1Published 13:19 1 Oct 2024 GMT+1 A court has handed down one of the most severe sentences on record. Football fans who illegally watch the Premier League and other competitions have been sent a stark warning after a man was handed one of the most severe punishments on record for illegal IPTV streaming. The increase in the use of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) technology has helped to contribute to an upsurge in illegal streaming of sports events, including the Premier League. Despite the potential legal implications of illegally streaming sport and the security risks involved, one in 10 Britons has admitted to using illicit means to watch sport – according to a YouGov poll last year. Sky and other broadcasters have been working with police forces across the UK to target those responsible for setting up the illegal services, with a new initiative – BeStreamWise – launched last month to dissuade fans from accessing sport illegally. It comes after two brothers were sentenced to a combined 11 years behind bars in August following a crackdown on illegal IPTV streaming, which is often accessed through jailbroken Fire Sticks. Fans have now been sent another major warning after a man in Greece was handed ‘one of the most punishing sentences on record’ for setting up illegal IPTV streams. Greek outlet Skair.gr [via TorrentFreak] report that the man was sentenced to eight years in prison and handed a €17,000 (£14,146) fine by a Thessaloniki Court in a landmark case in the Mediterranean country. The unnamed man, who for ‘many years operated as a reseller of illegal IPTV packages’, was connected to a broader criminal organisation, which obtained illegal profits of millions of euros after setting up the streams. One in 10 Britons has admitted to using illegal streams (Image: Getty) It is claimed that he had thousands of subscribers in both Greece and abroad at the time of his arrest, with typical monthly access costing around €15 to €20 (£12 to £16). The authorities are also said to have obtained the personal details of up to 50,000 illegal IPTV subscribers following a number of raids in recent months. It is claimed that those customers could now face prosecution themselves, with investigations ongoing and ‘arrests planned’. Featured Image Credit: Getty/Adobe Stock Topics: Football, Premier League, IPTV Source link

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Quelle vitesse internet est nécessaire pour le streaming en direct ?

Live Streaming Software   BoxCast Team • January 22, 2018   Transcript Hi there, do you love the internet? I know I do, except when it’s slow, and here at BoxCast we get asked all the time: “how fast does my internet need to be for my broadcast?” Well let’s dive into that.  Ok, so one thing to understand is that you can actually transfer data in two ways when using the internet. You can upload information, and you can download information, so there’s two different speeds to think about: upload and download. In case that doesn’t make sense, Let me give you some real life examples of the difference between the two. Things that require upload speed are posting a cool picture of yourself on Instagram, sending an email, and live streaming. Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel Downloading includes hanging out with a significant other and watching Netflix, opening up a website, or getting an angry email from your mother because you’re late to dinner. Our primary concern for live video streaming is upload, because we’re sending information. To figure out what your current internet upload speed is, you can simply visit speedtest.net and run a free speed test. Here’s where you’ll find out what you’re actually getting for your internet speeds. So what speeds do we recommend? Well it depends on the quality that you’re looking for. Here’s the video quality you can expect from these upload speeds. Remember though, these are the speeds you need for this type of quality stream, but there’s a couple of other factors that can affect your connection. Things like people using your network, things like a bad router, maybe some bad cabling.   Which is why we  always always always recommend that you  test before you go live. One bad apple can ruin  a whole bunch if you know what I mean.  Well that’s all I have for today, I hope  you feel a little smarter. As always if  you have any questions you can contact me at anytime!

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How to Watch a Live Stream on a Smart TV

Live Streaming Destinations, Live Streaming Hardware   BoxCast Team • September 8, 2022 Long gone are the days of trying to watch a live stream solely on a laptop or smartphone. You probably want to use that nice new 65-inch Samsung Smart TV in your home (or LG OLED, or Sony BRAVIA, you know … whatever your favorite is). Whether you’re looking to enlarge the football game or feel like you’re right in the pew for worship services, we can help you easily watch a live stream on a smart TV. This post gives you three options to do just that. Table of Contents Video: How to Watch a Live Stream on a Smart TV Option 1: Laptop + HDMI Cable Option 2: Chromecast or AirPlay Option 3: BoxCast App Download Frequently Asked Questions Final Thoughts + Further Reading Video: How to Watch a Live Stream on a Smart TV Option 1: Laptop + HDMI Cable Connect the live stream on the computer to your TV using an HDMI cable. The first option is simple — all you need is your laptop and an HDMI cable. If your computer doesn’t have an HDMI output, you’ll also need an HDMI adaptor. Plug the HDMI cord into your computer and then into an HDMI input on your TV. The HDMI input is usually on the back or side of your TV. Then switch to the corresponding HDMI input with your TV remote — you should see your laptop screen. If you bought a ticket for a live stream through BoxCast, you’ll see an email with the link to view your stream at the start time. If you’re someone who doesn’t want your laptop and TV to have the same screen (aka mirroring), you can go into your settings and change your display. On a Mac:1. Go to System Preferences2. Select Displays3. Select Display Settings4. Click the Use As drop-down5. Select Extend Display On a PC:1. Right-click your desktop2. Select Display Settings3. Click Multiple displays drop-down4. Select Extend these Displays5. Select Keep Changes You can drag your browser to the TV screen and still have the laptop screen free to do other things (like chat in the stream). You can also slightly close your lid to avoid seeing two of the same screen. Note: Be sure to plug in your laptop to save the battery and prevent losing the stream if your laptop dies. Option 2: Chromecast or AirPlay Wirelessly project your live stream to your TV via Google Chromecast or Apple AirPlay. Another way to get your stream to your TV is through Chromecast. You can wirelessly connect your computer to your TV. Or you can use Apple AirPlay with compatible devices. This is an excellent option if you don’t have an HDMI cable lying around. To send a live stream to your TV via Chromecast: Ensure the mobile device, tablet, or computer you’re using to cast is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast or TV with Chromecast built in. Open a Chromecast-enabled app. Tap the Cast button’s inactive cast extension. Note: The Cast button isn’t located in the same place on all Chromecast-enabled apps. Tap the device you’d like to cast to. When you’re connected, the Cast button will turn color, letting you know you’re connected. To stop casting, tap the Cast button and then Disconnect. To send a live stream to your TV via Apple AirPlay: Connect your device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV. Find the video you want to stream. Tap AirPlay. In some apps, you might need to tap a different button first. For example, in the Photos app, tap Share, then tap AirPlay. Choose your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV. To stop streaming, tap AirPlay in the app you’re streaming from, then select your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from the list. Option 3: BoxCast App Download Download the BoxCast TV app to stream right from your TV. You can also watch any non-ticketed BoxCast live stream by downloading the BoxCast app on any Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV device. This lets you watch a live stream on your smart TV without any computers or extra cables needed. To watch: Download the BoxCast app. Search for the organization streaming the event you want to watch. Click on a broadcast to start watching. If you don’t see the event or organization you are looking for, you’ll need to reach out to the organization and see if they have streaming apps included in their BoxCast plan. If they do, they’ll need to turn that feature on. For more info, check out this article on how to watch a Boxhttps:Cast broadcast on a TV. FAQ Why can’t I just use the link from my email to the browser on my smart TV? Most smart TVs have a hard time navigating web pages. We’ve noticed browsers on smart TVs usually don’t have all the same features as browsers on computers, so it can also be tricky to type links into a TV. What smart TV brands carry the BoxCast Smart TV app? Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV all have the BoxCast app. I can’t find the stream I’m looking for on the TV app. BoxCast lets paid streaming plan subscribers set up Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV channels. An organization must have this feature included in their streaming plan and have it turned on for viewers to see their broadcasts on the BoxCast TV app. Note: If this is a ticketed event, it won’t be on the BoxCast app. Learn more about how to watch a ticketed event. My TV doesn’t have an HDMI connection. What should I do? If your TV does not have an HDMI connection you might be able to purchase a device like this HDMI to AV Converter to connect your laptop to your television. What kind of HDMI cable should I buy for connecting my laptop to my TV? We recommend buying any of the Amazon Basics cables as an easy option to connect your laptop to your TV. Final Thoughts + Further Reading At BoxCast, we want you to be able to watch

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Atlas Pro IPTV: A Comprehensive Guide to High-Quality Streaming

Share Tweet Share Share Email In today’s digital age, streaming services are an integral part of how people consume content. Traditional cable subscriptions are steadily being replaced by internet-based solutions that provide flexibility, affordability, and access to global content. One of the most popular options available in the market today is Atlas Pro IPTV, a service that has gained significant attention for its variety of channels, ease of use, and affordability. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Atlas Pro IPTV, covering everything from its features and benefits to its pricing structure and user experience. This comprehensive guide will help you understand why Atlas Pro IPTV is emerging as a preferred option for streaming enthusiasts. What is Atlas Pro IPTV? Atlas Pro IPTV is an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service that allows users to stream television channels, movies, and other video content over the internet. Unlike traditional cable TV services that rely on satellite or cable infrastructure, IPTV services like Atlas Pro IPTV deliver content via the internet, providing users with the ability to access channels from various countries and regions. This technology makes it possible for users to enjoy high-quality video content on multiple devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers. Atlas Pro IPTV is known for its extensive channel offerings, including sports, news, entertainment, and on-demand content. Features of Atlas Pro IPTV 1. Extensive Channel Selection One of the main selling points of Atlas Pro IPTV is its vast selection of channels. The service offers thousands of channels from around the world, covering various genres such as sports, entertainment, news, and documentaries. Whether you’re a fan of European football, American sitcoms, or international news channels, Atlas Pro IPTV offers a wide variety to meet your viewing needs. Channels are also categorized by region, making it easy to find specific content from countries like France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and more. This global selection makes Atlas Pro IPTV especially appealing for expatriates who want to stay connected with their home country’s media. 2. High-Quality Streaming Atlas Pro IPTV provides high-definition (HD) streaming options, with many channels available in full HD and some even in 4K. The quality of streaming depends on your internet connection, but the service itself is designed to deliver a buffer-free experience, even during live events. 3. Multi-Device Compatibility One of the significant advantages of Atlas Pro IPTV is its compatibility with a wide range of devices. You can stream content on: Smart TVs Android TV Boxes Amazon Fire Stick Smartphones (iOS and Android) Computers (Windows and Mac) This flexibility allows users to access their favorite content on virtually any screen, making it a convenient option for home entertainment as well as on-the-go viewing. 4. On-Demand Content In addition to live TV channels, Atlas Pro IPTV also offers an extensive library of on-demand content. This includes movies, TV shows, and documentaries that you can watch at your convenience. The on-demand library is regularly updated with the latest releases, making it a great option for movie buffs and TV show fans. 5. User-Friendly Interface Navigating through Atlas Pro IPTV is easy, thanks to its intuitive and well-organized interface. Users can quickly search for channels, browse different categories, and switch between live TV and on-demand content without any hassle. The user experience is designed to be smooth, whether you’re using the service on a smart TV, smartphone, or computer. 6. Electronic Program Guide (EPG) Atlas Pro IPTV includes an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) that provides a detailed schedule of upcoming shows and events. This feature is especially useful for planning your viewing schedule and ensuring that you never miss a favorite show or live event. Pricing Plans and Subscriptions 1. Affordability One of the biggest advantages of Atlas Pro IPTV is its competitive pricing. The service offers several subscription plans, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Unlike traditional cable or satellite services, which often require long-term contracts, Atlas Pro IPTV operates on a flexible subscription model, allowing users to pay monthly, quarterly, or annually. 2. Plan Options Atlas Pro IPTV offers different subscription tiers, typically ranging from one month to one year. The longer the subscription, the better the value. For example, users can choose from: 1-Month Plan: A short-term option for those who want to test the service or need it for a limited time. 3-Month Plan: A medium-term plan that offers more savings than the monthly option. 12-Month Plan: The most cost-effective option, ideal for long-term users who want maximum savings. Each plan provides access to the full range of channels, on-demand content, and high-quality streaming. Prices may vary slightly depending on promotions and regional availability, but the service remains an affordable alternative to cable TV. How to Set Up Atlas Pro IPTV Setting up Atlas Pro IPTV is simple and doesn’t require any technical expertise. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started: 1. Choose Your Device Atlas Pro IPTV is compatible with a variety of devices, including smart TVs, Android TV boxes, and smartphones. Decide which device you want to use for streaming. 2. Install the IPTV App Depending on your device, you’ll need to download the appropriate IPTV app. For Android devices, the app can be found in the Google Play Store, while iOS users can download it from the Apple App Store. Atlas Pro IPTV also supports apps like Smart IPTV and Perfect Player. 3. Enter Your Subscription Details Once the app is installed in businessscoops, you’ll need to enter your subscription details, which will include a username, password, or M3U playlist provided when you sign up for the service. These credentials will unlock access to the full range of channels and content. 4. Start Streaming After logging in, you can start browsing through the channel list or search for specific content. The interface is user-friendly, and you’ll be able to switch between live TV and on-demand content with ease. Advantages of Atlas

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JeanSAT’s Guide on IPTV Technology: Legal Insights into Code

JeanSAT, a leading provider of IPTV technology in France, releases a comprehensive guide on legal IPTV services, focusing on Code IPTV, Abonnement IPTV, and IPTV Premium, while promoting ethical and licensed media consumption. France – September 30, 2024 – JeanSAT, a recognized leader in the IPTV industry, announces the release of an insightful guide on IPTV technology, highlighting how users can leverage Code IPTV, Abonnement IPTV, and IPTV Premium [https://codeiptv.fr/] for legal and enhanced media streaming. This guide emphasizes the importance of adhering to legal guidelines and accessing content responsibly, aligning with JeanSAT’s mission to deliver top-tier IPTV services while complying with all copyright laws. Image: https://imgur.com/VVpPG4t.png Understanding Legal IPTV Technology IPTV, or “Internet Protocol Television,” allows users to stream media through the internet, offering flexibility and superior quality. JeanSAT’s guide highlights how IPTV technology can be legally applied, enabling users to access public domain content, subscribe to licensed streaming platforms, or manage personal media collections in compliance with copyright regulations. The guide emphasizes that Code IPTV, an activation key provided to users upon subscription, is a secure way to access legally available content, ensuring full compliance with applicable laws. JeanSAT also explains how Abonnement IPTV offers flexible subscription options for legal streaming services, providing users with access to a variety of licensed channels and content. Legal Use of Code IPTV and Abonnement IPTV Code IPTV [https://codeiptv.fr/] is a critical element in activating legally licensed IPTV services. JeanSAT ensures that its customers are able to enjoy secure access to their chosen content through this code, which grants access only to legal media. Similarly, Abonnement IPTV [https://codeiptv.fr/] subscriptions provide users with various packages, offering legitimate access to public domain media and licensed streaming services, available in high definition or IPTV Premium quality. By focusing on legally compliant IPTV solutions, JeanSAT enables users to enjoy a wide range of content without violating intellectual property rights or engaging in unauthorized streaming. Ethical IPTV Premium Experience JeanSAT offers IPTV Premium subscriptions that provide a high-quality, user-friendly viewing experience. These subscriptions focus on providing enhanced video quality and seamless streaming of content that is legally available. The guide emphasizes how IPTV Premium can be enjoyed while remaining within the bounds of intellectual property laws, ensuring that users have a secure and ethical viewing experience. JeanSAT’s Commitment to Legal IPTV Solutions JeanSAT is committed to offering secure and legal IPTV solutions that allow users to enjoy media while fully complying with copyright and licensing laws. The guide serves as an educational tool for individuals and businesses looking to access IPTV services responsibly, without infringing on any legal restrictions. JeanSAT reiterates that its Code IPTV, Abonnement IPTV, and IPTV Premium offerings are designed to enhance the user experience while ensuring compliance with all relevant laws. The company encourages all users to use IPTV responsibly and avoid unauthorized access to copyrighted content. About JeanSAT JeanSAT is a trusted provider of IPTV technology and services in France, specializing in secure and legally compliant IPTV solutions. The company offers a variety of services, including Code IPTV, Abonnement IPTV, and IPTV Premium subscriptions, focusing on flexibility, security, and responsible media consumption. JeanSAT is committed to helping users enjoy a seamless IPTV experience while adhering to intellectual property laws. For more information on IPTV technology and to explore JeanSAT’s legal IPTV services, visit JeanSAT’s website or contact the company directly.Media ContactCompany Name: JeanSATContact Person: Jean EmilioEmail: Send Email [http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=jeansats-guide-on-iptv-technology-legal-insights-into-code-iptv-abonnement-iptv-and-iptv-premium]Country: FranceWebsite: https://codeiptv.fr This release was published on openPR. Source link

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Pirate IPTV Owner’s Conviction First Ever Under Protecting Lawful Streaming Act * TorrentFreak

Copyright law crafted decades ago to prevent infringement in an analog world has in many cases held up remarkably well in the digital age. Copying or reproduction remains relevant, as does the concept of distribution. In the United States, the existence of a loophole in copyright law had been an open secret for some time. One way or another, file-hosting and BitTorrent sites could be linked to the unlicensed reproduction and distribution of copyright works, both of which carry felony charges. However, a newer breed of streaming sites were seen as engaging in unlicensed public performances of copyrighted works; a misdemeanor offense under a law that failed to anticipate streaming, let alone its meteoric rise to piracy dominance. The Protecting Lawful Streaming Act (PLSA) closed the loophole late December 2020 with the creation of a new felony offense (18 U.S.C. § 2319C) for those who, willfully and for commercial advantage or private financial gain, offer or provide to the public a digital service that illegally streams copyrighted material. A Brand New Start or Just Hype After taking so long to arrive, expectations were high. The return of “billions of dollars in stolen revenue” may have been optimistic, but after all the talk and calls for urgency, it was suddenly up for debate whether the PLSA would be used at all. Keen to get on with the fight against piracy, Senators Patrick Leahy and Thom Tillis urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to make prosecutions under the PLSA a priority. But then, several months later in 2021, something caught our attention. The instantly recognizable term “illicit digital transmission” had appeared in a criminal complaint for the first time. The case ultimately went in a different direction and the charge was shelved, but it was a sign of intent, if nothing else. First Conviction Under PLSA – How it Started Seemingly out of nowhere, the PLSA claimed its first conviction this week. Landmark events like this are usually seen as an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of everyone involved, while sending a deterrent message to would-be pirates. But in this case, apparently not. According to a grand jury indictment, from December 11, 2017, until September 7, 2021, Franklyn Valverde owned and operated an IPTV and VOD service marketed as ‘Fenix’. In South Carolina and elsewhere, it’s claimed that Valverde knowingly and intentionally conspired to commit offenses against the United States, “to wit: the illicit digital transmission of services, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2319C.” DISH Network Mentioned Early A prosecution under the PLSA shouldn’t be much different from any other but in this matter, an oddity raises its head right at the start. The indictment claims that Valverde’s streaming service operated by way of a “copyright infringing connection to DISH Network.” DISH is extremely well-known for filing its own lawsuits because, at least on paper, most years they generate damages awards that can reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Why DISH suddenly found itself in the middle of a criminal case isn’t revealed in the indictment; what does seem clear is that others also had ‘copyright-infringing connections’ to DISH. “M.D., a person known to the Grand Jury, owned, and operated ‘Cord Cutters’ and ‘Olympus TV,’ IPTV and VOD services that sold access to copyrighted movies and television programs by way of an unauthorized and copyright infringing connection toDish Network,” the indictment reads. Valverde’s Operation Subscribers to the Fenix service were able to access infringing content through various web-based applications for use on various platforms, including smart TVs, computers, set-top boxes, cellphones, and tablet devices. According to the indictment, Valverde marketed Fenix and attracted subscribers through a network of resellers, each of whom sold monthly subscriptions via so-called reseller credits. One credit equals one month of access; profit is generated by buying credits at a discount and selling them on at a higher price to customers. “Typically, [Valverde] sold access to Fenix streams of content to resellers using a unique access code. The reseller would then provide the code to the customers at an upcharge; Customers would then have access to the copyrighted materials for a specified period, typically one month.” While the ‘publicly performed’ aspect clearly relates to the PLSA, all other aspects from reproduction to secondary infringement could’ve been handled under existing law. Nevertheless, the indictment covers other matters too. Overt Acts In furtherance of the conspiracy, it’s alleged that Valverde committed the following acts: 1. Between 2017 and July 2021, Valverde sold reseller credits to ‘J.R.D’, a person known to the Grand Jury, for between $9 and $15 per credit. J.R.D resold the credits to customers for $25, enabling them to view the “publicly performed” works. 2. Between 2018 and May 2020, Valverde sold reseller credits to ‘M.D’, a person known to the Gran Jury, for between $7 and $15 per credit. M.D resold the credits to customers for $25, enabling them to view the “publicly performed” works. “All in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371,” the indictment adds. (18 U.S.C. § 371, Conspiracy to Defraud the United States) Count Two In essence, count two in the indictment repeats the allegation that Valverde operated a digital transmission service, contrary to the PLSA. Here, however, it’s alleged that on an unknown date, his Fenix service transmitted “one or more works being prepared for commercial public performance,” and where the defendant “knew or should have known that the work was being prepared for commercial public performance.” Under the PLSA these violations can dramatically increase the maximum penalties available to the court. The indictment doesn’t reveal which rightsholders’ content was infringed via the service, i.e which TV shows or movies were publicly performed. The other question involves the content allegedly obtained from DISH. If the content was obtained from DISH at the time it was broadcast to the public by DISH, as is usually the case, it raises the question of how it was still being prepared for broadcast. Court filings offer no explanation. Valverde

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First Case Dismissed, Second Owes $30m * TorrentFreak

Home > Lawsuits > IPTV and Streaming > Most civil lawsuits against alleged IPTV pirates end badly for the defendants, something easily predicted after a single read of the initial complaint. Two separate lawsuits filed by DISH against two IPTV resellers in recent months were classic examples, at least until they weren’t. One reseller has just been ordered to pay damages of $30m. The second, a reseller in the astrology business, just had his case suddenly dismissed. Nobody could’ve predicted that. Last November, IPTV subscription resellers operating from channels4cheap.com (C4C) and purchase-iptv.com found themselves being sued by broadcaster DISH Network. After what appears to have been a handful of trouble-free years of trading, the lawsuit named Texas residents John Gwaka Magembe and Joyce Berry as the alleged operators of the C4C website. The decision to sell packages branded as Beast TV, a service that was taken down three years earlier by several Hollywood studios, Netflix, and Canada’s Bell Media, may have been a ploy to exploit existing brand awareness among pirates. The obvious downside was awareness among rightsholders. DISH Was More Aware Than Expected “Defendants are trafficking in the Beast TV internet streaming television service a/k/a Channels4Cheap through their websites located at www.channels4cheap.com and its sister website www.purchase-iptv.com,” the company wrote in its complaint. “Defendants sell Device Codes [subscriptions] to the Service on the C4C Website for $2 for a forty eight hour trial; $15 for one month; $40 for three months; $70 for six months; and $120 for twelve months, depending on the option selected by the user.” And then came the body blow. DISH produced a screenshot to show that a person, also called John Magembe, was among the top 10 resellers of Beast TV subscriptions when the platform was in full swing. In common with many other lawsuits of this type, this seemed destined for a predictable outcome. The final judgment would be months in the making so, in the interim, DISH took on another reseller. IPTV and Astrology Align In a complaint filed at a California court in February, DISH and Sling described Mr.Sharma of Sharma IPTV, and his company Astro Vastu Solutions (AVS), as traffickers of an illegal streaming service. Flyers distributed in the Bay Area advertising the service had led to DISH investigators handing over $135 for a subscription test purchase. Payment for the alleged 10,000 channel service was made to Astro Vastu Solutions LLC. DISH and Sling alleged that this was to separate the name Sharma IPTV from transactions, with users asked to disguise their payments as something unrelated, such as an astrology consultation. Evidence presented in court reveals that the DISH test purchase was recorded as a “3 month warranty” (pdf). Other documents filed in the lawsuit reveal that a cease-and-desist notice sent to Sharma IPTV last September contained an offer to settle the case. DISH and NagraStar cited similar cases where failing to settle ended up costing a lot more, the $100m+ judgment against Nitro TV, for example. With the $1m settlement offer attracting no interest, the companies ultimately sued for willful violations of 17 U.S.C. § 1201(a)(2) and 17 U.S.C. § 1201(b)(1) when the defendants manufactured, offered to the public, provided, or otherwise trafficked in their infringing IPTV service. DISH and Sling also demanded an injunction under 17 U.S.C. § 1203(b)(1) plus actual or statutory damages of up to $2,500 for each infringement under § 1201. On February 20, 2024, DISH and Sling filed their motion for preliminary injunction but were unable to personally serve the defendants until early March, leading to a request to continue the hearing on May 30, 2024, around a month from now. Then, seemingly out of the blue, a note appeared on the docket last week. It revealed that since the owner of Sharma IPTV was representing himself, he would appreciate some help from the clerk of the court “to process and serve documents to other parties.” Exactly what that note means in the context of the lawsuit, which started with a rejected $1m settlement offer and escalated from there, isn’t made clear from the docket. What is clear, however, is that the very next day DISH and Sling dismissed all of their claims in the lawsuit. An accompanying note states that the notice of dismissal was served on the defendants at their last known addresses. Beyond that, there’s no additional information to explain why such a serious matter suddenly ended with no mention of a settlement. Contrasting Fortunes For channels4cheap.com (C4C) and purchase-iptv.com operators John Gwaka Magembe and Joyce Berry, their fates diverged considerably, even from each other. It transpired that Berry is Magembe’s mother and the reason she appeared as a defendant in the lawsuit was her son’s unauthorized use of her bank account to receive payments for IPTV subscriptions. Berry was dismissed from the case, Magembe was left to face the music alone. In a judgment handed down April 26, 2024, District Judge Mark T. Pittman noted that the plaintiffs had filed a well-pleaded complaint but the defendants’ failure to defend the claims against them had “brought the adversarial process to a halt, causing substantial prejudice to Plaintiffs.” Based on this and other factors, a default judgment was warranted (1,2). On top of a broad injunction to restrain any similar conduct, Judge Pittman said that Magembe must pay damages totaling over $30 million in connection with the sale of at least 12,000 ‘device codes’ (subscriptions). The conclusions of these cases couldn’t have been more different, despite being about broadly the same thing: reselling IPTV subscriptions to services operated by people other than the defendants in these cases. Predictions sometimes miss the mark but for those who like a wager, it’s more than likely that new information will play a role when DISH moves on to its next targets. And the targets after those. Source link

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