looks like a closed source receiver that requires a special firmware to open up the menu
Posts by Prophet
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VPN providers have unanimously condemned Netflix's crackdown on subscribers who use so-called unblocking services. Several VPN companies have announced counter-measures, while others raise the issue of Net Neutrality, suggesting that there are better ways to tackle abuse.
Last week Netflix announced that it would increase its efforts to block customers who circumvent geo-blockades.
This means that it will become harder to use VPN services and proxies to access Netflix content from other countries, something various movie studios have repeatedly called for.
With the application of commercial blacklist data, Netflix already blocks IP-addresses that are linked to such services, something also affects well-intentioned customers who merely use a VPN to protect their privacy.
Instead of providing access to the latest video entertainment, Netflix then serves the following error message to these blocked users.
TorrentFreak spoke with several VPN providers to hear their thoughts on Netflix’s plans. Several are already dealing with the issue and promise to do their best to ensure that workarounds will remain available.
“This announcement comes as no surprise to us and we have been expecting a Netflix VPN crackdown for some time now,” TorGuard’s Ben van der Pelt says.
“Unfortunately, many legitimate paid subscribers will be left in the dark as an unavoidable outcome of overreaching IP blocks.
“TorGuard is monitoring the situation closely and we have recently implemented new measures that can bypass any proposed IP blockade on our network. VPN users who encounter Netflix access problems are encouraged to contact us for a working solution,” he adds.
SlickVPN takes a similar stance and says that the static IP-addresses they offer are less likely to be blocked.
“We work tirelessly to ensure our customers have access to the entire internet. If we find that our IP addresses start to become blocked we’ll migrate to new IPs as needed. We also offer the option of static IPs which eliminates the problem entirely,” SlickVPN’s Greg Lyda says.
Mullvad is one of the VPN services that’s already blocked by Netflix. The company doesn’t understand why companies such as Netflix have to make it impossible for people to pay for their services.
“Why do some companies insist on making it difficult or impossible to buy their products? Why does a company resort to blocking people from literally paying them?” Mullvad’s Fredrik tells TF.
“Seriously, this world would be a much better place if services like ours didn’t have to exist – Not for censorship, not for mass surveillance, and not for geographic restrictions. I love what I’m doing, but I’m even more looking forward to the day when Mullvad goes bankrupt from obsoletion,” he adds.
Andrew Lee, Digital Rights Activist at Private Internet Access, notes that their users are not experiencing any problems yet. However, he adds Netflix’s planned crackdown is clearly violating Net Neutrality.
“By blocking PIA and other VPN customers, it would be a very loud and clear message heard across the world: Netflix does not believe in net neutrality and will even go to lengths to block access to their service from privacy minded customers who live in the U.S,” Lee notes.
“Netflix is a for-pay credit card service that requires a billing address. There is no reason to ban a VPN unless the billing data is fraudulent,” Lee adds.
The last issue is also referenced by GoldenFrog President Sunday Yokubaitis, who operates VyprVPN. If Netflix knows where people live they can simply always show the same content library everywhere, which new European regulation also requires.
“As a Netflix customer, I know that they collect my billing information, including my mailing address and country. Why doesn’t Netflix use the customer billing information to display the correct content to users?” Yokubaitis asks.
This option would also eliminate the need to do any VPN blocking whatsoever. The only change would be that Netflix has to put more effort into verifying people’s addresses.
While most providers are planning to counter Netflix’s blocking efforts, not all are. IVPN informed TorrentFreak that their focus lies on privacy and that enabling customers to watch Netflix has never been a priority.
The company does point out that VPNs in part contributed to Netflix’s success, which makes the recent crackdown changes even more bitter.
“Netflix has clearly benefited from VPN service providers for many years. This has helped facilitate the rapid expansion of Netflix’s worldwide customer base whilst at the same time complying with the ‘letter’ if not the ‘spirit’ of their content providers’ restrictions,” IVPN’s Nick says.
“In reality Netflix has become a victim of its own success. Netflix’s content providers now wish to curtail the provision of material to markets that are not licensed by Netflix and their content providers,” he adds.
At this point it’s unclear how Netflix plans to block VPNs and proxies and what precautions Netflix will take to ensure that legitimate users are not hindered.
However, someone from the U.S. who wants to use a Canadian server to connect to the Internet is likely to be blocked, so with millions of VPN users around the world there will be plenty of collateral damage.
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Glad you got it sorted i will close this now
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External file host removed and uploaded to the site
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External file host removed and uploaded to the site
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External file host removed and uploaded to the site
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External file host removed and uploaded to the site
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Cable and satellite programmer UKTV has revealed details of W, a flagship subscription entertainment channel. Watch will relaunch as W in February 2016 with what the broadcaster describes as a “dazzling new look” themed around its glossy and geometric jewel-shaped logo, offering compelling entertainment.
Brand new launch shows will include a mix of channel-defining originals such as:
ON (Cactus TV) an authored documentary strand featuring films by radio DJ Sara Cox, musician Sophie Ellis-Bextor and journalist Grace Dent
Brilliant, new factual entertainment format Get Me To The Church (Twofour Productions)
Nev’s Indian Call Centre (Liberty Bell), following larger-than-life boss Nev Wilshire of hit-BBC3 show, The Call Centre and his band of key staff as they embark on the business opportunity of a lifetime in India.
W’s launch night peak schedule (8pm – 10pm slots) on Monday 15 February consists entirely of UKTV Originals; Honey I Bought the House (Objective/Crook Productions), Get Me To The Church and ON.US exclusives, including:
Heart-pounding medical drama Code Black
Criminal Minds spin-off Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders
Police procedural CSI: NY
Cult hit, Grimm
MasterChef USA, with judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot.
Plus the very best of BBC content, including:The narrative repeat of BBC One flagship drama EastEnders on same day as premiere transmission plus weekend omnibus
UKTV controller Emma Tennant, said UKTV was known for peerlessly strong channel brands, which guide audiences to shows that are perfect for them. “W will be no different, a premium channel for smart women and men seeking high-quality escapism,” she suggested.“We have a treasure trove of compelling original commissions, our own crown jewels. Plus the gold standard of US acquisitions, combined with the best shows from the BBC. We want to dazzle our viewers and have evolved and honed this entertainment channel, building a schedule that entertains but never patronises,” explained Steve North, W’s general manager.
UKTV has spotted a demographic growth area for W in 30 to 39-year-old women and their partners, husbands and family, with whom they share a love of smart entertainment.
“W’s programming includes our new authored documentary strand, which covers modern life in the digital age – from dating and friendship, to the cult of celebrity,” added North. “We also have shining, new entertainment properties that focus on key life moments, like getting married (Get Me To The Church) and buying a first home (Honey I Bought the House) as well as one of the nation’s favourite dramas, EastEnders, on air just a few hours after its BBC One premiere as well as bringing back the omnibus. The peak W schedule will include a host of glittering US series.”
The channel is the first to be unveiled as part of UKTV’s thriving portfolio since the launch of Drama in 2013, the most successful British TV channel launch in five years and now a channel vying for the title of most-watched non-PSB, behind Dave, also owned by UKTV.
UKTV has a strong track record in launching and rebranding premium channels with its portfolio including crime drama channel Alibi, natural history channel Eden and Gold, home of the nation’s favourite comedies and a growing slate of UKTV Originals.
UKTV’s increased investment in original content contributed to UKTV’s record-breaking viewing in 2015, which saw the network grow its share of viewing to 5.27 per cent, up 3.7 per cent year on year.
Source : http://advanced-television.com…s-watch-relaunching-as-w/
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The UK Government has published a summary of a recent public consultation into a planned prison term extension for online copyright infringement. The overwhelming majority of the public, 98 percent, reject the proposal arguing that it's too harsh. The authorities announce that they will take the comments and critique into account before moving forward.
Last year the UK Government announced a plan to increase the maximum prison sentence for online copyright infringement to ten years.
The current maximum of two years is not enough to deter infringers, lawmakers argued.
The plan followed a recommendation put forward in a study commissioned by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) a few months earlier.
This study concluded that the criminal sanctions for copyright infringement available under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA 1988) could be amended to bring them into line with related offenses, such as counterfeiting.
Before implementing the changes the Government launched a public consultation, asking for comments and advice from the public. This generated a lot of responses and this week the results were published by the IPO.
In total there were 1,032 responses to the consultation, and an overwhelming majority of 98 percent oppose the increased prison term.
There were only 21 responses supporting the plan, which all except one came from organizations. A total of 1,011 individuals came out in opposition, most of which used a submission form made available by the Open Rights Group (ORG).
The Government has released a summary of the findings (pdf) presenting the primary arguments from both sides. The opponents argue that prison term extension is not acceptable because the punishment would be too harsh.
“10 years is too high; copyright infringement is not a serious crime,” IPO summarizes.
In addition, due to the vague language employed, opponents are worried that the changes could lead to prison sentences for naive file-sharers who have no real criminal intent.
“The term ‘affect prejudicially’ is too vague and could mean someone facing a criminal charge where only a minimal amount of content has been infringed. This requires some threshold to ensure only commercial scale infringers are punished.”
The supporters of the prison term extension, including industry groups BPI, FACT and the MPA, argue that harsher sentences would help to serve as a deterrent, preventing people from pirating copyrighted works.
“Change would act as a powerful deterrent to those engaging in IP crime,” IPO summarizes.
According to the opponents there is no reason why online piracy should be treated differently than physical counterfeiting.
“It is important that creativity is respected and rewarded, and those who deliberately infringe or facilitate infringement should face criminal sanctions. Copyright infringement online is no less serious than that of physical, and therefore shouldn’t be treated any differently.”
The UK Government has not made any decisions yet on how to move forward but IPO notes that it will conduct an in-depth analysis of all the points raised. Any future legislation should take into account the public responses.
“This proposal has clearly struck a chord with many stakeholders, which is reflected in the high number of responses. As a result, the Government is now carefully considering the best way forward,” IPO notes.
“However, the Government remains committed to tackling those engaged in online criminality,” it adds.
The comments appear to suggest that a 10-year prison term may have been averted for now, but some sort of change to the current law is expected to come sooner or later.
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For those utilizing VPNs, proxies and unblocking tools to access geo-restricted content on Netflix, the party may soon be over. According to an announcement by the company's Vice President of Content Delivery Architecture, people using such services will face new roadblocks in the coming weeks.
While increasing numbers of people are becoming tuned in to the joys of Netflix, growing numbers of subscribers are discovering a whole new world of content beyond what the service offers them as standard.
Netflix serves healthy libraries of content to many regions, but users in countries such as the United States get access to far more content than those located elsewhere. Likewise, not all European countries are served equally, with citizens of Italy falling short on content offered in the UK, for example.
As a result more and more customers of Netflix are bypassing restrictions designed to limit subscribers to content designated to their home countries. This is usually achieved by using a generic VPN or proxy service but some companies offer dedicated products to unlock Netflix on a global basis.
Even though Netflix admits it takes measures to try and limit the use of its service in this manner, the situation has traditionally seemed of minor interest to the company. However, in recent months Netflix has addressed the issue several times in the media and today has given the clearest sign yet that a crackdown is imminent.
In a post to Netflix’s blog today, Vice President of Content Delivery Architecture David Fullagar said that while the company would continue to break down borders in order to offer content to the broadest possible audience, measures will be taken to ensure that content licensing agreements are respected.
That means that circumvention devices – VPNs, proxies and similar tools – will fall further under the company’s spotlight.
“Some members use proxies or ‘unblockers’ to access titles available outside their territory. To address this, we employ the same or similar measures other firms do,” Fullagar says.
“This technology continues to evolve and we are evolving with it. That means in coming weeks, those using proxies and unblockers will only be able to access the service in the country where they currently are.”
A Netflix error several VPN users already see (U.S. server)
The news will come as a blow to those enjoying the best possible Netflix experience, especially those in countries where the local library is limited compared to that of the United States, for example.
However, blocking so-called ‘proxy pirates’ might be more easily said than done. Only this week Netflix’s chief product officer Neil Hunt told the Globe and Mail that while the company uses “industry standard technologies to limit the use of proxies”, it’s effectively a game of cat and mouse.
“Since the goal of the proxy guys is to hide the source it’s not obvious how to make that work well. It’s likely to always be a cat-and-mouse game,” he said.
“We continue to rely on blacklists of VPN exit points maintained by companies that make it their job. Once [VPN providers] are on the blacklist, it’s trivial for them to move to a new IP address and evade.”
Of course, many proxy and VPN providers have customers that only buy their services for the unblocking abilities they provide, so there is a serious commercial interest for these companies to spend time outwitting Netflix.
Only time will tell whether they will be able to do so long term, but history suggests it won’t be an easily won battle for the video service. In the meantime collateral damage is also a possibility if Netflix block the wrong people, but the company feels that won’t happen.
“We are confident this change won’t impact members not using proxies,” Fullagar concludes.
Note: While VPNs were not mentioned in the announcement, Netflix confirmed to TorrentFreak that these services will be targeted as well.
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Fox is dropping the Fox International Channels (FIC) brand as part of a global reorganisation that sees the departure of CEO Hernan Lopez.
Instead Fox will see its cable distribution business divided into regional hubs that will report into Fox Networks Group chairman and chief executive Peter Rice and chief operating officer Randy Freer.
Jan Koeppen has been named as President of Fox Networks Group Europe Carlos Martinez and Zubin Gandevia will take the equivalent posts in Latin America and Asia respectively.
“As our television business expands globally, the success and scale of our entertainment and sports brands in these fast-growing regions demand that they stand independently,” said Rice. “Jan, Carlos and Zubin are extremely talented executives with a sharp understanding of the opportunities for new content and programming in their regions.”
FIC included some 350 channels and online operations including brands Fox, National Geographic Channel, Fox Sports, FX, Fox Life, and Star Movies.
Hernan Lopez is expected to announce a new venture in the near future.
Source : http://www.broadbandtvnews.com…nels-disappears-in-reorg/
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Telefonica and media group Mediapro have reached an agreement for Telefonica’s pay TV platform Movistar Plus to buy the rights to La Liga and the Champions League for the next three years, starting in 2016-2017.
Telefonica will pay Mediapro €2.4 billion for adding to Movistar’s line-up Mediapro-distributed BeIN Sports La Liga and Champions channels including all matches from La Liga, La Copa del Rey and the European Champions and UEFA leagues, starting immediately and continuing through the 2017-2018 season.
BeIN Sports La Liga will exclusively broadcast eight football matches from the First Division every weekend, including one from Real Madrid or Barcelona. In addition, BeIN Sports Champions will broadcast the whole Champions League, the Europa League and the main International Football Leagues.
With this agreement, Telefonica’s Movistar Plus, with over 3.8 million subs, is catching up with its main rivals in the domestic market, Vodafone and Orange. Both already had agreements with Mediapro to broadcast the current Champions League, which started in the second half of 2015.
Source : http://advanced-television.com…iga-and-champions-league/
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German commercial broadcaster RTL Deutschland will launch its international pay-TV channel for viewers outside German-language countries on January 18th.
The channel will roll out in countries including Canada, Australia, South Africa, Israel and Georgia in the coming weeks, and will roll out in the US in February. The channel will launch on satellite, cable, IPTV and OTT platforms and will be available via app and plans to be online in the second quarter of 2016.
RTL said that the distribution of the channel will be “gradually and continuously expanded”, and that it will make successful programmes from RTL Germany available to overseas viewers for the first time.
In addition to German expats, the channel also targets German holiday-makers abroad and people learning the German language.
Source : http://www.broadbandtvnews.com…-to-launch-on-january-18/
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Updated 08/01/2016
thanks to Jamesbhoy as always
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Major UK Internet providers have been ordered to block access to dozens of domain names belonging to popular sports streaming sites. The Football Association and Premier League recently submitted several new domain names that link to previously blocked sites, to expand the scope of the national piracy blocklist.
Over the past several years hundreds of domain names have been blocked in the UK for facilitating copyright infringement, and this list is getting longer and longer.
The blocks are somewhat effective, at least in preventing subscribers from accessing the domains directly. However, many site operators and supporters launch alternative domains to bypass the restrictions.
This is also true for several sports streaming sites that were blocked by the High Court following complaints from the Football Association and Premier League Limited, including Firstrow, Rojadirecta, LiveTV and Drakulastream.
The football organizations recently submitted an extensive list of new domains and subdomains which were added to existing ISP filters, including 3pmstream.com, ifirstrowuk.eu and rojadirecta.es (full list below).
With the new blockades they hope to make it harder for UK citizens to stream unauthorized sports broadcasts. However, FirstRow’s operator previously told TorrentFreak that domain blocking is not going to be very effective as the streaming sources remain available.
“Our site uses third-party players, so blocking FirstRow will not stop the streams, as these will still be accessible online. They are saying that FirstRow is illegal, but our site is indexing streams that are available on the web, which is free information,” FirstRow’s owner told us.
“FirstRow will remain accessible for all other countries, and UK users can use proxies or the thousands of other websites like ours that remain open,” he added.
The site’s owner has a point. Interestingly, FirstRow’s most popular site in the UK appears to be Firstrows.eu. This site is not listed among the newly blocked URLs, so the game of Whack-A-Mole will is bound to continue.
The UK is not the only country where sports streaming sites are being targeted, the same is happening in Italy and Spain.
A few months ago a La Coruna court forbid Rojadirecta from linking to unauthorized streams of sports games. The streaming site, which is based in Spain, complied with the order and now blocks visitors from Spanish IP-addresses as well as various VPNs and proxies.
However, even with the site itself complying with orders from the court, success is not guaranteed. In recent weeks various Rojadirecta knockoffs have appeared online, providing unrestricted access to sports streams in Spain.
And so the game continues.
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The list of newly blocked domains in the UK (including their original domain names) is as follows:
3pmstream.com
firstrowuk.eu
firstrowsports.eu
webfirstrow.eu
firstrowus.eu
firstrow1.eu
firstrowuk1.eu
firstrownow.eu
firstrowus1.eu
gofirstrow.eu
gofirstrowuk.eu
gofirstrowus.eu
ifirstrow.eu
ifirstrowuk.eu
sportsfeed365.eu
p2p4u.se
firstrowit.eu
firstrownow.se
gofirstrow.se
webmaster.firstrownow.eu
thefirstrow.se
ifirstrowus.eu
firstrowne.eu
firstrowau.eu
firstrowas.eu
firstrowfr.eu
firstrowpt.eu
firstrowir.eu
firstrowca.eu
firstrowes.eu
firstrowge.eu
firstrowgr.eu
ifirstrowpt.eu
ifirstrowit.eu
firstrow.is
webmaster.webfirstrow.eu
cssfiles.thefirstrow.eu
web.thefirstrow.eu
drakulastream.eu
realstreamunited.com
live.realstreamunited.com
rojadirectaes.me
rojadirecta.me
rojadirecta.eu
it.rojadirecta.eu
rojadirecta.org
it.rojadirecta.org
ita.rojadirecta.org
rojadirecta.com
rojadirecta.es
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External file host removed and uploaded to the site
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External file host removed and uploaded to the site
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External file host removed and uploaded to the site
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I uploaded it the site for you as well Tony, thanks for sharing :hi-five:
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External links removed and uploaded to the site
