By Set TV sounds too good to be true, and it turns out it is. They offer a cable alternative where a measly $20 a month gets the user over 500 channels, including premium services such as HBO. Not only does that sound like a bargain, but they promote the ability to watch movies that are still in theaters. Nothing shady here, nothing at all.
While the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are generally seen as competitors, there is a coalition binding Hollywood creatives against the common foe of piracy. The enemy of my enemy and all that. The coalition, dubbed ACE (Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment), filed the lawsuit at the end of last week against the subscription service and are seeking $150,000 per copyright infringement. It’s probably a safe bet that Set TV wouldn’t be able to avoid bankruptcy if found at fault, but a quick conversation with one of their customer support reps reveals they fear no repercussions.
Honestly, a response at all to my questions wasn’t expected, and for this particular employee to express extreme confidence is commendable loyalty to an extent.
Netflix and Amazon both have pockets deeper than the Mariana Trench, and with the backing of Hollywood, it would be a major surprise if Set TV walks over the hot coals unscathed. Jason Labossiere, Set TV’s head honcho, was previously involved in a dispute with Google in regards to a claim that Labossiere’s then company–Exo Level–was squatting an Android web domain and selling equally shady set-top TV boxes. It didn’t work the first time, so he tried it again. He’s like the Michael Scott Paper Company.
Aside from the copyright infringement penalty, ACE is also looking to completely shut down Set TV, as well as round up the boxes and any other pre-loaded devices used to watch the pirated material. The cord-cutting constituents continue to grow and piracy is just as prevalent as ever, and the outcome of this particular lawsuit could set a precedent for Hollywood and its war against illegal streaming for the future.
Amazon and Netflix Are Suing a Shady Streaming Service for $150,000 Per Copyright Violation [Gizmodo]
