Thirith on 4/12/2015 at 12:18
As I'm currently planning to get/make a HTPC, I've been looking into software and tablet apps that should help make it a distinct improvement over various consoles and other devices that cover one or two of the functions a fully-fledged HTPC should have. Which is how I came upon Kodi - and then Genesis, which seems to be the Holy Grail of "stream anything, anywhere, any time... and it's not exactly illegal, so you're okay!" Genesis seems to offer pretty much any TV series and movie that came out in recent decades, all for free, and you can set it up so it automatically adds subtitles. Which sounds great - but it also seems to be *this* close to actual media piracy, and I definitely have problems with free media access, without a single dime going to those who put up the money to create these shows and films. (Obviously, the money doesn't always end up with those who deserve it, but that's a different issue.)
Have any of you got much experience either with Genesis or with anti-piracy laws? How does Genesis avoid being illegal? And what are your thoughts on using such software and services?
(For now I'm thinking I'll install it, but I'll only use it as a backup, e.g. when a show starts late and the end is missing or our set-top box doesn't record an episode for one reason or another, or when subtitles aren't available otherwise. I'm happy otherwise with what's on offer on the TV channels we get, plus Netflix and the dozens of shows we've got on disk.)
WingedKagouti on 4/12/2015 at 16:03
Quote Posted by Thirith
How does Genesis avoid being illegal? And what are your thoughts on using such software and services?
My guess is that they're trying to hide their servers in a country where steaming copyrighted content is not legally pursued. Unless they're doing something similar to Crunchyroll, where you have free access to last week's stuff if you're willing to suffer through 4-5 ad blocks (of 1-3 ads each) in a 25 minute episode streamed in non-HD quality.
Overall, my guess is that it is illegal, they know it, but they're trying to hide this behind smoke and mirrors. There probably won't be much action taken unless the services grow big enough to make various corporations take note.
