I know I said I wasn't posting on this board anymore..... but of course I still have to read it to find out the status of the DRM fixes..... if and when they ever come.....But I keep reading these posts about re-encoding..... and not being able to stream older 1080p videos..... and Netflix not working at all..... and I decided I'm going to submit this post and you can do with it what you will.....Understand..... what I'm about to say has basically already been said by @Cats4U ..... all I'm doing here is saying it in more detail..... but for the life of me I don't know why you all just haven't followed his advice.....For me..... the Windows version of StreamFab 6.1.6.7 x64 is what I'm staying with until the DRM gets fixed..... and I mean really fixed with no re-encoding.....Windows StreamFab 6.1.6.7 x64 gives me the following results..... WITH NO RE-ENCODING.....For AMAZON..... 6.1.6.7 allows me to get a video at 1080p if it was acquired prior to the DRM change..... and if the video was acquired after the DRM change..... it will give me 540p..... or sometimes 480p..... but the lower resolution signals me that the video is being affected by the DRM change..... It should also be noted that I get my MAX through Amazon and the results are the same as I just stated.....For NETFLIX..... 6.1.6.7 allows me to get a video at 1080p if it was acquired prior to the DRM change..... and if the video was acquired after the DRM change..... it will give me a "failed" during analysis after 4 or 5 passes of the "green bar"..... which is telling me that the video is being affected by the DRM change.....For PEACOCK..... 6.1.6.7 allows me to get a video at 1080p if it was acquired prior to the DRM change..... and if the video was acquired after the DRM change..... it will endlessly analyze..... and if you click on "Home"..... you'll see the infamous "Orangey the Cat"..... which of course is telling me that the video is being affected by the DRM change.....Everything else seems to be working as it should as shown in the Banner up top..... with the exception of PLUTO which just endlessly analyzes..... I haven't reported it as a problem because I don't want to muddy the waters and give the developer something he can use as low hanging fruit when his time should be being devoted 24/7 to fixing the DRM shortfalls.....I have tried 6.1.6.8..... 6.1.6.9..... and the Test Version..... whatever number that's supposed to be..... and I'm not wasting my time on what they do or don't do because they all include forms of re-encoding with varying results..... and inhibit some or all of the ability to get videos that were acquired prior to the DRM change from being downloaded in 1080p.....Let me again state..... these are the results I get on my laptop using StreamFab 6.1.6.7 x64..... running the most current Windows 10 version..... I'm in Northern Virginia..... using Verizon FIOS gigabyte..... and I don't use a VPN.....There you have it.If you decide to download it..... follow all the recommendations as far as doing a complete uninstall first.https://dl.dvdfab.cn/download/49_6167_bea0b182/streamfab_x64_6167.exe

Very nice, Weavermovies! Good job explaining. Jack was the one that did all the testing on the shall we say, lesser streamers that are listed as working normally. Things might have changed since then. I will test out Pluto and remove it from the banner if it is not working.In case anyone is wondering where Jack is, he recently received a big promotion at his workplace. He is now a Director of a department within a large Canadian software company. He needed some time to get acquainted with his new position and since we are relatively slow here now, he is taking a short hiatus from our DRM crisis. He'll be back shortly.

Thank you, "weaver", for posting a link to the older version! :cool:I held off on upgrading for as long as possible, but the latest version had a Roku fix that I was looking for, so I took the plunge and upgraded. What I didn't know (or didn't have easy access to) was how to downgrade back to the earlier version since I didn't start keeping archival copies until now...

Thank you @weavermovies! "...if it was acquired prior to the DRM change..... and if the video was acquired after the DRM change...": how can we find out the acquired date of Amazon and Netflix content?

Actually..... I need to modify what I said about "Everything else seems to be working as it should as shown in the Banner up top".....What I said about AMAZON..... MAX..... NETFLIX..... and PEACOCK..... is correct.....What I said about PLUTO and endlessly analyzing stands.....HULU..... PARAMOUNT+..... AND TUBI..... also appear to be working as they did prior to the DRM change.....They are all the streaming services I use and have knowledge.....However..... I have no knowledge regarding the other services which appear and I have not mentioned because I do not use them.....And since I'm here..... one last remark.....When the Banner up top says a service is "back to normal"..... it should be understood that any problem which existed prior to the most recent DRM change will still exist in the "back to normal" state..... because as anyone knows who has been a User for a couple years or longer..... there are items which haven't been fixed for quite some time..... so keep that in mind when you're looking for functions to be present that aren't associated with this latest DRM change..... because they were problems prior to it.

Thank you @weavermovies! "...if it was acquired prior to the DRM change..... and if the video was acquired after the DRM change...": how can we find out the acquired date of Amazon and Netflix content? StreakyThat's a good question..... The answer is you can't.....I go to IMDB for TV episodes to see what date they say it was released..... and that's good most of the time..... but for older series it may not be.....However..... for movies you can't go by the release date..... That's why you see me using the term "acquisition date"..... because that's when a movie is added to a streaming service's catalog..... and that's the date that counts.....If a movie is new..... of course then the release date can be used because it is a hard date..... but for movies a year or more old..... it's a guessing game since you aren't sure when it was acquired by an individual streaming service because all the videos make the rounds from one to another.....I just go by the way a video reacts as I described above in my opening post..... if I get 1080p..... it's before..... and if I can't get it at 1080p..... it's after.....So if you find out where you can get the date 100% of the time..... you can let everyone know..... me included.

you all just haven't followed his advice.....For me..... the Windows version of StreamFab 6.1.6.7 x64 is what I'm staying with until the DRM gets fixed..... and I mean really fixed with no re-encoding.....Windows StreamFab 6.1.6.7 x64 gives me the following results..... WITH NO RE-ENCODING.....For AMAZON..... 6.1.6.7 allows me to get a video at 1080p if it was acquired prior to the DRM change..... and if the video was acquired after the DRM change..... it will give me 540p..... or sometimes 480p..... but the lower resolution signals me that the video is being affected by the DRM change..... It should also be noted that I get my MAX through Amazon and the results are the same as I just stated.....weavermoviesHi,I also want to give my opinion to this (Amazon Prime).I run the 6.1.6.9 Test-Version for the following reasons: Whatever is not affected by the DRM changes I get downloaded in the requested codec, resolution and and bitrate. Whatever is affected by DRM I get in the requested resolution but re-encoded to H.264 (also if requested H.265). The bitrate of the re-encoded content seems to relate to the requested bit rate. So you must keep in mind, that the bit rate of H.256 (HEVC) is lower than for H.264. If you realise that re-encoding takes place and you requested H.265, you may want to stop the download and request H.264 instead alogn with your desired Bitrate as otherwise you get the content re-encoded based on the bitrate you requested for H.265.In that case I normally choose the maximum possible for H.264 then and re-encode afterwards to H.265 with Vidcoder or Hadbrake. As I only watch on a HD TV this quality fits my needs. If I don't want re-encodog, I still have the choice to explicitly request 580p. In that case SF does not reencode. Personally I prefer the quality of reencoded HD over not re-encoded SD.

Hi,I also want to give my opinion to this (Amazon Prime).I run the 6.1.6.9 Test-Version for the following reasons: Whatever is not affected by the DRM changes I get downloaded in the requested codec, resolution and and bitrate. Whatever is affected by DRM I get in the requested resolution but re-encoded to H.264 (also if requested H.265). The bitrate of the re-encoded content seems to relate to the requested bit rate. So you must keep in mind, that the bit rate of H.256 (HEVC) is lower than for H.264. If you realise that re-encoding takes place and you requested H.265, you may want to stop the download and request H.264 instead alogn with your desired Bitrate as otherwise you get the content re-encoded based on the bitrate you requested for H.265.In that case I normally choose the maximum possible for H.265 then and re-encode afterwards to H.265 with Vidcoder or Hadbrake. As I only watch on a HD TV this quality fits my needs. If I don't want re-encodog, I still have the choice to explicitly request 580p. In that case SF does not reencode. Personally I prefer the quality of reencoded HD over not re-encoded SD.KattandersI want to bring your attention to the caveat I included in the first part of my opening post in this thread....."and I decided I'm going to submit this post and you can do with it what you will.....".....Now..... what I'm about to say I say with the utmost respect..... so please..... don't take this as a confrontation.....I understand what you just said..... but how many Users do you think did..... and how many Users did you just thoroughly confuse because they're back to wondering what version they should use?.....I posted information that could easily by digested by the 7 out of 10 who are..... at best..... entry level regarding this downloading video thing..... and that's not a criticism..... because a person only knows what they know until they learn more.....I gave them the version 6.1.6.7 that is constant..... the easiest to use because it leaves nothing to interpretation and produces an expected A or B result..... along with a simple explanation of..... "if the video does this..... it means this (A)..... if not..... it means that (B)"..... and they don't have to worry about re-encoding..... or bit rates..... or file wrappers..... or a third party reprocesser..... or anything else that is confusing to an entry level person.....Personally..... I see posts and wonder why would anyone ever choose to download in other than H265 (HVEC)..... or other than CVBR..... assuming they're both available..... but in the grand scheme of things..... it doesn't matter what I wonder..... It's my choice..... and I know why I'm making it.....So Yes!.... What you said obviously works for you and is correct..... and that's great.....But what is the goal of this forum..... especially now..... when there are two versions 6.1.6.8 and 6.1.6.9..... a Test version that doesn't even have a number..... all acting differently..... and no one seems to know exactly how?.....I was trying to bring things to a point where there is no wondering by the people who are doing the wondering..... because the people who have the knowledge don't need to read what I wrote at all.....Therefore..... I hope for two things after this is read.....First..... that you can see why I responded and take no offense because I assure you..... none is intended..... and.....Two..... that anyone who read the opening post of this thread takes my advice and uses 6.1.6.7..... unless they are of a knowledge level that they know why they're deciding not to.....Thank you for your understanding.

Well, I have had the program for a while and downloaded everything I want to keep, so for users like me, it is also useless. but for new people coming here, it is a nice gesture to have a working version of old movies. But once they get updated it will be also useless unless, of course, they want 540p or nothing at all that is new. After the above dates that are listed in the banner, the program is useless.

Therefore..... I hope for two things after this is read.....First..... that you can see why I responded and take no offense because I assure you..... none is intended..... and.....Two..... that anyone who read the opening post of this thread takes my advice and uses 6.1.6.7..... unless they are of a knowledge level that they know why they're deciding not to.....weavermoviesNo offenece and no confrontation!You gave your advice and I responded with my opinion about getting the best possible quality of content with the current situation. And yes, I assume a basic knowledge about codecs (H.264 / H.265 = HEVC), bitrate (CBR versus CVBR), and audio compression such as AAC or Dolby AC-3 - after all, these are the options for the user to choose from when downloading content from Amazon Prime.The only difference between 6.1.6.7 and the Test-Version which is based on 6.1.6.9 is, that HD/Full HD (720p/1080p blue ray quality) content which is subject to the DRM-change is downloaded only in SD (DVD-quality 480p) while in the Test-Version the choosen resolution (HD/Full HD) is maintained, which means, that a HD/Full-HD content still is HD/Full-HD after the download, however, the content gets re-encoded in order to save a playable video to the PC. Re-encoding means a minimal loss in quality compared to the source of the content - similar to editing a photo in JPG format which also gets re-encoded when saving it. Each re-encode loses quality due to the fact that all these codecs use "lossy compression".Conclusion:Use the 6.1.6.7 if all you want to do is to click "Download" without any worries, however, accepting SD quality for content subject to DRM change.Use the test version if you are prepared to have much longer download (processing) times due to re-encoding for content subject to DRM change (check that the re-encoded video is complete by fast forwarding to the last few minutes of the downloaded content).

i dont know due to some reason old movies also i am getting 480p in amazon in the version 6.1.6.7

StreamFab 6.1.6.7 x64..... And Why You Should Be Using This Version

Cats4U

@weavermovies ,

What I said about PLUTO and endlessly analyzing stands.....

As you probably saw, I removed Pluto from the banner as a working module. Wilson, replied to my report that Pluto was not working by saying that it is working, and showed a 6.1.6.9 screenshot to that effect. I said that it does not work in 6.1.6.7, and I will only use updates that do not contain any re-encoding code. I think you feel the same. I told him that we will re-test when they come out with a new update that doesn't contain re-encoding for any of the streamers.

weavermovies

As you probably saw, I removed Pluto from the banner as a working module. Wilson, replied to my report that Pluto was not working by saying that it is working, and showed a 6.1.6.9 screenshot to that effect. I said that it does not work in 6.1.6.7, and I will only use updates that do not contain any re-encoding code. I think you feel the same. I told him that we will re-test when they come out with a new update that doesn't contain re-encoding for any of the streamers.
Cats4U

As I've posted in the past..... Since ROKU works in the Windows StreamFab 6.1.6.9 x64 Test Version..... I have it loaded on another laptop to access ROKU should the need arise..... so in deference to @Wilson.Wang..... I just got done attempting to download a couple videos through PLUTO.....

They were both successful producing 720p..... which has always been the maximum resolution attained through PLUTO..... in MKV..... H264..... with subtitles.....

Consequently..... @Wilson.Wang is correct in saying that PLUTO works as far as the Windows StreamFab 6.1.6.9 x64 Test Version.....

But it brings up the question..... how do you tell if a video is being re-encoded?.....

The reason I ask is because during the download process..... in the StreamFab Output folder > PLUTO folder..... after video processing completed..... when remuxing began..... I had multiple MKV files start to populate.....

For example..... one of the videos was "Chicago (2002)"..... and once processing ended and remuxing began..... I had multiple MKV files in the PLUTO folder labeled..... "Chicago"..... which would normally be there during remuxing showing 0KB..... but also "Chicago0"..... "Chicago1"..... "Chicago2"..... "Chicago3"..... all the way up to "Chicago12"..... indicating various file sizes..... and then after remuxing..... they all disappeared with the exception of the "Chicago" MKV video file..... which remained as it normally would after remuxing completed now showing its actual file size vice 0KB.....

I've never seen this happen before.....

So again..... Wilson is correct..... PLUTO does work in Windows StreamFab 6.1.6.9 x64 Test Version..... but is it with or without re-encoding?..... And why all the various files?.....

I've attached the log and a couple screenshots.....

I'm sure I should already know what I'm asking about..... but you know me..... I'm "a bit slow"..... and "don't understand the issues".....

Thanks!

UPDATE..... The logfile follows..... It wouldn't attach to this post.

weavermovies

Here's the logfile..... which wouldn't attach to the previous post.....

[ATTACH]n439912[/ATTACH]

Cats4U

But it brings up the question..... how do you tell if a video is being re-encoded?.....

To tell you the truth, I don't know anymore. Each module's methods and StreamFab.log are different. Looking at your log, my guess would have been that it was re-encoded with the multiple MKV files eventually merged into one, but Wilson is adamant that Pluto doesn't use re-encoding. So, I'd have to go along with him in that there was a bug or Pluto changed something, and it was fixed sometime between 6.1.6.7 and 6.1.6.9.

weavermovies

To tell you the truth, I don't know anymore. Each module's methods and StreamFab.log are different. Looking at your log, my guess would have been that it was re-encoded with the multiple MKV files eventually merged into one, but Wilson is adamant that Pluto doesn't use re-encoding. So, I'd have to go along with him in that there was a bug or Pluto changed something, and it was fixed sometime between 6.1.6.7 and 6.1.6.9.
Cats4U

If by bug you meant that something could have happened on my laptop during processing..... I thought exactly the same thing..... and because of that..... I ran it a second time before I posted.....

The second result was the same as the first.

Cats4U

I put both possibilities because I didn't know which it was. I really don't follow Pluto all that closely. Whatever it was, it was broke in 6.1.6.7 and fixed in 6.1.6.9 (either the original or test version).

fab_admin

The problem will be fixed soon.

Wilson
Wilson.Wang

The new version fails after the processing stage when DL amazon video. This is become tiresome.

smithbrad

But it brings up the question..... how do you tell if a video is being re-encoded?.....
weavermovies

At least from an Amazon perspective it is simple math. Before the DRM issue when I downloaded from Amazon at best quality, and it listed the file size as 2.3 GBs I would get a file 2.3 GBs. Now I download the same file listed as being 2.3 GBs (assuming this is the size of the source file) and it comes down as 800 MBs. In both cases the resolution is 1080p. Also, the processing takes twice as long.

wyhtmgm

But it brings up the question..... how do you tell if a video is being re-encoded?.....

weavermovies

I know this makes me sound awfully lazy, but I just watch the progress. For a series that I downloaded today, each episode took about 30 seconds to download and 6 minutes to process. I'm quite certain that means it re-encoded, else the process step would have been just a few seconds.

And no, I didn't sit there with a stopwatch; I watched the first minute or so, and then came back later and checked the timestamps.

Cats4U

The new version fails after the processing stage when DL amazon video. This is become tiresome.
voal

Also tiresome is having to say over and over to everyone to post the name of the video you are having trouble with and attach the StreamFab.log for that one session if you want it to be looked into. Just complaining does nobody any good.

fab_admin

I know this makes me sound awfully lazy, but I just watch the progress. For a series that I downloaded today, each episode took about 30 seconds to download and 6 minutes to process. I'm quite certain that means it re-encoded, else the process step would have been just a few seconds.

And no, I didn't sit there with a stopwatch; I watched the first minute or so, and then came back later and checked the timestamps.
wyhtmgm

You are right, the DL I tried on another computer shows it encoding. It appalling that the release note says it suppose to be DL, when it in fact encoding the DL. Shameful.
The video is called The Big Chase for anyone that wants to try

Cats4U

You are right, the DL I tried on another computer shows it encoding. It appalling that the release note says it suppose to be DL, when it in fact encoding the DL. Shameful.
The video is called The Big Chase for anyone that wants to try
voal

So, you aren't going to send a StreamFab.log as requested? Starting rumors without providing proof is even more shameful and tiresome.

smithbrad

So, you aren't going to send a StreamFab.log as requested? Starting rumors without providing proof is even more shameful and tiresome.
Cats4U

So, are you saying it's not re-encoding? Just 4 posts up I described how the resulting file is 25% the size of the source file (actually my mistake it is closer to 33%). If it was a download the resulting file would be the same size. Is that not enough evidence?

Germania

You are right, the DL I tried on another computer shows it encoding. It appalling that the release note says it suppose to be DL,
when it in fact encoding the DL. Shameful
voal

I wrote this more than one time about 6169 testversion - this is the same (and same text) with 6170.
The Amazon "download mode" for new released videos applies to EAC3 Audio - Example:

> Amazon: Is it true that you can now download newer stuff normally?

No, this only applies to EAC3 Audio, newer videos are re-encoded

> Netflix: The upscale/re-encode thing seems to be there now.

Amazon and Netflix download the selected resolution and if there
is no key for decryption (newers titles) it use re-encoding.
Germania

{source} and also here

Cats4U

So, are you saying it's not re-encoding?

I can't say it is anything until I see a complete StreamFab.log of the session.

smithbrad

I can't say it is anything until I see a complete StreamFab.log of the session.
Cats4U

My findings are good enough for me. Except it, ignore it, as you please. However, I'd be interested in hearing anything to explain how my findings could be a download and not re-encoding? I've downloaded all versions and have tested each one.

fab_admin

So, you aren't going to send a StreamFab.log as requested? Starting rumors without providing proof is even more shameful and tiresome.
Cats4U

You can tell the forum is becoming desperate to cover up the truth when one of the moderators makes a false claim by saying a forum user is spreading "rumors". It doesn't take a genius to deduce that others have shared the same sentiment when they stated the new software is encoding the DL. The log stated "NotifyEncodeMode" and the processing stage is taking over 20 mins to complete. You stated yourself that you refuse to use any of the software with the encoding and will not offer assistance on the software higher than 6.1.6.8. We get that. So, relax.

Try not to attack forum users next time because it is making the forum look like a circus.

Cats4U

I'm sorry that you think I'm part of a cover-up. If only you two knew all the things we fight for you behind the scenes. Heck, both Jack and I have been accused of being too harsh to Management right in this forum. According to Brozilla, I still owe him an apology because I frazzled his nerves when I used naughty words at Management. I just need a StreamFab.log in order to make certain whether stream downloading or (so-called) re-encoding is being used. I have actually asked Wilson to document key sections of the StreamFab.log that will make it easy to determine which mode is used. What is your problem with you attaching a StreamFab.log, voal and smithbrad? Hundreds of logs are uploaded in a year, and they help solve problems, both for you and other users. Without a StreamFab.log I have nothing to show Wilson to pass on to the Developers.

Cats4U

I know this makes me sound awfully lazy, but I just watch the progress. For a series that I downloaded today, each episode took about 30 seconds to download and 6 minutes to process. I'm quite certain that means it re-encoded, else the process step would have been just a few seconds.
wyhtmgm

The truth just came out seconds ago from Wilson on Zoom -

Download Mode is used if downloading SD video for the new released Amazon video

In others words, if you downloaded at 720p or 1080p a newly released Amazon video, you would get it in re-encoded mode.
Damn them!! Who the hell wants SD, in Download or Re-encoded mode. Of course, we are going to try to download in HD. I can't believe he kept this little, tiny fact from us. I think this might be the end for me. I'm tired of being either lied to or told nothing.

Cats4U

I'm sorry that you think I'm part of a cover-up. If only you two knew all the things we fight for you behind the scenes.

Download Mode is used if downloading SD video for the new released Amazon video

@Wilson Wang: Why would you not tell us that when 6.1.7.0 was released? I've been fighting with users all day long over them saying that Amazon is using re-encoding. Jack has been fighting with them, too, all while he was busy at work. I can't put up with this crap much longer. Get a handle on your Developer and get him to give the people what they want. You're supposed to be his boss if you are the Project Manager. I know if I ran DVDFab, he would have been out on his ass weeks ago. And to be honest, you would be also, for letting this go on for so long and letting him get away with this. No American, Canadian, or European company would put up with this the way that DVDFab does. Quite frankly, you should try to get into negotiations with AnyStream to sell out to them. Can you tell that I'm totally pissed?

Cats4U

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