Within the past week, a couple of people have posted on Reddit, receiving an email from Amazon. "Hello, We are reaching out to inform you about some concerning activity detected on your Amazon prime video account violating the Prime Video Terms of use".... Followed by mentioning section 4.k of the TOS and issuing a warning without taking any action on the account.Anybody else have seen this?

Within the past week, a couple of people have posted on Reddit, receiving an email from Amazon. "Hello, We are reaching out to inform you about some concerning activity detected on your Amazon prime video account violating the Prime Video Terms of use".... Followed by mentioning section 4.k of the TOS and issuing a warning without taking any action on the account.Anybody else have seen this?MrMayorit's being talked about over here on discord, their banning accounts of people that rip stuff from Amazon.

Interesting! What are the circumstances behind the emails? Is the user downloading 100 files per day, possibly for several days at a time? Are they downloading from their own region, or are they VPNing to another region? In other words, what is the "activity detected on your Amazon prime video account" that is abnormal enough that they feel the need to issue a warning or to ban an account? As for the 100 files a day, the very most a people could actually watch in a single day would 48 half-hour shows. Hour long shows and movies are even less. It's very easy for them to know that you aren't just binge-watching. Greed ruins it for everybody.On the other hand, if Amazon (or anyone else) wants to ban me, that's fine with me. They'd be out subscription money for Amazon Prime and three other providers that I get over Amazon now. I wind up with more dollars in my pocket, and I'll still be able to get all the files I want via Torrenting. It's their loss, not mine. I guarantee that the time will come in a short amount of time that Amazon will offer downloads for a few extra dollars as part of their subscriptions. They don't really care that you are downloading, they just want to be the one making the money off it and not a third party like DVDFab.

Interesting! What are the circumstances behind the emails? Is the user downloading 100 files per day, possibly for several days at a time? Are they downloading from their own region, or are they VPNing to another region? In other words, what is the "activity detected on your Amazon prime video account" that is abnormal enough that they feel the need to issue a warning or to ban an account? As for the 100 files a day, the very most a people could actually watch in a single day would 48 half-hour shows. Hour long shows and movies are even less. It's very easy for them to know that you aren't just binge-watching. Greed ruins it for everybody.On the other hand, if Amazon (or anyone else) wants to ban me, that's fine with me. They'd be out subscription money for Amazon Prime and three other providers that I get over Amazon now. I wind up with more dollars in my pocket, and I'll still be able to get all the files I want via Torrenting. It's their loss, not mine. I guarantee that the time will come in a short amount of time that Amazon will offer downloads for a few extra dollars as part of their subscriptions. They don't really care that you are downloading, they just want to be the one making the money off it and not a third party like DVDFab.Cats4Usee here - https://www.reddit.com/r/Streamfab/comments/1lxr0cs/amazon_warning_message/?share_id=Va4HTG25G4pME9VIgjKGP&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1

A few quick thoughts- AWS "knows" when you request each title, if you have the regular account (with ads) it might be triggering no ads watched tripwire, also, they might have a trigger to see if you "got the title" but Amazon's player doesn't register the title as "watched"The short of it is: it's naïve to assume that someone at amazon hasn't worked out what the difference between genuine player and what SF does (even just going off the ads, recall it's an avenue stream that SF deprives of the corporation that's posting billions in net profit)

This is not how it works. You can download an encrypted file without an Amazon account, just follow the link from the MPD. SF gets the decryption key and does not play the file, as recordings programs do. then, using the key, decryption module and muxer, the user receives his file. An Amazon account is required to access the MPD file and receive the key.Suspicion often arises when people often buy a TV series or a movie and after some time (for which you can download what you bought using SF) cancel the purchase, as if they bought it by mistake. many people indulge in this

Amazons loss.Since they started the ripoff £1.99 to remove ads in addition to the Prime Video sub we are forced to pay even if we only want quick deliveries I cancel my Prime every month. I used to let it roll but now I cancel then renew as and when I need it. Sometimes weeks sometimes days but they lose out. If they stopped us being able to download stuff I would not bother. Although I don't currently have Netflix or Paramount subs if they did block downloading I wouldn't bother with them at all

This is not how it works. You can download an encrypted file without an Amazon account, just follow the link from the MPD. SF gets the decryption key and does not play the file, as recordings programs do. then, using the key, decryption module and muxer, the user receives his file. An Amazon account is required to access the MPD file and receive the key.Suspicion often arises when people often buy a TV series or a movie and after some time (for which you can download what you bought using SF) cancel the purchase, as if they bought it by mistake. many people indulge in thisbricksYou are free to believe whatever you like, or you can set up an injector between SF and AWS and find out yourself by pushing random errors that claim to befrom AWS toward SF :rolleyes:And in the case of a latter (purchased, downloaded, cancelled), AWS registers "access" but no corresponding "play," the "play" would prevent cancellation, but the cancellation happened, hence you get a discrepancy triggered

Amazons loss.Since they started the ripoff £1.99 to remove ads in addition to the Prime Video sub we are forced to pay even if we only want quick deliveries I cancel my Prime every month. I used to let it roll but now I cancel then renew as and when I need it. Sometimes weeks sometimes days but they lose out. If they stopped us being able to download stuff I would not bother. Although I don't currently have Netflix or Paramount subs if they did block downloading I wouldn't bother with them at allphelingsI've long been saying all this nonsense from the vendors actually enables the scene and download sites get rich at the expense of amazon

Reddit had several people; in fact, one thread was deleted.I don't know what is setting this in motion. I haven't seen anyone post about it here in the forum till now.In the other deleted thread, it was from Amazon uk. Not sure if there is just an issue with the UK version, or it's something that will spread out over all of Amazon, including Amazon.com.I suppose in a way, they may have found something they are trying and focusing on; many I know do 100 max downloads a day. I know there were times when I did 100 per day for several days in a row.Some are wondering why just getting the email now; it could be that they just started to implement it. Now I don't have the demand to do 100 per day. I do still see where it can be hard. We talked before about an increase to 200 or more for Amazon because people are buying Paramount and many other providers through Amazon. If you have 3 other providers and count Amazon as well, that's 4, divide 100 by 4 that gives you 25 downloads per provider per day.All that can be done is watch the situation, and if you need 100, maybe try to spread it out at 10 to 25, then take a break and repeat.In the end, they can possibly lose money if they keep letting people download, but no matter what, it will continue, and to ban or block paying people from watching or using Prime for watching movies or shows really can cause a loss of money as well. Amazon, the last thing they need to worry about is losing money. And the added money to remove ads when Prime never had them since its inception is just that, BS.Another interesting point is that many claim most other programs record, although I know 2 that surely go out of their way to make it look as though they are downloading and not recording, but you wonder if they will cause this problem to trigger if they do either download or record.I am not even sure Amazon has a way to reply or contact them, but I feel that if I got the letter, I would want more details.Because we don't know if these people are purchasing trials and then canceling, or what else they may be doing, even maybe sharing their accounts.And people may need to stop VPN use, as that's one of the easiest things for websites to detect.Try it and check it out on reliable bank sites, etc. OR check Proxy & VPN Detection API | proxycheck.io

I think some common sense would come into play too, if the VPN use itself is not the trigger. If all you do is rip, and never actually watch shows on your Prime Video account, that would trigger me if it were my service. I try to watch shows on my Prime account quite a bit via my Apple TV and I have the full upgraded Prime subscription, as well as couple of addon channels. Sorry if that was 'captain obvious' comment, but I'm actually in midst of downloading some stuff for my new movie box in living room, some to replace ancient dvd isos of discs I purchased, as my movie box gets confused by mult-disc sets per season, so the ripped versions (e.g., Invader Zim, etc.) is way more practical. Keeping eye on this topic since top of mind. Kinda been going nuts on Amazon downloads as it was a way to get many of my Apple legit purchases as downloads for my new movie box which cannot use the Apple 'app' at all.

Warning email from Amazon

Germania

but for amazon Wilson wrote:
at least that the process is same as watching the video from Amazon website
when analyzing and downloading videos from Amazon in StreamFab
=> I see only "Amazon_PlayBack.json" in Log Directory

Elgin

Before or after July 28th? Which version of software?
slottedpig

Before July 28th with the (then) latest update. I haven't touched SF since the warning.

Sebastian001

@Germania auch für jede Folge einer Serie oder nur für Folge 1?

Germania

Germania auch für jede Folge einer Serie oder nur für Folge 1?
Sebastian001

Ich habe heute eine s01e06 heruntergeladen und die Serie/Episode erscheint nicht in Watch History
und "weiter ansehen" kam danach weder für s01e01 noch s01e06

- en -

> Also for every episode of a series or just for episode 1?

I downloaded a s01e06 today and the series/episode does not appear in Watch History ..
.. and "Continue Watching" did not appear for either s01e01 or s01e06 afterwards.

I haven't touched SF since the warning.
Elgin

This is probably true for most SF user with regard to Amazon ..
.. so it's normal that no new warning emails have been reported

IronicMan

i've been using 6.2.4.4 and they sent me a warning...i thought i was using a more recent version, but when i clicked on "about" it says 6.2.4.4

jpp72

I think my plan to start downloading again in September is sound. Seeing some of the issues with downloading certain episodes with 6.2.4.7, I rather err on the safe side. I know that technically, it's a burner account, but I don't really want to be constantly creating new accounts.

By the time I start again, StreamFab should be at v6.2.5.2, and they will have hopefully ironed out all the issues with the "Improvements on the Amazon analysis and download engine"

theresay

Like I mentioned before, I'm still downloading from Amazon every day, although I reduced the quantity to one season a day (only because I subscribed to a couple of channels during Prime Day and am catching up on some shows, otherwise I usually don't download that much and not every day). I'm in the US, without ad-free, and I've rented but never watched, no cancellations (I got a reminder over the weekend on my latest rental, so I let it played on my phone while doing other things just to be safe). I'm on version 6.2.3.7. I check my inbox, spam folder, and Amazon messages twice a day, so far nothing.

Cats4U

#279.1
Germania commented
Yesterday, 02:05 PM
but for amazon Wilson wrote:
at least that the process is same as watching the video from Amazon website
when analyzing and downloading videos from Amazon in StreamFab
=> I see only "Amazon_PlayBack.json" in Log Directory

I just stumbled over an explanation for what Wilson is talking about. Amazon is not being downloaded now, it is being recorded. See here: https://www.dvdfab.cn/streamfab-download-status.htm

Specifically, read this:

How Does It Work?

Currently, in the market, there are two methods to save videos, which are downloading and screen recording (details: difference between downloading and screen recording). At StreamFab, we prioritize user experience and strive to provide the best quality download tools for our users. However, as we all know, DRM systems are constantly being updated which can sometimes render download tools ineffective.

To address this issue, it’s important for users to understand the two working modes of StreamFab: downloading mode and re-encoding mode. Download Mode

StreamFab's download mode involves directly accessing the original encrypted video streams from the streaming platform, decrypting the DRM protection, and ultimately generating clear video files.

In various services, the modes we utilize are as follows:
YouTube Downloader: Always in download mode.
VIP Services: Download mode + re-encoding (temporary solution)
DRM M3U8: Always in download mode.
DRM MPD: It remains in download mode as well, but during DRM upgrades, some websites may encounter failures, requiring patience as we work to resolve them.

Note: Here, we would like to briefly explain the relationship between download quality and playback quality. If you have questions like "Why am I able to stream videos in 4K resolution, but only able to download up to 1080P?", reasons may be as follows:
The download quality is based on the playable quality in Chrome/Firefox browsers.
However, due to the varying DRM protection types for different quality levels, it implies that not all playable quality can be downloaded.

Of course, we can also utilize some specialized technical methods to enable users to download video quality or Codec that cannot be played in the browser.

For examples:
Apple TV+ offers high-quality video content, protected with Microsoft Playready, with a maximum resolution of 480p for streaming on Chrome browser, which means only 480p videos can be downloaded via StreamFab
Hulu does not support 4K video playback on browsers, but StreamFab allows users to download 4K content for offline viewing.
Amazon users are unable to play H.265 or EAC3 audio in their browsers, but StreamFab allows users to download H.265 and EAC3 for offline viewing.
Netflix users are unable to play Dolby Vision and HDR10 videos in their browsers on Netflix, but StreamFab allows users to download them for offline viewing.
Re-encoding Mode

Re-encoding mode is a method that involves downloading the original encrypted stream first and then decrypting it through CDM to obtain the decrypted cached video stream, and ultimately encoding and decoding it to generate Clear video files.

At StreamFab, this is merely a temporary solution to meet user download needs in response to DRM upgrades.

Currently, the following services may utilize the Re-encoding mode:
Amazon
Netflix

Xenos

I just downloaded a TV series from Amazon last night. Each episode took mere seconds. I don't see how that could have been a screen recording.

Germania

Amazon is not being downloaded now, it is being recorded
Cats4U

If I dl an epi with 6246 and 6247 the result is the same ..
.. therefore, 6247 cannot be switched to "Re-encoding mode".
In addition, the bit rate corresponds to the prediction.

Apart from that, I wouldn't be able to get any movies
in HD with my dual monitor (not HDCP compliant):

If anyone is interested ... I found the problem.

Since it is played for repackaging, the requirement for HD playback must be met.

I had this problem before SF with re-encoders ..
.. it's not HDCP compatible if my switched off dual-monitor (TV) is connected.

Series works in HD but films don't, if Dual-Monitor is connected => Cdm Error (2)
Germania

slottedpig

No way, I watched the CPU and i downloaded a new movie from prime and it never went above practically idle also processing took less then 30 seconds for a 2hr movie....no way its screen recording.

jpp72

I was going to say the same. That link is from the last time they revoked the CDM.

More likely, it's the way they are doing the license request that has changed

Cats4U

Believe what you want to believe. They are the ones that said they are doing it and "the process is same as watching the video from Amazon website
when analyzing and downloading videos from Amazon in StreamFab" sure sounds like screen recording. As for me, I have no way that I can test it as I'm not going anywhere near Amazon with SF. I value my Prime membership a whole hell of a lot more than I trust StreamFab's methods. And I refuse to throw good money after bad to get a second Amazon account.

Germania

Believe what you want to believe.
Cats4U

I believe only what it's true ..
.. and "sounds like screen recording" sounds only like that

"the process is same as watching the video from Amazon website
when analyzing and downloading videos from Amazon in StreamFab"

If so I would see "Continue watching" or see it in Watch History ..
.. but as I already wrote, that's not the case for me.

jpp72

Believe what you want to believe. They are the ones that said they are doing it and "the process is same as watching the video from Amazon website
when analyzing and downloading videos from Amazon in StreamFab" sure sounds like screen recording. As for me, I have no way that I can test it as I'm not going anywhere near Amazon with SF. I value my Prime membership a whole hell of a lot more than I trust StreamFab's methods. And I refuse to throw good money after bad to get a second Amazon account.
Cats4U

That webpage was from the last DRM change from March 2024. They first enabled it for Amazon in 6.1.6.8, Netflix in 6.1.7.0 and Peacock in 6.1.7.8.

It's a known fact that the way StreamFab was requesting the license was not proper so it makes more sense that's what has changed.

To top it all off, @Germania has done the actual test and files are identical in 6.2.4.6 and 6.2.4.7.

@Wilson.Wang, please clarify if Amazon is pure download or re-encode so we can all move on. Also, tell Erika to update that page to reflect the current situation

Sebastian001

I agree with @jpp72 und @Germania. This website version is still from the DRM lockdown... I was briefly on the site myself before the Amazon email came... If you click on the second tab, you'll see that all modules are stored in download mode...

slottedpig

Everything is working as expected and I’m also not seeing anymore posts about warnings or bans that took place after the update. I think all is good here for now at least. I’m still going to use a burner account as should everyone but I downloaded 3 movies and 2 of them were from p+ through Amazon and haven’t received anything.

MrGrackle

Tending to agree the recent post about re-encoding is something from the last Widevine lock out. AMZ and NF were the last 2 modules to be reopened.

Before YT-DLP became a thing, I used to just find the video in a cache folder. Then when the browser people complicated things, I then used to use a cache inspector program and 'plucked' the stream from a cache folder (the cache inspector had a sort by time/date function to make it easier, looking for something by file size that seemed right). Taking the cached file never required a re-encode. I know, YT stuff wasn't DRM protected so that is why. But even if it was as described above, wouldn't the cached file just need the DRM removed? Why would they need to process it like a screen recorder?

slottedpig

Tending to agree the recent post about re-encoding is something from the last Widevine lock out. AMZ and NF were the last 2 modules to be reopened.

Before YT-DLP became a thing, I used to just find the video in a cache folder. Then when the browser people complicated things, I then used to use a cache inspector program and 'plucked' the stream from a cache folder (the cache inspector had a sort by time/date function to make it easier, looking for something by file size that seemed right). Taking the cached file never required a re-encode. I know, YT stuff wasn't DRM protected so that is why. But even if it was as described above, wouldn't the cached file just need the DRM removed? Why would they need to process it like a screen recorder?
MrGrackle

They don’t, everything is working as expected and hopefully @Wilson.Wang can confirm that for us quickly and we can get back to the topic at hand which is the Amazon warning emails and if anyone has gotten one using the new version of the software

phelings

The post with info at the top of the page seems out of date.
It harks back to the days when Apple was 480 but I recently downloaded Shining Girls and it said 1080 when downloading and the visuals are clearly not 480

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